Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park was the first state park established in Montana and is thus the most well-known. This state landmark is located just east of Whitehall and contains one of the world's largest known limestone cavern systems.
Despite the fact that local Montana residents have been exploring the caves for hundreds of years, the Lewis and Clark Caverns were only discovered officially in 1892 by a group of local hunters. The spectacular-looking caves lined with stalactites, stalagmites, and various other natural formations captivate visitors to the Lewis And Clark Caverns State Park. Natural air currents and passages run through the caves, as well as electrical lighting.
Visitors come from all over to explore the limestone formations with their vibrant colors in the lit caverns. You can take a guided tour to learn about the geologic development and history of early exploration in the area, and the caverns are safe and well-lit, not to mention well-ventilated, making the underground experience pleasant enough.
The park also has trails, a visitor center with interpretive programs, an amphitheater, picnic areas, and a campground that are all open year round. The site spans over 3,000 acres and reaches elevations of over 5,000 feet. This site is an ideal location for visitors to the region to use as a base from which to explore a few other state parks and attractions in the vicinity, including the adjacent Jefferson River.
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
- Address: 25 Lewis & Clark Caverns Road, Whitehall, MT 59759
- Opening Hours: Winter hours, Wed - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Summer hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM daily; Open until 6:30 PM in Mid-Summer
- Admission: $15 - $25 for Adult 15+, free - $5 for Child
- Official Website: https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lewis-and-clark-caverns
