Jefferson County: Caves, Museums, and Mining History

One of North America’s most richly developed limestone caves is located in Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park; Elkhorn preserves the remains of a 19th-century mining town. These places show two different sides of Jefferson County: outdoor experiences and local history.

Museums and Regional History

The Jefferson County Museum has been open since 2004 and presents the county’s history of ranching, railroads, and mining. As of September 5, 2026, its online collection included 2,808 viewable objects. The museum thus offers both a thematic overview and a collection that can be viewed online.

The Jefferson Valley Museum displays objects related to the history and heritage of the Jefferson Valley. It is located in two historic buildings near Whitehall’s main street. The museums focus on different geographic areas: the Jefferson County Museum is dedicated to the county’s history, while the Jefferson Valley Museum focuses on the Jefferson Valley.

The Montana Western Legacy Center honors Montana’s western heritage with a dynamic visitor experience and interactive exhibits. Together with the historic collections, it offers another perspective on the region’s cultural history.

Mining History in Comet and Elkhorn

The Comet Mine was developed in the 1880s. A large mill in the town was built in 1926. The two dates place this mining history in different periods, without implying that the mine and mill are the same thing.

In Elkhorn, Elkhorn State Park preserves the remains of a 19th-century mining town as examples of pioneer architecture. Interpretive signs along the streets can be viewed on a walk. Parts of Elkhorn are privately owned: please respect private property there.

Trails, Caves, and River Landscapes

Jefferson County has more than 550,000 acres of publicly accessible land. Hiking options range from short day trips to multi-day backpacking trips. The different time frames can help you plan your outing, from a short day hike to several days on the trail.

Tizer Botanic Gardens has more than half a mile of trails. It is near Jefferson City and 1.2 miles from Interstate 15. This gives you both a specific trail network and a clear reference point for the interstate; the distance does not describe the length of the trails in the garden.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park offers opportunities for camping and hiking. The limestone cave is one of the most richly developed of its kind in North America. Visitors interested in caves, hiking trails, or camping can find a range of activities in the same state park.

The Jefferson River flows for more than 80 miles before joining the Missouri River. Guided fishing trips and river trips are listed as activities for visitors along the river. The river’s length and these activities offer different points of reference for planning: the distance it flows and possible ways to visit.

More Activities and Information

Boulder Hot Springs offers geothermal pools for bathing and swimming. Because offerings can change, check before your visit whether this use is currently available. The Last Chance Handgunners shooting range is suitable for rifles and pistols; check current operating conditions before using it.

Comet is approximately five miles north of I-15 on High Ore Road between Boulder and Basin. The distance is approximate, and road conditions can change, so check them before driving. The location places Comet between the two named towns and in relation to the interstate, without specifying a particular driving time.

When planning a stay, you can choose how to balance history, nature, and outdoor activities. Museums and mining towns offer cultural history; trails, the cave, and river activities provide other highlights. You can tailor your search for a hotel in Jefferson County to the kind of trip you have planned.

Discover more destinations: Montana City, Clancy, Lake County, Chouteau County, Deer Lodge, Mineral County, Sheridan County, Stillwater County.

Go to the main travel overview: Montana.