Glacier, Yellowstone Rank Among Costliest Parks

Montana's weather has been keeping everyone on their toes lately.

Montana's Unpredictable Weather: Sunshine Meets Snow

While many valleys are dealing with rain, mountains have been hit with snowfall. Social media has been filled with videos from visitors who expected sunshine only to find winter-like conditions at higher elevations. For people traveling from southern states, seeing snow just days before the Fourth of July isn’t normal.

Of course, longtime Montanans know the routine.

Rising Costs in Paradise: What to Expect at Montana's National Parks

But while visitors are taking in the scenery at Montana's world-famous national parks, they're also discovering another reality: it isn't cheap.

A recent ranking published by Newsweek, using data compiled by Casino.org, analyzed the total cost of visiting national parks nationwide. They ranked the top 15 most visited National Parks.

Rather than looking only at entrance fees, the study factored in several expenses travelers typically face, including:

Park entrance fees
Fuel costs
Camping fees
Lodging
Food
Even the price of buying ice

Montana's National Park Rankings: A Glimpse into Costs

When costs were combined, Montana landed two parks near the top of the list.

The most expensive national park in the country is Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Olympic National Park in Washington ranks second. Yellowstone National Park comes in third on the list.

Glacier National Park ranked sixth on the list. Despite the cost, Glacier continues to attract millions of visitors every year thanks to its breathtaking scenery, alpine lakes, wildlife, and the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Although much of Yellowstone is in Wyoming, Montana has two popular entrances near Gardiner and West Yellowstone, bringing thousands of visitors into Big Sky Country each summer.

Even with rising prices for gas, camping, lodging, and food, Glacier and Yellowstone remain two of the most iconic destinations in the National Park System. Their stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable experiences continue to draw visitors from around the world.

Planning Your Summer Getaway: Essentials to Pack

If you're planning a trip this summer, just be prepared: along with your hiking boots and camera, you may also want to bring some extra money, and don’t forget the ice.