Pros & cons
PROS
- Free Level 2 charging funded by the park’s Conservancy
- Right in the visitor center lot with restrooms, store, and shuttles nearby
CONS
- Level 2 speeds only
- Can be in high demand during summer and midday
Overview
Apgar now has a Level 2 electric vehicle charger right in the visitor center parking lot on the west side of the park. It’s free to use, thanks to Glacier National Park Conservancy donors, and it’s a perfect spot to top up while you grab maps, talk to rangers, or hop on the shuttle. The unit went live in late September 2024 and is intended as a courtesy top-off, not a full trip-ender.
How it works
Charging is free, with a posted two-hour courtesy limit when others are waiting. You’ll need a valid park pass, but no vehicle reservation is required specifically to use the charger. Expect standard Level 2 speeds and bring your J1772 adapter if your vehicle needs one.
Nearby amenities
You’re steps from everything at Apgar: restrooms, water-bottle fill, a small store/gift shop, and the transportation hub for in-park shuttles. If you’re traveling with a group, this is an easy place to split tasks—one person tends the car while others pick up info or browse the shop.
Best time to visit
For the easiest parking and best chance at an open port, aim for early morning or late afternoon. Midday in peak season is the busiest. The charger is available around the clock, but visitor center hours and seasonal operations can affect access to facilities and parking, especially in winter.
Need-to-know
- Free Level 2 charging; two-hour courtesy limit when busy.
- Park pass required; no separate vehicle reservation needed.
- Availability can vary with crowds and season—have a backup plan.
Where it is
48.4966, -113.9825Tips for Apgar Visitor Center EV Charger
- 01Plan your top-up while you visit the center or catch the shuttle.
- 02Bring a J1772 adapter if your vehicle uses a different plug.
- 03Honor the two-hour courtesy limit so everyone gets a turn.
- 04Early morning or late afternoon usually beats the rush.
- 05Have your park pass handy; no separate vehicle reservation is needed.
Amenities
Near Apgar Visitor Center EV Charger
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayBelton ChaletsHistoric gateway lodge with rail access and a beloved dining roomLodging · Restaurant
0.6 mi awayBelton BridgeHistoric arch bridge with easy river views and trail accessTrailhead · Parking
1.5 mi awayApgar StablesGuided forest rides near Lake McDonald with friendly wranglersParking
1.8 mi awayApgar Lookout TrailSteady grind to big Lake McDonald views from a historic lookoutChallenging · 7.1 mi · 4 hr
1.9 mi awayApgar Visitor CenterWest-side hub for shuttles, rangers, maps, and quick trip fixesRestroom · Parking
3.4 mi awayRocky PointShort, breezy Lake McDonald ramble to rocky shore views and dipsEasy · 2 mi · 1.2 hr
8 mi awayHowe Lake TrailQuiet burn-area stroll to beaver ponds and loon-filled lakesEasy · 3.2 mi · 1.5 hr
8.3 mi awayLincoln Lake TrailBig climb, big payoff: a quiet lake beneath a colossal waterfallChallenging · 16.4 mi · 8.5 hr
