Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
As Montana’s first and most famous state park, Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is an absolute must-visit for anyone traveling between Bozeman and Butte. Established in 1937 (originally designated a national monument by Teddy Roosevelt in 1908), this park protects one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest.
But there’s far more to this 3,000-acre park than just what lies underground. Above the surface, you’ll find a sprawling high-desert landscape teeming with wildlife, an excellent modern campground, and a challenging ten-mile trail system that offers sweeping views of the Jefferson River Valley.
Lewis & Clark Caverns at a Glance
- Location: Near Whitehall, Montana (Jefferson County)
- Park Entry Fee: Free for MT residents / $8 out-of-state vehicles
- Cave Tour Season: May 1 through September 30 (plus limited December holiday tours)
- Cave Tour Cost: Requires a separate ticket purchase (prices vary by tour type)
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for cave tours; Spring/Fall for hiking and biking
- Pet Policy: Leashed pets are allowed on above-ground trails and in the campground, but are strictly prohibited inside the caverns or Visitor Centers.
Exploring the Caverns: What You Need to Know
The crown jewel of the park is, without a doubt, the cavern system itself. Naturally formed over millions of years as slightly acidic groundwater slowly dissolved the Mississippian-age Madison Limestone, the caves are now filled with spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, columns, helictites, and “cave bacon.”
The Guided Cave Tours
You cannot enter the caves on your own—all access is strictly via guided tours led by knowledgeable park rangers. It’s highly recommended to reserve your tickets online well in advance during peak summer months, as tours frequently sell out.
The Classic Tour
This is the standard 2-hour, 2-mile journey through the cave’s most iconic rooms. It is physically demanding: you must hike 3/4 of a mile uphill just to reach the entrance, and the tour itself involves ducking, waddling, and descending over 500 hand-carved stairs. Not recommended for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia. Children under 5 are not permitted.
The Paradise Tour
A much shorter (1.5 hours) and easier option designed for visitors with limited mobility or young toddlers. The Paradise Tour skips the strenuous hike and the endless stairs, taking you straight into the largest, most spectacular room in the cave system.
Cave Tour Pro-Tips: The caverns maintain a constant, naturally air-conditioned temperature of about 50°F (10°C) year-round. Bring a light jacket, wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes, and leave the backpacks and purses in your car (they aren’t allowed inside to protect the delicate rock formations).
Above-Ground Recreation
Hiking and Mountain Biking
When you’re done exploring the underworld, tackle the park’s 10-mile trail system. The trails wind through juniper and sagebrush-dotted hillsides, offering incredible technical challenges for mountain bikers and steep climbs for hikers. The Cave Gulch Trail and Grand View Trail provide strenuous vertical gains with rewarding vistas, while the 1.3-mile Nature Loop offers a gentle, interpretive walk perfect for families.
Wildlife Viewing
Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s resident herd of mule deer, which frequently wander through the campground. The rocky terrain is also home to Western rattlesnakes (stay on the marked trails!), soaring golden eagles, Clark’s nutcrackers, and the occasional black bear or mountain lion.
Camping at the State Park
Lewis & Clark Caverns features one of the nicest state park campgrounds in Montana, situated in the valley below the cave entrance. It offers 40 large, paved campsites suitable for RVs and tents, though it lacks direct water/sewer hookups at individual sites.
| Accommodation | Features / Amenities | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Campsites | 40 paved sites, fire rings, picnic tables. Large shower/restroom facility nearby. RV Dump station available. | RVs, campervans, and tent campers |
| State Park Cabins | Three rustic cabins with electricity and heating (no indoor plumbing). Bunk beds provided. | Families pulling up without tents or RVs |
| Tipi / Wall Tent | One canvas wall tent and one traditional tipi setup (seasonally available). | Glampers looking for a unique overnight experience |
Note: While the park is technically open year-round, the flush toilets, hot showers, and drinking water are typically shut off from October through April due to freezing temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Lewis and Clark actually discover the caves?
No. While the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition camped along the nearby Jefferson River in 1805, they never knew the caverns existed. The caves were actually discovered by local hunters in the late 1800s and were later named in honor of the explorers.
Can I bring my dog on the cave tour?
No. Pets are strictly prohibited inside the caverns and the Visitor Center. However, the park does offer shaded outdoor kennels (first-come, first-served) where you can securely leave your dog while you go on the tour.
Are there restrictions because of White-Nose Syndrome?
Yes. To protect the resident bat population from a deadly fungal disease, you are not allowed to wear any clothing, shoes, or accessories that have been inside any other cave or mine anywhere in the world within the past five years.
Plan Your Montana Cave Adventure
Secure your campsite and book your cavern tour early—Montana’s first state park is a bucket-list destination that shouldn’t be missed.
📍 Primary Location: 25 Lewis & Clark Caverns Rd, Whitehall, MT 59759
🌐 Official Website: Montana FWP – Lewis & Clark Caverns
📞 Park Office: (406) 287-3541
