If you love the outdoors, Montana is the perfect place to be. There are more than 3,223 named lakes in Montana, as well as over 2,303 rivers. That’s a lot of fun on the water just waiting to be had! In addition to beautiful waterways, we’ve got eight incredible national parks brimming with views and wildlife and 55 state parks perfect for day trips. But, how do you choose which outdoor adventure to have on any given day? We recommend starting with the newest state park in Montana, Milltown State Park located near Missoula.

Milltown State Park, located in Bonner which is about 10 minutes east of Missoula, offers 645 acres of outdoor space to explore, learn, and play.
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The park sits on about 2.5 miles of the Clark Fork banks and about 1.5 miles along the Blackfoot.
Milltown State Park / Facebook
Milltown State Park in Montana sits on the same site as the former Milltown Dam. Prior to 2008, it was a Superfund Site receiving federal funds for a major cleanup effort.
Milltown State Park / Facebook
The creation of the state park here has allowed the ecosystem to become healthy, bringing back tons of plants, flowers, and wildlife.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the park, but one of the best is exploring the Deer Creek Loop Trail. This 2.8-mile hike should take a little over one hour and offers views of the surrounding mountains and rivers.
Milltown State Park / Facebook
Also found within the Milltown State Park are plenty of places for get-togethers. Catch some live music or an educational session from local guides.
Milltown State Park / Facebook
The park has plenty of parking, but on busy days you'll find that it's full. Be sure to arrive early if you want a spot.
Milltown State Park / Facebook

Milltown State Park in Missoula is open throughout the year for day use only, which means camping is not allowed. Gate hours change depending on the season so it’s best to check the official Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website for more information when planning your trip. You can also check out the dedicated AllTrails page to plan some fun hikes for your visit.

Visiting Milltown State Park in Montana for the day is a great idea, but we love the idea of making your trip into an overnight adventure. To do that, consider snagging a fun vacation rental.

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Milltown State Park Confluence Area, 7363 Juniper Dr, Missoula, MT 59802, USA