Montana Field Trips
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Between May 1804 and September 1806, 32 men, one woman, and a baby traveled from the plains of the Midwest to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. They called themselves the Corps of Discovery. In their search for a water route to the Pacific Ocean, they opened a window onto the west for the young United States.
Nez Perce National Historical Park
Since time immemorial, the Nimiipuu or Nez Perce have lived among the rivers, canyons and prairies of the inland northwest. Despite the cataclysmic change of the past two centuries, the Nez Perce are still here. Join us in exploring the park's thirty-eight sites and experiencing the story of a people who are still part of this landscape.
Virtual field trip online
Yellowstone National Park
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park. Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Preserved within Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Lost Creek State Park - Anaconda
These spectacular gray limestone cliffs and pink and white granite formations rise 1,200 feet above the canyon floor a short way outside Anaconda. You will enjoy a short hiking trail to Lost Creek Falls cascading over a 50-foot drop to provide one of the most popular spots in the park. If you prefer a longer hike, walk up the Forest Service trail just north of the falls parking area. The trail winds for several miles along Lost Creek through forests and meadows with great views of the surrounding mountains. Wildlife, especially mountain goats and bighorn sheep, are frequently seen on the cliffs above the park.
Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park - Anaconda
The old Anaconda Copper Company smelter stack, completed in 1919, is one of the tallest free-standing brick structures in the world at 585 feet. The inside diameter is 75 feet at bottom, tapering to 60 feet at the top. In comparision, the Washington Monument is 555 feet tall. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the stack may be viewed and photographed only from a distance. Interpretive signs that detail its history are located in the viewing site near Goodman Park.
Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park - Big Timber
Grab your camera and hop off Interstate 90 at Greycliff to delight in the playful, curious black-tailed prairie dogs who live here. Interpretive signs provide information on the important role of these entertaining animals in the prarie ecosystem.
Yellow Bay State Park - Bigfork
Yellow Bay is in the heart of the famous Montana sweet cherry orchards, blossoms color the hillsides during the spring. The park includes Yellow Bay Creek, four walk-in tent camping spots and a wide, sandy beach for swimming, sunbathing, scuba diving, boating, fishing, and bird watching.
Wayfarers State Park - Bigfork
You’ll find this site right outside Bigfork located on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake. Enjoy camping and walking, launch your boat, or use the boat and trailer dump stations within a mature, mixed forest pleasant for both camping and picnicking. Nature walks over the rocky shoreline to the cliffs are popular with excellent views of the lake, as well as, wildflowers which abound from spring to late fall.
Pictograph Cave State Park - Billings
Located just 5 miles south of Billings, the Pictograph, Middle and Ghost cave complex was home to generations of prehistoric hunters. Over 30,000 artifacts have been identified from the park. A short paved trail allows you to view the rock paintings, known as pictographs, that are still visible in Pictograph Cave, the largest of the three. Interpretive signs tell the story of Montana’s first professional archaeological studies and excavations. This site is a National Historic Landmark.
Lake Elmo State Park - Billings
This urban day-use park attracts visitors to swim, sailboard, and fish. A display in the Fish, Wildlife & Parks headquarters located on site provides weekday interpretation of the park. Plan to stretch your legs on a walk around the lake or stop by the FWP Region 5 headquarters on the south shore to fish on Roger's Pier or tour the interpretive center.
Chief Plenty Coups State Park - Billings
Situated within the Crow Reservation in south-central Montana, 40 minutes south of Billings, this park was the home of Plenty Coups, last chief of the Crow. This day-use park preserves the log home, sacred spring, and farmstead of Chief Plenty Coups. Plan at least an hour to walk the grounds and browse through the small visitor center that traces the story of Chief Plenty Coups' life, and of the chief's efforts to lead his people in adopting the lifestyle of the white man.
Elkhorn State Park - Boulder
During its heyday in the 1880s, the mining town of Elkhorn swelled to a population of 2,500. The boom ended in 1890 with the drop in silver prices and residents moved to other areas. They left behind two impressive structures, Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall, which have been preserved as outstanding examples of frontier architecture. Each has been recorded in the Historic American Buildings Survey.
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument - Crow Agency
This area memorializes one of the last armed efforts of the Northern Plains Indians to preserve their way of life. Here in 1876, 263 soldiers and attached personnel of the U.S. Army, including Lt. Col. George A. Custer, met death at the hands of several thousand Lakota and Cheyenne warriors.
Painted Rocks State Park - Darby
Located in the scenic Bitterroot Mountains, this 23-acre park offers boating and water sport opportunities on the reservoir. The remote pine-forest setting is a great get-away for a weekend of camping, fishing and relaxation.
Tongue River Reservoir - Decker
The 12-mile long reservoir is situated among scenic red shale, juniper canyons, and the open prairies of southeastern Montana. The park is loved by Montana and Wyoming anglers, campers, and boaters. Water sports are popular here and the park boasts excellent fishing as four state record fish have been pulled from its waters.
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site - Deer Lodge
Cowboys and Cattlemen - Wide open spaces, the hard-working cowboy, his spirited cow pony, and vast herds of cattle are among the strongest symbols of the American West. Once the headquarters of a 10 million acre cattle empire, Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site is a working cattle ranch that preserves these symbols and commemorates the role of cattlemen in American history.
Virtual field trip online
Life Wasn't ALL Work! - Deer Lodge
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Park Site, once a fully "working" cattle ranch, is now a place where 30,000 visitors each year spend "leisure" time. Within this lesson students will learn how people of various ages and positions on the ranch entertained themselves in the era of Western settlement. Grade Level: 8
Cowboy Doctor: Doctor to both Man and Beast - Deer Lodge
The purpose of this lesson is to give students an awareness of the similarities and differences of medical care of humans and animals on a ranch in the past and the present. Grade Level 6-8
Home on the Range - Deer Lodge
The historical integrity and intactness of Grant-Kohrs Ranch facilitates a deeper understanding of the myths and realities of cattle ranching and the American West. Grade Level: 7th and 8th
Range Plants - Deer Lodge
The purpose of this lesson is to make students aware of the importance of range plants. They will learn how to identify grass vs. forbs. Grant-Kohrs Ranch facilitates. Grade Level: 4,5,6
How Cows Improve Our Grasslands - Deer Lodge
Description: To make the student aware of the efficiency of a grazing animal. Grant-Kohrs Ranch facilitates. Grade Level: 4,5,6
Cattle on the Range: History vs. Today - Deer Lodge
The purpose of this lesson is to make students ware of the importance of cattle, in the past as well as the present. Grant-Kohrs Ranch facilitates. Grade Level: 4
Montana: Symbols of the State - Deer Lodge
To identify and describe the important symbols in Montana history, e.g. Montana Seal, Flag, Song, Bird, Flower, Tree, Animal, Fossil, Gemstone, Fish, Butterfly, Grass, Nickname, and State Motto. Grade Level: 4
Dried Arrangement from Dried Grasses and Forbs - Deer Lodge
The student will become aware of art from nature as well as grasses and forbs. Grant-Kohrs Ranch facilitates. Grade Level: 4
Soil and Exploration - Deer Lodge
The purpose of this lesson is to make students aware of the importance of soil. They will learn about some different types of soil. Grant-Kohrs Ranch facilitates. Grade Level: 4
Up the Trail without a Lasso - Deer Lodge
The purpose of this lesson is to make students more aware of the main cattle route for trading and shipping throughout the mid-western United States. Grant-Kohrs Ranch facilitates. Grade Level: 4
The Cowboy's Gear - Deer Lodge
The purpose of this lesson is to give students an awareness of cowboy life. Grant-Kohrs Ranch facilitates. Grade Level: 3-6
Come and Get it! - Deer Lodge
The purpose of this lesson is to make students aware of the cowboy way of life. Grant-Kohrs Ranch facilitates. Grade Level: 1
Clark's Lookout State Park - Dillon
In 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through this area exploring the land on behalf of the United States. Captain Lewis was leading the way with a small group while Captain Clark was bringing up the rear. In order to make the journey across the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, the party needed horses from the local tribe. On August 13, 1805, Clark climbed a high bluff above the Beaverhead River to get a sense of his surroundings and document the location. Unknown to Clark, Lewis had met with 60 Shoshone warriors and was working to establish a meeting at what would become Camp Fortunate. While Clark was using the lookout, Lewis was struggling to gain the trust and cooperation of the Shoshone.
Beaverhead Rock State Park - Dillon
Sacagawea recognized this huge landmark, resembling the head of a swimming beaver, while traveling with the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. Site can be viewed and photographed from a distance but is not directly accessible. The site is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Bannack State Park - Dillon
Bannack State Park is a registered historic landmark and the site of Montana's first major gold discovery on July 28, 1862. This strike set off a massive gold rush that swelled Bannack's population to over 3,000 by 1863. As the value of gold steadily dwindled, Bannack's bustling population was slowly snuffed out. There are over 50 buildings that line Main Street with their historic log and frame structures that recall Montana's formative years.
Medicine Rocks State Park - Ekalaka
As the name implies, Medicine Rocks was a place of "big medicine" where Indian hunting parties conjured up magical spirits. Weathering has given the soft sandstone rock formations a Swiss-cheese look providing a unique landscape filled with greater meaning and serenity. You’ll enjoy photography, hiking, and wildlife viewing in this remote and primitive site.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area - Fort Smith
Immerse yourself in the relaxing surroundings. - The canyon offers a diversified landscape of forest, mountains, upland prairie, deep canyons, broad valleys, high desert, lake and wetlands. Since the creation of the recreation area, people have been able to find tranquil settings to better explore recreation, nature, wildlife, and history.
Makoshika State Park - Glendive
To the Sioux Indians, Ma-ko-shi-ka meant bad earth or bad land. Today, as Montana’s largest state park, the pine and juniper studded badland formations house the fossil remains of such dinosaurs as tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops. You’ll find a visitor center at the park entrance with exhibits explaining the site’s geologic, fossil, and prehistoric stories. Roads and hiking trails let you explore the park’s whimsical badlands landscape. Or try out the campground and the park’s folf (frisbee golf) course.
Tower Rock State Park - Great Falls
Tower Rock State Park is one of Montana's newest state parks. The 400-foot high ingeous rock formation lies in a 140-acre site along the stretch of the Missouri River between Craig, Montana and Pelican Point Fishing Access Site. The public can park their vehicle in the spacious parking lot, then learn about the geology and history of the site with five interpretive panels located at the trail head. The trail to the base of the saddle is maintained for a quarter-mile. Tower Rock State Park is a day use only park. Overnight camping is allowed in nearby fishing access sites.
Sluice Boxes State Park - Great Falls
Remains of mines, a railroad, and historic cabins line Belt Creek as it winds through a beautiful canyon carved in limestone. This rugged area has seen its share of prospectors searching for precious metals, miners, muleskinners, smeltermen and railroaders building bridges. The Barker mines and the Montana Central Railroad are just a part of the rich history of this park.
Giant Springs State Park - Great Falls
Set aside a whole afternoon at this historic freshwater springs site, discovered by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805 and one of the largest freshwater springs in the world, flowing at a measured 156 million gallons of water per day! This day-use park gives you an opportunity to picnic by the Missouri River, visit the fish hatchery and visitor center, walk along the Rivers Edge Trail, view nearby Rainbow Falls overlook, or visit the neighboring Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center operated by the U.S. Forest Service.
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park - Great Falls
A visitor center and interpretive trails tell the story of this prehistoric bison kill site, one of the largest in the United States. For over six hundred years, Indians stampeded buffalo over the mile-long cliff. Now, the top of the jump gives you panoramic views of the Rocky Mountain Front, the Missouri River valley, and the buttes and grasslands that characterized this High Plains setting. Plan at least a two-hour stop in this day-use-only park.
Rosebud Battlefield - Hardin
This 3,000-acre Eastern Montana rolling prairie park preserves the site of the June 17, 1876, battle between the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians and General Crook’s soldiers supported by the Crow and Shoshone Indians. Remote, quiet, and undeveloped, the park includes prehistoric sites and the homestead ranch of the Kobold family. Take your own food, your camera, and plenty of time to appreciate a slice of time and place.
Spring Meadow Lake State Park - Helena
This urban, day-use-only park minutes from Helena fed by natural springs, is a popular spot for family afternoons of swimming, sunbathing, scuba diving, fishing, birdwatching, and pure play. When you tire of the beach, walk the park’s easy nature trail that circles the lake, home to a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. In winter, you can still stroll along the trail and, if it’s cold enough, ice-skate on the lake.
Black Sandy State Park - Helena
One of the few public parks on the shores of Hauser Lake, this popular campground provides access for boating, waterskiing, kokanee salmon and trout fishing, and other water activities. Interpretive displays describe the history of this area.
Cooney State Park - Joliet
Head to this reservoir 40 minutes south of Billings to boat, play in the water, camp, and fish. The most popular recreation area serving southcentral Montana, it’s always a busy place in the summer. The park features good walleye and rainbow trout fishing, boating opportunities, and four campgrounds around the lake. Eleven campsites with electricity are now available at Red Lodge Campground.
Hell Creek State Park on Fort Peck Lake - Jordan
You’ll reach this campground park, 25 miles north of Jordan, through the spectacular scenery of the Missouri Breaks landscape. On the Hell Creek Arm of Fort Peck Lake, this park provides facilities for most water sports as well as excellent walleye fishing. Hell Creek also serves as a launching point for boat camping in the wild and scenic Missouri Breaks.
Lone Pine State Park - Kalispell
The overlooks at Lone Pine State Park present a dramatic view of the Flathead Valley. On a clear day, you can see Flathead Lake, Big Mountain, the Jewel Basin and Glacier National Park. A walk through the visitor center will provide information on living with wildlife in the wildland -urban interface, along with a look at wildlife and forest ecology within the park. At the park’s gift store you can find a variety of informative books on area wildlife, wildflowers and more.
Logan State Park - Kalispell
With frontage on the north shore of Middle Thompson Lake, Logan is heavily forested with western larch, Douglas-fir, and ponderosa pine. This park nestles on 17 acres adjacent to 3,000 acres of recreation opportunities within the “ Thompson Chain of Lakes”, connecting and containing Upper, Middle and Lower Thompson lakes. It’s a comfortable spot for swimming, boating, camping, water-skiing, and fishing.
West Shore State Park - Lakeside
Glacially carved rock outcrops rise from Flathead Lake to overlooks with spectacular views of the lakeshore and the Swan and Mission Mountains. Considered the most private park on Flathead Lake, this site is distinguished by a mature fir, pine, and larch forest. The beach is rocky but you can still swim, boat, and camp here.
Lake Mary Ronan State Park - Lakeside
Off the beaten path just seven miles west of Flathead Lake, this park is shaded by Douglas fir and western larch. Lake Mary Ronan provides a quiet opportunity to pick huckleberries, hunt mushrooms, and spot interesting birds. Trails lead into the surrounding area which abound in wildflowers and wildlife. You can also fish, swim, and camp.
Nez Perce National Historical Park - Lapwai
Since time immemorial, the Nimiipuu or Nez Perce have lived among the rivers, canyons and prairies of the inland northwest. Despite the cataclysmic change of the past two centuries, the Nez Perce are still here. Join us in exploring the park's thirty-eight sites and experiencing the story of a people who are still part of this landscape.
Virtual field trip online
Ackley Lake State Park - Lewistown
Ackley Lake is nestled right in the heart of Montana’s Big Sky Country. One glimpse and you’ll easily understand how the beautiful views of the surrounding Little Belt and Snowy Mountains and rich agricultural land captured the heart of the legendary Western artist, Charlie Russell, a hundred years ago.
Travelers' Rest State Park - Lolo
The Lewis and Clark expedition camped here twice during their historic journey to locate the elusive Northwest Passage in 1805 and 1806. For countless generations before that Indian people used this area as a camping crossroad. The Travelers Rest Preservation and Heritage Association manages the site
Pirogue Island State Park on the Yellowstone River - Miles City
Visitors find this isolated and undeveloped cottonwood-covered Yellowstone River island an excellent spot to view wildlife, envision the Corps of Discovery’s travel along the river, and hunt for moss agates. The site is a haven for waterfowl, bald eagles, and whitetail and mule deer. The island can be accessed by floating or, during low water, by foot through a small channel.
Frenchtown Pond State Park - Missoula
Plan to bring every one in the family to this day-use-only spring-fed lake park for a whole afternoon of picnicking, swimming, sunbathing, fishing, sailboarding, kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, and reading. Non-motorized boating only. This small, spring-fed lake has a maximum depth of about 18 feet.
Council Grove State Park - Missoula
In 1855, on this site, Issac Stevens negotiated the Hellgate Treaty between the U. S. government and the Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’Orielle Indians to create the Flathead Reservation. Come enjoy the ntural features and solitude of this day-use-only park for reflection on these historical events.
Beavertail Hill State Park - Missoula
Just off Interstate 90 east of Missoula, this small park offers river frontage,tipi rentals, a one-hour walking nature trail through a thick canopy of cottonwoods, and developed campsites and picnic areas.
Granite Ghost Town State Park - Philipsburg
The remnants of this once thriving 1890's silver boomtown bear stark witness to Montana's boom-and-bust mining history. The park preserves the Granite Mine Superintendent’s House and ruins of the old miners’ union hall which have been included in the Historic American Buildings Survey. This remote mining camp calls for a camera and a vehicle with good clearance.
Brush Lake State Park - Plentywood
Brush Lake is a deep, clear lake with white, sandy beaches surrounded by grass fields and linear stands of spring wheat. Due to the mineral make-up of this lake, there are no fish. A day-use area is located on the northeast portion of the lake. This area includes a parking area, boat ramp and dock, vault toilet, picnic tables, firerings and a designated swimming area.
Wild Horse Island State Park - Polson
Boat access to this day-use-only, primitive park is regulated to protect the 2,000-acre island. The largest island in Flathead Lake, Wild Horse has been a landmark rich with history since the Salish-Kootenai Indians were reported to have used it to pasture horses to keep them from being stolen by other tribes. It preserves an endangered palouse prairie environment, incredible wildlife, and historic resources. Check with park staff on the best ways to reach the island and its trails and views. Private property is found along the perimeter of the island.
Finley Point State Park - Polson
This park is located in a secluded, mature pine forest near the south end of Flathead Lake. Enjoy one of the 16 campsites here with water and electrical hook ups, plus a boat pumpout station.
Big Arm State Park - Polson
Camping, a long beach, nature trail, and a yurt rental are all here. This park is a popular jump-off point to Wild Horse Island, using the ramp to launch your own boat. Camping under a stand of mature ponderosa pine and juniper is a major attraction and the long beach is popular with sunbathers and swimmers. A nature trail provides excellent bird watching opportunities.
Salmon Lake State Park - Seeley Lake
Immediately adjacent to Montana 83, this park is an access point to one of the beautiful lakes in the Clearwater River chain of lakes. Plan to fish, picnic, launch your boat, water-ski, read, review interpretive signs, or let your children get the wiggles out after a long drive in this woodland setting of western larch, ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir.
Placid Lake State Park - Seeley Lake
Located in the beautiful Clearwater/Swan River Valley, this popular campground park is known for its smooth water for good fishing and water sports. Use this site as a base for other recreational opportunities in the area, watch for wildlife, and check out the interpretive panels that give an account of the early-day logging practices attested to by the massive western larch stumps in the area.
Fort Owen State Park - Stevensville
Fort Owen’s adobe and log remains preserves the site of the first permanent white settlement in Montana. Major John Owen established the fort as a regional trade center in 1850 and period furnishings and artifacts are displayed in the restored rooms of the east barracks. In 30 minutes you can browse through a small museum housed in preserved and partially reconstructed structures. This site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Thompson Falls State Park - Thompson Falls
This shaded, quiet campground is located on the Clark Fork River near the town of Thompson Falls in the rugged and beautiful Cark Fork Valley. This site provides excellent fishing and boating opportunities on the Clark Fork River or the Noxon Rapids Reservoir. It’s also a nice place to walk, bird watch, or just relax. Kids can fish for trout in the fishpond, and a riverside trail provides ample river access. A small boat launch is provided, and a full-sized launch for larger boats is available ½ mile from the park.
Parker Homestead State Park - Three Forks
This small, one-acre park preserves a simple sod-roofed log cabin built in the early 1900s. Pioneers across Montana accepted the hardships, limits, and opportunities of such frontier homes. Step into one family’s past. The site offers great photo opportunities and a quick visit to our past.
Missouri Headwaters State Park - Three Forks
This park encompasses the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers. Lewis and Clark anticipated this important headwaters all the way up the Missouri River. An easy three-mile drive off Interstate 90 at Three Forks, this undeveloped park provides outdoor interpretive signs, picnic spots, short hiking trails, a small campground, and—just as the Corps of Discovery found—plenty of mosquitoes!
Madison Buffalo Jump State Park - Three Forks
You’ll find this day-use-only park seven graveled miles off Interstate 90 at the Logan exit. Take a picnic along and hike to the top of the jump for impressive views of the Madison River valley. Imagine how the area might have looked when prehistoric people “called” bison to jump to their death below the cliffs. Interpretive displays help visitors understand the dramatic events that took place here for nearly 2,000 years.
Glacier National Park - West Glacier
Come and experience Glacier's pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker's paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, transportation, and stories of Native Americans. Explore Glacier National Park and discover what awaits you.
Virtual field trip online
Smith River State Park - White Sulphur Springs
The Smith River is a unique 59-mile river corridor. Permits are required to float the stretch of Smith River between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge. Noted for its spectacular scenery and blue-ribbon trout fishery, the Smith River is unique in that it has only one public put-in and one public take-out for the entire 59-mile segment of river. Boat camps located along the remote river canyon help preserve the unique quality of this area.
Whitefish Lake State Park - Whitefish
Although it’s right on the outskirts of Whitefish, this small park provides a mature forest and a pleasant campground and beach. Boating, swimming and fishing are popular activities and the lake is rarely windy so it provides ideal conditions for waterskiing. Children love the trains that rumble along the park’s edge.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park - Whitehall
Montana's first and best-known state park showcases one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest. Naturally air conditioned, these spectacular caves, lined with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helicitites, date back through time. See the geologic development, the history of early exploration and gain an insight into the delicate ecology of this world without light. Plan to spend a minimum of two hours to hike two miles on a guided tour through the caverns. The park also provides hiking trails, a visitor center, an amphitheater, several picnic areas, a large campground, showers, RV dump facilities, tipi, and three rental cabins. You can use this park as “base camp” while you enjoy several nearby parks and the adjacent Jefferson River.
Big Hole National Battlefield - Wisdom
On August 9, 1877 gun shots shattered a chilly dawn on a sleeping camp of Nez Perce. Colonel John Gibbon and 163 men of the 7th Infantry and 34 Bitterroot Volunteers had orders to stop the non-treaty Nez Perce and return them to Idaho. The nearly 800 Nez Perce men, women, and children had fled their native lands when being forced onto a smaller reservation.