Many Montana State Parks are significant for their geology, wildlife habitat, ecosystem and magnificent scenery. From limestone caverns to expansive badlands, explore Montana’s diverse landscape.
Montana’s first state park reveals some the deepest and most impressive limestone caverns in the Northwest. Take a tour and explore the colorful stalagmites, stalactites, columns and flowstone on an informative and entertaining two-hour guided hike. The walking tour is 2 miles long, including 300 feet rise in elevation to the cave entrance with 500 stairs total to navigate.
The fascinating landscape of Makoshika State Park offers wonderment and awe in the ever-changing and diverse landscape. This park is a broad expanse of badlands with hogback ridges, fluted hillsides, pinnacles, and caprocks which decorate buttes and scenic vistas. Makoshika State Park was home to 10 species of Cretaceous-Age dinosaurs including Triceratops, Edmontosaurus and T-rex.
Weathering has altered the soft sandstone rock formations in Medicine Rocks park with a Swiss cheese look. “As fantastically beautiful a place as I have ever seen,” said one its first tourists in the 1800’s, Teddy Roosevelt. This park is also a haven for mule deer, antelope and sharp tailed grouse.
This “town” of black-tailed prairie dogs is an ideal place to observe how these animals engage in social activities such as communication and grooming each other. Greycliff Prairie Dog Town is a great place to eat lunch, watch little critters and learn about the important role these creatures play in the prairie ecosystem.
With wonderful views of the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park, Lone Pine State Park offers an opportunity to learn about the area’s cultural and natural history. With plenty of hiking trails and outdoor recreational opportunities you’ll be sure to appreciate all that Lone Pine State Park has to offer.
In this area of historic mining significance and pristine beauty, one can see the remains of silver and lead mines, railroad trestles and historic cabins that line Belt Creek as it winds through a beautiful limestone canyon. A primitive trail provides access to fishing, swimming and relaxing.
For a unique outdoor experience visit Lost Creek State Park with its varied wildlife, unusual geologic formations, forested canyon and picturesque Lost Creek Falls.
Boat access to this day-use only park helps to regulate and protect the 2,000-acre island in Flathead Lake. Check with park staff for the best ways to reach the island, its trails and views. Visitors can experience great trout fishing and view rare prairie plant species, bighorn sheep, mule deer and wild horses.
