Before Word Gets Out, Visit Montana’s Newest State Park

If you love the outdoors like we do, Montana is the perfect place to be. There are more than 3,223 named lakes in Montana, as well as over 2,303 rivers here. That’s a lot of fun on the water just waiting to be had! In addition to beautiful waterways, we’ve got eight incredible national parks brimming with views and wildlife. Plus, there are 55 state parks in Montana perfect for day trips. But how do you choose which outdoor adventure to have on any given day? We recommend starting with the newest state park in Montana, Milltown State Park located near Missoula.

Milltown State Park, located in Missoula which is about 10 minutes east of Bonner Montana, offers 645 acres of outdoor space to explore, learn, and play.

The park sits on about 2.5 miles of the Clark Fork banks and about 1.5 miles along the Blackfoot.

Milltown State Park in Montana sits on the same site as the former Milltown Dam. Prior to 2008, it was a Superfund Site receiving federal funds for a major cleanup effort.

The creation of the state park here has allowed the ecosystem to become healthy, bringing back tons of plants, flowers, and wildlife.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the park, but one of the best is exploring the Deer Creek Loop Trail. This 2.8-mile hike should take a little over one hour and offers views of the surrounding mountains and rivers.

Also found within the Milltown State Park are plenty of places for get-togethers. Catch some live music or an educational session from local guides.

The park has plenty of parking, but on busy days you'll find that it's full. Be sure to arrive early if you want a spot.

Milltown State Park in Missoula is open throughout the year for day use only, which means camping is not allowed. Gate hours change depending on the season so it's best to check the official Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website for more information when planning your trip. You can also check out the dedicated AllTrails page to plan some fun hikes for your visit.

Visiting Milltown State Park in Montana for the day is a great idea, but we love the idea of making your trip into an overnight adventure. To do that, consider snagging this tiny house vacation rental.