Judith Landing State Park is Montana’s newest state park, established in January 2025 after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) acquired a 109.43-acre property at the confluence of the Missouri and Judith Rivers in north-central Montana.
Located within the scenic Missouri River Breaks and part of the Judith Landing Historic District, the park is rich in cultural, historical, and natural significance.
Details
The parks location is approximately 50 miles north of Lewistown, 44 miles south of Big Sandy, and 23 miles northwest of Winifred, accessible via Montana Highway 236 (partially paved, partially gravel).
The site has been used for millennia by Indigenous groups like the Blackfeet and Assiniboine for seasonal camps and tribal peace councils.
In 1805, Lewis and Clark camped nearby during their expedition and in 1855, paleontologist Ferdinand Hayden discovered the first documented dinosaur skeletal remains in North America here.
The area hosted Montana’s first military post, Camp Cooke (1866–1870), and was a key stop for steamboat traffic.
The PN Ranch, established by Thomas C. Power and Gilman R. Norris in the 1880s, became one of Montana’s earliest large cattle ranches.
Historic Structures
The Norris ranch house (1901), a symbol of Montana’s ranching legacy.
A granite and sandstone store/warehouse (1882, partially collapsed).
A log post office, root cellar, schoolhouse, and blacksmith shop.
The property includes ranch land and riparian habitat, with significant wildlife and diverse fish species in the Missouri and Judith Rivers.
It offers scenic cottonwood galleries and access to the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River.
Current Status
The park is undeveloped, with no on-site amenities. Visitors should expect a “rustic” experience (pack in/pack out trash, no water or hookups).
FWP has proposed a development plan to preserve historic structures and enhance public access, with funding requests submitted for the 2025 Montana legislative session. Development is anticipated for 2026 or 2027 if funds are secured.
Recreation Opportunities
Activities include camping, wildlife watching, hiking, fishing, boating, and water-based recreation.
The nearby Judith Landing Campground (managed by the Bureau of Land Management, open May 15–October 15) offers eight first-come, first-serve campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, and trash dumpsters, but no water or reservations. It’s a popular launch point for watercraft on the Missouri River.
Public Involvement
FWP is seeking community input through open house meetings (held in May 2025) to shape the park’s future development and management.
Visitors are asked to respect the historic and cultural significance by not disturbing buildings, archaeological features, or artifacts.
Judith Landing State Park is a unique convergence of Montana’s Indigenous, exploratory, military, and ranching histories.
Its designation as a state park ensures perpetual public access, historical preservation, and expanded recreational opportunities in a region with limited state parks.
The park’s remote location offers a chance to step back in time while enjoying the natural beauty of the Missouri River Breaks.
For more information or updates on development plans you can contact:
Mailing Address: FWP Region 4 Headquarters
Attn: Judith Landing State Park
4600 Giant Springs Rd
Great Falls Mt, 59405
Phone: 406-454-5854
Email: cannon.colegrove@mt.gov
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