BILLINGS – A visit with Andy Keller, the new recreational park manager for the Pictograph Cave State Park district in FWP Region 5.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in the Eastern Montana town of Sidney along the Yellowstone River. I grew up on a small family ranch that included cows, sheep, pigs and horses. I spent lots of time outdoors, especially doing chores, but always had a love of adventure. Indiana Jones was always my favorite fictional character.
After graduating from high school, I attended Montana State University to pursue degree in history. I was also fortunate enough to take a semester abroad in England: Farm kid from Montana takes his first airplane ride at age 21 from Sidney to London. Not a direct flight.
After graduating from MSU, I moved to California for five years to seek my fortune. After a variety of management positions, I returned to Montana 20 years ago in 2006. I made many friendships in California, but I've always considered Montana my home.
Since returning to Montana, I have lived and worked in a variety of management and customer service positions in Bozeman, Livingston, Helena, and back to Sidney. While working for the Montana Department of Labor in Sidney, I decided to pursue my true passion, history and the outdoors, and begin a new adventure. I secured an entry level seasonal position with FWP in 2022 at Giant Springs State Park. The following year I became the park ranger for First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park. I am excited for this new chapter of my career as the recreational park manager for the Pictograph Cave State Park district in FWP Region 5.
I enjoy traveling and exploring the state and beyond. I've traveled from Westby to Lima and from Alzada to Polebridge, but not all on the same day. Hiking, camping, visiting art galleries and museums while eating good food along the way.
What's your vision for Pictograph Cave State Park?
My vision for Pictograph Cave State Park is to provide a welcoming environment for all Montanans and visitors to experience a special place in Montana history. A place to learn and recreate in nature just a 15-minute drive from the largest city in Montana. I plan to expand some of our educational programs for young and old alike, such as Junior Rangers. If you're living in Yellowstone County or just visiting, please come out to the park to experience this unique place.
What is one thing visitors shouldn't miss when they visit Pictograph Cave State Park?
It's right in the name of the park, Pictograph Cave. At least 106 pictographs were documented during the archeological excavations from 1937 to 1941. Only a handful of these remain less than 100 years later. Come see the ones that continue to be visible with the naked eye and learn about why the others are now fading or missing.
What is your favorite part about working at state parks?
My favorite part of working at state parks is sharing Montana history with visitors from all over the state, country and beyond. I have read children's stories to preschoolers, led hikes with school groups, and I have had the opportunity to speak about Montana to the board of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. Share your story with me, and I'm happy to share the story of Montana with you. We both will learn something new together. Please stop by and say hello whenever you visit Pictograph Cave State Park.
Upcoming event at Pictograph Cave State Park:
Dave Caserio, local writer and educator, is leading a writing workshop at Pictograph Cave State Park on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pictograph Cave State Park is located just outside of Billings at 3401 Coburn Road. Space is limited. To reserve your space, please contact Pictograph Cave State Park at 406-254-7342.
For more information on this and other Montana State Parks events, click here.