Go OUTDOORS for FUN at a State Park!

After two family weddings (same couple in Montana and Mexico), I am back online again - and excited to begin writing about getting outdoors as an exciting way to celebrate Great Outdoors Month.

Actually, I am most excited to get outdoors myself. I had a wonderful hike on Saturday in the Beartooth Mountains.

Here are some other wonderful places to have fun in Montana's beautiful outdoors!

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While every day is great day to be outdoors in Montana, June as Great Outdoors Month, is a special time to get into the swing of summer. Now that winter has passed and spring rains have turned the “Last Best Place” many shades of green, it is the perfect time to have some outdoor family fun. And, there are dozens of Montana State Parks - all sizes, shapes, and descriptions - that make wonderful, close-by destinations for free or inexpensive summer fun.

PLAN

• Learn where the parks are located: Planning your Montana State Park visits is super simple on the Fish, Wildlife, & Parks website.
• Explore the opportunities to play: On the website, you can search for parks that offer your family’s favorite activities, like hiking, water skiing, or bicycling.
• Plan the best times to visit your choices: Fill in a few dates on your family summer fun calendar, giving each person a chance to choose a different park (or two).

PLAY

So many parks, so few days of summer! Montana State Parks really do offer something for everyone, including many locations with accessibility for those with disabilities.

1. Ackley Lake: Camping (no fee) and fishing in the very heart of Big Sky country
2. Clark’s Lookout: One of many historical sites from Lewis and Clark’s Expedition
3. Giant Springs: Accessible hiking, biking, and picnicking near Great Falls
4. Hell Creek: Full-service campground on Fort Peck near the Missouri Breaks
5. Logan: Camping and boating on Middle Thompson Lake along the Idaho border
6. Medicine Rocks: Hidden treasure near Ekalaka for hiking and primitive camps
7. Placid Lake: More camping and boating in a full-service campground
8. Sluice Boxes: Mining history comes to life in this spectacular setting
9. Tower Rock: Montana’s newest state park has a rich history, right off I-15
10. Yellow Bay: How often can you camp in the midst of cherry orchards?

ENJOY

Spending time in Montana State Parks is a perfect way to combine family fun with the physical activity every body needs for good health. Just GO and have FUN!!