Missouri Headwaters State Park

Missouri Headwaters State Park is a state park in Montana where three major rivers meet and form the Missouri River. The grounds stretch across wooded banks and open meadows, with views of the surrounding mountains and the wide waterways.

The Lewis and Clark expedition reached this point in summer 1805 and documented the spot where the three rivers unite. A few years later, fur traders established a trading post here, though it lasted only a short time.

The three rivers meeting here received their current English names from the Lewis and Clark expedition, which named them after American statesmen. Locals come here to fish and picnic along the banks, where you can clearly watch the water flowing together from different directions.

The park remains open throughout the year, with campsites and trails suitable for day hikes. In summer, visitors can launch their own boats and paddle the rivers.

From the higher lookout point, you can see how the three rivers have slightly different shades before they blend together. The water line shifts noticeably with the seasons and mountain snowmelt.

Location: Gallatin County

Website: https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/missouri-headwaters

GPS coordinates: 45.92070,-111.49800

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30