Montana is home to some of the most beautiful natural treasures on Earth. Not only does it have the Crown Jewel of the Continent, Glacier National Park, but it’s full of beautiful state parks that offer something for everyone. Plan to visit these 12 state parks in Montana, which highlight the incredible geological diversity of the Treasure State!

1. Pictograph Cave State Park, Billings
Pictograph Cave State Park, 3401 Coburn Rd, Billings, MT 59101, USA
KWC205/Flickr
Pictograph Cave State Park has been a designated National Historic Landmark since 1964 because of its archaeological significance. Prehistoric hunters who camped in Pictograph Cave left behind rock paintings dating back to 2,000 years old. Visitors can hike, view the rock paintings, picnic or explore the Interpretive Display and Gift Shop.
2. Brush Lake State Park, Dagmar
Brush Lake State Park, Dagmar, MT 59219, USA
Montana State Parks/Facebook
White, sandy beaches in Montana? Brush Lake State Park is something you have to see to believe. You can go swimming or boating in Brush Lake, though there are no fish due to the mineral make-up of the water.
3. Hell Creek State Park, Jordan
Hell Creek State Park, 2456 Hell Creek Rd, Jordan, MT 59337, USA
Montana State Parks/Facebook
Come for the water sports, stay for the scenery. Located on the Hell Creek Arm of Fort Peck Lake, Hell Creek State Park has all the amenities a camper could need. The lake also has great walleye fishing.
4. Painted Rocks State Park, Darby
Painted Rocks State Park, 8809 W Fork Rd, Darby, MT 59829, USA
Scott Smithson/Flickr
The Bitterroot Mountains are gorgeous, and Painted Rocks State Park is exceptionally stunning. Take a break from reality this summer and enjoy boating, fishing, hiking and camping in a scenic setting. Painted Rocks got its name from the green, orange and yellow lichens that cover the rock walls of the cliffs.
5. Giant Springs State Park, Great Falls
Giant Springs, Montana 59405, USA
david/Flickr
Giant Springs was discovered by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805 and is home to one of the largest freshwater springs in the country as well as the world’s shortest river, the Roe River. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy a picnic and a walk.
6. Wayfarers State Park, Bigfork
Wayfarers State Park, 8600 Montana Hwy 35, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA
Troy Smith/Flickr
Want to see the best sunsets over Flathead Lake? Come to Wayfarers State Park, which is located on the northwest shore. This park has 40 campsites and is a great place to view wildlife.

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7. Whitefish Lake State Park, Whitefish
State Park Road, State Park Rd, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
Phil Trease/Flickr
Summer is the best time to explore Whitefish Lake State Park. Not only is it located less than a mile from Whitefish trail hiking and biking trail system, the park offers great outdoors options like swimming, boating, water skiing, camping and fishing.
8. Thompson Falls State Park, Thompson Falls
East State Road, E State Rd, Montana 59873, USA
Luke Detwiler/Flickr
Enjoy some peace and quiet, nature walks, bird watching, and swimming at Thompson Falls State Park, located on the Clark Fork River. When you’re ready to return to the real world, you’ll find a golf course, museum and several restaurants nearby.
9. Fort Owen State Park, Stevensville
Fort Owen State Park, 99 Fort Owen Ranch Rd, Stevensville, MT 59870, USA
Forest Service Northern Region/Flickr
This is a great park for exploring the site of many Montana "first," such as the first Catholic Church, the first sawmill, the first white settlement and the first school for settlers. Fort Owen State Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
10. Lost Creek State Park, Anaconda
Lost Creek State Park, 5750 Lost Creek Rd, Anaconda, MT 59711, USA
Shannah Wilson/Google Local
A short hike at Lost Creek State Park will take you to Lost Creek Falls, a 50-foot waterfall. You might also see wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep hanging out on the cliffs.
11. Missouri Headwaters State Park, Three Forks
Missouri Headwaters State Park, 1585 Trident Rd, Three Forks, MT 59752, USA
Brett Whaley/Flickr
This is the place where the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers merge to form the 2,300 mile Missouri River. The Missouri Headwaters State Park area was a geographical focal point that was important to traders, settlers and early Native Americans.
12. Makoshika State Park, Glendive
Makoshika State Park Road, Makoshika State Park Rd, Glendive, MT 59330, USA
Brett Whaley/Flickr
The list wouldn’t be complete without a spot for the largest state park in Montana, Makoshika. Walk a real dinosaur trail, learn about state history at visitor center and enjoy the views of the badlands.

How many of these state parks have you paid a visit to in Montana recently? Do you plan to see any this year? 

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More to Explore

State parks to visit in Montana

Sarah M. | January 28, 2022

What are some other beautiful state parks to visit in Montana?

Some of Montana's most beautiful state parks are the least-visited ones, and we're going to let you in on some of our favorite secrets in the Treasure State! Giant Springs State Park is one of the best and most beautiful state parks in MT; located in Great Falls, Giant Springs State Park is home to the world's smallest river, The Roe. Take a stroll by the Missouri River, visit the fish hatchery and visitor center, walk along the Rivers Edge Trail, and check out the Rainbow Falls overlook. Here's more on what makes Giant Springs State Park such a hidden gem. Lone Pine is located in Kalispell on the shores of Foys Lake, and it's another state park gem that offers sublime scenic views. Even during the winter months, Lone Pine State Park makes for an excellent Montana day trip destination. Curious about more beautiful state parks to visit in Montana? Check out this list!

How many state parks are there in Montana?

Montana is a big state, so it only makes sense that we're big on state parks, too! Montana has a whopping 55 state parks where you can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, boating and more while discovering some of the greatest natural and cultural treasures on the planet (in our very humble opinion!). 

What's the biggest state park to visit in Montana?

The biggest state park in Montana is Makoshika State Park, and it's an amazing place that's definitely one for your Treasure State bucket list! Spanning over 11,000 acres, this state park is a wild wonderland for exploration and adventure. Makoshika means ‘bad land’ in Lakota, and since 1939, it has been a public state park for all to enjoy. The pine and juniper studded badlands formations dominate the park, giving it a rugged and unique look, making it an incredibly scenic place to hike and photograph. Makoshika houses the fossil remains of quite a few dinosaurs, too, most notably tyrannosaurus and triceratops. Intrigued yet? Read all about this amazing Montana state park in this feature.

 

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