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Trips & Routes

Spend Three Days In Three State Parks On This Weekend Road Trip In Montana

Enjoy a 3-day road trip through Montana's beautiful state parks, perfect for nature lovers.

Updated May 29, 2024

Written by 

Jessica Wick

Every season in Montana is absolutely beautiful, but admittedly, it's much easier to get around when the snow finally melts and the sun is shining and enjoy a weekend road trip in Montana. Celebrate the return of warmer weather with a 3-day road trip in Montana that's sure to appeal to any nature lover.

This route takes you to three of Montana's most beloved state parks, with plenty of time to enjoy each one to the fullest. Feel free to make it a longer road trip and add your own favorites for the ultimate adventure. This will prove to be one of the best road trips in Montana.

Map highlighting a 3-day road trip route through Montana, featuring scenic lakes and key stops along the way.
Google Maps

1. Bannack State Park

A dusty street in a ghost town with old wooden buildings and a red brick hotel, surrounded by mountains.
Nicolas Henderson / Flickr

Begin your adventure by spending an afternoon exploring Bannack State Park to the fullest. Bannack is Montana's best-preserved ghost town, which has claimed state park status since 1954.

Bannack has quite a history: it was founded in 1862 amid a huge gold discovery in the area.

Abandoned wooden buildings along a gravel road, with mountains in the background and sparse vegetation.
Nicolas Henderson / Flickr

The city even served a little time as Montana's territorial capital until that title went to Virginia City. Bannack State Park has a campground if you'd like to spend your first night here.

2. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

A panoramic view of rolling green mountains and valleys under a partly cloudy sky.
TJFlex2 / Flickr

Next, head about 95 miles northeast to Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. This was Montana's first state park, earning the title in 1938.

The main reason to visit Lewis & Clark is to enjoy the epic cavern tour.

Stalactites and stalagmites in a dimly lit cave, showcasing intricate rock formations and textures.
AllAroundTheWest / Flickr

While the park is open year-round, you can only take the guided cave tour from May - September. It's worth it!

3. Lost Creek State Park

A dirt road winds through lush greenery and tall trees, surrounded by mountains under a clear blue sky.
trvlloop / TripAdvisor

On your final day, head to Lost Creek State Park. This park is truly a nature lover's paradise. Gray limestone cliffs and pink and white granite formations rise 1,200 feet above the canyon's narrow floor, and the beautiful Lost Creek Falls sits in a corner at the end of a hiking trail. This is a great place to stretch your legs and spend some time in nature before ending your journey.

Are you ready to take this 3-day road trip in Montana? Which Montana state parks would you add to this list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Are you ready for another marvelous road trip? Here's a fantastic weekend road trip in Montana you're sure to love:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/montana/awesome-weekend-road-trip-mt/

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