Travelers' Rest State 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 regularly in the summer, with special events promoted throughout the year.

• Archaeology

• Bicycling

• Bird Watching

• Children's Activities

• Cultural

• Education

• Exhibits

• Seasonal Fishing

• Heritage

• Hiking

• History

• Lewis And Clark History

• Museum

• Nature

• Photography

• Picnicking

• Séliš-Ql̓ispé Tribal History

• Sightseeing

• Visitor Center

• Wildlife Viewing

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

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

• 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily

Visitor Center

May 1 - September 30

• 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

October 1 - April 30

• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday
• Closed Monday and Tuesday

The Park and Visitor Center are closed Thanksgiving,  Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Day

Visit  Travelers' Rest Connection for updated programming.

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.

Visit the State Parks Fees & Regulations page for park rules.

Montana Residents

• 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.

Nonresidents

• Day use entrance fee with a vehicle: $8
• Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4
• With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free

Restrictions and Closures

See a current list of Restrictions and Closures on State Parks and other FWP lands that may be affected by floods, fire, drought or major maintenance activities.

Mailing Address:
Travelers' Rest State Park
PO Box 995
Lolo, MT 59847

Phone: 406-273-4253
Email: jessica.martin@mt.gov