1936 White Model 706 Glacier National Park Tour Bus
The History Behind the 1936 White Model 706 Glacier National Park Tour Bus
Glacier National Park in Montana is one of the most scenic tourist destinations in the United States. The park features pristine wilderness, gorgeous lakes, and majestic mountains. Many tourists explore the park’s extensive trail system every year. In the 1930s, the park introduced a new mode of transportation for visitors: the iconic White Model 706 Tour Bus, which helped visitors enjoy the park’s beauty in comfort and style.
The White Motor Company, which was founded in 1900, specialized in producing high-quality buses and trucks. In the 1930s, the company was commissioned by the National Park Service to design and manufacture a new fleet of tour buses for Glacier National Park. The White Model 706 Tour Bus was the result, featuring a comfortable and spacious interior, large windows, and a unique design that made it easy to navigate through the park’s narrow and winding roads.
Perhaps the most extraordinary thing about the White Model 706 Tour Bus is that it has been preserved for over 85 years. Many of the original buses were replaced over the years, but one bus, #67, was kept in excellent condition and has been restored several times.
What Makes The 1936 White Model 706 Glacier National Park Tour Bus So Special?
The 1936 White Model 706 Glacier National Park Tour Bus is a marvel of engineering, art, and history. When you step inside this vintage bus, you feel like you’re traveling back in time to the era when Glacier National Park was just starting to gain popularity as a tourist destination. The bus has a spacious 18-foot-long interior that seats up to 25 passengers. It features large windows that provide breathtaking views of the park’s scenery. The bus’s exterior is also unique, painted in bright red with a cream trim and a striking logo that reads “Glacier National Park Tours.”
The bus’s sturdy construction has preserved it for over 85 years. The body is made of white oak and steel, and the chassis is built with heavy-duty steel beams. The engine is a powerful 6-cylinder gasoline engine that can handle the park’s steep and winding roads.
The bus’s historical significance cannot be understated. It has been in operation for more than eight decades, witnessing some of the most important moments in the park’s history. The bus has been used to transport park rangers, carry equipment, and provide tours for visitors. Its role in shaping the park’s history is unmistakable.
Where Can You See The 1936 White Model 706 Glacier National Park Tour Bus?
If you’re planning a trip to Glacier National Park, you can see the 1936 White Model 706 Glacier National Park Tour Bus up close at the park’s historic Apgar Village. The bus is often displayed at the village during the park’s busy tourist season, and visitors can take a close look at this vintage marvel.
If you’re interested in learning more about the bus’s history and restoration, you can also visit the St. Mary’s Visitor Center, where a documentary film about the bus is often shown. The film tells the story of the bus’s restoration and its importance in the park’s history.
Conclusion
The 1936 White Model 706 Glacier National Park Tour Bus is a historical marvel that embodies the spirit of Glacier National Park. It has been preserved for generations, providing a window into the park’s past and helping visitors experience the park’s natural beauty in comfort and style. Whether you’re a history buff or simply interested in exploring the park’s many wonders, the White Model 706 Tour Bus is a sight worth seeing.
