Missouri Headwaters State Park - Three Forks

Within the boundaries of this scenic park the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers merge to form the 2,300 mile Missouri River. The Missouri Headwaters area was a geographical focal point important to early Native Americans trappers, traders and settlers. Coveting the regions bountiful resources, the Flathead, Bannock and Shoshoni Indians competed for control of the area as did the trappers and settlers who followed. Considering it an essential point in the geography of this western part of the continent, Meriwether Lewis wrote the country opens suddenly to extensive and beautiful plains and meadows which appear to be surrounded in every direction with distant and lofty mountains. The legendary Sacajawea was captured here as a child and eventually returned as a member of the Corps of Discovery. Another member of this expedition, John Colter, later made several trips to this area in search of furs and began his famous run nearby. Pioneers slowly settled the surrounding area and transformed it into profitable grazing and farming land. Missouri Headwaters State Park preserves much of the region's abundant wildlife, lush, vegetation, and scenic beauty that have attracted people for thousands of years.

The park provides 17 campsites, tipi rental, picnic areas, foot trails to points of interest, and interpretive displays of the area's cultural and natural history. River floating, fishing, picnicking, bicycling, hiking, interpretive programs, photography and fishing are popular activities. The park is 532 acres in size and is 4,045 feet in elevation. The site offers vault toilets, group use area, RV dump station, grills/fire rings, picnic tables, and drinking water. Campers may stay 7 days during a 30 day period and enjoy a golf course and museum located nearby in Three Forks.

Missouri Headwaters State Park Sponsors the Summer Speaker Series, Saturday evenings at 7 pm in the park's picnic area. Following each presentation is a marshmallow roast campfire. Presentations are free and open to the public, just bring a chair. Fees are charged for day use and camping. For more information, please call 406-285-3610.