Exploring State Parks in Montana's Yellowstone Country
Madison Buffalo Jump State Park, Photo by Jonathan Finch
Autumn in Montana's Yellowstone Country is a wonderful time for exploring. The cool air is great for hiking, spawning fish are active in the rivers, and the colors along the rivers and valleys are spectacular. There's plenty to do this time of year, particularly in and around our State Parks!
Three Forks Area
Missouri Headwaters State Park is a lovely place for fishing, picnicking, canoeing, bird watching, biking, and hiking. It’s also close to the Headwaters Trail System, a beautiful bike ride along former railroad tracks, the Three Forks Ponds, a favorite fishing spot, and the Headwaters Golf Course, which stays open until November 15, weather permitting. If you’re a rib lover, Willow Creek Café is just down the road in Willow Creek, and people drive from outlying towns specifically for their ribs.
Madison Buffalo Jump State Park, also near Three Forks, is not only a fantastic hike but also fascinating in history. As recently as 200 years ago, Native Americans used runners covered in animal hides to lure herds of bison and stampede them over the edge of the limestone cliff, providing them with food, clothing, and provisions. Today, you can hike to the top and enjoy spectacular views of the valley.
Nearby, Lewis and Clark Caverns has closed their tour offerings for the season, but you can still enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and canoeing at this time of year. Snow generally doesn’t stick around this area, so it’s a great place to get outside year-round. Nearby, Bridger Brewing is a great place for dinner. It has locally raised meats, exceptional sandwiches, and a great selection of beer, wine, and craft cocktails.
Missouri Headwaters State Park, Photo Montana's Yellowstone Country
Bleu Horses, an outdoor art installation by artist Jim Dolan, is just north of Three Forks on US Highway 287, and well worth the short drive to see. Look for the big hill on the west side of the road. And, if you’re a biker or trail runner, Copper City Trails is a local favorite, and the trail stays dry well into the winter.
Big Timber Area
If you’d rather take the family to a state park further east in Yellowstone Country toward Big Timber,kids love Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park — a 98-acre park protected by the park that is home to black-tailed prairie dogs. It’s the perfect opportunity to observe these small, entertaining animals in their natural setting. While you’re in the area, grab a picnic from Earth Wise General Store and head up the Boulder Valley to Natural Bridge Falls. Autumn is a beautiful time of year, and the picnic area is lovely.
Greycliff Prairie Dog State Park, Photo by Andy Austin