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Lewis & Clark Caverns
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Cavern
Hiking
Bicycling
Fishing
Lewis & Clark Caverns Description
High in the white limestone cliffs of Montana, two small, dark openings lead to an underground world of frozen waterfalls and rock icicles. Give the kids flashlights and watch their eyes widen as they follow a guide beyond Decision Rock, through the Paradise Room, and past the Crystal Pool. Challenge kids to find a stalagmite shaped like Harry Potter's Hogwarts Castle and a flower garden of rocks. Once above ground, follow the self-guided nature trail and stop by the visitor center to learn more about this spectacular natural wonder.
Kid Tips
School-Age Kids: Bring a flashlight for each child. Although the caverns are lit by electricity, they're still a bit dark, and adventurous kids will want to see all the nooks and crannies.
Pre-Teens & Teens: For drama and atmosphere, it doesn't get any better than this. Just step back and let them go wild with a camera.
Planning Notes
- Couch potatoes beware. The two-mile underground tour includes plenty of ducking, crouching, and sliding, plus 600 stairs (all going down, but they're still taxing; an elevator thankfully returns visitors to the top).
- Bring a jacket. Temperatures in the caves hold steady at about 50 degrees even in the hottest summer weather.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. Rubber soles are best for gripping uneven terrain.
- Bring snacks or a picnic, and consider camping. The park includes a year-round campground with 40 camp sites, toilets, showers, grills, and picnic tables.
- More nearby. If you're looking to round out the day, several interesting museums, restaurants, and attractions are nearby in Three Forks.
Just the Facts
Hours: May 1-September 30 only. May 1-June 14: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; June 15-Labor Day: 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Labor Day-September 30: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fees: Under $10
Recommended Time: Half day
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