Within the boundaries of this scenic park and National Historic Landmark, the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers merge to form the 2,300 mile Missouri River.
Considering it an essential point in the geography of this western part of the continent, Meriwether Lewis wrote the country opens suddenly to extensive and beautiful plains and meadows which appear to be surrounded in every direction with distant and lofty mountains. The legendary Sacajawea was captured here as a child and eventually returned as a member of the Corps of Discovery. Another member of this expedition, John Colter, later made several trips to this area in search of furs and began his famous run nearby. Pioneers slowly settled the surrounding area and transformed it into profitable grazing and farming land. Missouri Headwaters State Park preserves much of the region's abundant wildlife, lush, vegetation, and scenic beauty that have attracted people for thousands of years.
The park provides 17 campsites, tipi rental, foot trails to points of interest, and interpretive displays of the area's cultural and natural history. River floating, fishing, picnicking, bicycling, hiking, interpretive programs, and photography are popular activities.
The park is 532 acres in size and is 4,045 feet in elevation.
Activities
Bicycling
Bird Watching
Boating
Camping
Canoeing
Education
Exhibit
Fishing
Heritage
Hiking
History
Kayaking
Lewis And Clark
Photography
Picnicking
River Fishing
RV Camping
Tent Camping
Wildlife Viewing
Amenities
Some amenities are seasonal. Check with the park for availability.
ADA Accessible
Boat Launch
Camp Host
Grills/Fire Rings
Interpretive Display
Maps
Parking
Pets Allowed
Picnic Shelter
Pack-in/Pack-out
Tipi
Toilets (Flush)
Toilets (Vault)
Water
Seasons & Hours
Hours listed below are normal operating hours and may not apply when there is a special restriction or closure. Check Alerts and Closures in the tab below.
Park
Open all year
Alerts & Closures
Social distancing is still required per the Governor's statewide directive to reduce spread of COVID-19. Stay safe!
* Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees to state parks. For residents who don't include this in their vehicle registration, non-resident day use fees apply.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Missouri Headwaters State Park
1585 Trident Road
Three Forks, MT 59752
Enjoy this aerial tour of Missouri Headwaters State Park
Within the boundaries of this scenic park and National Historic Landmark, the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers merge to form the 2,300 mile Missouri River. Missouri Headwaters State Park preserves much of the region's abundant wildlife, lush, vegetation, and scenic beauty that have attracted people for thousands of years.
Dave Andrus has put his degree in Wildland Recreation Management from the University of Montana to work at state parks across Montana. He currently manages Missouri Headwaters and Madison Buffalo Jump state parks and administers Montana State Parks' snowmobile and trails programs in southwest Montana. Dave is originally from Missoula, and says he is proud to be serving the people of his home state.
CONTACT INFO Mailing Address:
Missouri Headwaters State Park
1585 Trident Road
Three Forks, MT 59752