Pictograph Cave State Park is a place to contemplate the origins of human habitation in Montana. The Pictograph Cave site was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1964, because of its archeological significance. Today's visitors can enjoy a unique opportunity to explore the mystery of this extraordinary site and tour the new visitor center.

Prehistoric hunters who camped in Pictograph Cave left behind artifacts and over 100 pictographs, or rock paintings. The oldest rock art in the cave is over 2,000 years old.

Their interpretations are still subject to debate. The images of animals, warriors and even rifles tell a story that has lasted thousands of years.

The park's three main caves - Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost cave - were home to generations of prehistoric hunters. The caves were carved from the Eagle sandstone cliff by the forces of water and wind. The first recorded discovery of artifacts and paintings in the caves was made in 1936.

Approximately 30,000 artifacts, ranging from stone tools, weapons, paintings and the instruments used, were excavated from the site. The pigments used in the rock art provide researchers to date when people inhabited the region and give insights into their lifestyle. The artifacts discovered allow researchers to pinpoint which native peoples used the caves and when they inhabited the region.

The park has a pleasant 1/4 loop trail to the caves, with interpretative displays along the route identifying and explaining the natural features, the prehistoric paintings and vegetation found in the area. Pictograph Cave is the deepest of the three main caves, at approximately 160 feet wide and 45 feet deep. Visitors are advised to bring binoculars to get a better view of the rock art. Allow at least an hour to enjoy the park, it's visitor center and trail.  Also an excellent site for bird watching. There are picnic facilities available for day use only, but no camping is permitted.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the new Visitor Center's interpretive displays and gift shop.

The park is 23 acres in size and 3,500 feet in elevation.

Pictograph Cave State Park

This 64-acre Reservoir inside the city limits of Billings is a great place to swim, boat, paddleboard, fish, picnic, birdwatch or stroll on the 1.4 mile hiking/nature trail.

You can stretch your legs on a walk around the lake or stop by the south shore to fish from Roger's Pier.

Note: The FWP Region 5 Headquarters Interpretive area is temporarily closed for renovation.

Non-motorized boating only is allowed. Alcohol is prohibited in the park.

There is a playground, two shelters - one shelter is reservable for social events.

A special feature of Lake Elmo is its Dog Park. The 200-square-foot fenced in area includes a water area and is located on the west side of the lake. Each visitor is allowed a maximum of two dogs in this special area. Dogs must be 4 months or older. Dogs must be on a leash in all other areas of Lake Elmo State Park.

The park is 123 acres in size and at an elevation of 3,199 feet.

Lake Elmo State Park

Situated within the Crow Indian Reservation in south-central Montana, 40 minutes south of Billings, this day-use park preserves the log home, sacred spring, and farmstead of Chief Plenty Coups. This state park is a National Historic Landmark.

Plenty Coups (Aleek-chea-ahoosh, meaning "many achievements") was a man of war - and then a man of peace - whose vision has helped bridge a gap between two cultures. Recognized for his bravery and leadership, he was made a chief of the Apsáalooke (Crow) tribe by age 28.

When Plenty Coups gave up his nomadic ways in 1884, he became one of the first Apsáalooke to own and settle on a farm, which was deeded to him through the federal Indian Allotment Act. On his 320-acre tract, located a half mile east of Pryor, he opened a general store, built a home, and tilled the earth until his death in 1932 at age 84.

At that time, as requested by Plenty Coups and his wife, Strikes the Iron, 195 acres of his land was made into a public park. Upon his death, the Apsáalooke people voted to designate him as their last traditional tribal chief.

Plan at least an hour to walk the grounds and browse through the Visitor Center that commemorates the life of this remarkable man and his efforts to lead his people into bridging the gap between two cultures and transition from a tipi and buffalo to a settled reservation lifestyle. Walk the 3/4 mile trail around the park along beautiful Pryor Creek. The tranquil, shaded picnic area is a beautiful spot to enjoy lunch and absorb the serenity of this special place. The park is day use only; no camping.

Chief Plenty Coups State Park

Head to Cooney State Park's reservoir 40 minutes south of Billings to boat, play in the water, camp, and fish. This is the most popular recreation area serving south central Montana, and it's always a busy place in the summer!

The park features good walleye and rainbow trout fishing, abundant boating opportunities, and five campgrounds with 82 campsites and three group use areas available daily around the lake. Nineteen campsites with electricity are available.

The park offers three boat ramps with docks and a fish cleaning station at Red Lodge Arm.
Park size: 309 acres. Elevation: 4,252 feet.

Cooney State Park

Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park is located in southeast Montana.  This black-tailed prairie dog community is protected and preserved through the efforts of  Montana State Parks, the Nature Conservancy, and the Montana Department of Transportation.



Interpretive displays tell the story of these small, entertaining prairie dogs and their role in the prairie ecosystem. These creatures have great ecological significance because they create patches of habitat that provide prey, shelter, and forage for a diverse number of animals, including burrowing owls, black-footed ferrets, and mountain plovers.

Enjoy the prairie dogs with your binoculars and cameras, but please do not feed them. The digestive tracts of wild animals are specifically adapted to natural foods; human foods can compromise their health and survival.  

The site is 98 acres in size and is situated at 3,600 feet in elevation.

Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park

The Battle of the Rosebud, known to the Northern Cheyenne as “Where the Girl Saved Her Brother”, took place during the Campaign of 1876. Brigadier General George Crook, along with his Crow and Shoshone scouts, had come north from Wyoming with approximately 1000 troops looking for the Sioux and Northern Cheyenne villages of Chief Sitting Bull. On the morning of June 17, 1876, near the headwaters of Rosebud Creek, Crook was unprepared for the organized attack of an equal or even greater number of warriors lead by Sioux Chief Crazy Horse and Cheyenne Chiefs Two Moon, Young Two Moon and Spotted Wolf. The presence of thousands of warriors and soldiers on the rolling hills of Southeastern Montana made the eight-hour engagement one of the largest battles of the Indian wars. This battle was also exceptionally significant because the Native Americans fought as an army with great intensity to defend their traditional land.  Crook was stopped in his advance and the Native Americans were emboldened by the success.

Eight days later, because Crook's troops were withdrawn from the war zone to resupply, they were not available to support Colonel Custer and his troops at Little Bighorn. The Lakota and Northern Cheyenne warriors overtook Colonel George Custer and his 263 soldiers at Little Bighorn. This defeat shocked the nation celebrating its Centennial and ultimately led to a counter attack and to the Lakota's loss of the Black Hills.

Remote, quiet and undeveloped, the 3052 acre state park was made a National Historic Landmark in 2008 commemorating the Battle of the Rosebud, “Where the Girl Saved Her Brother.” The site remains much the same as it was during the time of the battle in the 1870’s, though the park does not cover the entire battle grounds.

Also within the park boundaries, the land has a full and long history going back before the battle as well as afterwards. For generations before, many peoples used the Rosebud Valley for hunting and gathering, including a cliff site used as a “buffalo jump” still marked with petroglyphs. These can be observed with a short hike in the gap to the cliffs.

In the years after the battle, this area was opened to homesteading and Rosebud Creek went through an era of ranching families grazing and plowing much of the land. In 1978, the State of Montana acquired the property to set aside for a state park.

Rosebud Battlefield is a wonderful place of solitude to reflect on America’s history, take a picnic, enjoy a hike and look for wildlife. Bring your camera, hiking boots and plenty of time to appreciate the history and the sacredness of this place. Mowed paths for walking are maintained to the Kobold Buffalo Jump and up to the top of Crook’s Hill, but feel free to explore across the grassy hills of the entire park. See the beautiful view from Crook’s Hill, then wander over to Conical Hill to get the Native American perspective. Trek up to Van Vliets Ridge and image the cavalry charge down the slopes.

Please be aware there are restrictions on the use of metal detectors, digging, collecting or removal of artifacts, and bikes are allowed on existing roadway only. The leash law for pets is in effect from 4/1 until the opening day of upland game bird season. From April 1st to September 1st, no discharge of firearms is allowed. Visitors must watch for rattlesnakes in this area. The area is undeveloped and is adjacent to the Crow Indian Reservation. To reach the park, one must drive through private property—please respect the privacy and property of others. Contact the park office at Tongue River Reservoir State Park regarding hunting regulations and other questions.

The Park is 3052 acres at an elevation is 4,300 feet.

Camping and other recreational activities are available at nearby Tongue River Reservoir State Park 13 miles south. For other nearby historical opportunities and amenities, Sheridan, Wyoming is 40 miles south and Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument is 48 miles to the northeast.

Rosebud Battlefield State Park

Among the rolling, prairie hills of Southeastern Montana, Tongue River Reservoir State Park is a rare and loved place where many come to enjoy water-based activities at their best. This lake is a great place for creating memories.

Fishing, boating, swimming, and camping are the prime activities here, and the reservoir boasts excellent crappie, walleye, bass and northern pike fishing. Fly fishermen can test their skill on the river below the dam. Wildlife viewing is also plentiful, with osprey, blue herons, deer, antelope as well as a few bald eagles being regular summer sights.

The park offers 81 reservable camping sites with electric hookups, with 27 of those being double occupancy campsites (two electric hook-ups), as well as over 80 non-reservable, non-electric camping sites. Most sites have a fire ring and a picnic table. A dump station and water faucets are available during peak season, as weather permits. The park also has a fish cleaning station and over 20 vault toilets throughout the campgrounds. There are 2 boat ramps with docks for launching boats, one at Camper Point by the marina and one at Pee Wee North.

Day use areas include sheltered picnic tables at Campers Point and Sand Point. Sand Point has a small, but popular “beach area” for swimming and picnicking.

A marina store at Campers Point offers firewood, ice, fishing and boating supplies, boat rentals, boat and RV storage, bait, groceries, snacks, drinks, gasoline, souvenirs, fishing and hunting licenses and non-resident park passes.

In the winter, Tongue River Reservoir is a popular ice fishing location. Eleven campsites on Campers Point have electricity year-round. During the off season, all sites are first come, first serve.

The park is 642 acres in size at an elevation of 3,468 feet.

Hiking and historical opportunities are available nearby at Rosebud Battlefield State Park, Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument and in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Please contact the park regarding any hunting regulations.

Park office hours during peak season are 8am to 4pm daily.

Pictograph Cave State Park Maps

Billings, MT

Pictograph Cave State Park Description

Download files (1):

Nearby
Parks

State Parks near Pictograph Cave State Park