Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour

The Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour offers a captivating way to experience the natural wonders of Juneau, Alaska. This round-trip excursion whisks visitors from the city to the stunning Mendenhall Glacier, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich history and breathtaking scenery. With knowledgeable drivers leading the way, travelers can enjoy the serene beauty of the glacier park, though the visitor center may prove busier than expected. What awaits those who embark on this journey?

Good To Know

• Round-trip tour from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier, with a 3-hour excursion on custom trolleys and 2 hours to explore the glacier park.
• Pickup and drop-off at the Mount Roberts Tramway, with confirmation required for cruise passengers.
• Drivers provide historical insights and recommendations during the narrated ride through downtown Juneau.
• Self-guided exploration at the glacier park allows for immersion in nature, though the visitor center may feel crowded.
• Tour is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible, with service animals allowed and infants required to sit on laps.

Tour Overview and Details

This round-trip tour from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier includes a 3-hour excursion on custom trolleys.

With 271 reviews and a 4.4 overall rating, the tour has earned a Badge of Excellence in Juneau.

The experience includes a 30-minute narrated ride past historic downtown and 2 hours to explore the glacier park.

Flexible departure times are available, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Cruise passengers must confirm their ship details to ensure proper pickup.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The meeting point for the Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour is the Mount Roberts Tramway, located at 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801.

Cruise passengers must confirm their reservation, providing their ship name, docking time, and disembarkation time.

The tour begins at the Goldbelt Tramway for pickup and ends back at the original meeting point.

Highlights of the pickup and meeting information include:

• Confirmation required for cruise passengers
• Pickup location at Goldbelt Tramway
• Tour ends at the original meeting point

Tour Experience and Highlights

The driver shares historical insights about Juneau as the custom trolleys pass by scenic views of Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls.

Travelers receive recommendations for dining and local attractions during the tour. The self-guided exploration at the glacier park allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty.

While the visitor center may feel crowded at times, the overall glacier experience is praised by reviewers. The tour length and hiking expectations, however, receive mixed feedback from some guests.

Nevertheless, the Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour is recommended for those seeking to experience Juneau’s stunning landscapes.

Accessibility and Additional Information

Although the Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible.

Service animals are allowed, but infants must sit on laps. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so visitors are advised to dress appropriately.

• The tour has a maximum capacity of 42 travelers.

• Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

• The scenic views of Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls, as well as the driver’s historical insights, make this tour a popular choice for visitors to Juneau.

Reviews and Feedback

How do the reviews and feedback for the Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour reflect the overall experience? Overwhelmingly, customers praise the knowledgeable and friendly drivers who provide historical insights about Juneau. The scenic beauty and glacier experience are also frequently highlighted. However, some express concerns about the crowded visitor center and limited seating. While tour length and hiking expectations receive mixed feedback, the tour is generally recommended for those visiting Juneau.

Positive	Negative
Knowledgeable, friendly drivers	Crowded visitor center
Scenic beauty, glacier experience	Limited seating
Historical insights	Mixed feelings on tour length
Recommendations for dining, attractions	Hiking expectations
Overall recommended	–

Scenic Views of Mendenhall Glacier

Travelers on the Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour are treated to breathtaking views of the iconic Mendenhall Glacier. The tour’s custom trolleys offer panoramic windows for optimal glacier gazing.

Key highlights include:

• Awe-inspiring vistas of the 12-mile-long glacier and its vibrant blue hues.
• The thundering Nugget Falls cascading over the cliffs adjacent to the glacier.
• Spectacular photo opportunities of the glacier’s serene natural beauty.

The tour’s knowledgeable drivers provide insightful commentary, enhancing the glacier viewing experience.

With ample time to explore the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, travelers can fully enjoy this stunning Alaska landscape.

Historical Insights From the Driver

During the Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour, the knowledgeable drivers share historical insights that enhance the experience. They provide commentary on Juneau’s rich past, from its early indigenous inhabitants to the gold rush era that shaped the city’s development. Passengers learn about the significance of local landmarks, the region’s natural resources, and the challenges faced by the early settlers. This historical context deepens the appreciation for the spectacular scenery surrounding the glacier. The tour offers a well-rounded experience that blends natural wonders with engaging storytelling.

Historical Insights Shared by Drivers
Indigenous Presence	Gold Rush Era	Local Landmarks	Natural Resources	Settler Challenges
Juneau’s First Inhabitants	Driving Forces of Development	Significance of Sites	Shaping the Region	Hardships Overcome
Cultural Traditions	Economic Boom	Architectural Styles	Environmental Impact	Ingenuity and Resilience
Relationship with Land	Influx of Prospectors	Changing Landscape	Resource Utilization	Overcoming Adversity
Adaptation to Environment	Industry and Commerce	Evolving Infrastructure	Sustainable Practices	Community Resilience

Dining and Local Attraction Recommendations

The driver provides passengers with recommendations for dining and local attractions during the Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour.

This helps visitors make the most of their time in Juneau by suggesting:

• Hangar on the Wharf, a locally-sourced seafood restaurant with scenic views of the harbor
• Juneau-Douglas City Museum, showcasing the city’s rich history and culture
• Whale watching tours, offering the chance to spot humpback whales and other marine life

These tips enhance the overall experience, allowing travelers to explore Juneau’s culinary and sightseeing offerings beyond the glacier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Trolleys Have Air Conditioning or Heating?

The trolleys have temperature control systems to keep passengers comfortable, though the specific details of air conditioning or heating capabilities are not mentioned in the provided information. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so temperature regulation is likely available.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour operator encourages travelers to pack a picnic and enjoy it while exploring the Mendenhall Glacier park during the self-guided portion of the experience.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the tour. Visitors can use the restrooms located at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center during the 2-hour exploratory portion of the experience.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not offer discounts for children or seniors. Pricing is the same for all adult and child travelers, regardless of age. No special pricing options are available based on the customer’s age or demographics.

How Many People Are Typically on Each Trolley Tour?

Each trolley tour has a maximum of 42 travelers, allowing for a comfortable and intimate experience. The tour size is designed to provide personalized attention while exploring the glacier’s scenic beauty.

The Sum Up

The Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier and learn about its history. With knowledgeable drivers, accessible transportation, and ample time to discover the glacier park, this tour is a fantastic option for travelers seeking stunning scenery and a deeper understanding of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.