Visit any of our amazing state parks and you’ll see why Montana is the best state for outdoor enthusiasts. Our first state park, however, is exceptionally amazing. If you’ve never ventured into the Lewis & Clark Caverns, you’ll want to add a trip to your bucket list immediately.

Located in Whitehall, this unique limestone cavern happens to be the largest of its kind in the Northwest.
995ronh / TripAdvisor
Lewis and Clark never actually laid eyes on this cave (although they camped in the area), but plenty of others did. It was well known to Native Americans before being discovered by Tom Williams and Bert Pannell in 1892.
In 1902, Tom, Bert, and local miner Dan Morrison developed it for public use under the name Limespur Cave.
Tjflex2 / Flickr
1908, President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Lewis and Clark Cavern National Monument as America's 15th national monument. It would eventually become Montana's first state park in 1936.
While you'll have to wait until spring for a guided tour, this is definitely a tour worth taking.
Lynn M / TripAdvisor
The tour consists of a two-hour walk that covers about two miles of ground, descending about 600 stairs.

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While the park is open all year, the cave is open for tours from May through September.
Inuk12 / TripAdvisor
There used to be thousands of western big-eared bats in the caverns, but unfortunately, there are only about 100 left. The bats eat thousands of bugs every day.
The park has 44 campsites and a few cabins for rent, so when you visit, you should plan to spend the night.
Guide528235 / TripAdvisor
The park also has plenty of scenery to check out that doesn't include delving deep into the earth.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is one of the many attractions that makes Montana unique.
TJflex2 / Flickr
The caverns are a cool, dark world where time seems to stand still.

Have you ever toured these cool caverns? We’re lucky to have so many amazing state parks in Montana.

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