article & photos by Maria Weidich

When we think of iconic summer adventures in Montana, our minds often jump to Yellowstone or Glacier National Parks. These places are worth the drive and rightfully earn their bucket-list status, but some of the most meaningful summer experiences don’t require reservations and a long road trip at all. Within an hour’s drive of Billings, families can swim, hike, explore ancient cave art, stand on pivotal historic ground, and walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. These nearby state parks and national monuments offer compelling stories, open space, and easy, inexpensive access, making them ideal for families, casual explorers, and anyone looking to make the most of a Montana summer without venturing far from home.

Emily Tyler, Park Manager at Lake Elmo State Park in Billings, agrees that each park has its own unique history and reasons for being designated. “Multitudes of visitors have expressed the joy and peace they find while enjoying the outdoors.” And this summer, the best outdoor adventures might be closer than you think.

WHAT MAKES THESE PLACES SO SPECIAL?

These five locations aren’t just scenic stops; they’re officially designated state parks and national monuments, recognized and protected for their historical, cultural, and recreational importance. Managed at both the state and federal levels, these places both serve the same purpose: preserving irreplaceable places while inviting the public to experience them firsthand. Together, they ensure these landscapes and the stories they hold can be explored and learned from for generations.

“I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO VISIT STATE PARKS IN THEIR TRAVELS AND THOSE IN THEIR OWN ‘BACKYARDS”

 -EMILY TYLER 

LAKE ELMO STATE PARK

Just minutes from downtown Billings, Lake Elmo State Park is a go-to summer escape for swimming, fishing, paddleboarding, and picnicking. In one word, Park Manager Emily summarizes Lake Elmo as abundant. Families love the sandy swim area, open grassy space, and easy access for a quick afternoon outdoors, or stroll on the 1.4-mile nature trail looping the lake. “It’s a treat to walk from the busy beach to the quiet wetlands on the other side of the lake. Each side of the lake has its own experience to give.” Even four-legged friends are welcome on leash, or let them loose in the fenced dog park along the shore. Lake Elmo is the kind of place where you can show up with minimal planning and still have a great day; perfect for hot summer afternoons or spontaneous outings close to home.

PICTOGRAPH CAVES STATE PARK

Pictograph Cave State Park offers a rare glimpse into

Montana’s ancient past, with rock art dating back thousands of years. A short, scenic hike leads visitors past caves marked with pictographs and petroglyphs. The park’s ¾ mile loop trail to the caves is an ideal outing for curious kids and anyone interested in the stories written on the landscape long before Montana was a state. Don’t forget your binoculars to get a better view of the rock art, excellent bird watching, or the occasional porcupine in the trees. After a walkabout, be sure to stop into the visitor’s center before you leave, Emily advises. “The center has some of the best interpretive displays of pictographs and early archeology in the state.”

CHIEF PLENTY COUP STATE PARK

Located in Pryor, about 40 minutes south of Billings, Chief Plenty Coups

State Park preserves the homestead and legacy of the last traditional chief of the Crow Nation. Emily formerly served as Park Ranger at Chief Plenty Coups State Park and describes the space as storied. “Pack a lunch and allow time to explore the visitor center and the Chief’s house,” Emily says. “Each has interpretive panels, and people come from all over the world to learn about Chief Plenty Coup and the Crow culture.” Additionally, the walk to the Chief’s house is the start of an easy one-mile walk that encompasses the sacred spring, a historic apple orchard, the banks of Pryor Creek, the Chief and his family’s grave site, and a playground. It’s a meaningful stop that blends outdoor space with powerful cultural education, especially impactful for older kids and teens.

LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD NATIONAL MONUMENT

At Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, complex history unfolds across a wide, open landscape where one of the most significant events in the American West took place: the 1876 battle where Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors defeated Lt. Col. George Custer’s 7th Cavalry. Visitors can walk the grounds and reflect at memorials honoring both sides of those who fought and died here. Unique this year, the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn will take place June 25-27, featuring special and commemorative events. Ultimately, it’s a powerful, educational experience that tells the complex story of conflict over land and traditional ways of life, leaving a lasting impression well beyond the visit.

POMPEYS PILLAR NATIONAL MONUMENT

Our state’s newest national monument, declared in 2001, Pompeys Pillar National Monument protects the only remaining physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition: William Clark’s signature carved into sandstone in 1806. Just 25 miles east of Billings, a beautiful boardwalk trail leads visitors to the base of the 150-foot sandstone pillar, with exhibits and river views along the way. With the exception of the 200-step boardwalk, stroller-friendly paths and interactive displays make this site accessible for all ages, turning a short visit into a memorable lesson in exploration and discovery. A beautiful 5,700-square-foot visitor center provides additional information. Don’t forget about the weaving nature trails skirting the Yellowstone River.

Montana summers have a way of reminding us how lucky we are, and sometimes the best reminders are right outside our front door. Emily adds that these unique places serve as touchstones for the communities around them, providing a history, cultural remembrance, and recreation. “Having spaces like these so close provide valuable educational and recreational opportunities to the people of Billings and are each individually special for their own reasons.”

Whether you’re swimming at Lake Elmo, reading ancient stories in stone at Pictograph Cave, or standing where history changed at Little Bighorn, these nearby parks and monuments offer moments that stay with you. This summer, consider trading long drives for local discovery and see just how much adventure our backyard holds.

State parks are free to Montana residents who pay the parks fee with their vehicle registration; national monuments require an entrance fee. Always check official websites for current hours, special events, and updates before visiting.

Originally printed in the March 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

related articles: