missouri headwaters state park

LindaLin63

It was interesting to see where the 3 rivers join. the movement of the water was quite mesmerizing. We just stopped to look at the water so can't say much else.

corkyg02

We were very near this state park, and just had to go. It is very informative, and from the highest point on the path, you can see where the rivers meet to for the headwaters of the Missouri river. It's a good place for family outings. We really enjoyed our visit.

45frankg

I enjoyed my visit but I felt like Montana needs to step up and fix the visitors center. The audio system did not work, high grass was growing in the cemetery and the signs needed rework, very faded. It's the end of the season but still it's part of America and Montana history.

DrSteveWA

It was hot when we were there and the best place to look out is at the top of the hill at the central sparking area. Remember to use the honesty payment at the south end of the park. Our fun stop was also at the boat ramp were we add some water to the mighty river and paddled. The river was full of small fish who would swim up and nibble the dead skin off you feet. People will pay a fortune elsewhere for this and it comes free with your visit.

300DianeG

A 5 minute diversion from I-90, the Missouri Headwaters is the confluence of the Jefferson, Hamilton and Gallatin Rivers. Bonus points if you know, without looking it up, who Gallatin was!The State park is not that spectacular, although the 2 displays are worth the read. There is a picnic area where the Gallatin joins and the restrooms are carved into the rock. As the day was hot, this was a welcome refuge.Just being there, to say you were at the official beginning of the river, is pretty cool. Take a bottle of water with you and pour it in. Barring excessive evaporation, at least part of your bottle will make it all the way to the Gulf of Mexico!We particularly enjoyed this trip because wading in, my daughter discovered hatchlings who were hungry. She stayed still and provided shade for about 20 minutes while they gave her a complimentary exotic pedicure, nibbling dead skin off her feet and causing her to laugh because it tickled. I can't say this will be your experience, but it truly was the highlight for her.

gd454

This area has good interpretive facilities, some great lookouts and nice picnic areas. Wheelchair accessible and great history.

frankkraft

The headwaters of the Missouri River just a short distance from the interstate and an important part of the trail-it was very quite and peaceful -historic markings-walkways along the river-and a nice bench to view the area. There are actually 2 areas-one where the rivers come together and a second where the Missouri heads south and can be viewed from the top of a hill. We did not have any problems with bugs maybe because of the time of the year-In one of the books we read it mentioned pelicans on the river-there were 2.

wanograham

We visited this park for a few hours on a Saturday evening in mid July. We heard a very interesting talk about how Native Americans used Bison. The Bison expert brought along various animal parts, including a Bison hide from the mid 1800's. You will not here this same presentation, but do check their website to learn scheduling and program content.

robertc14

We stopped by this state park for a picnic dinner on our way to Yellowstone and Bozeman. The park is nice and well maintained. The picnic area is also well kept. Grounds are mowed and the bugs weren't too bad. The view is wonderful and you can see the three rivers come together to form the Missouri. There are some short hikes you can take and there is a covered area with interpretive signage that explains the history of the area. Lewis and Clark visited this area and mapped it. It was a perfect stop and a nice picnic dinner. we even saw a family of woodchucks grazing by the Gallitin River. Again as with most state parks there is a small fee to enter.

CynthiaE819

This is where the Madison, Jefferson, and Gallatin rivers converge to form the Missouri River. Lots of historical information available at the various sites along the way and the State Park Ranger's were very nice and helpful.

fergiepap

I was expecting more to be truthful ... the park was pretty small. I just reminded myself that it was the location of Lewis and Clark's three-day campsite and that gave me a reality check. I had just built this location up in my mind. It was probably all it could be for what it was. Just be sure to take some bug spray ... there were a ton of mosquitoes in June.

ddfallen775

This National Historic Landmark was an education in history, nature and culture. It's part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This is the point where three rivers, the Gallatin, the Madison and the Jefferson come together to form the Missouri River. The Missouri begins here, meandering throughout the country and finally emptying its flow in the Gulf of Mexico. Sacagawea came here as a young girl with her Shoshone Indian Tribe during the fall to pick berries along the banks of the rivers. You can stand on Fort Rock and see the three rivers all at once. It's amazing! Just below the Fort Rock Trail is picket fence where three young children who died of black diphtheria in the 1870's are buried. I felt a real sense of connection to the past. It was very moving.

Markfromthe414

I stopped by the Headwaters State Park because of my interest in the Lewis and Clark expedition. The park itself is beautiful. Snow-capped mountains in the distance to the south, the sounds of rushing water and birds singing, and the Montana landscape of the park makes it a fantastic place. There are hiking trails with information about the expedition throughout the park and the park itself is well-maintained.

RQ827

And to know a bit more of the Lewis & Clark expedition in the nineteenth century. We came here our first afternoon in Three Forks, MT. It's a good way to introduce you to the Montana natural landscape in the area, do some hiking--there are stops along the road. I'd put it low on the list if I have a limited schedule and come out of town or Montana.

Wyoming11

This park offers lots of walking trails with interpretive markers. If you enjoy history Lewis and Clark camped here and wrote about it in their journals. If you love beautiful scenery and wild life you won't be disappointed either. There are also great places to picnic along the river. We had a moose walk right by our picnic table.