Council Grove State Park

Council Grove State Park is a forested area near Missoula with stands of mature ponderosa pines, grassy open areas, and cottonwoods growing along the Clark Fork River. The park covers roughly 187 acres and includes about 1.5 miles of riverfront where the water has naturally carved out sandy beach-like banks.

An important agreement was signed here in 1855 between government representatives and leaders of multiple Native tribes from the region. This event marked a pivotal moment in how relationships developed between governmental authorities and the indigenous peoples of the area.

The site served as a meeting place where different groups came together to negotiate important agreements, a role reflected in the open spaces and layout you see today. Walking through the park gives you a sense of the conversations that shaped relationships in this region.

The park is easy to reach by car and provides plenty of space for walking and exploring among the trees and open areas. You can stroll along the riverfront, and the terrain is generally gentle with no steep sections to navigate.

The smooth, curved sandy banks along the river were created through natural erosion and now form small beach-like areas in an otherwise forested setting. This unexpected shoreline within the woods is a feature that catches many visitors off guard.

Location: Missoula County

Inception: 1978

Website: https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/council-grove

GPS coordinates: 46.91300,-114.15500

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:06