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Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Attraction in Manhattan

Name
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
Description
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is a 3,000-acre public recreation and nature preservation area located twelve miles east of Whitehall in Jefferson County, Montana. The state park includes two visitor centers, ten miles of hiking trails, a campground, and its namesake limestone caverns.
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Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
United StatesMontanaManhattanLewis & Clark Caverns State Park

Basic Info

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

25 Lewis & Clark Caverns Road, Whitehall, MT 59759
4.7(1.0K)
Open 24 hours
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Info

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is a 3,000-acre public recreation and nature preservation area located twelve miles east of Whitehall in Jefferson County, Montana. The state park includes two visitor centers, ten miles of hiking trails, a campground, and its namesake limestone caverns.

Outdoor
Adventure
Family friendly
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Phone
(406) 287-3541
Website
stateparks.mt.gov

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Reviews of Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

4.7
(1,023)
avatar
5.0
2y

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is a hidden gem of natural wonders and outdoor adventure, deserving every bit of its prestigious five-star rating. Nestled in the rugged landscapes of Montana, this park offers a remarkable journey into a subterranean world of stunning cave formations and a wealth of outdoor activities for all to enjoy.

The Lewis & Clark Caverns are an absolute marvel. Descending into the depths of these ancient limestone caverns is like stepping into a hidden realm of natural wonders. The intricate stalactites, stalagmites, and other mesmerizing formations leave visitors in awe of the geological forces that have shaped this underground labyrinth over millions of years. The guided tours provide captivating insights into the cave's history, geology, and the delicate ecosystems that thrive within.

The park's outdoor recreational opportunities are plentiful. Hiking trails wind through the picturesque landscapes, offering breathtaking vistas and opportunities to witness the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Whether you're a novice hiker or a seasoned adventurer, the trails cater to all skill levels, providing a chance to connect with nature and soak in the tranquility of the surroundings.

The camping facilities at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park are well-maintained and offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Nestled among the trees, the campgrounds provide a serene escape, allowing you to unwind and recharge amidst the peaceful sounds of nature. The park also offers picnic areas, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely meal surrounded by the scenic splendor of the park.

The park's dedication to conservation and preservation is evident in its commitment to maintaining the natural beauty and integrity of the caverns and surrounding landscapes. The informative exhibits and educational programs highlight the importance of responsible stewardship, encouraging visitors to appreciate and protect this unique ecosystem.

The park staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing their love for Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. They are readily available to provide assistance and information, ensuring that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. Their passion and dedication to the park's preservation contribute to the overall sense of warmth and hospitality that permeates the park.

In conclusion, Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is a true treasure, offering a captivating underground adventure and a wealth of outdoor activities in a stunning natural setting. Whether you're exploring the magnificent caverns, hiking the scenic trails, or simply enjoying the peacefulness of the campground, the park's natural wonders and recreational opportunities will leave you with unforgettable memories. Prepare to be amazed by the subterranean splendor of Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park and embark on an adventure that connects you with the beauty and grandeur of the...

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4.0
1y

Loved the cave itself but was extremely upset with the staff and the tours. I purchased the classic rour with the impression that I'll be able to see the entire cave. Unfortunately, they don't let us see the last room, which could've literally taken a couple of minutes . Since it was my only visit to the area, I thought I would purchase a ticket for the Paradise tour and see the rest. I was so mad that I not only I had to pay another $15 but waste another 2 hours. Before I joined the second tour, I was under the impression that there's a lot more left to see. It turned out that it's just one single room, and all you do is stand there and look around. I couldn't understand who came up with this colossal idiotic idea to prohibit the people taking the classic tour from viewing the very last room. In addition, my first guide was a total drill sergeant that yelled at the group for no reason. She wouldn't let me take a picture while we stood at a platinum listening to her blabbering for 10 minutes. The classic tour would have been amazing if they didn't have these moronic restrictions. They could still run both tours while each tour group looks at the formations. I've been to multiple caves around the world and have never come across such ridiculous setup. It may be helpful if there's a lift to take people up to the cave entrance so people don't spend half an hour hiking up the mountain in 90-degree temperatures. People can easily get sick if they go from dripping sweat climbing up to freezing cold once they enter the cave. Lastly, please tell visitors that they aren't allowed to carry any bags and food on the tour while they are at the checking counter so visitors don't have to run back and forth to their vehicles and miss...

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4.0
3y

Great place. Went on the Classic Tour. Paradise Tour looked very limited. only one room and we saw the more impressive portion when leaving classic tour. I highly suggest if able choosing the Classic. May not be good for smaller children. One downside was it was difficult to find anywhere on the website to pre purchase tickets. I looked. Confused at visitor center at the bottom that all tickets sold out but they had walk in options. We luckily got one in the morning right away. They open and start earlier than 10 Am. I suggest getting there by 8:30-9AM if you are a walk in.

One of the most fun and better caves out there that we have been to. very remote area. very little hikes around the area.

Michael was a fun guide. a bit quirky. A bit over talkative which i dont mind but parts of going through at the end felt rushed and we couldn't see alot of things besides quickly going through. He was patient that I lagged behind though and grabbed some extra photos. I enjoyed when he turned all the lights off and also used his ultraviolet light to show how the cave can glow. Great story telling.

The walk up is steep and my calves hurt at the end. Inside the cave it was easy to navigate and only slight scooting, waddling and bending. I am short and didn't have any problems. So as long as you can make the walk up its all good. There wasn't any rush and there were a few stop points. Older group was able to make it up okay too.

Overall we had a great time but I would have liked the open hours advertised to be more accurate, more easily able to find pre purchase tickets/reservations and being able to see everything with enough time vs being rushed through. Giving a 4 star rating...

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Nicole DelacruzNicole Delacruz
Great place. Went on the Classic Tour. Paradise Tour looked very limited. only one room and we saw the more impressive portion when leaving classic tour. I highly suggest if able choosing the Classic. May not be good for smaller children. One downside was it was difficult to find anywhere on the website to pre purchase tickets. I looked. Confused at visitor center at the bottom that all tickets sold out but they had walk in options. We luckily got one in the morning right away. They open and start earlier than 10 Am. I suggest getting there by 8:30-9AM if you are a walk in. One of the most fun and better caves out there that we have been to. very remote area. very little hikes around the area. Michael was a fun guide. a bit quirky. A bit over talkative which i dont mind but parts of going through at the end felt rushed and we couldn't see alot of things besides quickly going through. He was patient that I lagged behind though and grabbed some extra photos. I enjoyed when he turned all the lights off and also used his ultraviolet light to show how the cave can glow. Great story telling. The walk up is steep and my calves hurt at the end. Inside the cave it was easy to navigate and only slight scooting, waddling and bending. I am short and didn't have any problems. So as long as you can make the walk up its all good. There wasn't any rush and there were a few stop points. Older group was able to make it up okay too. Overall we had a great time but I would have liked the open hours advertised to be more accurate, more easily able to find pre purchase tickets/reservations and being able to see everything with enough time vs being rushed through. Giving a 4 star rating because of that.
K KK K
It's a 2 hour tour and has one tight area, but super cool sights. New tour every 30 minutes. Small cafe with fast food items. Priced based on convenience. And it's not convenient to bring food up here....fresh though. There are some nice trails around the Caverns, but NOT hiker/family hiker friendly. Bicyclists use both trails from the Cavern. Many parts of the trails are 9-12 inches wide with sharp drop off on one side and high mountain wall on other. Also, many switchbacks where you cannot see around the corner, if a bicycle is coming fast, 10 mph or faster, hiker loses. Also, when a bicyclist comes riding down, kids (in the lead) with poor decision skills in a scary moment can make bad decisions. Once there is a confrontation to pass or telling someone to slow down, it's no fun anymore. Park needs to post the bicycle signs at the trailheads so hikers know they are entering a bicycle trail. I made effort making sure the two trails from the campground to the caverns were hiker only trails. If you read the parks newsletter it discusses the bicycle rules, but are vague and misleading. Just know, hikers, these are bicycle trails with narrow to no way to pass trails. Unlike bicyclists, we don't hike with helmets and pads, (who are prepared for a crash), which means when my family has an incident, we are harmed. Bicyclists these are great trails for up and down. The switchback turns are burmed so if you are coming down hot you won't go flying off a corner. The views from the trails are amazing. Good luck.
Becky George (DragonsHeart)Becky George (DragonsHeart)
This is affordable entertainment. If a Montana resident or if camping in their campground you won't have to pay the park entrance fee of $8 per car. The cave tour we were going to take (paradise) was $30 for two people. I'm not sure about the Classic tour. There are day use areas as well as and campgrounds Lewis & Clark Caverns State park is really pretty, rugged and well maintained. The park staff is helpful and friendly. The day we went there were bears spotted in the area. Signs were posted everywhere. Also there were warning about prairie rattlesnakes. 🥴 There are restrooms located conveniently around the park. Unfortunately the majority of the park is not wheelchair accessible. There is plenty of parking for visitors. There is also a cafe on the premises. There is seating scattered around as well. Only service animals are allowed in the cave but the park does provide kennels with lock and key in the shade for all other dogs. It is an absolutely free and necessary service for their visitors. It was 93 degrees on the day we visited. If we had gone on the tour we would have utilized the service. There is a pathway/trail that follows the mountain down. Ummm it is why we didn't go on the cavern tour. That path sucked. It is freaking hard and definitely not for beginners. We thought we were going to die getting back up it lol. With our butts royally kicked and served back to us we crept back to our hotel and agreed to come back to visit the caves another day. Definitely an interesting visit.
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Great place. Went on the Classic Tour. Paradise Tour looked very limited. only one room and we saw the more impressive portion when leaving classic tour. I highly suggest if able choosing the Classic. May not be good for smaller children. One downside was it was difficult to find anywhere on the website to pre purchase tickets. I looked. Confused at visitor center at the bottom that all tickets sold out but they had walk in options. We luckily got one in the morning right away. They open and start earlier than 10 Am. I suggest getting there by 8:30-9AM if you are a walk in. One of the most fun and better caves out there that we have been to. very remote area. very little hikes around the area. Michael was a fun guide. a bit quirky. A bit over talkative which i dont mind but parts of going through at the end felt rushed and we couldn't see alot of things besides quickly going through. He was patient that I lagged behind though and grabbed some extra photos. I enjoyed when he turned all the lights off and also used his ultraviolet light to show how the cave can glow. Great story telling. The walk up is steep and my calves hurt at the end. Inside the cave it was easy to navigate and only slight scooting, waddling and bending. I am short and didn't have any problems. So as long as you can make the walk up its all good. There wasn't any rush and there were a few stop points. Older group was able to make it up okay too. Overall we had a great time but I would have liked the open hours advertised to be more accurate, more easily able to find pre purchase tickets/reservations and being able to see everything with enough time vs being rushed through. Giving a 4 star rating because of that.
Nicole Delacruz

Nicole Delacruz

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It's a 2 hour tour and has one tight area, but super cool sights. New tour every 30 minutes. Small cafe with fast food items. Priced based on convenience. And it's not convenient to bring food up here....fresh though. There are some nice trails around the Caverns, but NOT hiker/family hiker friendly. Bicyclists use both trails from the Cavern. Many parts of the trails are 9-12 inches wide with sharp drop off on one side and high mountain wall on other. Also, many switchbacks where you cannot see around the corner, if a bicycle is coming fast, 10 mph or faster, hiker loses. Also, when a bicyclist comes riding down, kids (in the lead) with poor decision skills in a scary moment can make bad decisions. Once there is a confrontation to pass or telling someone to slow down, it's no fun anymore. Park needs to post the bicycle signs at the trailheads so hikers know they are entering a bicycle trail. I made effort making sure the two trails from the campground to the caverns were hiker only trails. If you read the parks newsletter it discusses the bicycle rules, but are vague and misleading. Just know, hikers, these are bicycle trails with narrow to no way to pass trails. Unlike bicyclists, we don't hike with helmets and pads, (who are prepared for a crash), which means when my family has an incident, we are harmed. Bicyclists these are great trails for up and down. The switchback turns are burmed so if you are coming down hot you won't go flying off a corner. The views from the trails are amazing. Good luck.
K K

K K

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This is affordable entertainment. If a Montana resident or if camping in their campground you won't have to pay the park entrance fee of $8 per car. The cave tour we were going to take (paradise) was $30 for two people. I'm not sure about the Classic tour. There are day use areas as well as and campgrounds Lewis & Clark Caverns State park is really pretty, rugged and well maintained. The park staff is helpful and friendly. The day we went there were bears spotted in the area. Signs were posted everywhere. Also there were warning about prairie rattlesnakes. 🥴 There are restrooms located conveniently around the park. Unfortunately the majority of the park is not wheelchair accessible. There is plenty of parking for visitors. There is also a cafe on the premises. There is seating scattered around as well. Only service animals are allowed in the cave but the park does provide kennels with lock and key in the shade for all other dogs. It is an absolutely free and necessary service for their visitors. It was 93 degrees on the day we visited. If we had gone on the tour we would have utilized the service. There is a pathway/trail that follows the mountain down. Ummm it is why we didn't go on the cavern tour. That path sucked. It is freaking hard and definitely not for beginners. We thought we were going to die getting back up it lol. With our butts royally kicked and served back to us we crept back to our hotel and agreed to come back to visit the caves another day. Definitely an interesting visit.
Becky George (DragonsHeart)

Becky George (DragonsHeart)

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