Special hours at Lewis and Clark Caverns

Montana State Parks announces adjusted hours of operation and cavern tours at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, beginning Aug. 20, as the season begins to wind down.

As of Aug. 20, the visitor centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day, with Paradise Tours every hour from 9:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Tours will continue to be limited and offered by reservation only. To make a reservation, contact the park by phone at 406-287-3541. Tours are often fully booked a week in advance. Visitors can reserve spots up to two weeks in advance of their desired tour dates.

For the weekends of Aug. 22 and 23, Aug. 29 and 30, and Sept. 5 and 6, advance reservations will also be available for additional tours at 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. daily to help accommodate more visitors on the weekends. After Sept. 6, tours will be offered daily, every hour from 9:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. until Sept. 30.

"We're glad to continue serving the public and sharing this spectacular resource," said Park Manager Rhea Armstrong. "The passion our guides feel for the Caverns comes across on every tour. Though we have had modified operations this year, our standard of service and safety has not changed."

The Paradise Tour is about a mile of walking and 1.5 hours. It features the largest and most decorated room in the cave system. Masks are required, and staff cleans the handrails with bleach during each tour.

For more information about these or other events at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, call (406) 287-3541.