i can remember when i was a kid and the glacier was easily viewable from the vistor center and the lake was filled with icebergs. you could practically (although not recommended!) walk from one side to the other without getting your feet wet. now however, the glacier has receded so fast!! the only was to get a real good look at it is to take the boat trip out on the lake. to see another glacier (of the hanging variety) check out the byron glacier, just up the road and a short hike away from portage.