You Did It! A New Park is Coming to the Bitterroot!
Park Progress Update & FAQ’s – January 2026
Construction is now underway on the future park! A new fence has been installed around the perimeter. Thank you to Cowpoke Ranch Supply, Frontier Post and MPG Ranch for donating materials for the project. Please see below for FAQ’s and check back to this page for more progress updates.
Is the new Groff Family Park open to the public yet?
Not yet. The park is currently in the design and construction phase and is closed to the public due to safety. BRLT staff and Citizen Oversight volunteers are assisting with the oversight of the park during this closure period.
When will the park be open for public use?
Groff Family Park will be open for use once the parking lot and trails have been constructed, and safe access is available. We are planning for end of 2026, so visit the BRLT website to track our progress!
What amenities and infrastructure will the park include?
The future park will include an all-abilities walking trail, complete with benches and resting spots along trails. Picnic areas, restrooms, and a natural “gazebo” style shade structure will be installed at the top of the hill.
What type of recreation will be permitted at the future park?
BRLT is still finalizing permitted activities, however we are planning for recreational walking trials that support all-abilities, bird watching, picnics, and sledding at the future park.
Will dogs be allowed at the park?
BRLT is in the process of finalizing dog regulations as they will pertain to the new park. Please stay tuned for more information.
Will overnight camping be permitted at the park?
No.
What is the construction timeline?
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026. Each step of construction is dependent on funding raised to support each phase:
- Phase 1 – Parking lot and trail construction are planned for 2026;
- Phase 2 – Completion of any remaining trail sections, installation of benches, picnic areas, and shade structures are planned for 2027;
- Phase 3 – Interpretive and educational signage along trails will occur in 2027/2028;
- Phase 4 – Future vegetation and wetland restoration activities are envisioned and will be incorporated when possible.
Can I visit the park before it officially opens?
Yes! BRLT will be hosting a series of special “pop-up” events to encourage the community to visit the future park, visit with BRLT staff, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and landscape the park has to offer. Visit the BRLT website and Facebook/Instagram to stay up to date on events.
How will BRLT communicate future park updates to the community?
As BRLT works on this exciting opportunity, we will continue to provide updates, attend public meetings, and conduct community outreach where necessary. For more information contact BRLT Stewardship Director, Rhiannon Klingonsmith, at rhiannon@bitterrootlandtrust.org or (406) 375-0956.
About the Project
The Groff family in Victor is making the gift of a lifetime to our community by partnering with BRLT to turn a 21-acre corner of their multigenerational farm into a park!
We asked our community for your support to come together to raise over $94,000 by June 30 so that the Bitter Root Land Trust could purchase a stunning piece of property and turn it into a nature park for our community that is truly special. Thank you to everyone who helped us reach our goal!
Thanks to your support, construction can begin for a new nature trail, parking area, restrooms, and other minimal infrastructure needs.
This future nature park will provide the space that children and families need to play, dream and connect with agriculture and wildlife – just like Bryan Dufresne, fourth generation Montanan and BRLT Next Gen committee member, writes about.
Your Park’s Opportunity
* 0.7-mile loop trail for walking, bird watching, and connecting with nature
* Accessible trail for families of all abilities
* Sled hill in the winter
* Protected wildlife habitat
* 15-minute walk from downtown Victor
* 15-minute drive from Hamilton and Stevensville
“The beautiful Bitterroot Valley with its snow capped mountains on the west, the rolling foothills on the east, the level valley land between, the Bitter Root River flowing down through, and the many side streams flowing into the river made a beautiful scene and the pioneers’ paradise. I have spent most of my life in the Rocky Mountain country and the greater part of my life in the Bitter Root Valley with its sunny days and cool nights in summer and the clear frosty days in winter. As I have often thought, it is the most beautiful valley in the whole world.”
– Albert Groff, 1948, Bitterroot Trails IV, courtesy of the Victor Museum
Groff family photos, courtesy of Ann Groff
