The Northwest’s most decorated limestone cave system, Lewis and Clark Caverns, opens its doors to visitors on May 1, 2025. These natural underground chambers sit inside Montana’s first state park. Thousands of years have shaped stunning stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helictites that fill these remarkable caves.
The park offers two distinct tour options next spring. Adventure seekers can take the Classic Tour, a challenging two-mile trip that includes over 600 stairs and lasts two hours. The Paradise Tour provides a more relaxed option that runs for 90 minutes, covers one mile, and showcases the cave’s largest and most decorated chamber. Both tours operate through September 30. Ticket prices range from $10-$15 based on age and tour choice.
The park features a wide range of amenities beyond its underground treasures. Visitors can enjoy camping facilities, hiking trails, and interpretive programs. The café serves guests daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout summer. Conservation stands as a top priority, and the park maintains strict guidelines to protect its bat population from white-nose syndrome.
Lewis and Clark Caverns Reopens for 2025 Season
Montana’s leading underground attraction gets ready to welcome visitors for the 2025 tourist season. This spectacular limestone cave system stands out for its remarkable formations and has completed preparations for another season of exploration.
Park staff confirm May 1 reopening with full amenities
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park will open its doors for the 2025 season on May 1. Staff members can’t wait to welcome guests back to one of Montana’s most unique natural wonders. Visitors will have complete access to both the cave system and the upper visitor center.
“The staff at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is excited to reopen the cave and the upper visitor center for the 2025 season,” a park representative stated. Guests can explore the caverns through September 30, giving them a full five-month window.
The visitor center will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Park gates open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 6 p.m., with later closing times until 7 p.m. during reservation season. This schedule gives visitors plenty of time to experience both underground wonders and surface attractions.
The park has many more amenities ready for the 2025 season:
- Campgrounds with various accommodation options
- Hiking trails throughout the scenic property
- Interpretive educational programs
- Gift shop for souvenirs and supplies
- On-site café serving refreshments
Overnight guests can choose from cabins, standard campsites, electric campsites, group camps, hike-bike sites, shelters, and wall tents from April 25 through July 24. These spots require booking one to two days before arrival, based on facility type.
Regular cave tours run throughout the season. Each tour offers different difficulty levels and durations to match visitors’ priorities and physical abilities.
Tour reservations now available online and by phone
Visitors can now book their preferred tour times for the 2025 season. Cave tour tickets stay reservable until the tour day, then any unsold tickets become first-come, first-served at the park.
Planning ahead? Make reservations through these two easy options:
- Online at fwp.mt.gov/stateparks (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website)
- By phone at 1-855-922-6768
Note that tour reservations aren’t possible by calling the park directly. Guests should arrive at the upper visitor center 30 minutes before their scheduled tour time for check-in.
The park team suggests checking the website often since tour options, times, and availability might change during the season. This helps visitors get the latest information for trip planning.
Tours work on a first-come, first-served basis during May and September, outside peak reservation times. Yet advance tickets remain available for all tours from May 1 through September 30.
The Classic Cave Tour and the more accessible Paradise Tour are the main options during regular season. Both run daily from May through September. Winter enthusiasts can look forward to the special Candlelight Cave Tour in December 2025, with tickets going on sale the Monday after Thanksgiving.
Each tour has its own challenge level. The Classic Tour takes two hours, covers two miles with big elevation changes and hundreds of stairs. The Paradise Tour offers a more relaxed 90-minute, one-mile experience that works well for families with young children.
The park team encourages early bookings for the 2025 season, especially for weekends and holidays when visitor numbers peak. Good planning will help secure a spot to explore one of Montana’s most amazing natural treasures.
What Makes Each Tour Unique in 2025
The underground limestone passages of Lewis and Clark Caverns give visitors three different tour options for 2025. Each one lets you see this natural wonder from a different viewpoint.
Classic Tour challenges visitors with stairs and tight spaces
The Classic Tour rewards adventurous explorers who want the full cavern experience. This two-hour experience covers about two miles and takes you through most of the developed cave system. Your adventure starts with a three-quarter mile uphill hike that climbs 300 feet to reach the cave entrance. You have 30 minutes to finish this original climb before you lose your tour slot.
The Classic Tour inside the cave gives you real caving challenges:
- More than 600 stairs along the way (over 100 going up and 500 going down)
- Narrow passages where you’ll turn, bend, duck, and waddle
- The “Beaver Slide” section where you sit and slide down on your backside
“The pathway through the caverns is a combination of concrete, worn limestone, and carved steps,” a recent visitor says. These challenges lead you to spectacular formations in many chambers including Decision Rock, the Cathedral Room, the Pit, Garden of the Gods, and the Brown Waterfall Room.
The Classic Tour isn’t a good fit if you have mobility limitations or claustrophobia, or for kids under 5. The cave stays at 50 degrees Fahrenheit with over 90% humidity year-round, whatever the weather outside.
Paradise Tour is available and family-friendly
The Paradise Tour gives you an easier option than the physically demanding Classic Tour without missing the cave’s most impressive features. This 90-minute trip covers about one mile and shows off the largest and most decorated room in the cavern—the Paradise Room.
The Paradise Tour uses a flatter, easier trail to enter and exit. The path stays mostly level with just 15 stairs between two rooms, making it in part wheelchair available. This tour works great “if you have small children, claustrophobia concerns or mobility challenges”.
The Paradise Tour has the Grand Finale Room with its impressive collection of stalactites, stalagmites, and columnar formations. Several staircases with 3-4 steps each take you to the Paradise Room at the tour’s end. Wheelchair users can enjoy the Grand Finale Room while others visit the Paradise Room, then take more time to explore after the group moves on.
Tickets cost $10 for seniors (62+) and children (5-14) and $15 for adults (15-61). Kids under 4 get in free, making this tour a great choice for families.
Candlelight Tour returns for limited winter dates
The Candlelight Tour comes back in December 2025 to give you a special way to see Lewis and Clark Caverns. These special tours run December 20-22 and December 27-29, letting you experience the caves like early explorers did—by candlelight.
The Candlelight Tour takes you through the entire developed cave route. It starts with a potentially snowy three-quarter-mile uphill walk to the entrance. The cave’s electric lights work for the first half of the tour, then candle lanterns light up the second half.
“See the cave as the original discoverers did, by candlelight,” the park management says. This two-mile tour has the same physical challenges as the Classic Tour, with 600 stairs and tight passages. You should prepare for icy trails and dress for snow, wind, and cold temperatures.
Coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies wait for you at the visitor center after these special tours. Candlelight Tour tickets go on sale online the Monday after Thanksgiving. You can’t buy tickets at the park visitor center.
How Visitors Can Plan Their Trip Efficiently
A successful trip to Lewis and Clark Caverns needs good planning and knowledge of a few key elements that shape your experience. The right preparation will help you get the most out of Montana’s premier cave system, from managing costs to picking the perfect time.
Ticket pricing and reservation tips for each tour
You’ll need advance tickets to explore the Lewis and Clark Caverns. The park gives visitors three unique tour options at different prices:
Classic Cave Tour Pricing:
- Adults (15 years and older): $15.00
- Children (5-14 years): $10.00
- Children under 5: Not permitted on this tour
Paradise Tour Pricing:
- Seniors (62 years and older): $10.00
- Adults (15-61 years): $15.00
- Children (5-14 years): $10.00 [121]
- Children under 5: Free admission
Candlelight Tour Pricing (December only):
- Adults: $25.00
- Youth (5-14 years): $15.00
- Children under 5: Not permitted
Park entrance fees add to your tour costs. Non-Montana residents pay $8.00 per vehicle. Montana residents usually cover this through their vehicle registration fees.
The park offers two ways to book your preferred tours:
- Online at fwp.mt.gov/stateparks
- By phone at 1-855-922-6768
The park office doesn’t take direct reservations. Tour tickets stay available until the day of the tour. Any unsold tickets become first-come, first-served at the park.
Overnight stays come with several options:
- Standard campsite fees range from $4.00 to $34.00 per night
- Cabins: $54.00 per night ($50.00 during off-peak season)
- Wall tents: $42.00 per night ($36.00 during off-peak season)
Campsites open at 2:00 pm and cabins at 3:00 pm. Checkout times are 1:00 pm for campsites and 12:00 pm for cabins. Extra fees might apply for late checkouts without staff approval.
Best times to visit based on weather and crowd levels
Your visit’s timing plays a big role in the experience. Cave tours run from May 1 through September 30, with special Candlelight Tours available December 20-22 and 27-29.
The cavern stays at 48 degrees Fahrenheit whatever the weather outside. This makes a cool escape in summer but calls for warm clothes in winter. The caves stay wet and slippery, so good shoes are a must all year.
These tips will help you make the most of your visit:
- Arrive early: Show up at the upper visitor center 30 minutes before your desired tour time to get same-day tickets during peak season
- Weekday advantage: Crowds thin out on weekdays compared to weekends and holidays
- Summer considerations: Summer brings great weather but bigger crowds
- Seasonal amenities: Flush toilets, showers, and the RV dump station run only from May through September
The visitor center’s hours are:
- Summer season (May-September): 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily
- Winter season (October-April): 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily
December Candlelight Tours might involve snowy conditions on the three-quarter-mile uphill walk to the cave entrance. Winter clothes and sturdy boots are essential for these special tours.
Bring water bottles, especially for the Classic Tour that starts with a steep hike to the cave entrance. The caves’ high humidity (over 90%) creates unique conditions that need proper hydration and layered clothing.
The Paradise Tour works better if you have young kids or mobility issues while still showing amazing cave formations.
Why Conservation Efforts Are Central to the Experience
Conservation efforts are the foundations of every Lewis and Clark Caverns experience. These measures protect the delicate underground environment and its inhabitants. Visitors who explore Montana’s premier limestone cave system help protect these natural wonders for future generations.
White-nose syndrome precautions for bat protection
White-nose syndrome (WNS) poses a serious threat to the bat population at Lewis and Clark Caverns. This devastating fungal disease has killed millions of bats across North America. The fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans first appeared in New York in 2006. The disease has killed more than 80% of bats in affected areas.
WNS doesn’t harm humans but kills bats by damaging their wing, tail, and ear membranes. The disease forces bats to wake up repeatedly during hibernation. This depletes their fat reserves needed to survive winter. The park has strict rules to prevent transmission:
- Don’t wear clothing, shoes, or accessories (including cameras, jewelry, and glasses) that have been in another cave or mine in the last five years
- Clean items you must bring, like eyeglasses or specific shoes, with park-provided wipes
- Leave bags, purses, and backpacks outside unless you need them for medical reasons
Regular washing can’t kill the fungus on contaminated materials. These rules protect the many bat species living in the caverns, including a maternity colony of up to 125 Townsend’s Big-eared Bats.
Visitor guidelines to preserve cave integrity
The park manages these caverns with special care. Their focus includes “a strong emphasis on cave protection, bat conservation, interpretation, and wise use of the surrounding 3034 acres”.
Classic and Candlelight Tours don’t allow children under five years old. This rule keeps them safe and protects the sensitive cave ecosystem. Many bat species here face risks from white-nose syndrome. These include Big Brown Bat, Long-eared Myotis, Little Brown Myotis, Long-legged Myotis, and Yuma Myotis. Reducing human impact helps protect these species.
The cave’s environment creates ideal conditions for the Pseudogymnoascus destructans fungus. This cold-loving fungus thrives in the cool, humid underground setting. Bats spread the disease through direct contact with contaminated areas during fall and winter.
Signs throughout the park remind everyone to follow “leave no trace” principles. These guidelines help maintain the balance of surface and underground environments at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park.
Visitors who follow these conservation measures actively help preserve one of Montana’s natural treasures. The park shows how tourism and environmental protection can work together successfully.
What Amenities Await Beyond the Caverns
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park covers 3,015 acres of Montana’s beautiful landscape. The park gives visitors many recreational activities to enjoy besides its underground caves.
Campgrounds, trails, and riverside recreation
The park has a complete campground with 40 campsites plus three cabins and a wall tent you can use all year. Overnight guests will find:
- Electric and non-electric sites
- Family-friendly facilities with playground and bathhouse
- Special hiker/biker sites for cycling tourists
The trail system stretches about 10 miles and climbs nearly 1600 vertical feet. Two main trails give hikers a good workout with big elevation changes, while easier paths suit casual walkers. Nature lovers can take the quarter-mile Nature Loop Trail near the upper picnic area to see wildflowers without much effort.
A pleasant 1.3-mile Fishing Access Trail leads from the campground to the historic Jefferson River. Visitors can swim, fish, or just relax by the water. These outdoor activities go together with one another, giving people options when cave tours fill up.
Visitor centers, café, and interpretive programs
Two visitor centers serve as the park’s educational hubs. The upper visitor center welcomes guests daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during summer (May through September). Winter hours (October through April) run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily, though it closes Mondays and Tuesdays starting December.
Right next to the upper visitor center, the park café serves meals all summer. Hungry explorers can grab hot and cold food options. Montana Gift Corral shop sells souvenirs and supplies from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily between May and September.
The park’s summer interpretive program takes learning beyond regular exhibits. Special talks highlight the park’s natural and cultural heritage. Programs include:
- Bear safety instruction
- Guided bird walks
- Indigenous language programs
- Geological formation explanations
The park’s amphitheater hosts regular summer events that add to daily guided cave tours. These programs, plus the extensive trails and camping areas, make a visit to Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park a complete Montana outdoor adventure that goes far beyond just exploring caves.
How the Park Is Enhancing Accessibility and Education
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park plans to expand its educational programs and improve accessibility in 2025. These changes will create a better experience for visitors of all abilities and interests.
New interpretive displays and guided programs
The park’s educational opportunities have improved with new interpretive features. A state-of-the-art visitor center now showcases displays that explain the caverns’ geological formation. These remarkable caves formed millions of years ago when ancient ocean water flowed through mountain rocks.
Park rangers have created a reliable program of specialized talks that cover:
- Indigenous language and cultural connections
- Geological processes that created the spectacular formations
- Local wildlife and conservation efforts
- Historical significance of the region
PBS Learning Media now features educational materials about Lewis and Clark Caverns, making these natural wonders available to classrooms nationwide. Students can explore the caves virtually and learn about their formation without visiting in person.
Efforts to make tours more inclusive for all ages
The park’s mission for 2025 prioritizes accessibility improvements. The Paradise Tour serves as the life-blood of these efforts. This tour is in part wheelchair-accessible and requires visitors to navigate just 15 stairs between two rooms. Visitors with mobility challenges can now experience the cave’s most spectacular formations.
The park’s rangers have committed to making trails and facilities more accessible. Tour guides now add descriptive narration and tactile elements to their presentations. These changes help improve the experience for visually impaired visitors.
The park offers many more accessibility breakthroughs:
- Large print and braille brochures available upon request
- Audio descriptions of cave features
- Listening devices to help tour participants
Several cabins and group facilities throughout the park are ADA accessible without requiring disability documentation. As with other Montana state parks, Lewis and Clark Caverns might soon add all-terrain wheelchairs. This addition would make trails accessible to more people with physical limitations.
Conclusion
Looking Forward to a Season of Underground Wonders
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park shows evidence of Montana’s natural heritage and offers much more than spectacular limestone formations. The 2025 season brings better chances to explore, learn, and build conservation awareness from May through September. The park features three distinct tour options that showcase the caverns’ most impressive features. Each tour adapts to different physical abilities, making them perfect for families, adventure seekers, and nature lovers alike.
The park’s mission focuses heavily on conservation, especially when it comes to protecting bats from white-nose syndrome. Strict visitor protocols help protect these geological masterpieces for future generations. The park’s detailed amenities turn a simple cave tour into a complete Montana outdoor adventure with its well-managed campgrounds and educational visitor centers.
The park’s work on accessibility deserves a special mention. The Paradise Tour comes with reduced physical demands and new interpretive displays. These improvements help create more inclusive experiences that let everyone appreciate these remarkable underground chambers shaped by geological processes over thousands of years.
Anyone planning their 2025 trips should book early, especially for summer weekend dates when tours fill up fast. The December Candlelight Tours offer a unique experience, though you’ll need proper winter gear for the outdoor sections. First-time visitors might find it daunting to plan their trip, but the detailed online reservation system makes the process much easier.
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park blends natural wonder, learning opportunities, and outdoor recreation perfectly. Montana’s rugged landscape hides breathtaking formations that keep drawing visitors back year after year. This underground treasure is definitely worth adding to your 2025 travel plans.
