During a recent family getaway at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, near Butte, Montana, we discovered an unexpected surprise about an hour east of the resort on I-90.
Lewis & Clark Caverns, Montana’s first state park, and one of the largest limestone caverns in the Northwest, is a fun and memorable family-friendly trip through some truly spectacular caves.
The facilities are first-rate, with easy access to the trailhead, a large visitor’s center, restrooms, cafeteria, and gift shop. Guided tours, at $5 per person, begin about every twenty minutes. We were lucky to get an awesome guide named Jacob, who would’ve been right at home on Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise with his quick wit and confident manner. My son still laughs uncontrollably at the joke about Romeo, Juliet, and a wheelchair. Don’t ask, you’ll have to take the tour.
I have to confess that the 3/4-mile uphill hike to the entrance of the caverns nearly did us all in. Even the kids were huffing and puffing up that trail. But at least we beat the middle-aged smoking couple from Arizona! Jacob waited patiently for everyone to arrive before going over a few rules. Once inside, the 90-minute walk/climb/stoop was relatively easy for everyone. The constant 50-degree temperature definitely helped.
You might not want to tour these caverns if you’re claustrophobic. There were three or four extremely tight spots where I had to twist myself into odd shapes to pass through. At one point you have to sit down and slide about ten feet to get to the next chamber. The kids loved watching me awkwardly squat and shuffle on my bottom (good thing I had the camera). The caverns are well lit, and they are in the process of switching to a new LED light system that will improve the visual impact of the limestone formations. The trail is extremely safe, with concrete platforms and steps, and steel handrails, all courtesy of the CCC.
I think I may finally know the difference between stalactites, which hang from the ceiling, and stalagmites, which are built up from the floor. There are thousands of them, in every kind of strange configuration, spread throughout the caverns.
It was more than a pleasant surprise to discover the Lewis & Clark Caverns. The kids loved twisting and turning through the caverns, not knowing what was coming next. Next time you’re in Butte, or just passing through Montana, watch for the turn-off to the Caverns on Hwy 2, just off I-90. It’s on the way to the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, and the Caverns are a popular side trip.
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11 Responses
That looks fun. Did Lewis and Clark go in there?
By the way, it’s easy to remember stalactite with a c for ceiling and stalagmite with a g for ground.
The caverns look amazing. I’d have to get over my claustrophobia to venture inside.
I was ready to book a ticket until you mentioned the claustrophobia possibility. if we go, I will send my kids and husband and stay outside and enjoy the Big Sky country.
“Did Lewis and Clark go in there?”
No, the caverns weren’t discovered by white men until the late 1800’s.
However, Lewis & Clark did travel within site of the place.
A few computers and some well-placed bats and Bruce Wayne will be JEALOUS. That place is awesome.
One of my most treasured family memories was a trip to Luray Caverns in Virginia. I recently took my kids and they loved it! Really, what’s not to love in a cold, damp, but spectacular cavern? If we ever get to the Northwest, we’ll have to visit this one as well!
Did they explain what the difference between “caverns” and “caves” are? I’d love to understand that!
That is one cool looking place! Gotta love a good cave.
I, too, remember the stalactite (ceiling down) and stalagmite (ground up) definitions I learned in grade school. I enjoyed your article and photos and hope someday to rid my claustrophobic tendencies and visit the caverns.
Phil, I love that first picture.
For me it was stalactites have to hold on tight or else they’ll fall to the ground. I was an odd child.
I have loved caves since I was a little girl. I recently “happened upon” the Luray caverns in western Virginia. Their claim to fame is a pipe organ, with each key connected to a tiny hammer that is connected to different stalactites. They actually play music by tapping on the stalactites in sequence, using the keys on the organ. It was fascinating. Montana is definitely on my list and I’ll have to check out the Lewis and Clark Caverns when I finally get there.