Travelers' Rest State Park | Montana FWP
About the Park
Located at an historic and contemporary crossroads, Travelers' Rest State Park and National Historic Landmark 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 an idyllic spot for strolling the park's trails, and offers a rich bird habitat, with more than 115 species recorded within the park boundaries. Be sure to stop at the Visitor's Center and Museum for a fascinating look at Lewis & Clark Expedition replicas, Salish culture, Native American hand crafts, a frontier Main Street, and more. The park also has a pavilion available for rent. Contact the park to make a reservation.
Travelers' Rest Connection is the park's cooperative managing organization. Interpretative programs are offered regularly in the summer, with special events promoted throughout the year.
Activities
-
Archaeology
-
Bicycling
-
Bird Watching
-
Children's Activities
-
Cultural
-
Education
-
Exhibits
-
Seasonal Fishing
-
Heritage
-
Hiking
-
History
-
Lewis And Clark History
-
Museum
-
Nature
-
Photography
-
Picnicking
-
Séliš-Ql̓ispé Tribal History
-
Sightseeing
-
Visitor Center
-
Wildlife Viewing
Amenities
Some amenities are seasonal. Check with the park for availability.
-
ADA Accessible
-
Childrens Activities
-
Gift Shop
-
Group Use Rentals
-
Interpretive Display
-
Maps
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Picnic Shelter
-
Picnic Tables
-
Pack-in/Pack-out
-
Public Restroom
-
Registered Historic Site
-
Toilets (Flush)
-
Toilets (Vault)
-
Tours
-
Trash Cans
-
Water
Seasons & Hours
Hours listed below are normal operating hours and may not apply when there is a special restriction or closure. Check Alerts and Closures in the tab below.
Park
- 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
Visitor Center
May 1 - September 30
- 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
October 1 - April 30
- 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday
- Closed Monday and Tuesday
The Park and Visitor Center are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Day
Activities and Interpretive Programs
Visit Travelers' Rest Connection for updated programming.
Volunteer
Contact the park manager for open volunteer positions at Travelers' Rest State Park.
For complete position descriptions, application forms, and details about Montana State Parks volunteer programs, visit the Volunteers page.
Park Rules
Fees
Montana Residents
- Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees to state parks. For residents who don't include this in their vehicle registration, non-resident day use fees apply.
Nonresidents
- Day use entrance fee with a vehicle: $8
- Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4
- With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free
Alerts & Closures
Restrictions and Closures
See a current list of Restrictions and Closures on State Parks and other FWP lands that may be affected by floods, fire, drought or major maintenance activities.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Travelers' Rest State Park
PO Box 995
Lolo, MT 59847
Phone: 406-273-4253
Email: Michael.Hubbell@mt.gov
6717 Highway 12 W
Lolo, MT 59847
Latitude/Longitude:
(46.75306 / -114.09007)
View the park map to learn more about amenities, parking and camping details
Learn about fees and regulations for all Montana State Parks
Michael was born and raised in San Diego CA, and began his parks career in 2000 with San Diego County Parks & Recreation. He started as a Park Attendant, moved onto Park Ranger and then Supervising Park Ranger until 2024. Michael has managed Day-Use Parks, Campgrounds, Open Space Preserves, Community Parks and Historical Sites. He started with Montana FWP in 2024 as the Recreation Manager of Travelers' Rest, Fort Owen and Painted Rocks State Parks as well as the Upper Bitterroot & West Fork fishing access sites.
CONTACT INFO
Mailing Address:
PO Box 995
Lolo, MT 59847
Phone: 406-273-4253
Email: Michael.Hubbell@mt.gov
