Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Montana
Explore Montana's stunning limestone caverns, marvel at unique formations, and enjoy scenic drives. A must-visit natural wonder!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Montana
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Montana's stunning limestone caverns, marvel at unique formations, and enjoy scenic drives. A must-visit natural wonder!
"This beautiful cave is amazing and beyond amazing. The pictures cannot even justify."
🎟️ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Classic Tour
Main Cavern Entrance
Explore vast chambers filled with stunning stalagmites, stalactites, and unique rock formations.
Scenic Drive to the Caverns
Park Entrance Road
Enjoy breathtaking Montana vistas on the drive up to the cavern entrance.
Unique Rock Formations
Inside the Caverns
Marvel at formations resembling bacon, popcorn, and delicate ribbons of stone.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Prepare for the Cavern Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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'.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for navigating stairs and uneven cavern floors.
Need Tips for traveling to Montana
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.
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'.
👟 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.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
The cafe typically serves sandwiches, burgers, salads, and snacks. They also offer beverages like coffee and soda, including Huckleberry Soda.
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
🚶♀️ Active Seniors & Adventurers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Caverns: Tours and Trails
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.
Planning Your Visit: Best Times and Tips
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.
Beyond the Caverns: Park Amenities and Activities
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. 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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