The Jefferson River valley seen from the mouth of Lewis and Clark Caverns, Montana

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

Whitehall, MT

600

steps on the tour

2 hr

on the main tour

$15

adult ticket

Montana's state park cave, open May–September by guided tour only: a two-hour, two-mile Classic tour with over 600 stairs, or an easy, ADA-accessible Paradise tour.

The story

Lewis and Clark Caverns is Montana's first state park, and the Lewis and Clark Caverns Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.

History source: fwp.mt.gov.

Tickets and timing

Adults: $15 (15+)
Kids: $10 (ages 5–14). Under-5s only on the Paradise tour (free, ticket still needed).
How long it takes: Classic 2 hours; Paradise 1.5 hours
Hours: Tours May–September.
Booking: Memorial Day–Labor Day by advance reservation only (1-855-922-6768); in May and September also same-day.

Getting around underground

The walk: Classic: 2 miles, over 600 stairs in all (100+ up, 500+ down) and 300 ft of elevation gain. Paradise: 1 mile, about a dozen stairs on a flat trail.
Wheelchairs: The Paradise tour is ADA accessible with a few exceptions.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Dogs: Leashed outdoors; not allowed in the caverns.

Good to know

Minimum age: Classic Cave and Candlelight tours: must be 5 or older. Paradise Tour: open to all ages.
Food and drink: Food and beverage concessions are available at the café.
Wildlife: Bats are present; visitors who have been in a cave or mine in the past five years must not wear the same clothing, shoes, or accessories on the caverns tour to prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome.
On site: Visitor Center, Cave Tours, Kennels, Gift shop, Café, Hiking and Biking Trails, Campground, RV hookups, Cabins, Wall tent, Camp Host, Established Fire Pits, Picnic Shelter, Playground, RV Dump Station, Showers, Toilets (Flush), Toilets (Vault), Potable Water, Firewood for Sale, ADA Accessible, Interpretive Displays, Maps

Special tours and events

Candlelight tours ($25) with tickets online from the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Getting there

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is in or near Whitehall, MT.

Parking: Park only in designated parking areas; do not park or drive on the grass.

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Before you go

Arrive 30 minutes early.
The caverns are wet and slippery.
Don't wear clothes or shoes you've worn in another cave or mine in the last five years.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park take?

Classic 2 hours; Paradise 1.5 hours

Can you visit Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park in a wheelchair?

The Paradise tour is ADA accessible with a few exceptions.

Are dogs allowed at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park?

Leashed outdoors; not allowed in the caverns.

Do you need to book Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park in advance?

Memorial Day–Labor Day by advance reservation only (1-855-922-6768); in May and September also same-day.

Is there a minimum age for Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park?

Classic Cave and Candlelight tours: must be 5 or older. Paradise Tour: open to all ages.

Listed in: wheelchair-accessible caves, lantern and flashlight tours, caves with camping or lodging

Checked on 2026-10-22 against fwp.mt.gov (Lewis and Clark Caverns page). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.