Milltown State Park
Montana (Missoula County)
Milltown State Park sits at the confluence of the Blackfoot and Clark Fork rivers in Missoula County, Montana, offering 635 acres of restored riverfront landscape with a remarkable story. Once the site of the Milltown Dam and a major Superfund cleanup, the park represents one of the largest dam removal and environmental restoration projects in American history. Today, it stands as a testament to what happens when rivers run free again.
The park draws visitors with accessible trails that wind along both rivers, providing excellent vantage points where the two waterways merge. Fishing is a highlight here — the restored river channels have brought back healthy trout populations, and anglers appreciate the easy bank access. Birdwatching is rewarding year-round, with ospreys, bald eagles, and great blue herons frequenting the riparian corridors. Interpretive signs throughout the park tell the story of the dam, the cleanup, and the ecological recovery, making it an unexpectedly compelling stop for history buffs.
Located just minutes east of Missoula along Interstate 90, Milltown is easy to reach and pairs well with a day trip up the Blackfoot River corridor. Late spring through early fall offers the best conditions, with wildflowers peaking in June and warm-weather river access from July through September.
Whether you’re stretching your legs on a road trip, casting a line at sunset, or simply watching two iconic Montana rivers meet, Milltown State Park delivers a quiet, meaningful experience you won’t find at flashier destinations.
Explore Nearby
- Garnet Back Country Byway — Public Land in Montana
- Lower Blackfoot River Corridor — Public Land in Montana
- Bitterroot National Forest — National Forest in Montana, Idaho
- Flathead National Forest — National Forest in Montana
Photos
Nearby Discoveries
9 places to explore within 30 miles
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Frenchtown Pond State Park
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Placid Lake State Park
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