Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

Mendenhall Glacier and Visitor Center is a must-see destination just a short drive from downtown Juneau. The glacier is absolutely stunning, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable Alaskan experience. The visitor center provides excellent educational displays, friendly staff, and a warm space to take in the glacier view. A highlight is the 1-mile nature trail leading to Nugget Falls, which offers fantastic photo opportunities and a close-up view of both the waterfall and the glacier. It’s a great activity for families, with an easy and scenic walk through the forest. While parking is limited and it can get busy—especially when cruise ships are in port—the natural beauty more than makes up for it. Arrive early or later in the day for fewer crowds. Mendenhall is one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers and well worth the visit. Truly a destination stop for anyone exploring the Juneau area!

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!

Amazing place to visit. Trail to the water falls is very nice and easy though a little on the long side at one mile if you got little ones or mobility constraints. We visited during a cruise and there happened to be five cruise ships in town when we were there so lots of people to compete with to take pictures. Magic Eraser on your phone to remove people is your friend. The waterfall is fantastic but while there you will have a limited view of the glacier itself. For the glacier, the lookout trailer near the visitor center gives great photo opportunities. It's only a five minute walk down the trailer for the visitor center and provides a great photo location. A zoom lens is helpful for this location though.

Visitor Center seemed to be very informative though it was EXTREMELY crowded with bussed tour groups. Once I got out on the trails the natural beauty of the park became evident. The 3.5 mile East Glacier Trail was magnificent if you’re into hiking. While steep in places it was great seeing nature up close with sights of the glacier and various falls included. In 2 hours time I saw less than 10 others on the trail. Later I took the Nugget Falls Trail. This trail is paved and fairly flat. This is where all the tourists seemed to be as it is an easy hike leading to a beautiful waterfall with a closer view of the Mendenhall Glacier.

This was simply amazing! From the trails getting in, to the gorgeous glacier in the background and the waterfall.. All a must! There was a constant crowd coming in but very manageable and people are very cooperative about taking pictures for you in exchange for pictures for them. This was true nature, they warn that keep your eyes up because you could see something, I didn't get the sense that anything would be popping out at us. But I could have stayed all day at the waterfall because it was a clear view of everything including the glacier. Getting closer to the waterfall, you could tell how crisp clear and clean the water was. It felt like a heavy dose of spring water and life rejuvenation, in a weird way. Highly recommend this excursion or venture.

The glacier is beautiful. The falls are fine. The views are breathtaking. The video in the visitor's center is worth watching if you have time. My family loved our visit (even trekking through snow) and would recommend anyone to visit before it is too late.

Mendenhall Glacier was one of the highlights of my trip to Juneau. It is only about 15 minutes from town but feels like you are stepping into another world. The views are absolutely stunning with massive blue ice stretching across the lake surrounded by mountains and forest. I walked the short Photo Point Trail which gave me a perfect view of the glacier and then took the Nugget Falls Trail which ends at a huge waterfall crashing into the lake. Both trails were easy and definitely worth it. The visitor center is really cool too with lots of info and great viewpoints. There is a small entrance fee during the summer but it is totally worth it for the experience. If you are in Juneau you should not miss it.

Small fee to enter the park where you can self pay at a kiosk. The visitors center is pretty barebones, with a few small exhibits and shop. Great views as you walk around the lake and you may spot some animals. The walk to the falls can be done as quick as 15 minutes if you walk at a brisk pace. Lots of folks on the trails is the only downside to the visit along with the constant helicopter noise.