Travelers' Rest

State Park on Lolo Creek

Travelers' Rest State Park Brochure

Located at an ancient crossroads of commerce and culture, Travelers' Rest embraces the cross-cultural history that has shaped the Bitterroot and Missoula valleys.

This National Historic Landmark, located just 8 miles south of Missoula, is the only archeologically verified campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the nation. The exact location of their campsite was validated through a unique archeological investigation completed in 2002.

Less well-known is the fact that the site that is now Travelers' Rest State Park has long been used by Native peoples, notably the Salish. The ancestral homeland of the Salish encompassed the Bitterroot Valley; their oral tradition includes a creation story about this place that they call Tmsml'i, which means "No Salmon."

Bisected by Lolo Creek, Travelers' Rest is also an idyllic spot for a short stroll and offers rich bird habitat, with more than 115 species recorded within the park boundaries.

The Travelers' Rest Preservation and Heritage Association, a non-profit partner, provides professional interpretation and educational programming at Travelers' Rest. Check the calendar for the latest events.

In 2009, a new visitor center and museum opened at Travelers' Rest. With a wide variety of historical items from western Montana, the museum is truly a trip through time.

Check out the current weather conditions in Lolo.

Teachers, here's an Indian Education For All lesson plan for 4th graders with social studies content.

Travelers' Rest State Park is located on Lolo Creek