Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Juneau

Just a short drive from downtown Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center offers an unforgettable introduction to one of Alaska’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Located within the vast Tongass National Forest, the Mendenhall Glacier stretches 12 miles from the Juneau Icefield and spans 1.5 miles wide at its face. As one of the area’s most accessible glaciers, it draws thousands of visitors each year eager to witness the powerful movement of ice meeting water and forest.

The visitor center itself is perched on a hill, providing panoramic views of the glacier and its icy blue face calving into Mendenhall Lake. Inside, visitors will find glaciology exhibits, an observatory with telescopes, and a relief map of the Juneau Icefield that helps explain the glacier's origins and retreat. A short film, Magnificent Mendenhall, plays in the center's theater, offering a cinematic overview of the glacier’s natural history and importance. Outside, viewing platforms along Steep Creek offer seasonal chances to spot salmon and even black bears, especially during the late summer runs.

For those eager to explore further, the area around the glacier features six hiking trails, ranging from easy photo overlooks to more challenging treks that bring you closer to the glacier’s west side. Adventurous visitors can also book helicopter tours for aerial views of the Juneau Icefield’s 38 glaciers, some of which include glacier landings, treks, or even dog sled rides across the frozen terrain. Whether you stay grounded or take to the skies, the Mendenhall Glacier offers a stunning window into Alaska’s wild and icy heart.