The Pictograph, Middle and Ghost cave complex was home to generations of prehistoric hunters. With its abundant wildlife and vegetation, the fertile river valley provided an ideal campsite for travelers.

A short 5-mile drive from Billings, the park is an ideal spot to enjoy a shady picnic, add to your birding life list, attend an interpretive program, or just take a stroll in the quiet outdoors.

These caves were the site of Montana's first professional archaeological studies and excavations beginning in 1937. Over 30,000 artifacts have been identified from the park. A short paved trail allows visitors to view the rock paintings, known as pictographs, that are still visible in Pictograph Cave, the largest of the three. Interpretive signs tell the story of the archaeological studies.

A new, sandstone-hued interpretive center rises at the foot of rimrocks where Pictograph Cave has drawn human beings for over 3,000 years. Designed for high energy efficiency, the center features a classroom, restrooms, gift shop and indoor exhibits with replicas of artifacts - such as a wooden paint applicator and a bone turtle effigy - found during a Works Progress Administration excavation.

Time Period Represented: Prehistoric

Hours Open: Summer 8 am-8pm, Sept. & April 9am-7pm, Oct. thru March 10am-5pm

Visitor Fees: $5 entrance fee for non-Montana licensed vehicles, no charge for Montana licensed vehicles

Seasons Open: Open All Year