If you've called Montana home for a while, you've surely heard of our first state park, which houses the famous Lewis & Clark Caverns. You may have even ventured down into the cave on a summer day. However, the park doesn't shut down for the winter - in fact, you can go on a Winter Holiday Candlelight Tour in December, for an especially delightful experience.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park was officially established as Montana's first state park in 1935.

Of course, it's history goes back much further - Native Americans were familiar with the caverns centuries before two settlers 'discovered' them in 1882.

This is one of the largest limestone caverns found anywhere in the Northwest.

Walking through it any time of year is fascinating, and since you can only access it through a guided tour, you won't have to worry about getting lost.

While summer is definitely the most popular time to go through the cavern, Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park also offers candlelight tours in December (weather permitting).

This year's candlelight tour dates are December 20-22 and December 27-29, 2019.

For safety reasons, the upper portion of the cave will be shown with the electric lights on, but for the remainder of the tour, you'll only have the light from your candlelit lantern.

The colorful limestone formations look amazing by candlelight.

Tickets for this experience cost $20 for adults and $8 for children six and over. You're advised not to bring children under six.

If you have little ones, use your best judgment. While older children will likely enjoy the experience, it's often too dark, cold, and lengthy for very young kids.

Meet your tour group at the visitor center, where coffee, cookies, and hot cocoa await your arrival.

Come dressed for winter and prepare to traipse through some snow - this is Montana in December, after all.

This unique experience sells out fast, so make sure to get your tickets as soon as possible.

Seeing the caverns by candlelight is something you won't want to miss.

Tickets for the one-of-a-kind Candelight Tour adventure at Lewis & Clark Caverns go on sale on December 2, 2019. Click here for more information and to make your purchases when they become available!