Things to see and do Montana

The national monument is known for its picturesque rocky silhouette in cubic form 60 meters above Yellowstone River, 48 kilometers west of Billings, but also to accommodate the only physical testimony of the Lewis and Clark convoy. If you look closely at the rock, you can see the remains of carved animals, memories of the tribes that come camping and hunt the bison near the river. In 1806, Captain William Clark left his signature and the date in that rock. After crossing the water divide, the convoy is divided into two groups so Lewis can explore the Marias River. It was during this trip that Captain Clark went to the Pompeys Pillar and left the mark now very popular. Count just over one kilometer to reach the rock. When the park is closed, visitors can always visit the site during the day but the infrastructure is closed (toilets, Interpretative Center).

Designated a national historic monument in 1964, due to its historical and archeological significance, the site provides more than 100 pictograms and rock paintings, prehistoric hunters and more recently Amerindian tribes in the region. It can be seen, in particular, from rifles, horses and other animals. The oldest rock art dates over 2,000 years; the most recent additions are estimated between 200 and 500 years. An interpretive trail of just over one kilometer away from the Visitor Center leads to Pictograph, Middle and Ghost caves. It is advisable to bring binoculars to better appreciate pictograms. The walk is also an opportunity to observe the many birds that live in the region and the spectacular landscapes of the park. Plan to stop at the Visitor Center for more information on site visit and history.

With 8.76 km ² of area, the Wild Horse Island is the largest island in Flathead Lake. The Salish-Kootenai tribes originally used it as safe enclosures for their horses, thus avoiding their flying by enemy tribes. The island owned by the Flathead Indian Reserve is now a state park (since 1987). It hosts abundant fauna. You can see deer, beliers, sheep, many birds including eagles and hawks and wild horses (5 in all and for everything). You can also watch plants brought by men at the beginning of the twentieth century, replacing the native species of the island. The prairie short grass you can see is the only grass of this species to survive in the state. The park is equipped with dry toilets, it can be accessed by leasing a boat, canoeing, jet ski or paddle board. Boat rental companies can also arrange trips on the island. Once on the ground, you will appreciate this natural paradise ideal for hiking, watching wildlife, engaging in photo, picnic or swimming. One of the island's popular activities is geoaching, a geolocalized treasure hunt managed by an application. It is a fun activity for both children and adults. To participate, you must have a GPS or a telephone with navigation, and have first created an account and downloaded the information from the website. For this, visit www. geocaching com.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, named as a tribute to the expedition that took place on July 31, 1805 near Antelope Creek, is known mainly for its homonymous limestone caves. Spectacular caves of stalactites and stalagmites, rocky columns and choppers whose lighting reveals the finesse and complexity of mother nature's work. First opened to the visit in the 1900 s but not fully accessible, caves were beautifully landscaped. The park is open all year round, but guided tours of caves are only made from May 1 to September 30. Facilities include campsites, hiking sites, two reception centers, interpretive panels and evening programs during the summer months.

Over 4,000 kilometers, the Missouri River, known as "Big Muddy" because of its troubled waters, is the longest tributary of Mississippi. It is in the park of Missouri Headwaters State Park, northwest of Bozeman, that it takes its source at the confluence of three rivers from the Rocky Mountains: The Jefferson, the Madison and the Gallatin River. She then crossed the Great Plains to South Dakota, descended along the border between Nebraska and Iowa, then continued east of Kansas to the state of Missouri before going to Mississippi just north of Saint-Louis. Lewis and Clark were the first white people to enter the region. They camped on the banks of Missouri in 1805. The Flathead, Bannock and Shoshone Indians fought for control of this strategic region, as the trappers and settlers later did.

The abundance of water gives rise to lush vegetation, and the Missouri Headwaters State Park aims to preserve this abundant flora and fauna. The park, which covers approximately 215 hectares, includes 17 campsites, picnic areas, hiking and cycling trails and interpretive sites in the region's history and biodiversity. The site is also known to be very photogenic.

Summer Speakers Series are conferences held Saturday evening at 7:00 p. m. at the park picnic area level (where Lewis and Clark camped), followed by a campfire where chamallows can be tracked. It's free, you just need to bring your campchair.

At 1.6 km from the Devil's Canyon Overlook, the hiking starts from the Sullivan's Knob car park. A very short journey (loop about 1.2 km) that will allow you to get closer to the canyon and offer breathtaking views of the winding river and the eroded cliffs.

An unavoidable visit. The lookout with the small Taryon Overlook Road paved road offers breathtaking views of the confluence of the Bighorn and Devil Canyons. The chasm, shaped by time and erosion, is made here close, winding and colorful. With a little luck, you may also observe American sheep and mountain goats that crave on the rugged canyon walls.