Types of Parks

What Kind Of Experience Are You Looking For?

The Montana state park system captures the history, culture, and recreational spirit that is "Real Montana. Real Close." The parks vary, so choose your adventure by selecting a cultural, natural, or recreational park.

  • Cultural parks —These parks are windows into Montana's storied past and diverse culture. From ghost towns to awe-inspiring buffalo jumps, there's no better way to discover Montana's heritage. The parks feature monuments that pay tribute to our Native American legacy, the first white settlement, and, of course, Lewis & Clark. Give yourself a history lesson you'll truly enjoy by visiting any of the cultural parks.
  • Natural parks —Montana is world renowned for natural beauty and scenic wonders, and many of these awesome sites are found in our state parks. Whether your idea of eye candy is an unusual geological formation or an area of pristine beauty, our natural parks have something special waiting for you.
  • Recreational parks —For those who like their fun with a little water, these parks are just the place! Montana state parks offer great sites for boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, camping, picnicking, and much more.

Montana Outdoors

Digging Deep Into History
Digging Deep Into History

At Montana's historical state parks, archaeologists are unearthing clues to how settlers, prospectors, and early American Indians once lived. For decades, FWP has conducted excavations at Bannack, Fort Owen, Pictograph Cave, Madison Buffalo Jump, and other historically significant state parks to find, document, and protect artifacts as required by state law. In 2007, the department stepped up its archaeological activity by creating a Heritage Resources Program. [Full Story]

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