Overview
Three Forks is a town in Montana along the Lewis and Clark Trail. About 2,000 people live there. It is where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers converge, forming the start of the Missouri River.
5 sights · 1 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Three Forks
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
These limestone caverns, coated in stalactites and filled with intricate columns, make up Montana's first state park. There are two tour options: the Classic Cave Tour is 2 mi and lasts two hours with over 600 stairs, th…
Madison Buffalo Jump State Park
Situated on the edge of a valley created by the Madison River, this high cliff was used by Native Americans for at least 2,000 years. Native people stampeded vast herds of bison off this cliff, using them for food, cloth…
Missouri Headwaters State Park
At the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers, this is where Lewis and Clark stayed in their historic exploration of the west in 1805.
Headwaters Heritage Museum
The Three Forks Rodeo and Parade
The Three Forks Rodeo and Parade offers two evenings of real rodeo action in a small town setting. There is music, food, bull and bronc riding, crafts, a hometown parade.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 14°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Bozeman)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BZN Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Bozeman — 21 mi away. Directions
- BTM Bert Mooney Airport, Butte — 46 mi away. Directions
- BOI Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field, Boise — 280 mi away (major hub). Directions
Three Forks is on Interstate 90. Exit 278 is the intersection for Montana Highway 2.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Madison Buffalo Jump State Park, Missouri Headwaters State Park, The Three Forks Rodeo and Parade
- Lunch Three Forks Cafe
- Afternoon Headwaters Heritage Museum, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
- Evening Bridger Brewing Company
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Visitor information
Get in
Three Forks is on Interstate 90. Exit 278 is the intersection for Montana Highway 2.
The nearest commercial airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN).
Get around
Three Forks is small enough to walk. You will need a car to see any nearby sites.
See
See Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
These limestone caverns, coated in stalactites and filled with intricate columns, make up Montana's first state park. There are two tour options: the Classic Cave Tour is 2 mi and lasts two hours with over 600 stairs, the Paradise Tour is 1 mi and about an hour long. The approaches to the cave are a walk from the main visitor center and are usually hot with little shade, so bring water and sunscreen.
Do
If you're into rodeos, then you are in for a treat. Three Forks is home to the Three Forks Rodeo, and several other horse related events.
See The Three Forks Rodeo and Parade
The Three Forks Rodeo and Parade offers two evenings of real rodeo action in a small town setting. There is music, food, bull and bronc riding, crafts, a hometown parade.
- Montana Antique Aircraft Association Fly-In is an annual event at Pogreba Field.
Eat
Drink
Drink Bridger Brewing Company
Microbrewery with Montana food. Hosts outdoor concerts and has camping sites available.
Sleep
Stay Fort Three Forks Motel and RV Park
Go next
- Bozeman
- Butte
- Virginia City (60 miles south) is the original capital of the Montana Territory and iconic "wild west".
Nearby
Belgrade
City / town · 6 listings · 20 mi away
Bozeman
City / town · 48 listings · 28 mi away
Townsend
City / town · 8 listings · 30 mi away
Big Sky
City / town · 10 listings · 43 mi away
Nevada City
City / town · 3 listings · 45 mi away
Virginia City
City / town · 7 listings · 45 mi away
Butte
City / town · 54 listings · 47 mi away
Livingston
City / town · 20 listings · 50 mi away
My experience
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