Upcoming Montana State Park Events

Spring’s coming fast, and Montana’s state parks aren’t sitting still waiting for it. From wolverine talks near Great Falls to star-gazing on the Hi-Line to egg hunts outside Kalispell, FWP has a solid stretch of events lined up for late March and April. Here’s what’s on the calendar.

Wolverine Presentation at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

GREAT FALLS – FWP wolf-carnivore management specialist Sarah Zielke is giving a family-friendly wolverine presentation on Saturday, March 28, at 2 p.m. at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park. Seating’s limited, so don’t wait on this one. Wolverines don’t get nearly enough attention compared to wolves and grizzlies — in my experience, most folks who spend time in the backcountry have never laid eyes on one, which makes a talk like this genuinely worth your time.

For directions or more information, visit fwp.mt.gov/first-peoples-buffalo-jump.

Full Moon and Sunset Hike at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

GREAT FALLS – No fooling — there’s a full moon hike at First Peoples Buffalo Jump on April 1. Park ranger Andy Keller leads a moderately strenuous 3-mile guided hike where you’ll catch the sunset and then watch the full “pink” moon climb above the Missouri River breaks. The history of this place runs deep, and Keller knows how to tell it.

The hike kicks off promptly at 7 p.m. and runs about two hours. Cost is $4, and you need to register in advance. Park bathrooms will be open, but the museum and gift shop will be closed. To register or get more information, call 406-866-2217 or email firstpeoplesbuffalojump@mt.gov.

Hop Into Spring at Lone Pine State Park’s Eggstravaganza

KALISPELL – Lone Pine State Park is hosting its annual Easter Egg Eggstravaganza and Egg Hunt Hike on Saturday, April 4. Bring your own basket or bag. Four sessions are available — 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. — so you’ve got some flexibility. Cost is $5 per person, and nonresident vehicles pay an $8 park entry fee. Registration is open now — click here to sign up.

Summer Hours Begin at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park — April 13

GREAT FALLS – Starting Monday, April 13, First Peoples Buffalo Jump switches to summer hours. The visitor center and gates will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through September 30. If you’re planning to hike after 6 p.m., park outside the gates or at the North Trailhead — hiking is permitted from sunrise to sunset. The park sits 3.5 miles north of Ulm, just off Interstate 15 at Exit 270.

For more information, visit fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/first-peoples-buffalo-jump.

Star-Gazing Night and Blackfeet Star Stories at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

GREAT FALLS – On Saturday, April 18, First Peoples Buffalo Jump is hosting a nighttime program featuring Traditional Blackfeet Star Stories alongside an open star-gazing experience. Get far enough from the glow of Great Falls and the sky out there is something else entirely. The program runs from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., weather permitting. Bring your own telescope or binoculars if you’ve got them — park staff will also have three scopes on hand.

Honestly, pairing Indigenous cultural knowledge with a clear April sky at a site as historically significant as this one is about as good as an evening program gets. For more information, visit stateparks.mt.gov/first-peoples-buffalo-jump.

Trailwork Training at Lone Pine State Park

KALISPELL – Ever picked up a pulaski or a mcleod and had no idea what you were doing? You’re not alone. State park rangers and the Montana Conservation Corps are teaming up on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a free hands-on trail maintenance training at Lone Pine. No experience needed — they’ll teach you everything. Snacks, water, and lunch are provided. Nonresident vehicle fee is $8. Register here.

Sundays with Camo at Lone Pine State Park

KALISPELL – Meet Camo, Lone Pine’s resident bull snake, on Sunday, April 19, at 2 p.m. You’ll learn about Camo’s life — adaptations, behaviors, and how sn