This State Park In Montana Is One Of America’s Most Incredible Underground Destinations

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is unlike anything else you'll see in Montana. The 3,000-acre park is located 12 miles east of Whitehall, and although the cavern does close for winter (with one exception), you can explore the rest of the recreation area all year long. And caverns aside, this is a place that's well worth an off-season visit.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park was established in 1937, making it Montana's oldest state park.

Although Lewis and Clark camped here during their 1805 exhibition, they are not credited with discovering the caverns.

The park has plenty of above-ground attractions to offer, from a campground with 40 sites to several fantastic hiking trails.

Camping is technically allowed all year, although it's obviously not advisable in the winter. If you camp here in the summer, you'll definitely want to make a reservation first.

The enormous limestone cavern was discovered in 1892 by local ranchers Tom Williams and Bert Pannel, who saw steam coming from the caverns while hunting and decided to investigate.

Of course, it was most likely familiar to Native Americans long before that, although there is no documented history of it.

From May - September, you can take a guided tour through the cave and learn more about its history, size, and bat population.

The classic tour lasts two hours and covers about two miles of ground, so come prepared if you go with that option.

Typically, the cavern shuts down for the winter—but during December, exceptions are made.

Special Holiday Candlelight Tours of the caverns are offered throughout the month, so keep that in mind for future trips.

The park's Visitor Center is open year-round, although it's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays from October - April.

Here, you'll find more information about the park, the cavern, the area's history, and you'll be able to book a cave tour during the open season.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is one of the best attractions in the west.

Even when you can't go inside the limestone cavern, there's plenty of experience here.

Have you ever gone on a cave tour here?