Three Forks, city in Gallatin County, Montana, United States
Three Forks is a small city in Gallatin County, Montana, set at the point where the Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson rivers come together to form the Missouri River. The town itself is compact, with a modest main street and low-rise buildings spread across a broad valley floor.
The area became widely known in the early 1800s when the Lewis and Clark expedition passed through and mapped the junction of the three rivers. The town was formally established in the late 1800s and grew around farming and a railroad connection.
The name of the town refers directly to the point where three rivers meet to form the Missouri. This connection to water shapes the feel of the place, and many visitors come specifically to see where these rivers join.
Three Forks sits along state highways and is most easily reached by car, which is also the best way to get around the surrounding area. Visiting in the warmer months gives better access to the river sites and the open landscape around the town.
The land just outside town is protected as Missouri Headwaters State Park, where visitors can stand at the exact spot where the Missouri River officially begins. This makes it one of the few places in the country where the start of a major river is clearly marked and accessible on foot.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
