Red Jammer Buses
All Aboard the Historic Red Jammer Buses
Take a stylish ride into history and sign up for a tour on the historic red jammer buses. With the canvas top rolled down, you'll be treated to a multi-sensory experience as you cruise through the rugged mountain roads of Glacier National Park. more info
These vintage buses are a reminder of what it was like to travel around Glacier National Park in the 1930s. The unique name comes from the old days when drivers could be heard "jammin" on the gears of the bright red buses as they drove around the park. The red jammer buses took tourists from one side of the park to the other via the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and into Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park.
Similar buses were built for Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks as well. However, the jammer buses were replaced by other forms of transportation in Yellowstone and Yosemite, and now exist mainly in Glacier National Park.
All thirty-two of Glacier's red jammer buses have been recently renovated to comply with the safety and environmental standards of the park. In 1999, safety inspections revealed evidence of metal fatigue in some of the buses' frames. In response, Glacier Park Inc. donated all the buses to the National Park Service so that Ford Motor Company could modernize the vehicles. The renovations ended up costing a total of $800,000. Originally buses had canvas tops, and were made of oak and covered with a metal skin. Today, all the buses have refurbished interior and exterior structures, automatic transmission, power steering, and dual propane/gasoline engines. The canvas tops and original charm remain.
The red jammer buses were originally built by the White Motor Company of Cleveland, Ohio. They were first used in the park in 1937 and had uninterrupted service until 1999 when they were called in to be remodeled. The buses were put back into service in 2001.
The vintage buses stretch 25 feet long and hold 17 passengers. Divers provide a narrative as you tour through the park, and are ready to answer all of your questions. You can sign up for half-day and full-day tours to different place in the park, including Logan Pass and the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Tour prices range from $25 to $85.
Reservations are required and should be made at least a day before you plan to tour.
West Glacier, MT Weather
Currently Outside 64FSunny. Mild. |
