More than 550,000 acres of publicly accessible land give Jefferson County a wide-open setting. The Jefferson River flows for more than 80 miles before joining the Missouri River. There are also trails for short day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. As you plan your trip, you can explore nature, history, and culture as different avenues of discovery.
Nature, Trails, and Special Places
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is home to one of North America’s most richly developed limestone cave systems. The park also offers opportunities for camping and hiking. From May 1 through September 30, cave visits are available only as guided tours. Check this seasonal access information before your trip.
Elkhorn State Park preserves the remains of a 19th-century mining town as examples of pioneer architecture. Interpretive signs along Elkhorn’s streets can be viewed as you walk around. Parts of Elkhorn are privately owned; please respect private property there.
The Ringing Rocks project area lies within both the Pipestone Special Recreation Management Area and the Ringing Rocks Area of Critical Environmental Concern. If you’re interested in the county’s varied landscape and recreational opportunities, these sites offer different points of interest.
For a shorter walk, Tizer Botanic Gardens near Jefferson City offers more than half a mile of trails. The garden is 1.2 miles from Interstate 15. Alongside the county’s options ranging from day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips, this provides a specific trail length to explore in a botanical garden.
Museums and Mining History
The Jefferson County Museum opened in 2004. It presents the county’s ranching, railroad, and mining history. As of September 5, 2026, its online collection included 2,808 objects available to view. The Jefferson Valley Museum has a different focus: it displays objects related to the history and heritage of the Jefferson Valley and is located in two historic buildings near Whitehall’s main street. Together, the two museums offer different perspectives on history and regional identity.
Comet also connects mining history with a specific timeline: the mine was developed in the 1880s, and a large mill was built in 1926. Comet is approximately 5 miles north of I-15 on High Ore Road between Boulder and Basin. Road conditions can change, so check them before driving.
The Montana Western Legacy Center celebrates Montana’s western heritage with a dynamic visitor experience and interactive exhibits. Alongside museums featuring objects related to the history of the Jefferson Valley and the county, visitors can also explore exhibits about Montana’s western heritage.
More Experiences
Boulder Hot Springs offers geothermal pools for soaking and swimming. Offerings can change, so check before your visit to see whether these activities are currently available. The Last Chance Handgunners shooting range is suitable for use with rifles and handguns; check the operating conditions before using it.
Explore more destinations: Montana City, Clancy, Big Horn County, Chouteau County, Lincoln County, Cascade, Madison County, Glacier.
For the main travel overview: Montana.
