Summer season nears at Caverns

New LED lights and plenty of family friendly events should make for a great summer at the Lewis and Clark Caverns.

Parks Manager Rhea Armstrong said they are very excited as they prepare for the 2019 summer season.

"The electric contractors pack up this week, so the new LED cave lights will be a stunning improvement in the cave. The lights are in the handrails, so do not shine in visitors' eyes, plus the formations are revealed in a whole new light," she said.

The annual Earth Day Cleanup at the park took place earlier this month, and Armstrong said their new AmeriCorps member, Tamara Beal, is enthusiastically adding to the summer program offerings.

"She has prepared a few talks for both the Whitehall and Three Forks Libraries and is in charge of the Kids to Parks Day on May 18th plus is prepping activities for National Caves and Karst Day on June 6th," she said.

On May 4, the caverns will be hosting a Dog Days with Warden Sergeant Coy Cline presenting a K9 demonstration in the campground at Noon.

Armstrong said the event is new and encouraged those interested in coming to bring their dog on a leash.

"We have so many hikers and mountain bikers using the 10 miles of trails in the park each spring, and many bring their pets. The congested areas become such a problem with dogs off leash that we want to proactively reward those who are responsibly walking their dogs. Plus, with the warden K9 program demonstration, we have a good draw for the event. We may have to close the visitor center so the staff can see the program," she said.

The May 18th Kids to the Parks Day will feature four activities throughout the day.

Providing a family friendly experience is important to park staff.

"Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is all about families and those activities that promote communities. With the campground playground, summer programs, and the wonders of a cave tours, I see more smiles each day at work than I do during Christmas. It is very rewarding," Armstrong said.