We didn't go to the visitors center - we were too busy taking in the sites. It is something not to be missed. Be sure to get your picture taken at the overlook with the glacier and waterfall as we did.

A must see in Juneau. $12 return on a shuttle bus that leaves every 30 minutes from the cruise ship terminal will take you on a scenic 15 minute drive to the entry point to Mendenhall Glacier. It was great, very picturesque and a variety of trails to walk on. One lead you around the lake to the base of a very large and nice waterfall which was quite near the base of the glacier, there's also another one that's more of a nature walk, apparently some people spotted bears on it, but we didn't take that walk. But great views to be had, a really nice place....there were actually kids swimming in the freezing water. Strange for an Australian to witness since I wouldn't swim in water under 20c (70ish farenheit) !!!

If visiting Juneau, please please do the glacier trekking tour. A helicopter will take you all the way up to the glacier. There, you can do a simple 1 hour walk, or a 2 hour one, or learn to rappel the ice. The 1 hour walk was magnificent!

We took the bus ( 10 bucks round trip) drops you off at the enterance and returns every 15 min.
There is a gift shop-resterant but we didn't go there. Instead, we took first the short walk where you can view the glacier and the waterfall.
Next , we took the 1/2 hour easy hike to the bases of the water fall with the glacier right next to it but of course at the base of it is the lake. We filled a water bottle with crystle clear water from the water fall. What a great drink.We were very lucky as the weather was beautiful . 72F
Clear blue skys. June 16th 2004.One warning about the mosquitos thru-out alaska, WOW don't forget the deep woods off! As long as you spray it's ok.I also got sunburned because I forgot sunscreen on my face. Who knew I was going to alaska to work on my tan??? whole thing took about a hr. and half. Nice little hike and a great experience.