What Is Travelers’ Rest State Park?
Travelers’ Rest State Park preserves and interprets a piece of the ancient Lolo Trail and the only archaeologically verified campsite of the Corps of Discovery!
What Makes It Historical?
Since time immemorial, tribes like the Salish, Nez Perce, and Pend d’Oreille gathered at this spot, having just crossed, or getting ready to cross the Bitterroot Mountains. Generally known as the Lolo Trail, the Salish called it Naptnsisa or “the Road to the Nez Perce,” while the Nez Perce called it K’useyneisskit or “the Road to the Buffalo!” This spot, called Tmsmli, was a longtime friendly gathering place, which the Nez Perce sought after fleeing their homeland and escaping Fort Fizzle!
Here, Lewis & Clark rested twice, first on September 9, 1805 en route to the Pacific, and again on June 30, 1806 on their way back to St. Louis! They were guided by an old Shoshone fellow named Pikee Queenah (Swooping Eagle), whom they called Old Toby and who stuck with them for 50 days of their journey!
How archaeologists pinpointed this spot was pretty neat! After scanning the area, based on journals, they found evidence of lead bullets traced back to Kentucky, and deposits of mercury, which some Corps members were taking for syphilis! They also found traces of a campsite shaped very specifically the way Baron William Frederick von Steuben outlined in his 1794 “blue book” for drilling soldiers!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer at Travelers’ Rest State Park!
- Become a member of the Montana Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
6717 US-12
Lolo, MT 59847
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Between October 1 and May 14, the park visitor center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 AM until 4:30 PM! The rest of the year, it’s open daily with the same hours!
More Photos
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