MontanaState Parks Guide |
The official Montana State Parks Guide. Published by Montana State Parks.
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Montana State Parks Guide
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#
WITH CAMPING
RIVERS & LAKES
#
W/O CAMPING
gift shop
POPULATION
NATIONAL FOREST
1,000-2,500
WILDERNESS AREA
2,500-10,000
INDIAN RESERVATION
10,000-25,000
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STATE PARK
HIGHWAY
A
Heart Lake
Ri
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non-motorized hiking trails
swimming
TWO LANE + GRAVEL
boating
picnic area
Shoshone Lewis
Lake
Lake
Lilypad Lake
R ive
Fishing
Bridge
Lake
Village
Grant
Village
Beaverhead Rock
Lewis & Clark Caverns
Madison Buffalo Jump
Missouri Headwaters
Elkhorn
A
River
B I G
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campground
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
E
Willow
North
CANYON
The following icons represent activities and facilities that are available
at each
park listed throughout this brochure.
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ROCKY
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RESERVATION
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Lake Elwell (Tiber Res.)
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Frances
Page
30 #Smith River Map #
20.31Chinook
Logan
#6 Boxes
Sluice
13. LoneFort
Pine #2
32 Belknap
Tower Rock*
Agency
13. Lost
Creek #3
Malta
6. Madison Buffalo Jump #25
13. Makoshika #47
14. Medicine Rocks #45
14. Milltown #14
8. Missouri Headwaters #26
20. Painted Rocks #20
6. Pictograph Cave #40
8. Pirogue Island #46
20. Placid Lake #11
7. Rosebud Battlefield #43
Lewistown
21. Salmon Lake #12
15. Sluice Boxes #31
21. Smith River #30
21. Spring Meadow Lake #28
22. Thompson Falls #7
Roundup
22. Tongue River Reservoir #44
9. Tower Rock #32
9. Travelers’ Rest #13
22. Wayfarers (FHL) #5 42
23. West Shore (FHL)
#5
41
Billings
LaurelLake #2
23. Whitefish
Hardin
40
15.Columbus
Wild Horse Island
(FHL) #5
Crow
Agency
23. Yellow Bay (FHL)
#5
39
Milk
Cre
ek
R
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S W
r
ve
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7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
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Cr
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ch
Whitewater
Reservoir
Martin Lake
C
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Cr
River
36
W
Horseshoe
Lake
lk
Mi
a
rk
Fo
< <<
<
FL
Saint
Mary's Lake
Bir
Birch Creek
N< < <
TI
N E < < < Reservoir
N TA < <
L
Rainy Lake
Lake
Inez
GrayWolf
Lake
rias
Alkali
Lake
Four
Horns Lake
Big Salmon
Lake
Holland
Lake
Lindbergh
Lake
M
er
Ri v
29 Black Sandy
North
Chinook
Reservoir
re
ek
C
< < <<<
<
e
O
I
6.
Les Mason
Whitefish Lake
Lone Pine
Lake Mary Ronan
Flathead Lake
Big Arm
Finley Point
North Shore
Wayfarers
West Shore
Wild Horse Island
Yellow Bay
Logan
Thompson Chain of Lakes
Thompson Falls
Fish Creek
Council Grove
Frenchtown Pond
Placid Lake
Salmon Lake
Travelers’ Rest
Milltown
Beavertail Hill
Fort Owen
Granite
Lost Creek
Anaconda Smoke Stack
Painted Rocks
Bannack
Clarks Lookout
Map #
k
llow Cree
Wi
<
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dd
Mi
<
Glacier L.
Turquoise L.
o
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B
Rive
M
d Rive r
Selway
Bitterroot
Wilderness
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
ge
d
<
< <
< < << < <
Kicking
Horse Res.
Ninepipe Res.
McDonald Lake
Blac
T
Mud Lake
Fresno
Reservoir
16. Ackley
Lake #35
22 Clarks
Lookout*
Shelby
Mission Lake
Lo
C
reek
<
ver
Ri
s
8
r
Rive
INS
NTA
MOU
S
M
er
< <<
er
Riv
TN
th e
a
LOLO
NATIONAL
FOREST
Cla
rk
E
<
oot
terr
Bi t
M
Fla
Mission
Mountains
Wilderness
Pablo
Res.
FLATHEAD
INDIAN
RESERVATION
r
Sage
LS
HIL
Page #
21 Bannack
Cut Bank
Aloe
Lake
ne
Medici
Two
Spot ted B
e
Swan
MISSION
NE
Plains
gi
Creek
AS
S
Fre
< <
LE
T A I N S
Little
'A
Rainbow
Lake
Cut
T
GR
k
Ban
Kipps Lake
Two Medicine
Lake
< <
Swan
Lake
Flathead
Lake
N
U
D
Lonepine
Reservior
S W
<
Yaa
k
<
<<
E
O
R
S
ps
om
Th
Rive
<<
Fla
the
Hungry
ad
Horse
Reservoir
Echo Lake
U
U
Hubbart
Reservoir
Thompson Cla
rk
Falls
Fork
St. Re
ver
M
E
McGregor
Lake
O
O
N
12 Salmon Lake
Browning
13 Travelers’ Rest*
Smith Lake
M
C
I
7
Horse Lake
Ri
v
20 Painted
IndexRocks
Hay
Lake
25 Madison Buffalo Jump*
28. Visitor Centers, Camping,
26Disabled
Missouri
Headwaters
Access
ibility
Elkhorn*
29.27Park
Fees
30-31.
Events Meadow
and Programs
28 Spring
Lake*
Mi
lk
E
Buffalo Lake
RESERVATION
Sharp
Lake
St. Mary
Lake
Lake Rogers
Thompson
Lake
Croff
Lake
Lake Blaine
Fishtrap
Lake
A
G
T
6
v
Ri
Milk
F
u th
So
24 Lewis & Clark Caverns
Table of Contents
3-9 Historical Sites
17 Granite*
11-15 Nature Parks
18 Lost
Creek
16-23
Water-based Recreation
25-27 Accommodations
19 Anaconda
Smelter Stack*
3. Anaconda Smelter Stack #19 Havre
14 Milltown*
23 Beaverhead Rock*
Kalispell
4. Bannack #21
3
7. Beaverhead Rock #23
Bigfork
Conrad
Somers
Lakeside
11. Beavertail Hill #15
16. Big Arm (FHL) #5
4
5
17. Black Sandy
Fort #29
Benton
Choteau
Polson
17. Brush Lake #49
Great
Ronan
Falls 5. Chief Plenty Coups #39
34
33
7. Clarks Lookout #22
17. Cooney #38
Seeley
Lake
5. Council
Grove #9
32
31
11
10
4. Elkhorn #27
12
Lincoln
Missoula
9
18. Finley Point (FHL) #5
Bonner
35
Lolo
14
6. First Peoples Buffalo Jump #33
15
13
Clinton
29
30
11. Fish Creek #8
28
16
East Helena
4. Fort Owen #16
Helena
Stevensville
Montana
18. Frenchtown Pond #10
Deer
Clancy
City
Lodge
12. Giant Springs #34
17
Hamilton
Townsend
27
18
5. Granite #17
Anaconda
19
12. Greycliff Prairie Dog Town #37
Butte
26 Three18. Hell Creek #48
Forks
Big
24
Manhattan
19. Lake Elmo #41 Timber
20
Whitehall
25
19. Lake Mary Ronan #4 37
Bozeman
19. Les MasonLivingston
#1
Absarokee
12. Lewis & Clark Caverns #24
Ashley
Lake
Little
Bitterroot
Lake
Noxon
Reservoir
T
Ri
Howard
Lake
N
N
H
bb
Duck Lake
<
Whitefish
Island
Lake
.
Cr
Columbia
Falls
2
Tally
Lake
I
y
Lower
St. Mary
Lake
Lake
Sherburne
<
GLACIER
< <
< <
< < <<
<
NATIONAL
PARK
<
A
Y
S
KOOTENAI
NATIONAL
A
FOREST
L
S
r
Fisher Rive
E
I N
C A B
Cabinet
Gorge
Reservoir
1
ar
11 Placid Lake INDIAN
Trout Lake
Lake
McDonald
R
K
< <
< < << <
<
Logging Lake
ad
S
Cabinet
Mountains
Wilderness
Bull
Lake
Spar Lake
Upper
Stillwater
Lake
C
Kootenai Ri
ver
<
Quartz
Lake
k
ee
O
N
5 Flathead Lake
Big ArmLibby
Finley Point
Wayfarers
West Shore
Yellow Bay
Cr
ift
T
Kilbrennan
Lake
FLATHEAD
NATIONAL
FOREST
Sw
M
Dickey
Lake
10 Frenchtown
BLACKFEETpond*
<
the
Fla
Lake
Koocanusa
L
<
<
L
Upper
Waterton
Lake
<
Bowman
Lake
Fork
E
9 Council Grove*
WATERTON-GLACIER
INTERNATIONAL
PEACE PARK
Kintla
L.
rth
C
4 Wild Horse Island*
R
r
ive
R
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cc
U
ba
P
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T
River
SH
FI
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HI
3 Lake Mary Ronan
Therriault
Lake
Glen
Lake
<< <
Eureka
r
No
Rive
16 Fort Owen*
8 Fish Creek
W
Yaak
15 Beavertail Hill
7 Thompson Falls
<
2 Lone Pine*
6 Logan
Clar
ks
1 Whitefish Lake
Les Mason*
Whitefish Lake
rest rooms
motorized
boating
floating
wildlife
DINING
BIKE CAMP
watching BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENTSITES
Over 25,000
NATIONAL PARK / REC AREA
State Capital
Interstates & Roads
Rivers & Lakes
Scenic Byways
showers
electricity
Unimproved Roads
Lewis & Clark Trail We
Lewis & Clark Trail Ea
Montana Office of T
Historical Sites
Natural & Historical
Treasures Under the Big Sky
Welcome to refreshing beauty and unlimited opportunity
to connect yourself with nature. Welcome to Montana
State Parks. Our parks offer the chance to discover
nature, history and the waters of Montana. Whether
Montana’s past is a rich and diverse story.
There’s no better way to connect with it than
by visiting our many state parks. From ghost
towns that showcase a boom-and-bust mining
history to awe-inspiring buffalo jumps that recall
another way of life, you’ll find yourself marveling
at our heritage. These parks feature monuments
that pay tribute to our history: Montana’s rich
Native American legacy, our early pioneers and
of course, the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Best
of all, these parks will make history come to life
for you and your family.
you’re seeking an event, education, family fun
or a change of scenery, find yourself in ghost towns,
battlefields, caves and gazing at geological wonders.
Montana History
Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park *
The 585-foot Anaconda Copper Company smelter stack,
completed in 1919 by the Anaconda Copper Company, is one
of the world’s tallest free-standing
brick structures. It can be viewed at a
distance where signs detail its history.
Viewing area at east end of Anaconda
on 4th St. (Lat 46.11, Lng-112.914)
Phone (406) 287-3541.
Visit our website, stateparks.mt.gov, for more on
Montana’s State Parks. Explore more in Montana.
Chief Plenty Coups
Campsite Reservation Program
stateparks.mt.gov | 855-922-6768
2
brush lake
Matt Long photo
* National Register of Historic Places
3
Fort Owen State Park *
Granite State Park *
Montana’s first permanent white settlement is also the site of
other “firsts,” including the state’s first Catholic church,
founded in 1841. John Owen welcomed Indian tribes, traders,
trappers, missionaries, settlers, and travelers to Fort Owen in
the 1850’s and 60’s. Interpretive signs and exhibits detail the
site’s history.
25 miles south of Missoula on U.S. 93 to Stevensville
Junction, then .5 miles east on Secondary 269.
(Lat 46.52, Lng-114.097) Phone (406) 273-4253.
Nicknamed “Montana’s Silver Queen,” Granite had its
heyday in the 1890s. Today the park is comprised of the
Superintendent’s House and the ruins of the Miner’s Union
Hall which featured the “Northwest’s Finest Dance Floor.”
From Philipsburg, east on Hwy 10A, South on Sansome,
east on gravel road opposite Center St. approximately 4 miles from
townsite. (Lat 46.319, Lng-113.257) Phone (406) 287-3541.
Chief Plenty Coups
Chief Plenty Coups
Chief Plenty Coups
American indian
Ghost Towns
Chief Plenty Coups State Park **
Apsáalooke (Crow) Chief Plenty Coups and his wife Strikes the
Iron willed their log home and farmstead, as a place for all
cultures to come together in a cooperative manner. Visit their
two-story log house, walk the Crow Life-ways trail, browse the
gift shop for original Crow art and beadwork, and enjoy a picnic
along beautiful Pryor Creek at this National Historic Landmark.
So. Billings Blvd., Exit 447 off I-90, 35 miles south to Pryor,
1 mile west. (Lat 45.429, Lng-108.549) Phone (406) 252-1289.
Bannack State Park **
More than 50 buildings, weathered by the seasons, still stand on
the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery on July 28, 1862,
and its first territorial capital. Stroll down the boardwalks on
Main Street and wander through the deserted buildings in one
of the state’s best preserved ghost towns. A reservable shelter
and a rentable tipi are also available.
Located in southwestern Montana. Take I-15 south of
Dillon to Exit 59 (Hwy 278 exit). Drive west on Hwy 278
for 18 miles. Turn south onto the Bannack Road and travel four
miles. Park entrance road will be on the left-hand side.
(Lat 45.163, Lng-112.995) Phone (406) 834-3413.
Chief Plenty Coups
Council Grove State Park
Bannack
Elkhorn State Park *
This historic boom-and-bust mining town features two
impressive structures, Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall, both
examples of frontier architecture. These are the only two
buildings in the town of Elkhorn that are publicly owned.
Please respect private property while visiting this site.
I-15 at Boulder exit, 7 miles south on MT 69, then 11
miles north on county road. (Lat 46.275, Lng-111.946)
Phone (406) 495-3260.
A beautiful monument commemorates the Hellgate
Treaty of 1855 that involved the Bitterroot Salish, Pend
d’Oreilles and Kootenai tribes.
This is also a great park for birdwatching and fishing access
to the Clark Fork River.
In Missoula on I-90 at Reserve St. Exit, 2 miles south
on Reserve St., then 10 miles west on Mullan Rd.
(Lat 46.911, Lng-114.161) Phone (406) 542-5500.
Bannack
* National Register of Historic Places
** National Historic Landmark
Bannack
Bannack
5
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park *
Rosebud Battlefield State Park **
This is one of the largest buffalo
jump sites in North America. For thousands
of years people gathered here to hunt and celebrate the
abundance the buffalo brought to them.
A modern visitor center, with dioramas and hands-on activities,
tells the story of the buffalo and the native people of the Plains.
Wheelchairs available.
10 miles south of Great Falls on I-15 at Ulm Exit, then 3.5
miles northwest on Ulm-Vaughn road.
(Lat 47.479, Lng-111.525) Phone (406) 866-2217.
This expansive rolling landscape is the site of one of the most
significant battles ever waged between American Indians and
the U.S. Army. Though the battle was a draw, it was a strategic
victory for the Lakota (Sioux) and Tse’ tsehestahese (Cheyenne)
eight days before Little Bighorn.
25 miles east of Little Bighorn Battlefield on U.S. 212,
then 20 miles south on Secondary 314, then 3 miles west
on the county road. The last 1.5 miles are on unpaved roads.
(Lat 45.219, Lng-106.978) Phone (406) 757-2298.
Pictograph Cave
Ulm Pishkin
Lewis & Clark
Madison Buffalo Jump State Park *
Nomadic tribes stampeded buffalo over this cliff and used
the remains for food, clothing and shelter. Hike to the top of
the limestone cliffs jump for impressive views of the Madison
River valley.
23 miles west of Bozeman on I-90 at
Logan Exit, then 7 miles south on Buffalo Jump Road.
(Lat 45.795, Lng -111.462) Phone (406) 285-3610.
Pictograph Cave
Pictograph Cave State Park **
Prehistoric hunters left their mark on the cave walls as early as
2,000 years ago. A full service visitor center, staff, and printed trail
guides explain why Pictograph Cave is known as “the birthplace
of Montana archaeology.”
In Billings on I-90 at Exit 452, then 6 miles
south on Coburn Road. (Lat 45.738, Lng-108.433)
Phone (406) 254-7342.
Pictograph Cave
Beaverhead Rock State Park *
As the Corps of Discovery moved into the area of currentday Dillon, Sacagawea recognized a landmark indicating
a spot where the Shoshone camped. The Shoshone called
the landmark “Beaver’s Head,” because the formation
resembles the head of a swimming
beaver. No services.
14 miles south of Twin Bridges
on MT 41. (Lat 45.385, Lng-112.46)
Phone (406) 834-3413.
John Lambing ph
Clark’s Lookout State Park *
oto
Interpretive signage explains the navigational techniques used
by Lewis & Clark. Walk the trail to the top of this promontory
to stand where Clark stood and view the scenery. A granite
monument at the summit depicts the three compass readings
Clark took.
1 mile north of Dillon on Hwy 91.
(Lat 45.235, Lng-112.634) Phone (406) 834-3413
Pictograph Cave
6
* National Register of Historic Places
** National Historic Landmark
7
Missouri Headwaters State Park **
Tower Rock State Park *
Captain Lewis stood on top of a limestone cliff and saw the
three rivers that formed the Missouri River. He named the
tributaries Madison, Gallatin and Jefferson. Interpretive signs,
hiking trail, campground and rental tipi all make this park a
convenient and informative stop.
4 miles northeast of Three Forks, off Hwy 205, then onto
Hwy 286. (Lat 45.924, Lng-111.498) Phone (406) 285-3610.
Missouri Headwaters
Tower Rock is a landmark noted
by Meriwether Lewis in his July 16,
1805 journal entry. This igneous
rock formation is 424 feet high and
stands in the mouth of the canyon
where the Missouri River flows.
South of Cascade, the east side of
Tower Rock is visible from I-15 and can be accessed by
using Exit 247 at Hardy Creek. (Lat 47.189, Lng-111.810)
Phone (406) 866-2217.
Pirogue Island State Park
Tower Rock
Captain Clark, his men and
Sacagawea are believed to have
camped on Pirogue Island on
their return trip in 1806. The site
is a haven for waterfowl, bald
eagles, whitetail and mule deer.
1 mile north of Miles City on
MT 59, then 2 miles east on Kinsey Road, then 2 miles
south on county road. (Lat 46.436, Lng-105.821)
Phone (406) 234-0900.
Travelers’ Rest State Park **
This is the only site on the Lewis and Clark Trail where
archaeological evidence has been pieced together confirming
a Corps encampment. The Corps established this campsite
in September 1805 and camped here again on the return
journey in 1806. This crossroads was used by people for
centuries before Lewis and Clark.
8 miles south of Missoula to Lolo, then 1/2 mile west on
U.S. Hwy 12. (Lat 46.751, Lng-114.089) Phone (406) 273-4253.
Pirogue Island
Travelers Rest
8
* National Register of Historic Places
** National Historic Landmark
9
Nature Parks
From peace and tranquility to sheer amazement
and awe, Montana’s beauty is sure to stir your
senses. Montana’s state parks include the best examples of
its geological formations, wide-open natural landscapes
and sparkling lakes. Find your natural
playground in one of these parks.
Beavertail Hill State Park
A one-mile disabled-accessible self-guided nature trail
points out many of the natural features of the riparian zone
in which the park is located. In addition to RV and tent
camping, this park also offers the opportunity to rent a fullsize tipi for the night.
Located 26 miles southeast of Missoula on I-90 to
Beavertail Hill exit 130, then .25 mile south on county road.
(Lat 46.719, Lng-113.574) Phone (406) 542-5500.
L&C Caverns
L&C Caverns
Fish Creek State Park
From the lookout atop Williams Peak to the crystal clear blue
pools of Fish Creek, this 5603-acre park is full of wildlife, beautiful
scenery, and places to explore. Open year round, activities
include hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife
viewing. The Alberton Gorge, with first-rate whitewater, is
nearby.
35 miles west of Missoula on I-90 at Fish Creek Exit 66,
then 2.5 miles west on Fish Creek Road.
(Lat 46.979, Lng-114.693) Phone (406) 542-5500
Fish Creek
lewis & clark caverns
Cheryl Aldrich photo
11
Pirogue I
L&C Caverns
Giant Springs State Park
Lone Pine State Park
One of the largest freshwater springs in the country,
Giant Springs flows at 156 million gallons a day. Visit the
adjacent fish hatchery, walk along the River’s Edge Trail
or visit the nearby Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center.
Wheelchairs available. This river’s edge setting is shaded by
massive cottonwood trees.
2 miles east of U.S. 87 on Giant Springs Road, Great Falls.
(Lat 47.534, Lng-111.227) Phone (406) 454-5840.
With spectacular views of the magnificent Flathead Valley
and Glacier National Park, one can learn about the area’s
natural history at Lone Pine’s Visitor Center. Exhibits
explore the relationship between humans and the wildlife
of the area. The park also offers archery, great hiking, and
mountain biking on more than 7 miles of trail.
From the Highway 93 Alternate, head west at the Foy’s
Lake Roundabout on Foy’s Lake Road. Travel 4 miles, then
turn left on Lone Pine Road and follow to the park entrance.
(Lat 48.176, Lng-114.337) Phone (406) 755-2706.
Lone Pine
Lone Pine
Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park
Lone Pine
Black-tailed prairie dogs are very social animals
that engage in activities such as communicating
and grooming each other. This is a great
place to enjoy a picnic and learn about the
important role these animals play in the
prairie ecosystem.
Nine miles east of Big Timber at
I-90 exit 377. (Lat 45.759, Lng-109.79)
Phone (406) 445-2326.
Lone Pine
Lost Creek State Park
The varied wildlife, unusual geological formations and
picturesque Lost Creek Falls provide visitors with a unique
outdoor experience. Look for mountain goats and bighorn
sheep in the area.
1.5 miles east of Anaconda on MT 1, then 2 miles north
on Secondary 273, then 6 miles west.
(Lat 46.21, Lng-113.004) Phone (406) 287-3541.
Lone Pine
Lone Pine
Lone Pine
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
Makoshika State Park
Explore one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns
in the northwest on an informative two-hour guided tour.
The park also has hiking trails, ranger programs, nature store,
deli, cabins, a tipi and reservable shelter and campground. A
visitor center features a classroom and interpretive displays.
Fee charged for Caverns tour. Easy highway access.
22 miles west of Three Forks on MT 2 or 18 miles east of
Whitehall on MT 2.
(Lat 45.843, Lng-111.883) Phone (406) 287-3541.
Hogback ridges, fluted hillsides,
pinnacles and caprocks ornament
a network of buttes at this scenic
park. The site of rare dinosaur finds, Makoshika features
a visitor center, campground, hiking trails, archery range,
amphitheater and scenic vistas. For more information on the
Montana Dinosaur Trail, please visit www.mtdinotrail.org.
Located at the southeast edge of Glendive. Follow the
signs through town – Merrill Avenue to Barry St. to Taylor
Ave. (Lat 47.062, Lng-104.668) Phone (406) 377-6256.
Makoshika
L&C Caverns
Makoshika
12
13
Medicine Rocks State Park
Sluice Boxes State Park
Weathering has given the soft
sandstone rock formations
in this scenic 320-acre park
a Swiss-cheese look. Jutting
abruptly from the southeastern
Montana prairie, this park’s
unique scenery and rugged
beauty is a sight to behold.
Visitors often see mule and
white-tailed deer, antelope
and wild turkey.
25 miles south of Baker on MT 7.
(Lat 46.045, Lng-104.469) Phone (406) 234-0900.
In this area of pristine beauty and historical mining
significance, one can see the remains of the Albright town
site, limestone quarry and railroad trestles lining Belt Creek.
A primitive trail provides access to fishing, challenging
floats and wildlife viewing. Permit required to camp.
Call before your visit to obtain a permit.
12 miles south of Belt on U.S. 89 on the Kings Hill
Scenic Highway, then 1/2 mile west on county road 340.
(Lat 47.212, Lng-110.935) Phone (406) 454-5840.
Sluice Boxes
Wild Horse Island State Park
(on Flathead Lake)
Medicine Rocks
Milltown State Park
Abundant outdoor opportunities and a rich cultural heritage
converge at the newly restored confluence of the Clark Fork
and Blackfoot Rivers at the heart of the Milltown State Park.
The overlook is open now. The the main park areas
are anticipated to open to the public in late 2014 or 2015.
Milltown State Park features more than 500 acres of terrain,
ranging from restored river bottoms to a pine forested bluff
overlooking the confluence. The park will afford visitors a
place to go hiking, biking, fishing, floating and watching for
birds and wildlife.
Located five miles east of Missoula on I-90. Exit at Bonner
(exit 109) and take Hwy. 200 to Milltown.
(Lat 46.8708, Lng 113.8866). Phone (406) 542-5533.
14
A boat is the only access to this 2000
acre day-use island park. Visitors can
enjoy outstanding wildlife viewing of
mule deer, bighorn sheep, wild
horses and more.
Big Arm State Park is a popular
access point to reach Wild Horse
Island by boat. Kayaking, swimming,
hiking and fishing are popular activities.
(Lat 47.845, Lng-114.218) Phone (406) 752-5501.
Kenton Rowe photo
Wild Horse
Medicine Rocks State Park - Montana Office of Tourism photo
15
Black Sandy State Park (on Hauser Lake)
Water-Based Parks
The shimmering waterways of Montana’s water-based state
parks offer plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming,
water skiing, boating and more. Montana State Parks
feature lakes and rivers perfect for filling your senses.
For more detailed information on water-based rules and
regulations, please see our website at stateparks.mt.gov.
Ackley Lake State Park
Nestled in rich grassland with beautiful mountain views,
Ackley Lake offers a variety of year-round water sports
opportunities. Motorized boating and water-skiing
permitted. Popular for rainbow trout fishing.
17 miles west of Lewistown on U.S. 87 to Hobson,
then 5 miles south on Hwy 400, then 2 miles southwest on
county road. (Lat 46.957, Lng-109.943) Phone (406) 454-5840.
On the shore of beautiful Hauser Lake, this recreational
area offers camping, swimming, year-round fishing,
boating and hiking.
7 miles north of Helena on I-15, then 4 miles east
on Secondary 453, then 3 miles north on county road.
(Lat 46.749, Lng-111.888) Phone (406) 495-3260.
Black Sandy
Brush Lake State Park
This mile-long lake is ideal for swimming, wildlife viewing,
motorized boating and water skiing. Due to the mineral
make-up of Brush Lake, there are no fish. Northeast portion
of the lake includes a day-use area.
31 miles southeast of Plentywood. Off state Hwy 16,
go east on Hwy 258 (East Reserve Highway) for 16.5 miles,
turn south on Brush Lake county road, go 1 mile.
(Lat 48.603, Lng-104.113) Phone (406) 557-2362 or
(406) 483-5455
Cooney
Cooney
Big Arm State Park (on Flathead Lake)
Come explore this 217-acre park. It is a popular spot for
swimmers, boaters, sunbathers and anglers. Located on the
southwest shore of Flathead Lake, Big Arm is a popular
launch site for Wild Horse Island. Three yurts and a group
camping facility are available.
14 miles north of Polson on U.S. 93 on the west shore.
(Lat 47.811, Lng-114.312) Phone (406) 752-5501.
Big Arm
ith photo
Linda Mered
16
Brush Lake
Cooney State Park
Enjoy year-round activities at this popular recreation area.
The 5 campgrounds, boating, swimming and fishing on
Cooney Reservoir are popular in the spring, summer and
fall. Ice fishing, cross-country skiing and ice skating are
winter favorites.
22 miles southwest of Laurel on U.S. 212, then 8 miles
west of Boyd on county road. Or, south of Columbus 4
miles to Shane Creek Road, 14 miles east.
(Lat 45.441, Lng-109.228) Phone (406) 445-2326.
Cooney
17
Finley Point State Park
(on Flathead Lake)
Lake Elmo State Park
Enjoy the pleasures of a lake setting—without leaving
the city. Open year-round, Lake Elmo offers an abundance of
recreational opportunities, including swimming, fishing,
non-motorized boating, hiking, a dog park and more.
In Billings, Main St. (U.S. 87) north to Pemberton
Lane, then .5 mile west. (Lat 45.839, Lng-108.477)
Phone (406) 247-2955.
This secluded campground is located in a
mature conifer forest near the south end of
the lake. Boat slips at the 16-slip marina may
be rented nightly to moor boats or for an onboard camping experience. Features 16 RV sites
and 4 boat slips with electrical service and water hookups. Two
reservable tent sites are also available.
6 miles north of Polson on MT 35, then 4 miles west
on county road. (Lat 47.755, Lng-114.085)
Phone (406) 752-5501.
Finley Point Lake Mary Ronan Lone Pine
L&C Caverns
Lake Mary Ronan State Park
Seven miles west of
Flathead Lake, nestled in
the Salish and Mission, this shady
park is a great place to camp and swim. The lake offers excellent
fishing for koka