This Underrated State Park Is Home To Montana's Largest Limestone Cave System

If there's one thing I love discovering, it's a good cave system — and what better type of cave to explore than one located in Montana's original state park? As you might be aware, Montana is one of the greatest states for outdoor exploration. With an array of state parks, beautiful mountain ranges, and crystal-clear lakes, it's easy to see why the state has earned its well-deserved nickname, "Big Sky Country." But beyond wide open vistas lies a hidden treasure that often takes visitors to this beautiful state by surprise: Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. Situated between Bozeman and Butte, this gem is home to one of the largest known limestone cave systems in the northwest. With otherworldly formations, a rich history, and hiking trails that extend beyond the caverns, this park offers the best of both underground discovery and above-ground wilderness. 

What makes the caverns so special is not just their sheer size or geological beauty, but also their deep connection to Montana's story. While Lewis and Clark themselves never actually stepped inside, the caverns were named in their honor by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, since the famous explorers had passed nearby along the Jefferson River during their westward journey. Early settlers and curious adventurers first explored the caves in the late-19th century, and over time, the state recognized their significance — both for their natural wonder and as a draw for tourism.

Today, you can step inside and instantly be transported to a different world: vast chambers lined with delicate stalactites and stalagmites, twisting tunnels carved over millions of years, and awe-inspiring formations that defy imagination. Above-ground, sweeping views of the Jefferson River Valley and the surrounding Tobacco Root Mountains remind visitors that the magic of this park isn't limited to its caverns.

The main draw of the park is, of course, the caverns themselves. While the park itself is open year-round, visitors can embark on guided tours that range from family-friendly walks (like the 1.5-hour Paradise Tour) to more adventurous routes that require crouching, twisting, and squeezing through narrow passageways (such as the Classic Cave Tour or Candlelight Tours). Once inside, you'll be surrounded by surreal natural sculptures — stalactites dangling from the ceiling, stalagmites rising from the floor, and entire rooms filled with delicate columns and draperies carved by centuries of dripping water. The park recommends booking your tour ticket in advance and arriving 30 minutes before the tour. Both the Paradise and Classic Tours are offered to guests from May through September, while the Candelight Tour is during select dates in December. 

Outside the caverns, the park is a destination in its own right. Over 3000 acres of terrain and 10 miles of hiking and biking trails are ripe for exploration, weaving their way through high-desert terrain and forested ridges, offering panoramic views of the Jefferson River Valley and the Tobacco Root Mountains. For a more challenging trail, visitors can check out either the Cave Gulch Trail, which reaches a high point of 1000 feet in two miles, or the East Side Trail, which has the same starting location but extends twice as far.

If you have more time, consider the Grand Loop, which is a 5.9-mile hike taking visitors through both the Cave Gulch and East Side Trails. Those looking for a leisurely walk can explore the Nature Loop Trail, a short trail taking visitors past an array of the park's wildflowers, or the Fishing Access Trail, which extends 1.3 miles down to the Jefferson River. 

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is conveniently located about 19 miles west of Three Forks, and roughly 40 minutes east of Butte, just off I-90 and Montana Highway 2. This makes it an easy side trip for anyone on their way between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, or simply doing a state-wide journey. For those looking to stay near the caverns, the park is well-equipped, with a campground that includes sites for tents and RVs, as well as rentable cabins for a more comfortable overnight experience. During summer, the park also hosts fun and educational events within the campsite amphitheater, including learning about constellations, how to read maps, and how to identify animal tracks. Wildlife is abundant here — keep your eyes peeled for elk, eagles, or even occasionally black bears. 

If you prefer to stay in a town, Whitehall (about 15 minutes away) offers rustic cabins, small motels, and diners, while Bozeman (about 50 minutes away) provides a wider range of accommodations from boutique hotels to rustic lodges. Staying in Bozeman also puts you close to a thriving downtown filled with breweries, restaurants, and shops — perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Whether you camp under the stars at the park or settle into a cozy inn nearby, the Lewis and Clark Caverns make for a unique and unforgettable Montana stop. Whether you're drawn by the thrill of exploring hidden caves, the history tied to early explorers, or the stunning landscapes that surround them, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park delivers an adventure unlike any other in Montana. It's a place where natural beauty meets fascinating geology, and visitors can experience both the mystery of the underground and the vastness of Big Sky Country above.