It became a national park in 1980, with the passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. That's part of the magic of this community. It basically consists of one main road that goes from the airport to the lodge at Glacier Bay park, with several smaller roads branching off. Some commercial fishing occurs. The lodge, airport, school, small businesses and the Park Service offer employment.
Gardening is a prevalent local activity.
The area's maritime climate is characterized by cool summers and mild winters. To Do Gustavus and Glacier Bay National Park offer visitors a fantastic selection of exciting wilderness adventures and activities to choose from. World class ocean kayaking, sportfishing, whale watching, and hiking are just a few ideas. For those interested in more relaxing activities, try a few holes at the world-class Golf course, or take one of many fantastic sightseeing tours by boat or airplane. Apart from having the world's largest concentration of tidewater glaciers, Glacier Bay is the habitat for a variety of marine life, including whales.