Glacier tourist numbers up

Glacier National Park officials say that, despite a sluggish economy, the park has experienced a significant increase in visitors in July compared to the same time last year.

An estimated 673,359 people passed through the park's gates in July — up 11.5 percent over last year and making this past July the secondbusiest on record. Only 1983 surpassed this summer's visitation, with 689,489 visitors in July.

That same year — 1983 — set the bar for overall visitation at 2.2 million, and so far 2010 is on pace to break the record.

Park spokesman Wade Muehlhof says tent camping is up 4 perce...