Lewis and Clark Caverns
Montana's first state park, a limestone cave named for two explorers who passed within sight of it and never knew it was there.
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Lewis and Clark travelled the Jefferson River valley below in 1805 and the cave is named for them, though neither had any idea it existed - the naming was a later decision. It was found by local hunters in 1892 and became a national monument in 1908, then transferred to Montana in 1937 and made the state's first state park. Civilian Conservation Corps crews built the trails, stairs and the tunnel used as an exit. The standard tour is about three kilometres round trip including the walk up to the entrance, involves around six hundred steps, and includes a section where visitors slide down a smoothed rock chute on their backsides. The cave holds bats and closes in winter for hibernation.
What you actually see
- A cave named for men who never saw it - the naming came later.
- CCC-built stairs and tunnel - from the 1930s.
- Around six hundred steps - on a three-kilometre round trip.
- A rock slide section - descended sitting down.
When to go
May to September; closed in winter for hibernating bats. Three hours.
Honest expectations
The walk up to the entrance is a steep climb before the cave even starts. Six hundred steps and tight sections rule it out for some. Tours are timed and sell out in summer. It closes for months each winter.
Nearby
Three Forks and the Missouri headwaters are east; Butte is west.
What to pack for Lewis and Clark Caverns
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
