Montana State Parks :: Travelers' Rest

Travelers' Rest

STATE PARK

See the only archaeologically verified campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the nation. Centuries before Lewis and Clark, this site has long been known and used by Native peoples, notably the Salish.

SEASON AND HOURS
Park
Open all year, except closed Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1
Summer: 8 am - 8 pm
Spring and Fall: 9 am - 6 pm
Winter: 9 am - 4 pm
Monday -Saturday,
Sundays: noon - 4 pm

Visitor Center
Summer: 9 am - 5 pm
Spring and Fall: 9 am - 4 pm
Winter: 9 am - 3 pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 25, Jan. 1, Martin Luther King Day, and Presidents' Day

LOCATION
6717 Highway 12 W
Lolo, MT 59487
Latitude/Longitude: (46.75306 / -114.09007)

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MEET THE PARK MANAGER
Photo of Loren Flynn, Travelers’ Rest State Park Manager

Loren Flynn joined Montana State Parks in 2009 and is the manager for Travelers’ Rest, Fort Owen and Painted Rocks State Parks. Prior to that he was Executive Director of the Travelers’ Rest Preservation and Heritage Association, and also worked many years at the University of Montana. Loren grew up in Toston and Butte, MT and majored in Business Management at Montana State University in Bozeman.

CONTACT

CONTACT INFO
Mailing Address:
Travelers' Rest State Park
PO Box 995
Lolo, MT 59847

Phone: 406-273-4253
Email: lflynn2@mt.gov

Travelers' Rest

STATE PARK

Located at an historic and contemporary crossroads, Travelers' Rest State Park is a place where visitors can say with certainty that they are walking in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. The Park is at the core of a campsite used by the Corps of Discovery from September 9 - 11, 1805 and again from June 30 - July 3, 1806.

In the summer of 2002, archaeologists uncovered evidence of the Corps of Discovery's visit to the area, including a trench latrine tainted with mercury, fire hearths, and lead used in the repair and manufacture of firearms. The discovery makes Travelers' Rest the only campsite on the Lewis and Clark Trail with physical evidence of the expedition.

For centuries Native Americans also used the area as a campsite and trail junction. Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Nez Perce peoples were among those who traditionally occupied the area. Native American storytellers bring their history, culture and society to life as part of the programming at Travelers' Rest State Park.

With Lolo Creek running through the park, Travelers' Rest is also an idyllic spot for a short stroll and offers a rich bird habitat, with more than 115 species recorded within the park boundaries.

The 51-acre park opened to the public in May of 2002. Travelers' Rest Preservation and Heritage Association is the park's cooperative managing organization. Interpretative programs are offered daily in the summer, with special events promoted throughout the year.

Activities Available