ZooMontana - Lewis and Clark Trail Experience

Information

ZooMontana is open every day of the year with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Inclement weather and special events may alter operational hours. / Summer Hours - (May-September) - 10am-5pm with last admission at 5pm / Winter Hours - (October-April) - 10am-3pm with last admission at 2pm

406-652-8100

Adults: $11.00 / Seniors (Age 55 and Over): $9.00 / Military (With Valid ID): $9.00 / Children (Age 3-15): $8.00 / Children 2 and Under: FREE / School and NonProfit Group Rate: $4.00 Group Rate (12 or More): $7.00 / Parking: FREE

Service animals only

lat: 45.7322656 long: -108.6206567

ZooMontana is an AZA accredited zoological/botanical garden, accredited arboretum and educational facility dedicated to the conservation of wildlife throughout Montana and the 45th parallel of earth. ZooMontana cares for over 80 animals of 56 different species, including Amur Tigers, Grizzly Bear, Wolverine, River Otters, Takin, and Canada Lynx, among others, most of which are rescues. ZooMontana is dedicated to the mantra “quality over quantity,” meaning the focus is not on how many animals the Zoo has, but how well those here are cared for. As one of the few Zoological parks in the country that does not receive public tax support, ZooMontana raises necessary operating funds through admissions, memberships, events and private contributions.

Located in the picturesque tourist destination of Billings, Montana, ZooMontana offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Yellowstone ecosystem fauna through direct observation, interpretive displays, and experiential educational programs. Annually, community and educational programs serve over 15,000 students and over 120,000 visitors, most of whom hail from the northern Rockies. Led by an energetic and dynamic staff, ZooMontana enjoys strong community support through volunteerism, donations, and outreach.

Bruno the Grizzly Bear

Bruno the Grizzly Bear

Amur Tiger Fun

Fierca the Canada Lynx

Fierca the Canada Lynx

Roxie the Box Turtle

Roxie the Box Turtle

Grey Wolf

Baby North American River Otter

Baby North American River Otter

A little Tiger roll in the grass

A little Tiger roll in the grass

Sam the North American River Otter

Sam the North American River Otter

Sydney the Laughing Kookaburra

Sydney the Laughing Kookaburra

Taboo the Tarantula

Taboo the Tarantula

Takin

Bandy the Southern Armadillo

Bandy the Southern Armadillo

A great place to hold an event

A great place to hold an event

Best Buds

A unique and beautiful place to be married

A unique and beautiful place to be married

Holiday Fun

An accredited Arboretum

An accredited Arboretum

Beautiful Grounds

Beautiful Grounds

AZA Accredited

AZA Accredited

Spitzer the African Hedgehog

Spitzer the African Hedgehog

Phe the baby Miniature Donkey

Phe the baby Miniature Donkey

Nearby Attractions

The Crossings Bed & Breakfast

The Crossings Bed & Breakfast

1807 Front St, Billings, MT 59101, USA
Distance: 3.40 mi (straight line)

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Yellowstone Cellars & Winery

Yellowstone Cellars & Winery, Holiday Circle, Billings, MT, USA
Distance: 3.41 mi (straight line)

Food and Drinks Wineries

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Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park, State Secondary Highway 416, Billings, MT, USA
Distance: 4.23 mi (straight line)

Outdoor Experiences

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Montana Fun Adventures

Montana Fun Adventures

Montana Fun Adventures, Howard Avenue, Billings, MT, USA
Distance: 4.40 mi (straight line)

Guided Tours Outdoor Experiences

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Zimmerman Park

Zimmerman Park

Zimmerman Park, Montana 3, Billings, MT, USA
Distance: 5.10 mi (straight line)

Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes

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Moss Mansion Museum

Moss Mansion Museum

Moss Mansion, Division Street, Billings, MT, USA
Distance: 6.01 mi (straight line)

Galleries and Venues

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Yellowstone County Museum

Yellowstone County Museum

Yellowstone County Museum, Terminal Circle, Billings, MT, USA
Distance: 6.28 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers Guided Tours

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Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum

Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum

Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum, 2nd Avenue North, Billings, MT, USA
Distance: 6.33 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers

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Western Heritage Center

Western Heritage Center

Western Heritage Center, Montana Avenue, Billings, MT, USA
Distance: 6.46 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers Guided Tours

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MSUB Powwow

MSUB Powwow

Montana State University Billings, University Drive, Billings, MT, USA
Distance: 6.51 mi (straight line)

Festivals and Events Tribal Experiences

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Yellowstone Art Museum

Yellowstone Art Museum

Yellowstone Art Museum, North 27th Street, Billings, MT, USA
Distance: 6.61 mi (straight line)

Galleries and Venues Museums and Interpretive Centers

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Billings, Montana

Billings, Montana

Billings Chamber of Commerce, 815 South 27th Street, Billings, MT 59101, USA
Distance: 6.69 mi (straight line)

Cultural Districts

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Harry Koyama Fine Art

Harry Koyama Fine Art

Harry Koyama Fine Art, Montana Avenue, Billings, MT, USA
Distance: 6.71 mi (straight line)

Galleries and Venues

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Swords Park

Swords Park

Swords Park, Swords Park Drive, Billings, MT, USA
Distance: 7.15 mi (straight line)

Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes

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Four Dances Recreation Area

Four Dances Recreation Area

Four Dances Recreation Area, Billings, MT, USA
Distance: 7.77 mi (straight line)

Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes Viewpoints

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Second Shift

Second Shift

934 U.S. 87, Billings, MT 59101, USA
Distance: 8.88 mi (straight line)

Food and Drinks Shopping Bars

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The Vig Alehouse & Casino

The Vig Alehouse & Casino

The Vig | Alehouse & Casino, Hilltop Road, Billings, MT, USA
Distance: 9.01 mi (straight line)

Food and Drinks Shopping Bars

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Pictograph Caves State Park

Pictograph Caves State Park

Pictograph Cave State Park, Coburn Road, Billings, MT, USA
Distance: 9.15 mi (straight line)

Tribal Experiences Outdoor Experiences

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Site of the Week: The Lewis and Clark Visitor’s

Site of the Week: The Lewis and Clark Visitor’s Center at Gavins Point Dam

By August of 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition had entered the land of the Yankton Sioux, a powerful tribe on the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark were tasked with notifying them that the United States now had a claim over their land. So, on August 29, the expedition met with the tribe at a site called Calumet Bluff where Lewis gave his routine speech and the customary gifts were handed out.

Today, the Lewis and Clark Visitor’s Center at Gavins Point Dam sits on Calumet Bluff, overlooking the nearly two-mile-long Gavins Point Dam. The dam was originally planned to be built further upstream at Gavins Point,the place from which the dam gets its name. However, even though it was constructed at a different site (which resulted in the formation of Lewis and Clark Lake), the dam maintained its original name throughout the project.

The visitor’s center, which is operated by the Army Corp of Engineers, has exhibits pertaining to the wildlife and rich history of the area. Information regarding recreation on Lewis and Clark Lake is also available, as well as a gift shop and bookstore. There is a viewing deck on the back of the visitor’s center which allows visitors to view the Gavins Point Dam.

https://www.nps.gov/places/lewis-clark-visitor-center-at-gavins-point-dam-nebraska.htm

Photos credited to Cait Clark

#lewisandclark #history #adventure #travel #nebraska

Site of the Week: Sergeant Floyd Monument The Lew

Site of the Week: Sergeant Floyd Monument

The Lewis and Clark Expedition is known for having lost only one man, something of a miracle when it comes to such a lengthy and treacherous adventure. Sadly, the majority of people do not know the name of this man as he died rather early on in the Expedition. Fortunately, there is a monument dedicated to his burial in Sioux City, Iowa.

On July 31, 1804, Sergeant Charles Floyd, one of the original “Nine Young Men from Kentucky,” wrote in his journal that he was “verry sick and {had} ben for Sometime.” He recovered somewhat before suddenly taking a turn for the worse. Captain Lewis administered to him as he was the Expedition’s doctor, but it was no use. On August 20th, the young man passed away at the age of 22. It is widely believed that Floyd died from peritonitis caused by a ruptured appendix. If this truly was the case, there would have been nothing that Lewis could have done to save him.

Today, the Sergeant Floyd Monument stands on a cliff overlooking I-29, a tall obelisk surrounded by iron fencing for protection. There is a parking lot and informational signs concerning the Expedition and the last days of Floyd’s life. When standing at the base of the monument, one can look out over the mighty Missouri River. Despite the rumbling of the cars racing by below, the site possesses a solemn tranquility, especially when visited in the evening as the sun is fading in the west. A sun that young Charles Floyd was unable to pursue with his fellow explorers.

#lewisandclark #history #adventure #travel #Iowa #siouxcityiowa

Lewis and Clark spent the winter close to the Clat

Lewis and Clark spent the winter close to the Clatsop Village that was located on the site of Fort Stevens State Park - located at the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon on Point Adams.

When Europeans first arrived in the area, it was the site of a large Clatsop settlement, and William Clark noted eight large houses on the site when they sailed past in 1805. The name of the landmark itself was coined on May 18, 1792, when Captain Robert Gray, a merchant mariner, sailed into the mouth of the Columbia River. He chose the name in honor of the then president of the United States, John Adams.

Point Adams later became part of Fort Stevens, a Civil War-era military fort established in 1863. The original earthen fort was built to keep British and Confederate gunboats from entering the mouth of the Columbia River. It was named after Union Army General Isaac I. Stevens, who also served as the first territorial governor of Washington state.

After World War II, Fort Stevens was considered obsolete, and it was turned over to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for use as a headquarters in 1947. Then, in 1975, the site was officially designed as a state park after being leased to Oregon State Parks.

Today, visitors can visit the historic Fort Stevens and Point Adams visitor center and museum, take tours through the old earthen fort and artillery gun batteries, or take advantage of all the wildlife opportunities like fishing.

There are several camping options available as well. All campsites are ADA accessible and come equipped with a picnic table and grill. Yurts and cabins are also available for rent. Restrooms, showers, a playground, and a dump station are on site.

https://www.lewisandclark.travel/listing/fort-stevens-state-park/

#lewisandclark #history #adventure #travel #Oregon #fortstevensstatepark

Happy New Year, Everyone! January 1, 1806 “A n

Happy New Year, Everyone!

January 1, 1806

“A new year at Fort Clatsop

To bring in the new year at Fort Clatsop, the enlisted men fire a volley to awaken the captains. Lewis resumes writing his journal and imagines New Year’s Day in 1807 when everyone will be home. Clark inventories ship captains that visit the area, and Sgt. Gass is surprised by the number of active insects this time of year.

‘…our repast of this day tho’ better than that of Christmass, consisted principally in the anticipation of the 1st day of January 1807, when in the bosom of our friends we hope to participate in the mirth and hilarity of the day, and when the zest given by the recollection of the present, we shall completely, both mentally and corporally, enjoy the repast which the hand of civilization has prepared for us.’
—Meriwether Lewis”

https://lewis-clark.org/day-by-day/1-jan-1806/

Photo Credit: "Snow on Fort Clatsop by Robert Potts"

Our new APP is now available! Check it out if you

Our new APP is now available! Check it out if you haven’t yet to bring the adventure and magic of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail on your mobile device. Scan the QR code here or find it on your app store.