Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks tend to get all the attention in Montana, but the Big Sky State has plenty of other public lands worth checking out. Its state parks are home to unique geology, fossils, history, waterfalls, and more. If you’re visiting Montana, be sure to add visits to these five state parks that will show you all the beauty that the state has to offer.
Makoshika State Park
This park is Montana’s version of Badlands National Park, and it may even be better. The 11,500-acre park is home to distinct, striped rock formations made from sandstone. Thousands of years ago, dinosaurs roamed freely here, and the fossils in the visitors center tell the fascinating history of this prehistoric era.
Things to note: The Visitors Center has reduced hours during the winter season (October 1–April 30).
Must-do activity: Check out the activity calendar and participate in a free, guided activity, like night sky viewing, ranger-led hikes, and tours of the paleontology lab.
Trails: Hikers can explore the park through 11 designated trails. Kids will enjoy the 1-mile Cap Rock Trail, a flat, easy interpretive trail that takes you past the park’s main highlights.
Camping: There are 28 campsites. Some are walk-in only, while others can be reserved online. Sites cost $18 a night, with a $10 reservation fee.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
This park is less than an hour from Bozeman, making it a convenient side quest. Lewis & Clark Caverns invites visitors to head underground and take in some of the largest limestone caverns in the Western U.S. Once you’ve had your fill of this otherworldly cave, head up to the surface and enjoy the opportunity to spot diverse species of birds.
Things to note: While exploring the caverns, be sure to wear sturdy footwear with good grip, as walkways can be wet and slippery.
Must-do activity: The caves are only accessible via guided tour, which you can reserve online. Tours run from May through September.
Trails: There are over 10 miles of trails in the park. Combine the Nature and Greer Gulch Loop trails for a moderate, 2-mile hike that offers scenic views of the nearby Tobacco Root Mountains. For an all-day adventure, take on the 5.9-mile Grand Loop that takes you through most of the park.
Camping: The park has 40 drive-in campsites ($18), three cabins ($66), and a hiker-biker camp ($8) that guests can reserve online.
Pictograph Cave State Park
Parks aren’t just about scenic views and wildlife: They’re also opportunities for us to understand our history. Pictograph Cave State Park is home to 30,000 artifacts from the prehistoric peoples who once lived in this part of Montana. Multiple caves house ancient pictographs that are over 2,000 years old.
Things to note: In addition to the Pictograph Cave, visitors can also explore the Ghost and Middle Caves. There are also two designated picnic areas.
Must-do activity: Walk the 0.75-mile loop trail to the caves that offer interpretive signage about the area, and then take time to explore the underground. Be sure to bring binoculars to get an up-close view of the pictographs.
Camping: There is no camping in the park.
Giant Springs State Park
Giant Springs State Park has got something for everyone. With access to 14 miles of shoreline along the Missouri River, anglers, boaters, and birdwatchers will have a whale of a time. The Giant Springs is one of the largest freshwater springs in the country, and the park is also home to four waterfalls.
Things to note: Dogs are allowed on leashes. The Giant Springs Fish Hatchery is on-site and open to the public.
Must-do activity: Traverse the 4.6-mile Rivers Edge Trail to see views of the springs and Roe River, and reach the Rainbow Dam Overlook.
Trails: The park is home to over 30 miles of trails. The Giant Springs State Park Loop is a flat, easy 1.4-mile trail that is great if you’ve only got a short while to explore the park.
Camping: There is no camping in the park.
Medicine Rocks State Park
If you’re looking for a true escape into nature, head to this state park, which is surrounded by rural, undeveloped land. The name implies that it was once the site where Indigenous hunting parties gathered. Today, it’s well-known for its unique rock formations. Time and weather have given sandstone boulders their unique “Swiss cheese” appearance.
Things to note: The park is prime territory to spot wildlife like mule deer, antelope, Woodhouse’s toads, and sharp-tailed grouse.
Must-do activity: Hike on the 1.6-mile Dalton Rock trail to see as many boulders as possible, and stop at the Dalton Rock lookout to take in views of the area.
Trails: There are three trails in the park: The Sunset Loop (0.6 miles), North Rock Trail (0.6 miles), and Dalton Rock (1.6 miles).
Camping: There are eight campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. The single group campsite can be reserved in advance.
Fees
Montana residents can get access to all state parks if they choose to add the $9 parks pass to their vehicle registration. Non-residents entering with a vehicle must pay an $8 day-use fee.
Read the full article here