Missoula, Montana, offers a high quality of life with numerous local shops and recreational opportunities, making it ideal for a day trip.
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Plan a unique cave-themed day trip to Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park in Montana, featuring guided tours of impressive limestone caverns and various visitor centers.
There are so many amazing state parks in Montana. But if you're looking for something unique to do, you must plan a cave-themed day trip in Montana. One of the coolest state parks in Montana is Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. There you can tour some of the most amazing limestone caverns in North America. Afterward, the park has two visitor centers with interactive exhibits, educational programming, and even a gift shop and cafe. Come along as we show you more about this unique place and why we think it's one of the best day trips in Montana, and then plan your next trip here!
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is a 3,000-acre park located about 12 miles east of Whitehall.
It is a gorgeous park with 10 miles of hiking trails and year-round camping. But, its namesake limestone caverns are the real showstoppers here.
The park has one of the largest known limestone caverns in North America.
And fortunately, visitors are able to explore these caves. Although, be advised that they are accessible by guided tour only.
The park offers two tours.
The Classic Cave Tour is moderately difficult, two hours long, covers two miles, and involves elevation gains of 300 feet, ascending 100 stairs, and descending 500 stairs. Be sure to bring good hiking shoes.
The Paradise Tour is rated easy and is 1.5 hours long and covers one mile.
This tour is better suited for children and is accessible to most people. Do note that the guided tours are generally offered from May to September.
For a complete cave-themed day trip in Montana, be sure to check out the two visitor centers at the park.
The Main Visitor Center focuses on the geology, flora, and fauna of the park. The Cave Visitor Center focuses on the caverns. There you will find a 29-minute video, a small museum, and even a cave exploration room.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park also has a gift shop and cafe.
So be sure to grab a bite to eat and a souvenir before you finish off your day at the park!
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is a 3,000-acre park located about 12 miles east of Whitehall.
It is a gorgeous park with 10 miles of hiking trails and year-round camping. But, its namesake limestone caverns are the real showstoppers here.
The park has one of the largest known limestone caverns in North America.
And fortunately, visitors are able to explore these caves. Although, be advised that they are accessible by guided tour only.
The park offers two tours.
The Classic Cave Tour is moderately difficult, two hours long, covers two miles, and involves elevation gains of 300 feet, ascending 100 stairs, and descending 500 stairs. Be sure to bring good hiking shoes.
The Paradise Tour is rated easy and is 1.5 hours long and covers one mile.
This tour is better suited for children and is accessible to most people. Do note that the guided tours are generally offered from May to September.
For a complete cave-themed day trip in Montana, be sure to check out the two visitor centers at the park.
The Main Visitor Center focuses on the geology, flora, and fauna of the park. The Cave Visitor Center focuses on the caverns. There you will find a 29-minute video, a small museum, and even a cave exploration room.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park also has a gift shop and cafe.
So be sure to grab a bite to eat and a souvenir before you finish off your day at the park!
What do you think about this caved-themed day trip in Montana? If so, what was your favorite part? Do you have a favorite Montana day trip? Have you visited other Montana caverns? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
Thinking about taking a Big Sky Country vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.
If you really enjoy outdoor adventures, then be sure to read The 5 Best Fall Festivals In Montana For 2024 Will Put You In The Autumnal Spirit.
For those who love hiking, you can find some great trails in and around the area by going to the AllTrails website. Additionally, a lot of hikers also love to go camping. If you'd like to try it in an RV but don't have one, visit RVShare. And whether you are new to RVing or are a seasoned pro, here are some great RV tips for your next adventure!
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Discover the best day trips in Montana, with unique destinations and activities for each month of the year.
Looking for some Montana day trips? Look no further than right here for some of the best day trips near me! Even if all you can spare is a single day, you'll still have plenty of time to enjoy a wide array of wonderful experiences. From charming small towns to picturesque trails, exciting events, and everything in between, you'll find something to suit your travel desires. So without further adieu, check 'em out - one for each month of the year!
1. January: Big Sky Resort
There's never a bad time to visit Big Sky and the Big Sky Resort, but January is an especially magical (albeit cold) month here. Obviously, the skiing is fantastic ... but even if you don't do snow sports, you can enjoy the shopping, dining, and spa services at Big Sky Mountain Village. We definitely recommend coming for at least a few days, but if you can't, it is definitely one of the best day trips in Montana.
2. February: Whitefish Winter Carnival
This annual event, held in its namesake Whitefish, is always a blast, and each year there is a different theme. Whether you come for the day or for the entire three-day festival, you're sure to enjoy some of the best quirkiness you've ever seen! It is definitely an awesome Montana day trip.
3. March: Butte
We're not saying that Butte has the best St. Patrick's Day celebration in the country or anything ... but we're not claiming that it doesn't, either. If you've never experienced the fun for yourself, make this the year that you take that day trip near me in Butte.
4. April: Bozeman
Bozeman is without a doubt one of the best day trips in Montana! We suggest that you visit before the summer hits and the tourists flock to the city for the Sweet Pea Festival and other fun. While it might be colder and grayer than this photo would indicate, you can still visit your favorite restaurants, shops, and the Museum of the Rockies in peace. And don't forget to go for a spring soak at Bozeman Hot Springs!
5. May: The Garden Of One Thousand Buddhas
Located in Arlee, The Garden Of One Thousand Buddhas is a public garden and a place for people of all faiths to come enjoy some quiet contemplation. Sounds like a perfect Montana day trip.
6. June: Virginia City
When was the last time you visited Virginia City, Montana's most charming ghost town? Celebrate summer's arrival with a day trip if it's feasible. A great choice for day trips near me in Montana, June is when this little town becomes more "spirited."
7. July: Livingston
A parade, fireworks, family-friendly fun - oh, and Montana's most famous rodeo. All of this happens in the beautiful town of Livingston. One of the best day trips in Montana, we can't think of a better place to spend the 4th of July.
8. August: Missoula
There's nothing like a Montana day trip and a beautiful summer day in Missoula. Treat yourself to some huckleberry ice cream from Big Dipper and walk the Riverfront Trail. And if you happen to be there on a Thursday, you can check out the free performances and food trucks at Downtown ToNight at Caras Park.
9. September: Montana Bale Trail (What The Hay)
Editor's Note: This event is no longer in operation.
If you live in central or eastern Montana, head to Hobson anytime after the first Sunday after Labor Day and check out this fascinating hay sculpture contest. This longtime tradition is a truly unique day trip near me in Montana and is sure to make you laugh.
10. October: Flathead Valley
Montana's fall foliage is highly underrated. And while a Montana day trip to Glacier National Park may not be possible, you can cruise through the Flathead Valley and see scenes like this.
11. November: Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
While it can snow in Montana anytime, November is when the winter weather starts getting real. Take a break and warm up in the piping-hot pools of the fabulous Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. It is one of the most popular resorts in the state and one of the best day trips in Montana.
12. December: Bigfork
Bigfork has become well-known as Montana's Christmas Village. The local chamber of commerce and some of the businesses are always hosting events that will help you get into the holiday spirit. Be sure to keep this in mind for day trips near me in Montana.
Interested in making any (or all!) of these into a road trip and needing transportation? Check out what RVshare has to offer.
Montana is an amazing place to explore in any season. Have you been to any of these places? What do you think are the best day trips in Montana? We'd love to see your photos and hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Another great idea for day trips near me in Montana? Small-town day trips in Montana!
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