Lewis & Clark Caverns

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park encompasses 3,015 acres in Jefferson County, featuring Montana's most extensive and decorated limestone cave system. The park is Montana's first and most famous state park, attracting visitors with spectacular cave formations and diverse above-ground recreation.

The park supports mule deer, elk, mountain goats on the limestone cliffs, and various raptors. Several bat species inhabit the cave including western big-eared bats and little brown bats. The diverse surface habitats support a variety of songbirds and small mammals.

Douglas fir and limber pine forests cover the mountain terrain. The south-facing slopes support grasslands and sagebrush. The varied elevation and exposure create diverse plant communities. Wildflowers including prickly pear cactus bloom on the rocky slopes.

The caverns formed in Mississippian-age Madison Limestone through dissolution by slightly acidic groundwater over millions of years. The cave contains spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and rare formations including helictites and cave popcorn.

The park experiences cold winters and warm summers typical of southwestern Montana valleys. Annual precipitation averages about 12 inches. The cave maintains a constant temperature of approximately 50°F year-round.

Though named for Lewis and Clark, the explorers passed through the valley without discovering the caves. The caves were reportedly first found by local ranchers in the late 1800s. Dan Morrison extensively explored and promoted the caves beginning in 1892.

Lewis & Clark Caverns became Montana's first state park in 1937. The CCC developed trails and infrastructure during the 1930s and 1940s. The park's classic stone and log buildings are themselves historic.

Guided cave tours are the centerpiece attraction, available in multiple formats. Above ground, hiking trails provide panoramic views of the Jefferson River valley. Camping, a tipi village, and interpretive programs complement the cave experience.

The park offers camping including cabins and tipis, a visitor center, and the cave tour operation. It is located on Highway 2, about 15 miles east of Whitehall and 45 miles west of Bozeman.

Cave preservation is the highest priority, with guided tours limiting visitor impact. Bat conservation programs protect resident bat populations. The park balances heavy visitation with cave ecosystem protection.