A visit to a Montana State Park is often an opportunity to learn something new, whether it’s a visit to Bannack State Park for some history or to Flathead Lake for canoeing and angling. A $30 State Parks Passport provides unlimited access to all 42 State Parks for the season.
Beyond opportunities to visit historical, cultural and recreational sites, many State Parks offer special events and presentations throughout the summer to increase the learning and adventure available in the parks.
Here is a sampling of some of those special events. For details on events in a particular park, contact the park manager or visit the FWP web site at fwp.state.mt.us and click on the Calendar of Events icon.
Highlights of Scheduled Park Events in June and July
June 6 at 8 p.m.
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
“Montana Pay Dirt”
Learn the history of gold mining in Montana and try your luck at panning for gold during this fun program for the whole family. For more information call 406-287-3541.
June 14 all day
Makoshika State Park
“Buzzard Day”
A day of activities to welcome the buzzards back to Makoshika State Park, including games, food, and fun activities for the whole family. For information call 406-377-6256.
June 14 at 7 p.m.
Missouri Headwaters State Park
“Summer Speaker Series”
Stephen Small Salmon, championship powwow dancer and member of the Pend d’Oreille Flathead tribe, will demonstrate traditional powwow dancing, drumming and singing. A campfire and marshmallow roast will follow the presentation. For information call 406-994-6934.
June 21 all day
Ulm Pishkun State Park
“Ulm Rhubarb Festival”
Come join the Ulm community at Ulm Pishkun to share and sample rhubarb goodies. Bring your own recipes to share and swap. For information call 406-866-2217.
June 21 at 7 p.m.
Missouri Headwaters State Park
“Summer Speaker Series”
Mardell Plainfeather, a member of the Apsaalooka (Crow) tribe, will provide glimpses into her culture from a woman’s perspective, including marriage traditions, the clan system and mourning practices. A campfire and marshmallow roast will follow the presentation. For information call 406-994-6934.
June 27 at 8 p.m.
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
“Heritage Trails of Montana”
Dr. Sally Thompson of the Montana Committee for the Humanities Speakers Bureau presents a program on the well-beaten paths through Montana’s landscape to buffalo, salmon, root plants and other people for trading or raiding. Many of these “heritage” trails are the same ones we travel today. For information call 406-287-3541.
June 28 at 7 p.m.
Missouri Headwaters State Park
“Summer Speaker Series”
Jack Gladstone, Grammy nominated Blackfeet singer, songwriter and storyteller will weave the mythology and stories of the Blackfeet into his musical performance. A campfire and marshmallow roast will follow the presentation. For information call 406-994-6934.
July 4 at 8 p.m.
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
“Montana’s Reptiles and Amphibians”
Walt Timmerman, amphibian expert, presents the interesting habits and behaviors of frogs, toads, salamanders, lizards, turtles and snakes. Live examples of some of Montana’s species will be exhibited. For more information call 406-287-3541.
July 10, 11 beginning at 1 p.m.
Ulm Pishkun State Park
“Traditional Brain Tanning”
Learn about the traditional technique of hide tanning the Indian way. All phases of the process will be demonstrated each afternoon including fleshing, braining, stretching and drying and then smoking. For more information call 406-866-2217.
July 19 all day
Bannack State Park
“Bannack Days”
Turn back the clock to the 1800’s for two fun-filled days for the entire family at Bannack State Park. This celebration of pioneer life features skill demonstrations, music, shoot-outs, wagon rides, old-fashioned plays, hilarious pranks, great food and more. For information call 406-834-3413.
July 19 all day
Frenchtown Pond State Park
“Big Sky Thunderbirds”
The public is invited to view the Big Sky Thunderbirds fly their radio-controlled airplanes. Members of the club will have planes on hand for visitors to see and they will land the scale model’s on the water. For information call 406-542-5531.
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