Montana’s state parks are truly something special. We’ve got 55 of these designated recreation areas to choose from, and each one has its own unique character. We even made our original territorial capital, Bannack, a state park. However, if you’re more interested in our prehistoric past, look no further than Pictograph Cave State Park. You won’t see anything like it anywhere else in America.

Pictograph Cave State Park is located about five miles south of Billings.
db4r6286 / Flickr
While the park is open to visitors all year, winter hours are more limited.
The park is defined by its loop trail, rugged terrain, and its three caves.
Al / Flickr
The three caves, Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost, were formed from the Eagle sandstone by water and wind erosion.
In 1936, this area made national news when tons of ancient artifacts (weapons, tools, and more) were discovered in the caves. Approximately 30,000 artifacts have been excavated from the park.
las.photographs / Flickr
But as wonderful as that was, that discovery wasn't even the best part.

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The team also discovered paintings on the walls of the caves known as pictographs.
Ali eminov / Flickr
The pictographs are thought to be between 200 and 2,100 years old.
Although many an expert has tried, no one has ever been able to determine exactly what these ancient cave drawings mean.
Jud40 / TripAdvisor
When the visitor center is open, you'll be able to learn more about the discovery and the research done on the drawings.
Look closely and you'll see pictographs depicting animals, warriors, and even rifles.
Demic60 / Tripadvisor
It's incredible to think that this was once how people communicated.
The pictographs here are definitely worth checking out, but don't forget to walk the entire loop trail -- it's worth it.
prospero212 / TripAdvisor
No wonder will you learn a lot about Montana's ancient history, but you just might spot some wildlife along the way. Bald eagles, mule deer, and coyotes are all common, but you'll want to keep an eye out for mountain lions and black bears as well.

Have you visited Pictograph Cave State Park yet? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!

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Pictograph Cave State Park, 3401 Coburn Rd, Billings, MT 59101, USA