MONTANA PARK OF THE WEEK Missouri Headwaters

Follow in the footsteps of Montana ancestors and visit the site where Lewis and Clark stayed in 1805. This park encompasses the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers the namesake of the nearby community of Three Forks. Missouri headwaters became a state park in the spring of 1947!

The rich, fertile soil along with the proximity to fresh water, brought the Flathead, Bannock, and Shoshone Indians to the region and later trappers and settlers, and now this beautiful land has been preserved as a state park for visitors just like you.

Within the boundaries of this scenic park and National Historic Landmark, the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers merge to form the 2,300-mile Missouri River.

Considering it an essential point in the geography of this western part of the continent, Meriwether Lewis wrote the country opens suddenly to extensive and beautiful plains and meadows which appear to be surrounded in every direction with distant and lofty mountains.

The legendary Sacajawea was captured here as a child and eventually returned as a member of the Corps of Discovery. Another member of this expedition, John Colter, later made several trips to this area in search of furs and began his famous run nearby.

Pioneers slowly settled the surrounding area and transformed it into profitable grazing and farming land. Missouri Headwaters State Park preserves much of the region's abundant wildlife, lush, vegetation, and scenic beauty that have attracted people for thousands of years.

The park provides 17 campsites, a tipi rental, foot trails to points of interest, and interpretive displays of the area's cultural and natural history. River floating, fishing, picnicking, bicycling, hiking, interpretive programs, and photography are popular activities.

Park: Open all year

Location: 1585 Trident Road,

Three Forks, MT 59752