Many Montana State Parks have a significant cultural experience relating to the history of American Indians, mining, early day settlement or the journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Come discover for yourself the stories about Montana’s colorful history.

The Anaconda Copper Company built one of the tallest free-standing brick structures in the world at 585 feet. The stack was completed in 1919 and the smelter operated until 1980. Now you can view the stack from a distance while reading interpretive displays that detail its history.

This small sod-roofed log cabin, built in the early 1900’s, is symbolic to the thousands of early day settlers and their simple frontier homes as the pioneers advanced west. Interpretive signs at this small park portray a glimpse into one family’s hardships and victories as they struggled to survive in Montana. The site provides great photo opportunities and a quick visit to the past.

Many of Montana’s “firsts” occurred at Fort Owen. It was home to Montana’s first Catholic Church founded by Father DeSmet in 1841. Also located here were the state’s first sawmill and grist mill, first agricultural development, first water right and first school. John Owen came to this area in 1850 and began trading with the Indians and growing number of immigrants. Interpretive signs detail the site’s history.

Take a stroll down the deserted boardwalks of Bannack and listen to the stories the old buildings have to tell. When gold was discovered in Grasshopper Creek in 1862, the strike set off a massive gold rush. The town grew to over 3,000 in less than a year. As soon as the gold ran out, people left as quickly as they had come-leaving behind a rich and colorful history of early day mining and settlement. Bannack is preserved, rather than restored and is one of Montana’s best preserved Ghost Towns. Bannack is open year-round and hosts many events throughout the year .

The previous residents of Elkhorn, a small mining town, left behind two impressive structures, Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall. These buildings have been preserved as outstanding examples of frontier architecture. During Elkhorn’s heyday the population swelled to 2,500, but soon was deserted when the price of silver dropped.

Nicknamed, “Montana’s Silver Queen,” Granite had its heyday in the early 1890’s with population reaching 3,000. One of the most famous buildings was the Miner’s Union with a large auditorium and the “Northwest’s Finest Dance Floor.” Presently the park is comprised of the Superintendent’s House.

Plenty Coups was the last traditional chief of the Crow Nation. He was a visionary who led his people from the “buffalo days” into the 20th century. He and his wife, Strikes the Iron, willed their property as a place for all cultures to come together in a cooperative nature. For an inspirational, educational and cultural experience visit the Chief’s two story log cabin and modern interpretive center.

This historic location marks the spot where council between the Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens the Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’Oreille Indians in 1855. The council resulted in the Hellgate Treaty, or the creation of the Flathead Indian Reservation. A monument commemorates this event. In addition, this park offers unique bird watching opportunities, scenic views, picnic tables, and access to fishing on the Clark Fork River.

Prehistoric hunters camped here as long as 10,000 years and left behind marks on the cave and thousands of artifacts. Now with binoculars you can see the pictographs. A printed guide, signs and on-site staff assist visitors in learning about the ancient site and why Pictograph is called, “the birthplace of Montana Archeology.”

Before the use of a horse and gun, Native Americans had to rely on more immediate resources. Buffalo were herded over jumps such as Madison to their death. The Indians would use all parts of the animal for food, shelter, tools and clothing. You can hike to the top and get some great views of the Madison River below.

As one of the largest buffalo jump sites in the world, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park represents native people’s way of life and the importance of the buffalo. Thousands of people gathered here to hunt, celebrate and feast. A modern visitor center, featuring buffalo mounts, dioramas and hands on activities help to explain the importance of the buffalo to the native people of the Plains.

On June 17, 1876, the hills surrounding Rosebud Creek were the setting for one of the most intense battles ever waged between the Native Americans and the United States Army. The intense battle lasted over 6 hours and encompassed an area over 10 square miles.The fight taught the Sioux and Cheyenne many things and bolstered their confidence for the battle that would occur eight days later in the Valley of the Little Bighorn with Lt. Colonel George Custer.