Missouri Headwaters

Having spent time in the Grand Tetons, we set out for our next destination, Three Forks Montana and the Missouri Headwaters State Park. 

 In this scenic park and National Historic Landmark, the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers merge to form the 2,300 mile Missouri River.

 We crossed the Madison River near West Yellowstone and then followed the Gallatin River on highway 191 through part of Yellowstone NP and on up into Montana.   

 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 (not pictured here) was captured here as a child and eventually returned as a member of the Corps of Discovery. 




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.

While the State Park does a great job with scenery and history, the campground is best left to tents and small trailers. Larger Motor-homes and 5th wheels just won't find a comfortable parking place there.