If you’ve ever wanted to stand on the exact ground where Lewis and Clark made camp over 200 years ago, Travelers Rest State Park puts you there. Located just eight miles south of Missoula, it holds the distinction of being the only archaeologically verified campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the entire country. This isn’t just a pretty piece of Montana countryside; it’s a place where history is literally underfoot, and one of the most fascinating stops in the Montana state parks system.
Travelers Rest State Park is really just the beginning of what this stretch of western Montana has to offer, and Missoula makes an ideal home base for all of it. The things to do near Missoula alone could fill a long weekend. A scenic drive up to Lolo Pass is a must, where wildflowers blanket the hillsides in summer, and the Lolo Pass Visitor Center offers a fascinating look at the Corps of Discovery’s journey over the mountains. From there, spot bison at the National Bison Range or sample craft beers at the best Missoula breweries. The walkable streets of downtown are lined with independent shops, great restaurants, and a lively arts-driven culture that’s hard not to love.
After exploring Travelers Rest, you’ll want to return to a relaxing Montana Bed and Breakfast. Set against a backdrop of mountain views and wide open Montana sky, and with Missoula’s best experiences just minutes away, our Bed and Breakfast is the perfect home base. Guests wake up to a made-from-scratch breakfast, personalized hospitality, and a comfortable, unhurried atmosphere that lets you fully decompress after a full day of adventure. Book your stay today!
Why You Should Visit Travelers Rest State Park
Few historic sites in the American West carry the weight that Travelers Rest State Park does. This is the only campsite on the Lewis and Clark Trail with physical evidence of the expedition, confirmed when archaeologists uncovered a mercury-tainted trench latrine, fire hearths, and traces of lead used in the repair and manufacture of firearms. But the history here goes back much further than Lewis and Clark. For centuries, the Salish, Pend d’Oreille, and Nez Perce peoples used this area as a campsite and trail junction.
Once you’re inside the Travelers Rest State Park, there’s more to do than you might expect from a 65-acre site. Lolo Creek runs through the park, making it a lovely spot for a stroll along the trails, and the creek also offers stream and fly fishing. The park is a rich bird habitat, with more than 130 species recorded within its boundaries. History buffs will want to spend time in the Visitor Center and Museum, which features Lewis and Clark Expedition replicas, Salish culture displays, and Native American hand crafts.
The exhibits mix permanent and rotating collections, covering everything from archaeological finds and replica expedition gear to a fascinating “Seasons of the Salish” display that traces how the Séliš and Ql̓ispé people moved through the landscape throughout the year. In summer, interpretive programs run regularly, and special events like Indigenous Demonstration Days and wildlife programming add even more reason to plan your visit around the warmer months.
The programming at Travelers Rest State Park is genuinely one of its strongest draws. Native American storytellers share their history and culture through live programming, giving the park a depth that goes well beyond a typical historical marker stop. In winter, the park hosts its beloved Winter Storytelling series, which draws on the Séliš tradition of sharing stories during the season’s short, dark days, featuring traditional Native American storytellers, living historians, and scientists who discuss the changing environment of this storied place.
Planning your visit is straightforward. Travelers Rest State Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the Visitor Center open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during peak season. Park hours shift slightly in the off-season, so it’s worth checking ahead. Admission is free for vehicles with Montana license plates, and there’s a small fee per vehicle for out-of-state visitors. The park entrance is a half-mile west of Lolo on U.S. Highway 12, just off the junction with Highway 93, making it an easy and obvious first stop on any Lewis and Clark Montana itinerary.
Stay at the Best Montana Bed and Breakfast
After a day walking in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark at one of the best Montana state parks, ou Montana Bed and Breakfast is just minutes away and the perfect place to come back to. Situated on the mountainside, the inn offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Bitterroot River, the surrounding mountains, and the valley below, including a stretch of the historic Lewis and Clark Trail. It’s a setting that echoes everything you experienced at the park, with the history and the landscape continuing right outside your window.
Five private guest rooms, each with a king or queen bed, high-quality linens, and a private bath, are spread across the main house and Lewis and Clark Lodge. Rooms like the Bitterroot and Sagebrush suites offer panoramic valley views and log furnishings, while the Syringa Suite overlooks a Japanese lily pond and waterfall. And then there’s breakfast, featuring items like huckleberry Dutch Babies and Eggs Benedict, that changes daily and can be enjoyed outdoors among the hummingbirds and garden views. Book your stay at our Montana Bed and Breakfast and start exploring!