Reviews

Kary Bennett

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is an absolutely breathtaking place and one of the highlights of our Alaska trip. The views of the glacier are incredible, and there are several viewpoints and walking trails that allow you to appreciate the beauty of the area from different angles. We especially enjoyed seeing Nugget Falls, a powerful waterfall that is well worth the walk. The trails are well maintained, and the scenery along the way is stunning, with forests, mountains, waterfalls, and glacier views all in one location. The visitor center provides helpful information about the glacier and the surrounding environment. Whether you want an easy walk or simply enjoy spectacular scenery, this is a must-visit destination in Juneau.

Van

This place is gorgeous and so beautiful that you forget you're looking at it in real life. I've wanted to visit for quite a while and it was a dream come true. There was no wait. Lots of people there but still able to get great photos. The trail to Nugget Falls is near and about 2 miles up. Lots of other trails to take. Be careful. Bears use them too. The visitor's center is loaded with interesting facts about glaciers. There is an elevator to get into the visitor's center. Lots of steps if you don't use the elevator. Great photos and backdrops of the glacier from the outside deck too.

Buttercup (Mom)

Mendenhall Glacier was absolutely breathtaking and one of the most unforgettable parts of our Alaska trip. Seeing the glacier in person was incredible. The scenery surrounding it was stunning, with beautiful mountain views, waterfalls, and nature everywhere. Pictures truly do not do this place justice. The glacier itself is massive and so peaceful to take in. The walking paths and viewing areas made it easy to enjoy the experience and appreciate how beautiful Alaska really is. This was definitely a must-see stop for us and something I would recommend to anyone visiting Alaska. Such an amazing experience from start to finish.

Browne Bear

If walking is difficult, this is one of the best glacier viewing spots around. The parking lot is close to the Visitor Center, with an easy ramp and elevator access to the second floor where you can enjoy displays and glacier views. There’s also a short walk to a covered pavilion with an incredible view across the lake. The staff are very knowledgeable, the exhibits are well done, and they even have a telescope to try spotting mountain goats on the cliffs. Clean bathrooms were a nice added bonus.

Devin Ganka

No words can describe this place. Beautiful. Breathtaking. Stunning. We even saw bears while here. I do think coming here by tour bus is fine and they give you enough time to walk around, take pictures and walk the trail to Nugget Falls. The trails in early May when I went is still covered in some ice but nonetheless is still very walkable and all ages were walking the trail. Just be careful and wear good shoes. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to be that close to a massive waterfall. The visitor center is neat.

Amber

What an absolutely beautiful area, and hike. I decided to go last minute here and went alone, if you have the chance, definitely go! You can see the glacier without hiking but the hike leads you to a gorgeous waterfall area. They have a lot of wildlife, be prepared to check the treetops if you’d like to see eagles! You will also find some smaller furry lads on the ground, hopefully. The hike to the waterfall was not bad at all, if you are in even moderately good shape. The bathrooms were clean enough and well maintained. Enjoy the hikes around the park, it’s beautiful. Parking is available at a huge lot down the road and the walk isn’t bad. I definitely want to add: DO NOT take rides from the guys that are “taxis” right at the park. They will scam and nickle and dime you. Either order a ride share, take a tour, or drive up on your own. I say this because I was visiting alone and was made to feel bad, unsafe, and got yelled at because I refused the ride from them. Overall, this didn’t sour my experience but I want others to be aware. Stay safe, and enjoy seeing the world!

Brian Bogdon

If your in the area it's a really cool spot to check out. You can see the glacier from the parking lot and the waterfall is an easy hike, maybe 2 miles round trip. Children can easily walk it and the path might even be wheelchair accessible until you reach the waterfall. It then turns to gravel and may be difficult but still really cool!

Cindy Bellucci

This area is beautiful and peaceful. We went on Saturday so the visitor center itself was closed,but the museum and bathrooms were open. There are many paths that can be taken and one leads to an amazing view of the waterfall and glacier. It is about 2 miles back and forth plus more for any other path in the area. All worth the fun walk around. It is not super strenuous.

Suresh Jayaraman

It's located 2nd floor, you have the option of elevator or steps. Has useful information, displays and rangers are present to explain glacier history and answer your questions regarding the same. Nugget falls is 1 mile hike (one way from here), photo point is about .3 miles (oneway) You will experience the most beautiful falls if you do plan to hike ( mostly flat).

AJ

We went in September. We took bus to the outside of the park..it took about 30 min to walk to the park entrance and see the glacier. You can walk down to the water, but not actually on the glacier. We also went to the falls which was another 30 mins. It was awesome though. This walk is not just a casual stroll even though the paths are concrete. Walking into the park, walking around to falls, then out to bus stop is probably 6 miles. (Or so it seemed). It's all worth it though.

Bolu Jackson

Great hiking experience in Juneau. The trail is well maintained, I recommend layering up and comfortable hiking boots. Casual 3.5 mile trail was a lot of fun! Be ready for those steps though! Bring your own snacks but PLEASE don't litter. have fun!

Ino Ruiz

Really unique place until the glacier melts then they might have to change the name to Medenhall Glacier Memorial Park. We were able to drop by this on our way to the whale watching tour. We were able to do the short trail, walk up to the lake. If you have time, you can walk up to the Nugget Falls trail in 30min. It's a lot of snow melt, and it's pretty. The visitor center is small, but informative. They do have Junior Ranger program. Small parking lot and facilities to make the time at the park enjoyable. We were really lucky as the sun was out, despite the rainy season. Nice park, great views that near Juneau has to offer.

Dane

4 Stars – Beautiful Glacier Experience with Some Limitations We visited the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center as part of a cruise excursion, and overall it was a memorable stop. The visitor center itself is very well done, full of fascinating exhibits, interactive displays, and helpful rangers who provide great insight into the glacier’s history and the surrounding environment. It’s definitely worth spending some time inside before or after exploring the trails. There are three main hiking trails, and we were able to complete two of them during our visit. The most popular trail leads to a stunning waterfall, which was one of the highlights of the day. Standing so close to the powerful rush of water was amazing, and the hike itself was easy and accessible. Just keep in mind that from the waterfall viewpoint you’ll see very little of the glacier’s face, so don’t expect a dramatic glacier backdrop from that angle. One thing to note is that the glacier has receded quite a bit over the past decade, and while it’s still impressive, it’s not quite as massive or striking as older photos might lead you to believe. That said, it’s still a remarkable sight. When we visited, it was both rainy and very crowded, which made it a little less enjoyable. Be prepared for unpredictable weather and large groups, especially if you’re visiting during cruise ship season. Despite those challenges, Mendenhall Glacier is absolutely worth a visit if you’re in Juneau. The combination of the visitor center, easy-to-access trails, and natural beauty makes it a must-see stop, even if the glacier itself isn’t as commanding as it once was.

Kao Saephan

Visiting Mendenhall Glacier was nothing short of magical! From the moment we arrived, we were surrounded by the stunning beauty of Alaska’s wild landscape. The glacier itself is absolutely majestic, framed by snow-capped mountains that looked like something out of a postcard. The weather was perfect—clear skies and just the right amount of cool breeze made it easy to take in the views without any rush. One of the highlights of our visit was spotting bald eagles soaring gracefully above the trees and perched nearby. It felt like something out of a nature documentary! Their presence added a special sense of awe to the already breathtaking surroundings. A short hike led us to Nugget Falls, and wow—what a powerful and refreshing sight! The waterfall thunders down right next to the glacier and offers incredible photo ops. Standing near the base of the falls, with the glacier in the background, was one of the most memorable moments of our trip. If you’re planning a trip to Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is a must-see. With its combination of glaciers, waterfalls, wildlife, and mountain views—all wrapped in beautiful weather—it’s the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression. Highly recommend!

Sarah Rudolph

It may be on the moderate to smaller size, but this place is fun and beautiful and full of surprises, especially if it's your first time! The glacier was awesome, and seeing Nugget Falls and getting that close to it was just wow! We did see a porcupine right by the trail beside the building, and we barely missed seeing a bear and her cubs on the way to the falls. Definitely a fun, educational, interactive place!