Day-Use Only

Les Mason State Park

Les Mason State Park

Les Mason State Park

Les Mason State Park

Les Mason State Park is a great day-use spot! With 585 feet of sand and gravel lakeshore, Les Mason is perfect for swimming, cross-country skiing, and picnicking.

Les Mason State Park is the only state park on the east shore of Whitefish Lake. The 585 feet shoreline of sand and gravel beaches and clear blue water are perfect for swimming in the summers.

Les Mason State Park
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Things to do:

Dogs are only allowed in specifically marked areas of the park and a limited portion of the beach. Dog waste cleanup is very important to stop contamination of the lake.

While this park doesn't have the campgrounds and developed facilities that Whitefish Lake and other State Parks in the area have, it is quiet and serene most of the year with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains on a clear day.

A seasonal swimming dock is anchored just offshore in the summer months.

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    Spend a day on the lake and rent a kayak or canoe from Sea Me Paddle in at Whitefish Lake State Park during the summer

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    Visit downtown Whitefish for shopping, dining, and nightlife

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    Check out the local wildlife, including great birdwatching!

Although there is only a non-motorized boat launch at Les Mason, you can still get out on the water!

Sea Me Paddle Kayaking Tours, Inc., the concessionaire at Whitefish Lake State Park and Les Mason State Park, offers rental equipment, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats.

Looking to bring your canine friend along? There is a designated dog swimming area for your furry friend to enjoy!

Be sure to stick around for sunset! The park is in a perfect position to catch great views as the sun sinks into the mountains across the lake.

While Les Mason State Park is open year-round, once the gates are closed for the winter you’ll find you’ll only be able to travel into the park via foot or skis.

Did You Know

Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?

"A great state park with a large pebble beach, roped off swim area with sunning platform, picnic tables, toilets, and dedicated dog area. Lots of sun here until sunset, and paddle rentals, as well. It gets very busy in summer, so get their early to claim your spot in the sun."

"Most beautiful park in whitefish lake. Shore fishing access and swimming access. Crystal clear water and colorful pebble beach rocks smooth. Ahhhh wish i was there everyday."

"Good place for swimming and the most sun. Clean beach area with pick nick tables in the trees. Beautiful."

"Hidden gem in Whitefish. This is the best beach in town and much less crowded than City Beach. Dog-friendly beach is a perfect spot to people watch and relax a day away. Parking can be a bit tough so get here early! There are limited rentals and bathroom facilities. There are some pit-grills and tables as well. Highly recommend - bit of a drive from town but more than worth it!"

 

Quick Facts
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    Park

    Park is day use only. 
    Park is open to foot traffic/walk-in only during winter months. 
    Gates will close to vehicles on 10/31/22. 

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    Location

    2650 E. Lake Shore Drive Whitefish, MT 59937

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greycliff prairie dogtown state park

Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park

Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park

Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park

This black-tailed prairie dog community is protected and preserved through the efforts of Montana State Parks, the Nature Conservancy, and the Montana Department of Transportation.

We are able to bring you valuable information about this amazing state park thanks to the support of:

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Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park
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Prior to habitat destruction, this species may have been the most abundant prairie dog in central North America.

This species was one of two described by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the journals and diaries of their expedition.

Black-tailed prairie dogs live in colonies. Colony size may range from five to thousands of individuals, and may be subdivided into two or more wards, based on topographic features, such as hills. Wards are usually subdivided into two or more coteries, which are composed of aggregates of highly territorial, harem-polygynous social groups.

Individuals within coteries are amicable with each other and hostile towards outside individuals. At the beginning of the breeding season, a coterie is typically composed of one adult male, three to four adult females, and several yearlings and juveniles of both sexes.

The parking area to watch the prairie dogs is disabled accessible and pets are allowed, but MUST BE ON LEASH.

A golf course is located nearby in Big Timber and also five museums.

This park is day use only.

The black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) is a rodent of the family Sciuridae found in the Great Plains of North America from about the United States-Canada border to the United States-Mexico border.

Unlike some other prairie dogs, these animals do not truly hibernate. The black-tailed prairie dog can be seen above ground in midwinter.

Interpretive displays tell the story of these small, entertaining prairie dogs and their role in the prairie ecosystem. These creatures have great ecological significance because they create patches of habitat that provide prey, shelter, and forage for a diverse number of animals, including burrowing owls, black-footed ferrets, and mountain plovers.

Enjoy the prairie dogs with your binoculars and cameras, but please do not feed them. The digestive tracts of wild animals are specifically adapted to natural foods; human foods can compromise their health and survival.

The site is 98 acres in size and is situated at 3,600 feet in elevation.

Did You Know

Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?

"It was amazing if you are driving by, take the time to stop!"

"Quick stop off the highway to see some Prairie Dogs. During the winter the gates are locked but they allow foot visitors to walk on the path. Very windy most days but worth a short stop to see some little furry friends."

"Great road trip stop, bring binoculars to see them up close!"

"It's a brief stop but so worth it! Prairie Dogs are always out and chripin! Picnic benches but no restrooms. Park fee for people out of state. Quick on and off Highway access."

 

Quick Facts
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    Park

    Open All Year - Day Use only

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    Walk-In access only

    November 1 - April 1

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    Location

    Old US Hwy 10 Greycliff, MT 59033

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Granite Ghost Town State Park 3

Granite Ghost Town State Park

Granite Ghost Town State Park

Granite Ghost Town State Park

Once a thriving 1890s silver boomtown, Granite Ghost Town State Park, is exactly what its name suggests, the remains of a mining town from the 1800s. In 1865, Hector Horton discovered silver in the area and in the autumn of 1872, the Granite mine was discovered by a prospector named Holland. The mine was relocated in 1875.

Granite Ghost Town State Park

To keep in mind before your visit...

Permits are required for some activities.

Prepare for a steep and windy drive to Granite from Phillipsburg. The road gains 1,280 feet in elevation and you may need to pull over for oncoming traffic, but you’ll have a beautiful view!

Only a few buildings still remain, but the main street of Granite was once bustling with saloons, a newspaper office, rooming houses, and restaurants. The state park preserves the Granite Mine Superintendent’s house and the ruins of the old miners’ Union Hall, both of which are included in the Historic American Buildings Survey. 

Be sure to take some time to hike the web of trails that lead to old homes and other ruins in the area while you’re here!

This is one of the best ghost camps in all of Montana. At one point the Granite mine was the richest silver mine on the earth, and it might never have been discovered if a telegram from the east hadn't been delayed. The mine's backers thought the venture was hopeless and ordered an end to its operation, but the last blast, on the last shift uncovered a bonanza, which yielded $40,000,000 in silver.

In the silver panic of 1893, word came to shut the mine down. The mine was deserted for three years, never again would it reach the population it once had of over 3,000 miners.
Today there is no one living in the camp. The shell of the Miners' Union Hall still stands. The roof supports have caved to the bottom floor, the third-floor dance hall, second-floor union offices, and ground-floor saloon/cafe are about to collapse together. The company hospital still stands.

Did You Know

Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?

"Follow Granite Road which leads directly to the park. There is a sign on Granite Road where you need to turn that says "Granite Road, Ghost Town 4 Miles". Follow that sign and you're on the right path. The road is rough, but a car can make it if you drive carefully. Plenty of one lane areas where two vehicles can not pass.

"I really enjoy spending the day in the mountains. Seeing an old mining ghost town was a big bonus."

"Very cool late 19th century mining town. Lots of stone foundations and a couple buildings still almost intact. The inginuity of our forefathers as well as the massive amount of labor displayed around this old mine is impressive. The taling piles are gargantuan and the mill foundation looks like some old building in Europe."

"Took my hubby and dog on an adventure to this incredible piece of history! We went on a snowy, cold autumn day but it was so worth it! There are some building still standing, many that are only partial, but a lot of neat mining history, and the granite ghost walk trail is great and takes you through just about everything there is to see. The road up is a bit rough, but cars can make it. Overall, it was awesome to explore a bit of Montana history from 200 years ago and to see what is still standing."

 

Quick Facts
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    Park

    Open Memorial Day* - 9/30
    Daylight Hours Only

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    Location

    347 Granite Road Phillipsburg, MT 59858

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Giant Springs State Parks

Giant Springs State Park

Giant Springs State Park

Giant Springs State Park

Located just outside of Great Falls lies Giant Springs State Park.

Originally discovered by Lewis & Clark in 1805, Giant Springs is one of the largest freshwater springs in the country.

Come marvel at this day-use park's remarkable features and view the variety of birdlife. Take part in their special events, picnic by the Missouri River, visit the fish hatchery and visitor center, walk along the Rivers Edge Trail, view the nearby Rainbow Falls overlook, or visit the neighboring Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center operated by the U.S. Forest Service.

Giant Springs State Park
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Things to do:

The spring flows at a rate of 156 million gallons of water per day and is always 54 degrees Fahrenheit! Multiple bridges cross the crystal clear water that makes up Giant Springs, allowing visitors to peer in and see the growing vegetation and even an occasional fish!

While you won’t find any camping at Giant Springs State Park, you won’t find the park lacking in activities! The Roe River (also found in Giant Springs State Park) was once listed in the Guinness Book for World Records as the world’s shortest river!

  • Visit the fish hatchery and visitor center.
  • Take a walk on the Rivers Edge Trail.
  • Go on a hike along the many trails hugging the Missouri River.
  • Take in the Rainbow Falls at the overlook.
  • Visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, located nearby and operated by the U.S. Forest Service.

The water found in Giant Springs comes from the Madison Aquifer under the Little Belt Mountains. Because the water stays around 54 degrees year-round, Giant Springs State Park is great to visit regardless of the season!

In the winter, the steam rises off of the unfrozen water and birds flock around the warm water, while in the summer, the park is, on average, 20 degrees cooler than the nearby city of Great Falls.

Did You Know

Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?

"Absolutley beautiful place top visit. Especially during spring and summer time. Trail access is easy from here and is a must see for anyone paying through or visiting."

"This is by far the best park in Great Falls and has a lot of good history posted around the park. There is a very clear natural spring, a playground for the kids, lots of barbecues and picnic areas. Just don't leave a mess like some of the tourists do.. throw your trash away and keep this place looking nice."

"Turned out to be a great Sunday to visit the park. Sun was shining, no wind, 38 degrees out but it felt great. Picnickers we're about. Nice "museum" for the hatchery. Got to feed some really big rainbow trout."

"This is a must see attraction if you visit Great Falls. The trout hatchery, the kids pond, the amazing views, and excellent fishing right from the park. We had our engagement photos done here as well. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day."

 

Quick Facts
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    Park

    DAY USE ONLY
    Open all year
    Sunrise - Sunset

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    Location

    4803 Giant Springs Road Great Falls, MT 59405

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Frenchtown Pond State Park 1

Frenchtown Pond State Park

Frenchtown Pond State Park

Frenchtown Pond State Park

Located about 17 miles west of Missoula, Frenchtown Pond State Park is a 41-acre, day-use recreational area where you can swim, boat, and fish. The pond itself is a natural spring-fed lake with a maximum depth of about 18 feet.

Frenchtown Pond State Park
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Looking to fish?

A variety of fish including; sunfish, bass, and bullhead provide fair catches throughout the year. Frenchtown Pond State Park is also a favorite place for visitors to practice stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and snorkeling.

Frenchtown Pond became a state park in 1972. They often host local events for youth and families.

The Frenchtown area was settled by French-Canadian settlers in 1858 after being pushed out of their original settlements by political unrest in the west.

The area was given the name by American (USA) settlers based on the ethnicity and language of the settlers. Currently, fewer than 2000 people reside in the area (US Census, 2010).

The area is home to many scattered ghost towns which fell when the local mining boom cooled off. Most notable of these ghost towns is Hellgate. The first major settlement. The land was rich with gold and fur. The valley lined with timber.

The area flourished and is considered to be the home of the first (state-legal) wedding of white-American settlers in the state of Montana (1862) and the birthplace of the first white-American "Montanan" earlier that same year. Before this, the area was predominately French-Canadian and Native American, which frequently intermarried and settled in the area north of Frenchtown in what is now the Flathead Indian reservation, home to the Bitterroot Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d'Oreilles tribes (also known as the "Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation").

Hellgate became a rough and tumble kind of place and was frequently ravaged by the infamous Henry Plummer Gang. Vigilantes roamed wild dispensing sudden and violent "justice" whenever they felt it necessary.

The area became so notorious that when a scuffle with some of the Pend d'Oreilles tribe led to the death of a prospector, the tribe forced the chief to surrender his son (who led the group involved in the scuffle). After a very brief trial, the boy was hung in town.

As the area prospered, trade moved southeast towards what is now Missoula, MT. Camels were often used to transport goods between the two places.

The town fell to ruin almost overnight as people packed up and moved south to the more economically stable Missoula, which acquired the county seat from Hellgate in 1865 a mere ten years after its official settlement and only five short years from when Hellgate was granted the title.

Did You Know

Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?

"Great state park super well maintained, clean bathrooms and a rinsing station"

"I wish I lived close to this park! A Montana resident pays nothing and out of state was a whopping $6.00. What value. We took a gaggle of kids swimming and had hours of fun. Please go enjoy this little gem! Swim, kayak, paddle board, fish, walk or picnic."

"Such a lovely state park with a dandy playground. Then we went down to the pond. The kids went swimming. We saw others with kayaks. It was so pleasant to eat a picnic lunch there. I would return."

Quick Facts
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    Park

    Day use only
    No camping
    Open 

    October 1 through April 30: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm.
    May 1 through August 31: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
    September 1 through September 30: 9:00 a.m. – 7 p.m.

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    Location

    18401 Frenchtown Frontage Road Frenchtown, MT 59834

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Fort Owen State Park

Fort Owen State Park

Fort Owen State Park

Travel 25 minutes south of Missoula, MT and into Stevensville, MT to Fort Owen State Park. Here you will find the remains of the oldest pioneer settlement in the State of Montana.

A beautiful place to visit, however, Fort Owen State Park is currently under major construction.

Fort Owen State Park
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Wanting to visit?

Originally home to the first Catholic Church in Montana, founded by Father DeSmet in 1841, Fort Owen has a rich history and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Here are some of our favorites when visiting Fort Owen State Park:

  • Check out the museum!
  • Capture the historical significance through photography!
  • Enjoy your picnic with amazing views.
  • Don’t forget your binoculars if you plan to do any wildlife and bird watching!
  • Visit the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife refuge just down the road.
  • Visit nearby Stevensville and the St. Mary’s Mission.
  • Plus so much more!

Fort Owen served as an important trading hub for Western Montana for over 20 years. However, when the Mullan Road was built in 1863, connecting Fort Benton to Walla Walla, Washington, it became the main transportation route and bypassed Fort Owen, going north through Missoula instead. This property has passed through many hands, one acre surrounding the remains of the fort was given to the Fort Owen Historical Association in 1937. In 1956 they conveyed it to the state of Montana for one dollar.

In addition to its many firsts, it also was the first recorded land transaction in Montana and contains the oldest constructed buildings in the State of Montana. Today you can tour one of the barracks that served as John Owen’s home and library, see the outline of the fort’s walls, a reconstructed root cellar, the well-house and a historic cabin. The rooms in the east barracks feature period furnishings and artifacts and visitors will find interpretive signs and exhibits which detail the region's history.

Did You Know

Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?

"Wonderful Place. Every One Must Go."

"Nice historical monument. Nicely kept."

"What a neat little place full of Montana history. We stopped in to see Fort Owen State Park while we were in the Stevensville area visiting. It’s not a big place so you won’t spend much time here. There are some good lessons in history walking through the buildings."

"Lots of information. Great for families. Lots of information without over doing it. Informative and fun."

 

Quick Facts
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    Park

    March 1 - October 31:   9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily

    November 1 - February 28:  Closed for the Winter

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    Location

    99 Fort Owen Ranch Rd Stevensville, MT 59870

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Fish Creek State Park 1

Fish Creek State Park

Fish Creek State Park

Fish Creek State Park

Fish Creek State Park is located at 851 Rivulet Road in Alberton.

Fish Creek State Park provides a large landscape State Park in western Montana with a diverse array of recreational opportunities such as hiking, mountain biking, angling, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, motorized use on open roads, and hunting.

Click Here To Access a Map!

Looking to camp?

From the lookout atop Williams Peak to the crystal clear blue pools of Fish Creek, this 5,603-acre state park is full of wildlife, beautiful scenery and places to explore.

The Alberton Gorge, with class 3-4 whitewater rafting, is nearby.

This undeveloped park lacks many amenities that other nearby parks feature such as a visitor center, camping facilities, or regular staffing

The 41,000 acres was acquired by the Nature Conservancy and Trust for Public Lands from the Plum Creek Timber Co. for $17 million. In 2010 the state of Montana officially gained ownership of the land, setting aside a share for the state park.

The topography of the park varies and includes timbered draws, ridges, flat stretches, riparian areas, and steep, narrow canyons.

There are around 60 miles of old logging roads within the park! As one of Montana’s newest state parks, there aren’t many amenities, but you will find plenty of activities! 

You won’t find camping at Fish Creek, yet, but if you’re feeling adventurous, the Alberton Gorge provides first-rate whitewater rafting. You may be looking for something a bit tamer though, in which case fishing is one of the most popular activities at Fish Creek State Park!

Many visitors love to hike up to the Williams Peak lookout which provides incredible views of the Mission Mountains to the northeast and Bitterroot Mountains to the southwest. 

Did You Know

Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?

"Lots of forested lands. A new park, my first experience was cross country skiing."

"Great boon- docking spot. Lots of wildlife and views."

Quick Facts
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    Park

    Open Year-Round

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    Location

    851 Rivulet Road Alberton, MT 59820

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First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

Located South of Great Falls and just outside of Ulm, First Peoples Buffalo Jump is one of the largest buffalo jumps in the United States and is known in the archeology community as the most significant buffalo jump in the world! Evidence suggests that this site, also known as the Ulm Pishkin, may have been the most frequently used buffalo jump in the world.

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
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Park history

A 6,000 square foot Visitor Center helps to pay homage to both the buffalo and the Native American’s who honor it. Inside you’ll find buffalo culture exhibits, a circle for storytelling, a classroom, a gallery, and a bookstore!

Outside the Visitor Center are an outdoor amphitheater and even a few traditional games playing fields. The cliffsides now offer up amazing views to visitors from all over the world.

At the base of the cliff, you can see 18 feet of compact buffalo remains, but it can be difficult to make out distinct items like skulls or other bones after so many years. The original name of the park “Ulm Pishkin” comes from the Blackfeet word "Pis'kun," meaning "deep kettle of blood”. The mile-long cliff ranges from 30 to 50 feet in height, any higher and meat may have been damaged and unusable. Of the over 300 buffalo kill sites in Montana, First Peoples Buffalo Jump is one of only three that are protected.

Native tribes would stampede herds of bison off the cliff and collect the remains below. Bison meat served as a main staple in the early Native American diets of the region. While this form of hunting was very popular and safe compared to the alternatives it was not the most common.

Ambush killing, where the hunters would sneak up to the animal before attacking, was the most frequent way for them to provide food, tools, and clothing to their families. It was very dangerous due to the size and strength of the animal. Because of this many of these sites are considered sacred. Ambush hunting became less and less utilized as the horse came onto the scene, allowing hunters to keep pace with the bison and guide them more effectively to sites like this and eventually as they began breeding horses even the buffalo jump became obsolete. Giving way to mounted hunters who could chase, kill, and carry back the precious remains.

The most accepted theory as to the use of “Buffalo Jumps” has the hunters slowly encircling the herds and pushing them towards the area. It could take hours if not days and was very dangerous.

As the herds would draw closer and closer to the cliffs they would be guided to a specific spot by others using low fences made of twisted vines and large rocks. These “Drive Lines” can still be found today. They sometimes extended over a quarter of a mile away.

Once the Buffalo had reached their holding spot the hunters would approach, sometimes wearing wolf pelts and sneaking on all fours, and when the time was right they would jump up shouting and making loud noises creating a stampede.

The fastest and bravest of the hunters, called “Buffalo-Runners” would dance in front of the herds leading them over the cliff. Often jumping to a safe spot just below the ledge.

After the herd had gone over or dispersed the women, children, and elders would move through the aftermath killing any that may have survived and then processing and harvesting as much of the animal as possible.

Plan to spend at least two hours at First Peoples Buffalo Jump to make time for the many activities!

*Notice!: Due to recent world-wide events Visitors Centers, Regional Offices, Ranger Stations, Campgrounds, and other facilities including many restrooms are now closed to the public. MT FWP is monitoring the situation and making changes to their policy on a rolling two week basis.

Years after the area was settled it became a cattle ranch and eventually mining area. Eventually, in the 1950s the bone itself began to be mined before a local rancher named Earl Monroe leased the land to protect it from further destruction.

Earl kept the land off-limits to the public while under his care. The land went through many hands and many legal battles over the years before finally coming under the protection of the state in the late ‘90s and becoming a full-fledged state park in the year 2000.

 

Did You Know

Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?

"The museum itself was extremely neat and clean. It's a small establishment that you can tour yourself - which I LOVED! The 2 guides were helpful and answered any questions that we had regarding the jump. I would absolutely suggest this place to anyone visiting the Great Falls area."

"What a piece of history we knew nothing about. Fascinating and then taking the drive to the cliffs I couldn't imagine running ahead of a herd of buffalo and at the last minute jumping over the edge to safety. This park is definitely worth a visit. Make the time."

"Great history and amazing views of the valley. A great 1 mile hike up to the buffalo jump cliff, or take the road around the other side of you don't want to hike it. Restroom is available in the visitors building and near the cliff."

"What a great place to see. It is so peaceful and tranquil. I enjoyed it so very much."

 

Quick Facts
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    Park

    Summer - open daily.
    Winter - open Wednesday through Sunday.

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    Summer Hours 

    April 12 - September 12: open 8 am - 6 pm daily.

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    Winter Hours

    Sept. 14 to March 31:
    10 am - 4 pm Wed - Sat and 12 pm - 4 pm Sun.
    Closed Monday and Tuesday.
    The gates at the top of the Jump may be closed during times of deep snow.

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    Location

    342 Ulm -Vaughn Rd. Ulm, MT 59485

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Elkhorn State Park 3

Elkhorn State Park

Elkhorn State Park

Elkhorn State Park

Traveling along gravel secondary roads outside of Boulder, you’ll find the once thriving town of Elkhorn, now one of the smallest state parks in the state.

 

 

Elkhorn State Park
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These roads take you through a 19th-century mining landscape before you reach historic Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall nestled within the privately-owned town of Elkhorn. Bring your camera to record these two picturesque structures from the late 1800's silver-mining ghost town, preserved as outstanding examples of frontier architecture. Each has been recorded in the Historic American Buildings Survey.

Three-quarters of a mile up the main road that runs through town (just outside of the state park property) lies the town cemetery where visitors can see the tombstone of Swiss miner Peter Wys who originally discovered the silver veins in the Elkhorn Mine!

Rich with mineral deposits (including silver), the Boulder Batholith originally drew settlers to the area and led to the establishment of Elkhorn in 1868, now a silver-mining ghost town. The 1880s and 1890s were the most populous times for Elkhorn, drawing around 2,500 residents at its peak, but after the Silver Crash of 1893, the town saw a drop of 75 percent of its population in just two months. In total, the Elkhorn Mine yielded about $14 million in silver.

Did You Know

Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?

"Beautiful Town! Really neat old ghost town and mining artifacts. There are only a few buildings you can go into, but lots of history around town! The wood water tower has be repaired. I highly recommend checking out the cemetery, pretty sad story. Plenty of parking all over."

"Ghost town with sad cemetary interesting ghost town with private homes located around the buildings. There are two buildings in restored condition and other buildings scattered throughout untouched. Went further afield to the cemetery located on the hillside. Sad, unkempt and scattered tombs and plaques tell the story of the deaths of children during an epidemic."

"Lots of interesting old Stone and wood buildings give you a taste of the town that must have been grand. Check out the historic and protected Fraternity Hall. Be sure to walk up the hill to the cemetery. Monuments range from grand to crumbling wooden markers. Especially poignant are the many, many graves of children who died in the 1888-9 diphtheria epidemic."

"It still remains as one of the most well-preserved buildings in the town. Later, Elkhorn's prosperity wanted as the demand for silver decreased. When railroad service to Elkhorn was halted, most of the inhabitants left. Today, Elkhorn is a Montana State Park."

 

Quick Facts
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    Park

    Open Year-Round, Pack-In/Pack-Out

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    Location

    812 Elkhorn Street Elkhorn, MT

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Council Grove State Park 6

Council Grove State Park

Council Grove State Park

Council Grove State Park

Council Grove State Park marks the site of the 1855 council between Superintendent of Indian Affairs and Territorial Governor of Washington, Isaac Stevens and members of the Flathead, Kootenai, and Pend d'Oreille Nations.

Council Grove State Park
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The park is designated as a primitive park meaning that further development is prohibited. There is no visitor center, camping or staff at this location.

Vehicle size is limited to passenger vehicles.

It was at this site that Chief Victor of the Bitterroot Salish eventually marked an "X" on the treaty documents prepared by Stevens and his contingent. The Bitterroot Salish and their leader believed that they would not be required to leave the Bitterroot Valley as a result of the treaty signed at the 1855 Council. It would be 15 years before agents from the US government came to enforce provisions of the treaty requiring the Bitterroot Salish to relocate to the Mission Valley.

The area is now a quiet, serene state park. It is large enough at 187 acres for a nice walk or to find a quiet place next to the river for a picnic. The park is limited to day-use only activities with a handful of on-site amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, drinking water, hiking trails, and ADA accessible facilities.

This park contains large, old-growth ponderosa pines, grassy meadows by the park picnic area, and large cottonwoods along the Clark Fork. There's also an aspen grove fed by a vernal pool (a shallow depression in clay-like soil that fills with water seasonally) and make great breeding habitat for frogs and salamanders.

The Hellgate Treaty between the United States government and the Salish, Kootenai and Pend d’Oreille Native Americans which created the Flathead Reservation was signed here on July 16, 1855. A monument in the park marks the location where the treaty was signed. 

Council Grove allows you to experience a feeling of solitude amongst the large, old-growth ponderosa pines, grassy fields, and cottonwood trees along the Clark Fork River. Many people come to the park for biking and hiking and even as a great place to fish, swim, and hunt in the right season. 

Did You Know

Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?

"Beautiful park & very family friendly! Dogs are also aloud on leash. There is room for everyone to enjoy on the rocky/beachy area. Must check out if visiting Missoula Montana."

"Nice place for an easy stroll along the Clark Fork amongst the ponderosa pine."

"Clean and quiet. Nice to walk with my dogs."

"Good birdwatching; I osprey, hummingbirds, owls, occasionally see hawks and eagles."

 

Quick Facts
  • pine icon

    Park

    Day use only. No camping.
    Open daily all year
    Daylight hours

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    Location

    11249 Mullan Road
    Missoula, MT 59808

Council Grove State Park Read More »

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