One of Montana's many state jewels, is it's wonderful states parks system. The Montana State Parks system was created in 1939, the Lewis and Clark Caverns became the first state park site when it was transferred over to Montana from the federal government. Today the network of state parks has grown to forty-one, in addition to a number of affiliated sites. State parks are found in every region of the state, offering a wide range of landscapes, natural features, history, and recreational opportunities. Some parks feature a diversity of visitor facilities, such as showers, boat launch sites, and concessions, while other are much less developed.
Camping is offered at many state parks, for a modest fee.
Yellowstone boasts more than 1,200 miles of hiking and riding trails. With all it's majestic mountains, echoing canyons and shimmering lakes, Yellowstone's main attraction is it's geysers and geothermal features. For over 80 years Old Faithful hasn't missed a performance, spewing 5,000 to 8,000 gallons of steaming water every sixty to seventy minutes. These raging columns of water were discovered in 1870 by the H.D.Washburn expedition. By 1872 the areas marvels were well documented and congress passed a bill establishing Yellowstone as are first national park.