Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

Category: State park

Address: 25 Lewis & Clark Caverns Road, Whitehall, MT 59759, USA

Phone: +14062873541

Reviews

John Stevens

Jul 21, 2022

Incredible must see experience. The history alone was so fascinating but the tour through the caverns was beyond amazing and our tour guide was so fun. A few miles off of I-90 but definitely worth the time... make it a point to visit this national gem.

Bryan Hermans

Jul 5, 2022

Although cave tours primarily bring visitors to Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, there is more to the Park than stalactites. Park land covers several square miles. Besides the cave visitor center, there is the main visitor center at the Park entrance, a campground, several picnic areas, a scenic drive with viewpoints up to the Caverns, and hiking trails. The last part rewards with stunning scenic views of mountain and canyon splendor.

Greg Martin

Jun 28, 2022

We did the classic tour. Jim was our guide. You can definitely see that he has 17 seasons under his belt. The trek up to the entrance has amazing views along the way (if you aren't scared of heights.) We stopped a few times along the way and Jim gave us fun facts to give everyone a break from the hike. It is almost exactly 2 hours from the start to the finish of the tour. It is a physically demanding tour. I would say 4.5 out of 10 maybe a little less depending on your age and fitness level. But.... it is 100% worth the small effort to see. Only downside. You don't get to see much of the paradise room from where the classic tour stops before the exit.

Emily Peker

Jun 12, 2022

We did the Paradise Tour in the caves with guide Molly and she was fantastic! She kept it interesting with the history and also geology facts inside the caves. We had fun, no strenuous walking, just an easy (mostly level) stroll probably just over a mile total. Thanks again Molly! PS notes - make a reservation prior to your arrival, we brought a flashlight for better viewing and oh use the bathroom before starting the tour!

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Questions & Answers

is lewis and clark caverns road paved?

Paul Leduc | May 29, 2018
David Wong | May 30, 2018

Stop at the base, just off highway, and pay $6 per vehicle if not residents. Then up 9% grade twisting road. I would advise against a huge motorhome drive up of possible. Going up wasn't the issue, it's going down riding the brakes. My 28' class A, at 16,000lbs, once arriving back down, I could smell the brakes.

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We are staying at the campground, are they caves walking distance from there? Also it says fishing on the list of park attractions, are the fishing areas easy to find or will I need to get directions from a ranger? Thanks:)

tiffinay w | May 28, 2020
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park (Owner) | May 29, 2020

To hike to the Cave Visitor Center from the campground, it is a 2.5- to 3-mile hike, gaining about 1000 feet in elevation. There are trail maps posted at most trailheads and trail junctions, so you should be able to orient yourself to find the trail that leads to the fishing access site as well. Thanks!

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How much much for guided tour of the caverns?

Jackie Kozmeniuk | May 29, 2018
melissa stanton | May 30, 2018

$12 per person.

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Are the caverns good to take infants in a Moby and two year olds in?

Nathan Becka Thompson | May 29, 2019
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park (Owner) | May 30, 2019

For children under 5 years of age, we recommend our Paradise Tour, which is a shorter, more accessible option than the two hour, two mile Classic Tour. The Paradise Tour is about an hour, about a mile, and does not have the bending, stooping and 600 stairs that you find on the Classic. If you are taking young children on a Classic Tour, keep in mind that baby backpacks are not allowed, only front packs.

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Is there RV parking at visitor center so we can leave the rig and visit the caves?

Maureen Murphy | Jul 2, 2021
John Daniels | Jul 3, 2021

You could drop a trailer in the bottom visitor center or leave your MH and take a toad up to the cave. It is 3 miles or so to the cave so you don't want to walk.

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Can I show up and get a tour or must I call and buy tickets before showing up?

Sydney Cowden | May 28, 2021
Mynor Morales | May 29, 2021

You have to have an appointment or will not get in, is a 10 people turn every hour

What time do the guided tours of the caverns start on Sundays?

Kathy Stewart | May 28, 2020
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park (Owner) | May 29, 2020

The ticket booth opens at 9:00am every day of the week from May 1 to September 30. The time of the first tour varies, but it's generally around 9:15 or 9:30.

How long is the hike and cavern tour?

Linda Van Dyke | May 29, 2019
Jennifer Holter | May 30, 2019

The classic tour is very good, but is strenuous. Be very honest with yourself about your abilities and the two hours will go by very quickly.

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Is there a Junior Ranger badge to be earned at this location?

Tiffany Belcher | May 29, 2019
Steven Hamilton | May 30, 2019

There is. Inquire with staff at either visitor center.

Are dogs allowed?

A Google User | May 29, 2019
Joshua Francis | May 30, 2019

At the park, yes. In the cave, no. They do offer free shaded outdoor dog kennels while you take the tour though.

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Is this road getting up there as scary as Glacier National Park road to the Sun?

A Google User | May 29, 2019
Edward Smith | May 30, 2019

No

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Is there overnight RV parking?

Alejandro Hernandez | May 29, 2019
Alecia Martin | May 30, 2019

Yes but there is an state rv campground at the bottom of the hill. Its not very expensive. Need to make reservations but i would prefer not to drive my rv up that steep windy road to the top where the caverns are. The campround is next to vistor center at the bottom some of the curves are very sharp

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When does it open for the season

Jeannette Greco | May 29, 2018
Justin Sharp | May 30, 2018

The Park is open year-round but access to the caverns starts on May 1st

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What time does the last cavern tour of the day start?

Aaron Williams | May 29, 2018
Eric Astleford | May 30, 2018

Web site has it listed this time of year you should refer to the web page as tours are limited.

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What is the cost for the 2-hour tour?

Todd Stiles | Sep 30, 2021
Sheree Nkata | Oct 1, 2021

We were just there and they don't have a parking fee.

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Are there rental cabins near the caverns?

Barbara Burrough | May 28, 2020
Steven Johnson | May 29, 2020

I wanna say there is or at least close by. Its a good place to go

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If it’s raining , will there still be tours through the cavern ?

Penny Ruth | May 28, 2020
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park (Owner) | May 29, 2020

Tours are offered rain or shine. If a thunderstorm is passing through, we may delay start times slightly, as tours begin with an exposed 3/4-mile hike to the entrance.

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Can mildly handicapped person with bad knees get to the cave? Thank you

Dawn M Johnson | May 28, 2020
Jason Burany | May 29, 2020

I wouldn't recommend it, there is a lot of bending, squatting, stooping, and stairs. Plus a 1/2 mile+ walk up to the entrance that they give you a time limit on and if you can't make it under the time limit they turn you back and won't let you go in the caverns.

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Are side by sides at s or dirt bikes allowed in the campgrounds and visitor centers

TaMara Butterfield | May 28, 2020
Alan Fresh | May 29, 2020

No,They are not allowed in the State Park

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What exactly is open during April?

Taryn Eveland | Apr 28, 2022
Balakay Smith | Apr 29, 2022

The Visitor Center is open October through April 10am - 4pm. The park is not open until May.

Does the tram still bring you to the mouth of the cave

Judith McLendon | May 28, 2020
Donna Hartford | May 29, 2020

No more tram

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Cost to enter caverns

Richard Ryan | May 28, 2020
Matt Boyce | May 29, 2020

Like 12 or 15. Very reasonable and well worth it.

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Where is a good place to stay ?

Shannon Rennie | May 28, 2020
Dominic Beccari | May 29, 2020

There is a campground about 2 miles from the caverns, it is very nice and also has small cabins. Whitehall is fairly close if you need a hotel

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Am I allowed to bring a dog ?

Shannon Rennie | May 28, 2020
Francine Giono | May 29, 2020

No dogs are allowed on the tours.

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Are pets (dogs) allowed in the cave tours?

Patti Ballard | May 28, 2020
Rodney Rickard | May 29, 2020

No, animals are not allowed in the cavern.

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Where are the picnic areas?

John Stephen Dunaway | May 28, 2020
Russell Rogers | May 29, 2020

Yep. Picnic areas in campgrounds and there is a picnic table at the top of the hill next to the Visitors Center where you catch the cave tours.

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Were Lewis and Clark caverns discovered by Lewis and Clark?

Barbara Mordock | May 29, 2019
Frank Scherer | May 30, 2019

Lewis and Clark did not find the caverns, they came within about a mile of it.

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how many people visit Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park each year

Joshua Soto - Bermudez | May 29, 2019
Jessie Griffith | May 30, 2019

Approximately 50,000 people a year.

What forms of payment are accepted? Cash or credit?

Domenico | May 29, 2019
Rory Fargo | May 30, 2019

Cash and credit.

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why is the lewis and clark state park so important

Randy Reyes | May 29, 2019
Mr. Fred | May 30, 2019

I don't know if it's that important but I can say that it's a great day to spend walking through caverns and caves you will not be disappointed

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Are the caverns open to walk through today

nichole Jeffery | May 29, 2019
Jeff Woods | May 30, 2019

No, unfortunately. It is seasonal. May 1 through September 30. The visitors center is open but the Caverns are not.

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Are there many stair involved with the two-hour, classic tour? Would someone with knee pain be better off taking the shorter tour?

Dean LaTour | May 29, 2019
penny Girl | May 30, 2019

There are a ton of stairs in the regular tour. If you have knee pain, the short tour is better, only a few stairs.

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How much does it cost no power outside toilets available

Howard Kamerman | May 29, 2019
Joe Jackson | May 30, 2019

16,00per person yes that have both kinds toilets

So the caverns ARNT open for march 2019? Just Just the camping area?

Briana Rudolph | May 29, 2019
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park (Owner) | May 30, 2019

The caves are open (by guided tour only) between May 1 and September 30. The seasonal closure is due to limited staffing during the winter months. The park itself--including the main visitor center--is open year-round for hiking, biking and camping.

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are you open for the special christmas tours?

susan gardenier | May 29, 2019
Steven Hamilton | May 30, 2019

This year they aren't because of the lighting project going on in the cave this winter.

How much longer is Lewis &Clark caverns open for B4 it closes for winter

Ross Graveley | May 29, 2019
Steven Hamilton | May 30, 2019

Tours of the caverns run from May 1st to September 30th. The camping and trails are open all year.

How long are you in the caverns on the handicap tour

Bill Griffin | May 29, 2019
Roger Pelletier | May 30, 2019

About 1.55 hrs.

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Do we need to make reservations to do a tour?

Glenda Tagg | May 29, 2019
Rory Fargo | May 30, 2019

No, they can get the tours filled up for the day. So a little planning might be prudent.

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How long are you in the cave?

Jeri Heimann | May 29, 2019
Zina Boeyenas | May 30, 2019

Jeri Heimann you take about a 2 hour walk to and inside. Im going to say you will be in the cave about 1:40 mins. It really is worth your time.

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Would larger people (tall and wider)have problems getting through the cave?

Ryan Saunders | May 29, 2019
A Tremblay | May 30, 2019

I think the most difficult part is the walk to the top/cave entrance. We were in full sun and it was a punishing walk for those with lower physical fitness. If you make it up the hill, you can do the rest.

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Are the caverns accessible for persons with disabilities re hip or knee issues making walking more difficult.

Hanna Huibers | May 29, 2019
Ryan Feller | May 30, 2019

There are 2 tour options. The full tour is 2 miles in total. The other option is a 1/4 mile walk on a nice flat trail. The just a little walking inside the cave.

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What times are the tour times

Carolyn Lippert | May 29, 2018
Alecia Martin | May 30, 2018

Tour times are usually every 30 mins. Unless it is busy then they move quicker.

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What's the age requirement ?,have a 4&5 yr old,,do they just need to be able to make the climb

Brandon Raber | May 29, 2018
Wesley caldwell | May 30, 2018

Half mile walk up hill to cave. Then need to be quit in cave and a lot of stairs. Other then that no age limit just make sure they can handle those issues.

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Is there dog kennels at Lewis and Clark caverns?

Sandy Cochran | May 29, 2018
Derrick Jamieson | May 30, 2018

I don't know. Kevin Hauge says there is.

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How much to tour the Lewis and Clark caverns

John Billington | May 29, 2018
Mike Bolle | May 30, 2018

Yup 12 bucks PLUS park entry fee of 6 or 8 dollars if ya plan to camp reserve a spot it always full

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Candlelight tours 2017

Donna Morvay | May 29, 2018
Jared Millirons | May 30, 2018

I'm sorry but your question, must be in the form of a question.

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