The short answer
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Montana’s first state park — is about 47 miles (50 minutes) west of Bozeman. Guided tours wind through limestone caverns full of stalactites, and Missouri Headwaters State Park, where three rivers join to form the Missouri, is right on the way near Three Forks.
What to do
Top things to do at Lewis & Clark Caverns & Missouri Headwaters
Guided cave tours
Tours cover about two hours with hundreds of stairs; the cave stays around 50°F.
Missouri Headwaters
Where the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers meet, near a Lewis and Clark campsite of 1805.
Three Forks
A small town with the historic Sacajawea Hotel.
Madison Buffalo Jump
A state park preserving a cliff used by Indigenous hunters for millennia.
By van
Getting there in a van
Take I-90 west to Three Forks, visit the headwaters just off the interstate, then continue on MT-2 to the caverns.
- Tours sell out on summer weekends — reserve ahead with the state park.
- The visitor center lot is a steep drive up; take it slowly in a loaded van.
- A great weather backup when mountain plans get rained out.
Pack list
What to bring to Lewis & Clark Caverns & Missouri Headwaters
- A jacket for the 50°F cave
- Shoes with grip for damp stairs
- Water
- Picnic lunch for the headwaters
FAQ
Lewis & Clark Caverns & Missouri Headwaters: common questions
How long is the Lewis & Clark Caverns tour?
The main tour runs about two hours and involves hundreds of stairs. Check Montana State Parks for current tour options and reservations.
Is Lewis & Clark Caverns good for kids?
Yes, for kids who can handle stairs and some tight spots. Younger children often enjoy the shorter options when offered.
Things to do here
Road trips that stop here
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