Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park - Image 1
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Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Montana

4.7
·2k reviews·Whitehall, United States

Explore Montana's stunning limestone caverns, marvel at unique formations, and enjoy scenic drives. A must-visit natural wonder!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
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Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park - Image 1

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Montana

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Montana's stunning limestone caverns, marvel at unique formations, and enjoy scenic drives. A must-visit natural wonder!

4.7
(2k reviews)

"This beautiful cave is amazing and beyond amazing. The pictures cannot even justify."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead

Tours sell out! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot on the 'Classic Tour' .

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for navigating stairs and uneven cavern floors.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Classic Tour

The Classic Tour

Main Cavern Entrance

Explore vast chambers filled with stunning stalagmites, stalactites, and unique rock formations.

Scenic Drive to the Caverns

Scenic Drive to the Caverns

Park Entrance Road

Enjoy breathtaking Montana vistas on the drive up to the cavern entrance.

Unique Rock Formations

Unique Rock Formations

Inside the Caverns

Marvel at formations resembling bacon, popcorn, and delicate ribbons of stone.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours, especially the popular 'Classic Tour,' can sell out, particularly during peak season. Consider booking online ahead of time to secure your spot. Walk-up tickets may be available, but it's not guaranteed.Reddit

Prepare for the Cavern Environment

The caverns maintain a cool, constant temperature year-round. Wear layers and comfortable, sturdy shoes as there are stairs and some uneven terrain. Be prepared to crouch in certain areas.Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Late spring/early fall
Why
Fewer visitors, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park - Cave Tours

🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead

Tours sell out! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot on the 'Classic Tour'.Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for navigating stairs and uneven cavern floors.

reddit.com

Need Tips for traveling to Montana

reddit.com

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. 1/7/23

🧥 Dress in Layers

Caverns stay cool (around 48°F) year-round. Bring a jacket!

📸 Capture the Beauty

Photography is allowed, but be mindful of others and avoid flash in sensitive areas.

reddit.com

Honeymoon trip: Passing thru Western Montana this upcoming summer

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead

Tours sell out! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot on the 'Classic Tour'.Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for navigating stairs and uneven cavern floors.

🧥 Dress in Layers

Caverns stay cool (around 48°F) year-round. Bring a jacket!

📸 Capture the Beauty

Photography is allowed, but be mindful of others and avoid flash in sensitive areas.

🍔 Try the Bison Burger

The cafe offers tasty food, with the Bison Burger being a crowd favorite.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the awe-inspiring beauty of the caverns, with guides often highlighted for their knowledge and engaging personalities. The scenic drive and unique rock formations are major draws, though some note the physical demands of the 'Classic Tour' and recommend booking in advance due to tours selling out.

"We took the “Classic Tour” at 11 a.m. Our guide Huckleberry was a nice mix between informative, funny & smooth. He led the entire 2 hours tour with knowledge & dedication. We always felt in good hands & safe during the entire tour.

The tour itself was quite impressive. Exploring those caves and learning about how they started to exist and developed was interesting and informative.

I can recommend experiencing this part of Montana’s cave history."

Lobo M.

"We loved the main cavern tour. We hiked about 3/4 of a mile up the paved trail to the cavern opening. There were a lot of stairs but as active seniors, we could do it without difficulty. There are some tight places and a lot of crouching so as not to hit your head. The rooms were full of stalagmites and stalactites, rock shaped like ribbons of bacon, popcorn, and columns. It was incredible to see and photograph. We loved our experience. There is another tour that is more accessible for younger kids and mobility challenged people."

Linda Radford

"Wow! And wow! I know a lot of people did not discover this place yet but if you ever came across to Montana. You’ve got to visit this beautiful cave it is amazing and beyond amazing. The picture cannot even justify. I would say highly, highly recommended this tour you will love it."

Merna Tilden

What People Like

Stunning cavern formations
Knowledgeable guides
Scenic drive

What People Dislike

Tours sell out
Physical demands of Classic Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The park is located in southwestern Montana, about 56 miles northwest of Bozeman and 20 miles west of Three Forks. The drive to the caverns themselves is scenic, winding through the Jefferson River Canyon.Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the visitor center and near the cavern entrances. It can fill up during peak times, so arriving earlier is recommended.

It is highly recommended to have a car as public transportation options to the park are very limited. The park is quite remote.

The drive is beautiful, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Jefferson River. Be prepared for winding roads as you ascend to the cavern entrance.Reddit

Currently, there are no internal shuttle services. You will need to walk from the parking areas to the visitor center and cavern entrances.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tour prices vary by type. The 'Classic Tour' is typically around $15 for adults and $8 for children. Check the official Montana State Parks website for the most current pricing.

It is highly recommended to book your tour tickets in advance, especially for the 'Classic Tour,' as they often sell out. Walk-up tickets may be available but are not guaranteed.Reddit

The park is open year-round, but cavern tours typically operate from May through September. Hours vary, so check the official website for specific tour times and dates.

Yes, there are different tours like the 'Classic Tour' (longer, more strenuous) and the 'Paradise Tour' (shorter, more accessible). The 'Classic Tour' is highly recommended for its comprehensive experience.Reddit

While walk-up tickets are sometimes available, tours can sell out quickly. It's best to reserve your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good traction. Bring a jacket or sweater as the caverns maintain a cool temperature of about 48°F (9°C) year-round.

The 'Classic Tour' involves stairs and some crouching, which might be challenging for very young children. The 'Paradise Tour' is more accessible for families with younger kids or those with mobility concerns.

Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the caverns. However, avoid using flash photography, as it can damage the delicate formations and disturb wildlife.

The 'Classic Tour' typically lasts about 2 hours, covering approximately 1.2 miles of trails and stairs within the caverns.

Restrooms are available at the visitor center near the cavern entrances.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe located near the visitor center that offers a selection of food and drinks. The Bison Burger is a popular choice.Reddit

The cafe typically serves sandwiches, burgers, salads, and snacks. They also offer beverages like coffee and soda, including Huckleberry Soda.Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own picnic lunches and snacks. There are picnic areas available within the park.

Dining options are limited directly at the park. The nearest towns with more restaurant choices are Whitehall and Three Forks.

While options may vary, the cafe usually offers salads and potentially other vegetarian-friendly choices. It's best to inquire upon arrival.

📸 📸 Photography

The most dramatic photos will be taken inside the caverns, capturing the incredible stalactites and stalagmites. The scenic drive also offers stunning panoramic views of the Montana landscape.

Yes, photography is permitted inside the caverns. However, it's important to be respectful of other visitors and avoid using flash, which can damage formations and disturb the environment.

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the caverns. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions, but ensure it's used responsibly and doesn't obstruct pathways.

The main restriction is on flash photography. Also, be mindful of tour guides' instructions and avoid blocking pathways or disturbing other guests.

The caverns are dimly lit by artificial lights designed to illuminate the formations. This creates a unique atmosphere but requires careful camera settings for optimal shots.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park will find the 'Paradise Tour' to be the most suitable option for younger children or those with limited mobility. This tour is shorter and less strenuous than the 'Classic Tour'.Reddit While the 'Classic Tour' is an incredible experience, be aware that it involves many stairs and some tight spaces that might be challenging for very young kids. Pack snacks and drinks, as exploring can be tiring, and consider utilizing the picnic areas for a family meal. The scenic drive up to the caverns also offers beautiful views that kids might enjoy.

🚶‍♀️ Active Seniors & Adventurers

For active seniors and adventure seekers, the 'Classic Tour' is highly recommended. As active seniors, many visitors find the stairs and moderate physical demands manageable and rewarding.Reddit The tour offers an in-depth exploration of the caverns' stunning formations. Ensure you wear comfortable, supportive footwear, as the terrain can be uneven. The breathtaking views from the cavern entrance and the drive up provide ample opportunities for photography and enjoying Montana's natural beauty.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is a photographer's dream, both inside and outside the caverns. Inside, the dimly lit environment with strategically placed lights highlights the intricate details of stalactites and stalagmites, offering unique photographic opportunities. A wide-angle lens is beneficial for capturing the scale of the formations. Remember to respect the no-flash policy to protect the delicate cave environment. The scenic drive to the caverns also provides stunning vistas of the Montana landscape, perfect for landscape photography.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Caverns: Tours and Trails

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Montana's natural wonders. The park's main attraction is its extensive limestone caverns, formed over thousands of years by water erosion. Visitors can choose from different tours, with the 'Classic Tour' being the most popular and comprehensive. This tour takes you through a significant portion of the caverns, showcasing a dazzling array of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones.Reddit Be prepared for a moderate physical challenge, as this tour involves numerous stairs and some areas where you'll need to crouch.Reddit

For those seeking a more accessible experience, the 'Paradise Tour' offers a shorter journey into a different section of the caverns. This tour is ideal for families with young children or visitors with mobility concerns. Regardless of the tour chosen, guides are knowledgeable and provide fascinating insights into the geology and history of the caverns. The walk to the cavern entrance itself is also a highlight, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.Reddit

Planning Your Visit: Best Times and Tips

To make the most of your visit to Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, strategic planning is key. The 'Classic Tour' is highly sought after and frequently sells out, especially during the summer months. It's strongly advised to book your tickets online in advance to secure your preferred tour time.Reddit If you're hoping for walk-up tickets, arriving early in the morning, around 9 AM, might increase your chances, though availability is not guaranteed.Reddit

When it comes to what to wear, comfort is paramount. The caverns maintain a consistent, cool temperature of around 48°F (9°C) year-round, so layers are essential, including a jacket or sweater. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are a must due to the stairs and potentially slippery surfaces inside the caverns. The scenic drive up to the caverns is also a memorable part of the experience, offering picturesque views of Montana's natural beauty.Reddit

Beyond the Caverns: Park Amenities and Activities

While the caverns are the star attraction, Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park offers more for visitors to enjoy. The park features picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy a meal amidst the natural beauty. For those looking to extend their stay, a campground is available, providing a rustic experience under the Montana sky. The park also boasts hiking trails that offer opportunities to explore the surrounding landscape and enjoy panoramic views.Reddit

After your cavern tour, consider stopping by the on-site cafe for a bite to eat. Reviewers often praise the cafe's offerings, with the Bison Burger and Huckleberry Soda being particular highlights.Reddit This provides a convenient and tasty option for refueling before continuing your journey or heading back home. The park's location also makes it a potential stop for those traveling to or from Yellowstone National Park, offering a unique geological detour.

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