Hidden beneath the rugged terrain of Montana, Lewis and Clark Caverns stand as a subterranean wonder, a testament to the natural marvels waiting to be discovered. Named after the famed explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who ventured through the region in the early 19th century, these caverns offer a journey into the depths of the Earth’s ancient history.
Before we delve into the caverns, we hiked a 3/4 mile up to the entrance for the Classic Tour. As you hike up the mountain, take in the extraordinary view of the valley. You can almost imagine Lewis and Clark traversing this area for our new country. Listen to the tour guide tell the captivating story of Lewis and Clark’s expedition and their encounters with Native American tribes during their historic journey.
As we stepped into the caverns, we’re greeted by a world of stalactites, stalagmites, and other awe-inspiring formations. Guided by knowledgeable park rangers, we navigate through the labyrinth of passages, descending into the heart of the Earth.
Inside Lewis and Clark Caverns, we learn about the unique geological processes that shaped these formations over millions of years. From dripstone formations to calcite curtains, each speleothem reveals a story of time, water, and minerals intricately sculpting the underground landscape.
Though the caverns may appear desolate, they are, in fact, teeming with life. As we gathered at the entrance we were told to be very quiet, as baby bats had just been born and loud noises can disturb them to the point of death. We were ready to explore the fascinating ecosystem that exists within this underground world, from the tiny invertebrates to the bats that call these caves home.
As we move deeper into the caverns, we discover how the play of light and shadow brings out the mesmerizing beauty of the formations. The artful lighting enhances the ambiance, creating a magical experience that leaves us in awe. This is especially apparent when viewing Cave Bacon, and how the light highlights the ribbon effect which gives this cave feature its name.
Every subterranean wonder holds tales of legends and myths, and Lewis and Clark Caverns are no exception. We learned about Dan Morrison, who led cave tours starting in 1900 , despite it being a named a national monument by Teddy Roosevelt on May 11, 1908. Ownership of the site was transferred to the state of Montana, and on April 22, 1938, Morrison Cave was declared Montana’s first state park.
There are two different tours available; the Classic and the Paradise tours. The Classic tour entails the 3/4 mile hike up to the entrance, 600+ steps (most of them going down) and 2 hours. The Paradise tour is 1.5 hours, minimal stairs and no hike to the entrance, so this is a good tour for people with young children or people needing additional assistance or a wheelchair accessible tour. You can order tickets online HERE. NOTE: I got my ticket directly from the ticket window at the caverns which opens at 9am. I recommend being there early, as they are on a first come, first served basis.
With great beauty comes great responsibility, and we learn about the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect the delicate ecosystem within Lewis and Clark Caverns. From minimizing human impact to safeguarding bat populations, conservation plays a crucial role in maintaining this subterranean gem.
After your tour, stop into the gift shop for a memento or the cafe for a cold drink or a meal.
Lewis and Clark Caverns stand as a mesmerizing testament to the Earth’s geological wonders and the legacy of exploration that spans centuries. Our journey into the depths of this subterranean world has left us with a profound appreciation for the marvels of nature hidden beneath the surface. As we bid farewell to this underground wonderland, we carry with us a sense of wonder and awe, and loving all the sights we saw. This was definitely a cavern not to be missed! Learn more about the history of the caverns HERE.
Also there is a campground right down the road from the caverns which was pretty adequate. Flush toilets and showers available. Also make sure you park on the blacktop at the sites, otherwise you get a warning to move your vehicle. Book your campground site or cabin HERE.
