Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park presents speakers, guided hikes and more this month

WHITEHALL – More exciting events are happening this month at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park.

A full list of this summer’s events at the Caverns can be found online at fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lewis-and-clark-caverns.

July 8 through 10

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park’s summer speaker series will welcome Amanda Hagerty on Friday, July 8, at 8 p.m. at the campground amphitheater. Hagerty will speak about the greater Yellowstone area.

On Saturday, July 9, at 8 p.m., park ranger Ramona Radonich will present “Goodness Snakes Alive!” at the campground amphitheater. In this program, visitors will learn about the prairie rattlesnake, which is native to the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park ecosystem. Visitors will discover what makes these reptiles rattle, how to avoid being bitten, and what to do if you are ever bitten by a rattlesnake. By understanding rattlesnakes, we can develop a healthy respect for these amazing reptiles that will help keep us safe in rattlesnake country.

On Sunday, July 10, Radonich will lead “Birds of a Feather”, a birdwatching hike through the park. The group will meet at the main visitor center at 10 a.m. for a brief talk, then they’ll head out to look for birds. These flying wonders are filling the skies at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park with their colors and songs. Binoculars will be provided for those who don’t have any.

July 16 and 17

On Saturday, July 16, at 8 p.m., Radonich will present “Night Skies at Lewis & Clark Caverns” at the campground amphitheater. Radonich will guide you through the constellations and tell the stories behind the stars you see when you look up at the night sky. Among the wonders you’ll meet is a star that turned on the lights to open the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, as well as the famous “double-double”.

On Sunday, July 17, Radonich will present “Flower Power”, an in-depth discovery of what’s really happening behind the glamor of flowers. Many people look at flowers and see beautiful colors and intricate designs. But the delicate-looking flower is really a powerful structure that creates optimal conditions to ensure the survival of its offspring. The group will meet at the main visitor center at 10 a.m. for a brief talk, then head out on a trail to hunt for wildflowers.

July 23 and 24

It’s “Three Dog Night” on Saturday, July 23. Radonich will present a tribute to three cool canines: wolves, coyotes and foxes. Although these animals share similar traits, they each have characteristics that make them unique. This presentation will begin at 8 p.m. in the campground amphitheater.

On Sunday, July 24, Radonich will lead “Insect Safari”, a hike and discussion on some of the park’s smallest wildlife. This program will begin at 10 a.m. at the main visitor center. While all bugs are insects, not all insects are bugs, Radonich says. Visitors will learn why this is and much more about the park’s six-legged critters. In the previous Insect Safari, the group found a rare pink grasshopper. What will you discover?

Planning your visit

Ranger Ramona almost never cancels a program. If visitors come, she will do the program. If the weather is bad, the program will move to a sheltered area. For evening programs, notification of a change in location due to weather will be posted on the signboard at the amphitheater entrance 30 minutes before the program starts.  

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is about 15 miles southeast of Whitehall, along Montana Highway 2. For more information about the park, please visit stateparks.mt.gov/lewis-and-clark-caverns or call 406-287-3541.