The Mendenhall Glacier is Juneau's most visited attraction — a 13-mile-long river of ice flowing down from the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield to a glacial lake just 13 miles from downtown. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center (part of Tongass National Forest) has panoramic views, interactive exhibits, a theatre, and a bookstore. It is one of the few glaciers in the world you can reach by city bus.
Several trails fan out from the visitor centre. The Trail of Time nature walk is flat and easy, suitable for anyone. The Nugget Falls Trail (about 1 mile round trip) brings you to the foot of a thundering waterfall beside the glacier face. For something more ambitious, the West Glacier Trail (about 7 miles round trip) follows the lake shore and gives a closer look at the ice. There is a $3 entry fee in summer.