A Weekend at the Caverns
June 2026
Article by Kara Schwalbe
Photos courtesy of Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks
One minute you’re standing on a sunny mountainside observing the song of meadowlarks and the scent of sagebrush. The next, you step through a door into the mountain and feel the cool air of the cave and the darkness of the underground. Prepare to be awed by ancient, colorful formations unlike anything else you can see in Montana.
Less than three hours from Billings and about 20 minutes southwest of Three Forks, Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is an escape full of wonder and adventure. I spoke with Jake Gendron, the park Manager, to get the inside scoop for families. “This is a very unique experience in Montana,” he says, “There’s no other developed cave like ours.” Whether you tour the caves, hike the trails, dip your toes in the river, explore the visitor centers, attend a ranger program, or end the day with s’mores around the campfire, discover how to make the most of Montana’s first state park.
The Caves
In the early 1900s, a couple of enterprising hunters rediscovered the caves and turned them into a tourist attraction. After the land changed hands a few times, the area became Montana’s first state park in 1937. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park opened to the public in 1941, thanks to the hard work of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) during the Great Depression.
Today, the park hosts guided cave tours by reservation only (be sure to book online in advance). A knowledgeable tour guide will walk you through the history, geology, and ecology of the caves and point out features you won’t want to miss.
Two different tours are available from May through September:
- Paradise Tour (Easy): Designed for nearly all ages, this tour enters and exits the caves at the same point, traveling through a tunnel before emerging into the cave. You’ll visit the Paradise Room (the largest and most famous) and one additional room before heading back through the tunnel. There are a few stairs, but the route is otherwise flat and approximately one mile long. Feeling claustrophobic just reading this? Don’t worry, the Paradise Room is actually very large and open. Yes, you’re beneath the earth, but it hardly feels like it!
- Classic Tour (Moderately Difficult): This adventurous tour is recommended for ages 5 and up (as of 2026, no one under 5 is allowed). It’s a one-way loop of approximately two miles, climbing more than 100 stairs and descending more than 500. You’ll also squeeze through a narrow opening in the limestone and slide down the famous “Beaver Slide.” Along the way, pass through numerous rooms and even encounter a colony of bats.
The caves maintain a consistent 50 degrees year-round and are filled with colorful stalagmites, stalactites, columns, and helictites. Pick the tour that suits you and your family best, but don’t miss your chance to experience these geological wonders.
Know before you go: No bags of any kind, no metal-frame child carriers, and no pets on tour. Dog kennels and lockers are available while you’re underground. The caves are cool, wet, and slippery: you are required to wear closed-toed shoes, and you’ll want to bring layers to stay warm.
The Hidden Gem: Hiking Trails
While the caves are the headliner, the hiking trails are the park’s best-kept secret. “It’s a great spring hiking spot,” Jake says, “We’re in a shadow and south facing, so we tend to melt out a lot faster than other locations around here.” Many trails gain significant elevation, but Jake recommends the Campground Loop or the Greer Gulch Interpretive Loop for families with young kids. The interpretive loop is a short .25-mile trail with informational signs along the way. If you’re up for more, the full Greer Gulch Loop is about 2 miles long with stunning views and wildflowers in June.
The Jefferson River
After a dusty hike, the river beckons. The closest river access is the Limespur fishing access point, just over a mile from the campground and marked on park trail maps. For families with little ones, Jake recommends either Cardwell or Sappington Bridge fishing access. “They are a bit further away, but they have more beach area and gradual banks into the river,” he shares, making them much safer and more relaxing spots for kids to splash around while you keep an eye out for bald eagles.
Learn and Explore at the Visitor Centers
If you need a break from the sun, both visitor centers offer plenty to explore. “The upper visitor center is focused primarily on the caves and their history, while the lower visitor center is broader and more modern,” Jake explains. Both locations offer the Junior Ranger program: a series of activities to help kids explore and get to know the park. In addition, they have exhibits, hands-on activities, and staff who genuinely love sharing what they know with curious minds. Souvenirs are available at the lower visitor center; however, for a wider selection, the Gift Corral at the upper location is the place to go.
Café and Gift Corral
Another standout feature of the park is its on-site café and gift shop, located at the upper parking lot across from the cave tour entrance. It’s a great spot for a hot breakfast, lunch, or a sweet treat. No need to fuss over a morning campfire with hungry kids before your scheduled cave tour! New this year: specialty coffees, ice cream, and a selection of locally made candies.
Campground & Programming
With so much to see and do, Lewis & Clark Caverns is worth more than a day trip. The campground has 40 campsites, three cabins, and a wall tent, all of which are reservable through the Montana State Parks website. Amenities include coin-operated showers (bring quarters!), flush toilets, and a central playground. Prefer a soft bed? Three Forks is just 20 minutes away, and Bozeman is about an hour.
Visiting on a summer weekend? Check out the Ranger Program on Friday evenings and the Speaker Series on Saturday evenings. Both programs feature engaging presentations tied to the park and the surrounding area. Past programs have included everything from dug-out canoes to live raptors. This year, expect experts in biology and geology, and possibly a guided stargazing session. Also new this year: Interpretive Weekends on June 26-27 and July 24-25, offering expanded programming for visitors who want to go deeper.
A Memory Set in Stone
Whether you’re sliding down the "Beaver Slide" deep underground, watching the stars come out, or sipping a quiet morning coffee while the kids play on the playground, Lewis and Clark Caverns offers a rare kind of Montana magic. It’s a place where history isn't just in books, it's in the stone stairs built by the CCC and the echoes of the Jefferson River. So, pack your layers, grab your sturdy shoes, and head west. A weekend at the Caverns isn't just a trip; it’s a memory set in stone.
SUGGESTED FAMILY CAMPING TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1:
- Travel from Billings
- Enjoy dinner at Bridger Brewing in Three Forks (it’s on the way!) and let the kids (and pets) stretch their legs on the patio and lawn
- Arrive at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park and settle in at your campsite, enjoy some s’mores over the campfire (See the March issue of SLM for S’mores Reimagined)
Day 2:
- Morning cave tour(s)
- Enjoy a “no-cook” lunch at the Café and grab a souvenir at the gift shop
- Explore the visitor centers or visit the Jefferson River for fishing or cooling off in the afternoon
- Spend the evening around camp, reminiscing about your cave adventures while the kids play at the playground
Day 3:
- Morning hike
- Pack up camp and head home
SPECIAL PACKING LIST (beyond the usual):
- Layers for cave tour
- Sun protection (many hikes, including the trek to the cave, are very exposed)
- Closed-toed shoes (required for tours)
- Binoculars (for wildlife viewing)
- Quarters (for showers)
Originally printed in the Month 2024 issue of Simply Local Magazine
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