See the only archaeologically verified campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the nation. Centuries before Lewis and Clark, this site has long been known and used by Native peoples, notably the Salish.
About the Park
Located at an historic and contemporary crossroads, Travelers' Rest State Park and National Historic Landmark is a place where visitors can say with certainty that they are walking in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. The Park is at the core of a campsite used by the Corps of Discovery from September 9 - 11, 1805 and again from June 30 - July 3, 1806.
In the summer of 2002, archaeologists uncovered evidence of the Corps of Discovery's visit to the area, including a trench latrine tainted with mercury, fire hearths, and lead used in the repair and manufacture of firearms. The discovery makes Travelers' Rest the only campsite on the Lewis and Clark Trail with physical evidence of the expedition.
For centuries Native Americans also used the area as a campsite and trail junction. Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Nez Perce peoples were among those who traditionally occupied the area. Native American storytellers bring their history, culture and society to life as part of the programming at Travelers' Rest State Park.
With Lolo Creek running through the park, Travelers' Rest is an idyllic spot for strolling the park's trails, and offers a rich bird habitat, with more than 115 species recorded within the park boundaries. Be sure to stop at the Visitor's Center and Museum for a fascinating look at Lewis & Clark Expedition replicas, Salish culture, Native American hand crafts, a frontier Main Street, and more. The park also has a pavilion available for rent. Contact the park to make a reservation.
Travelers' Rest Connection is the park's cooperative managing organization. Interpretative programs are offered daily in the summer, with special events promoted throughout the year.
Activities
Archaeology
Bicycling
Bird Watching
Children's Activities
Cultural
Education
Exhibit
Fishing
Fly Fishing
Heritage
Hiking
History
Lewis And Clark
Museum
Nature
Photography
Picnicking
Sightseeing
Stream Fishing
Visitor Center
Wildlife Viewing
Amenities
Some amenities are seasonal. Check with the park for availability.
ADA Accessible
Childrens Activities
Gift Shop
Group Use Rentals
Interpretive Display
Maps
Parking
Pets Allowed
Picnic Shelter
Picnic Tables
Pack-in/Pack-out
Public Restroom
Registered Historic Site
Toilets (Flush)
Toilets (Vault)
Tours
Trash Cans
Water
Wedding Facilities
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.
Fall/Winter Hours
Day use only. No camping.
Park
September 1 – April 30: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years Day
Visitor Center
Daily through September 30: 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
October 1 through November 30:
• 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Wednesday - Sunday
• Closed Monday and Tuesday
December 1 through April 30:
• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday
• 12 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday
• Closed Monday and Tuesday
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years Day
Summer Hours:
May 1 - August 31, 2021: Open 9 am - 6 pm daily
Activities and Interpretive Programs
Sept. 11, 25 and Oct. 9, 23 (11:00 am): Trekker Kids programs, which include activities perfect for families.
Sept. 11 (11:00 am - 4:00 pm) & 12 (11:00 am - 2:00 pm): Commemorate the 1805 Lewis & Clark Expedition camping at Travelers' Rest with guest speakers, activities, and programs.
Sept. 22 (6:00 pm): Join a fall equinox walk around the state park.
Sept. 25 (11:00 am -1:00 pm): Celebrate Public Lands Day at Travelers’ Rest by volunteering and working to improve park lands.
Volunteer
Contact the park manager for open volunteer positions at Travelers' Rest State Park.
For complete position descriptions, application forms, and details about Montana State Parks volunteer programs, visit the Volunteers page.
Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4
With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free
* 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.
Alerts & Closures
None
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Travelers' Rest State Park
PO Box 995
Lolo, MT 59847
To keep our state parks safe and accessible to all, make sure you know before you go, practice physical distancing, plan ahead, play it safe, explore locally, leave no trace, respect wildlife, and do your part to build an inclusive outdoors.
Maci MacPherson manages Travelers’ Rest, Fort Owen and Painted Rocks state parks. Maci grew up going to state parks in Montana and Oregon, which strongly influenced her career choices. Before joining Montana State Parks, Maci worked at a number of National Parks around the West, gaining extensive experience in interpretation, tribal relations, and community partnerships. She has a B.S in Fish & Wildlife Management from Montana State University and a M.S. in Science Education from Oregon State University.
CONTACT INFO Mailing Address:
Painted Rocks State Park
PO Box 995
Lolo, MT 59847
