State Park on the Missouri River
Region 4 | Russell Country
Indian Education For All Lesson Plan
Tower Rock State Park is one of Montana's newest state parks. The 400-foot high igneous rock formation lies in a 140-acre site along the stretch of the Missouri River between Craig, Montana and Pelican Point Fishing Access Site. The public can park their vehicle in the spacious parking lot, then learn about the geology and history of the site with five interpretive panels located at the trail head. The trail to the base of the saddle is maintained for a quarter-mile. Tower Rock State Park is a day use only park. Overnight camping is allowed in nearby fishing access sites.
Before Tower Rock was referenced in the journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, many Native American tribes used the rock as a landmark when they were entering and leaving the rich buffalo grounds of today's north central Montana. Captain Meriwether Lewis noted in his journal “an Indian road enters the mountain at the same place with the river on the Stard side and continues along it's border under the steep clifts.” Lewis also wrote in his journal, “At this place there is a large rock of 400 feet high wich stands immediately in the gap which the Missouri makes on it's passage from the mountains... This rock I called the tower. It may be ascended with some difficulty nearly to it's summit and from it there is a most pleasing view of the country we are now about to leave. From it I saw that evening immense herds of buffaloe in the plains below.” Meriwether Lewis, July 16, 1805
This famous rock became a landmark for native tribes, the Corps of Discovery, fur trappers and traders and many more that followed in their footsteps. Now you can follow in their footsteps when you take in the beauty and nature of Tower Rock State Park.
Tower Rock State Park is located on the Missouri River 2181 miles from the mouth on the right hand side as you face down stream. Devils Kitchen is the next access site up stream from Tower Rock. Mountain Palace is the next site down stream from Tower Rock. Tower Rock is one of 27 FWP managed sites on the Missouri River. .
Tower Rock State Park is located between Craig and Pelican Point. The east side of Tower Rock is visible from I-15 and can be accessed by using Exit 247 at Hardy Creek. (Lat 47.181, Lng -111.816)
If you have questions or comments please send mail to: Tower Rock, 4600 Giant Springs Great Falls, MT 59405 or call (406) 454-5840.
These locations represent physical occurences (visually confirmed) within the boundaries of the site. Many more species may be present in the area which are not listed because we do not have a visually confirmed record. If you would like to report a species sighting, a form is available.
