Candlelight tours of Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park offered

During this special event, visitors can see the caves and enjoy them by the warm, festive glow of candle lanterns. Participants must make a reservation prior to their tour.

Tours are offered from December 20 to 22 and from December 27 to 29. The starting times of these tours vary depending on park occupancy for that day. However, all tours take place during the day, with part of the two-hour walk taking place outdoors along paths that may have snow and ice.

Park staff will provide guides, candles, lanterns and hot drinks. The cost for this unique event is $25 for visitors aged 15 and over and $15 for visitors aged 5 to 14. All participants must be at least 5 years old. Non-resident visitors must pay an entrance fee of $8 per vehicle upon entering the park.

Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and must be purchased online. To buy tickets, click here or call 1-855-922-6768. No tickets are sold at the park visitor center.

Candlelight tours offered at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

Tickets can be purchased online or by telephone from December 2

WHITEHALL – Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is once again hosting candlelight tours of the entire developed cave trail.

During this special event, visitors can see and enjoy the caves by the warm, festive glow of candle lanterns – the same way the first explorers viewed them. Participants must make reservations and purchase tickets prior to their tour.

Tours are offered from December 20 to 22 and from December 27 to 29. The starting times of these tours vary depending on park occupancy for that day.

Park staff will provide guides, candles, lanterns and hot drinks. The cost for this unique event is $25 for visitors aged 15 and over and $15 for visitors aged 5 to 14. All participants must be at least 5 years old. Non-resident visitors must pay an entrance fee of $8 per vehicle upon entering the park.

Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and must be purchased online or by phone beginning December 2 at 8 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. To purchase tickets, click here or call 1-855-922-6768. No tickets are sold at the park visitor center.

Candlelight tours follow the entire developed cave route, with a 3/4 mile uphill hike on a possibly icy and snowy trail to reach the cave entrance. Visitors must complete this within 30 minutes to qualify for the tour. Participants are encouraged to be prepared for winter conditions on the park roads and trails.

Hiking the 3/4 mile underground trail involves twisting, bending, duck waddling and a slide. The first half will use the cave lights, and the second half will use the glow of candle lanterns. The tour offers an intimate look at cave formations known as speleothems. Visitors visit Decision Rock, the Cathedral Room, the Pit, Garden of the Gods, the Brown Waterfall Room and the Paradise Room. The tour ends with a flat half-mile hike back to the visitor center on a possibly icy or snowy trail. The total walking distance is 2 miles.

During the tour, visitors will pass hibernating bats. White-nose syndrome, a fungus that affects bats but not humans, has reached Montana. Bat mortality due to the disease exceeds 80% in some areas. Managers are requiring precautions from visitors to reduce additional stressors on this fragile cave. Visitors are not allowed to bring clothing or other items that have been in another cave or mine within the past five years.

All tours are provided by a trained guide. Self-guided tours are not available. The cave has an average temperature of 50 degrees and humidity of over 90% all year round, regardless of the weather outside. Most areas are poorly lit, and some are narrow and closed off. Visitors should consider bringing a warm jacket, good walking shoes and bottled water. Pets, strollers, backpacks and handbags are not allowed.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is located approximately 15 miles southeast of Whitehall, along Montana Highway 2. For more information about the park, click here or call 406-287-3541.