Lewis and Clark Caverns
To this day I remember fondly of the trip I took here with my then 4 year old daughter. She loved it of course and whether or not you have been in caverns before it's a great place. About 2 hours from both Big Sky and West Yellowstone. It takes a couple of hours so prepare the younger ones appropriately.
Here is what the Montana Travel site says:
"Lewis and Clark State Park is Montana's first and best-known state park featuring one of the most decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest. Naturally air conditioned, these spectacular caves lined with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helictites are electrically lighted and safe to visit. Above ground, a self-guided nature trail provides opportunities to understand the natural surroundings.
Also available is 10 miles of hiking trails, 40-space campground, 3 camping cabins, tipi, picnic sites, firewood, flush and vault toilets, showers, group use area, RV dump station, grills/fire rings, picnic tables, trash cans, drinking water, and a food/beverage and gift concession. Pets are allowed if on a leash and under control.
The cabins are disabled accessible and sleep 4 comfortably (maximum occupancy is 6 people) - double bed, set of bunk beds and room for a cot. Plumbing, kitchen facilities, bedding and linens are not provided. Please bring your own sleeping bag or bedding, towels, cook stove, etc. There are electric lights and plug-ins - you may bring your own coffee maker. A table and 4 chairs are provided and a picnic table and fire ring are located outside each cabin. Shower facilities are located nearby.
The park is open year around, but guided tours are conducted daily only between May 1 and September 30. The park has two visitor centers, interpretive displays and evening programs presented during the summer months. The site encompasses 3,000 acres at an elevation of 4,300 and 5,600 feet. Golf course and museums are located nearby in Three Forks and Whitehall.
Campground and cabin reservation toll free: 855-922-6768
You will be spellbound by the Caribbean blue waters of the North Shore of Cliff Lake. Bring your swim suits! About an hour from West Yellowstone, the lakes are a rare sight and offer a great place for a 1/2 day of family fun and picnicing. Locals love this place so expect some crowds on the weekends but during the week it's perfect. Fishing can be good and boat rentals are available. If you do rent boats you will need to travel to the North end of the lake to see the blue waters or take the road to the campground and play around there. Bring snacks and drinks...
From visitmt.com
"Cliff and Wade Lakes sit on a geologic fault that formed a chasm that filled with water; cliffs surround much of the lakes' shorelines. Cliff Lake is the larger and somewhat more isolated of the two. Wade Lake is more easily accessible and receives more use; it's spring-fed and stays partly ice-free in the winter. Both lakes support many nesting raptors. Look for prairie falcons, bald eagles, and osprey. Do not approach or disturb nesting birds. Waterfowl and beavers are common on both lakes. In winter, Wade Lake is a good place to see river otters and occasionally trumpeter swans. Larger mammals frequently seen include elk, deer, and moose, which are even more numerous and visible in the winter. Cliff Lake offers some exceptional canoeing, especially in the remote coves; canoes and lodging available at Wade Lake Resort (406) 682-7560. Hikers can learn something of the flora, fauna, and geology of the area on a 0.7 mile interpretive trail connecting the Wade Lake and Hilltop campgrounds. A newly developed spawning channel is an excellent place to view rainbow trout. The lakes also can be a great place for cross-country skiing in the winter."
Insiders Tip: for a slightly more PG13 experience go see the Brewery Follies in Virginia City
