Park Naturalist

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About Travelers' Rest State Park

Location:

Travelers' Rest State Park, 6717 Hwy 12 W, Lolo, MT 59847, US

Mission Statement

The mission is to promote and preserve Travelers' Rest State Park and its natural and cultural history. We are dedicated to creating experiences that link the past to the future, inspiring stewardship through culturally inclusive education, interpretation and partnerships.

Description

Located at an historic and contemporary crossroads, Travelers' Rest State Park is a place where visitors can say with certainty that they are walking in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. The Park is at the core of a campsite used by the Corps of Discovery from September 9 - 11, 1805 and again from June 30 - July 3, 1806.

In the summer of 2002, archaeologists uncovered evidence of the Corps of Discovery's visit to the area, including a trench latrine tainted with mercury, fire hearths, and lead used in the repair and manufacture of firearms. The discovery makes Travelers' Rest the only campsite on the Lewis and Clark Trail with physical evidence of the expedition.

For centuries Native Americans also used the area as a campsite and trail junction. Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Nez Perce peoples were among those who traditionally occupied the area. Native American storytellers bring their history, culture and society to life as part of the programming at Travelers' Rest State Park.