A historic confluence of three rivers forming the Missouri River, offering trails, campsites, and interpretive exhibits on Lewis and Clark’s expedition.
General Information
Non-residents: $4 walk-in/bike, $8 per vehicle
Camping: $4–$34 per night depending on site
How to Get There
From Bozeman, MT (33 mi): Take I-90 W to Exit 278, then follow signs to Trident Rd and the park entrance.
Overview
Missouri Headwaters State Park marks the birthplace of the Missouri River, where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers converge. This National Historic Landmark was a key site for the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. Visitors can walk the same trails, camp under the stars, and explore interpretive exhibits that bring the expedition’s journey to life. The park also honors Sacajawea, who was captured nearby as a child and later returned with the Corps of Discovery.
The park’s 532 acres offer hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and tipi rentals. With sweeping plains, river views, and abundant wildlife, it’s a serene destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Educational programs and ranger talks enhance the experience during summer months.
Things to Do
Visit the Birthplace of the Missouri River
Missouri Headwaters State Park marks the historic confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers, which come together to form the Missouri River. Located near Three Forks, Montana, the park is both a National Historic Landmark and one of the most important Lewis and Clark sites in the American West.
Explore Lewis and Clark History
The Corps of Discovery camped at this location in July 1805 while exploring the Louisiana Purchase. Interpretive exhibits throughout the park tell the story of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Sacagawea, Native American tribes, fur traders, and early western exploration.
Walk Scenic River Trails
Several easy trails wind through meadows, cottonwood groves, and river corridors, providing access to historic sites, wildlife viewing areas, and scenic overlooks. Visitors can experience the same landscapes that greeted explorers more than two centuries ago.
Enjoy Fishing and River Recreation
The Jefferson, Madison, Gallatin, and Missouri Rivers provide excellent opportunities for fishing, floating, kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife observation. The park is especially popular among anglers seeking trout and other game fish.
View Wildlife and Birdlife
The river confluence attracts a variety of wildlife, including deer, beavers, river otters, osprey, bald eagles, hawks, pelicans, and numerous migratory bird species. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching are popular activities throughout the year.
Camp Along the Rivers
The park offers campsites and tipi rentals for visitors who want to experience the area overnight. The peaceful setting, surrounded by rivers and mountain views, provides an excellent base for recreation and historical exploration.
Enjoy Photography and Scenic Views
Surrounded by plains, meadows, and distant mountain ranges, Missouri Headwaters State Park offers outstanding opportunities for landscape photography, especially during sunrise and sunset when the rivers and surrounding countryside are illuminated by changing light.
Top Trails
Headwaters Trail
Length: Approximately 1.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This visitor-friendly trail explores the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers. Interpretive signs explain the geography, history, and significance of the location while providing scenic river views.
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail
Length: Approximately 1 mile round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This trail focuses on the experiences of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and includes interpretive displays describing their exploration of the area and the significance of the Missouri Headwaters.
Fort Three Forks Trail
Length: Approximately 0.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Visitors can walk to the site of historic Fort Three Forks, an early fur trading post established in 1810. Interpretive panels provide information about Montana's fur trade era and early western settlement.
Missouri River Confluence Trail
Length: Approximately 2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This scenic route follows portions of the river corridor and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, fishing access, and observation of the Missouri River's beginning.
Riverside Nature Trails
Length: Multiple interconnected routes
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
A network of short trails throughout the park provides access to grassy meadows, cottonwood groves, riverbanks, and historical points of interest. These easy walks are suitable for visitors of all ages.
Sources: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks official Missouri Headwaters State Park information covering Lewis and Clark history, camping, interpretive displays, fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and visitor amenities.
Missouri Headwaters State Park - Montana FWP
Additional historical information regarding Missouri Headwaters State Park, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Fort Three Forks, and the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers.
Missouri Headwaters State Park & Three Forks of the Missouri National Historic Landmark
Supplemental visitor information covering trails, wildlife viewing, river recreation, camping opportunities, and park history.
Missouri Headwaters State Park Visitor Guide
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Missouri Headwaters State Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
