Exceptional outdoor environments surround West Yellowstone outside of the park. Highly rated activities with free entry in West Yellowstone: The top things to do for free. Courtesy of Netflix. Yellowstone River Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 (307) 344-7381 And thats before you even step foot in one of the countrys most popular national parks. Distance from West Yellowstone:If you go directly here from West Yellowstone it is 41 miles or 1 hour 10 minutes give or take with traffic and animals. Set some time aside just to walk up and down the streets in West Yellowstone to do some shopping or to stop for Ice Cream there are a LOT of Ice Cream places! Next up, get back in the car and drive over to the Fairy Falls trailhead where you can hike up to the overlook. But West Yellowstone's appeal extends well beyond its proximity to the park. The rides are quite tranquil as you wander by mountain streams and different native wood species, including forest pole pine and aspen, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural mountain wildflowers. During the year, the center puts on various performances, such as a Birds of Prey display with some of the center's native raptors. Dozens of meters of maintained tracks traverse the public forests around the town, in addition to convenient entry to snowmobile-friendly paths in Yellowstone National Park. If you click on an affiliate link we provide, we may receive compensation. Escape the busy city and take in the slow-paced life of southern Montana. 22 Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park in 2023 Many blue ribbon fishing spots are a quick trip away, especially Yellowstone National Park's trout-filled streams. Plan your next Montana experience with our list of the top things to do in West Yellowstone. Almost all routes involve some rising, but the upward efforts are rewarded with spectacular views. This outdoor attraction shutters between October and April. This nonprofit zoo specializes in its focus on these two particular animals, which are part of the Yellowstone ecosystem. 27 Best Things to do in Yellowstone National Park (+ Map) - ViaTravelers The trailhead is on the southern edge of city limits, within walking distance from almost anywhere in town. If your kids are like mine, they can be done in a museum in 5 minutes . Nestled in the middle of Yellowstone National Park, this untamed stream is the last free-flowing river in this part of the country. Bryanna is passionate about sharing family travel to help others get out and travel more with their kids! Ernie's Bakery and Deli is also a local-favorite for convenient breakfast and lunch entrees. Feeling overwhelmed by all the awesomeness that is Yellowstone?! 2. This proximity makes West Yellowstone one of the most popular basecamps to explore the park. The museum also offers guided walking tours of the adjacent Union Pacific Railroad Historic District. The U.S. Forest Service maintains several facilities on the lakeshore, including boat ramps, campgrounds, and hiking trails. In Southwest Montana, near the Wyoming and Idaho border, West Yellowstone is the most popular gateway town to Yellowstone National Park. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Yellowstone West Gate Hotel, 2865 Targhee Pass HwyWest Yellowstone, MT 59758(406) 646-0606. From casually meeting bison and elks to hiking up gushing rivers, this is a town any nature lover should not miss. Head over to the Canyon area of Yellowstone to visit the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Artist Point, and the Uncle Tom Trail. Alongside the theatrical performance, engaging moments between acts offer other ways to enjoy the show. Note there are general stores in the park too along with places you can eat. things to do in West Yellowstone with kids, Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park, Holiday Inn West Yellowstone, an IHG Hotel, Yellowstone River Yellowstone National Park, Grand Prismatic Spring Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Hot Springs is further out in Gardiner (about a 2 hour drive) but offers another option for camping. And at a base elevation of 6,800 feet, the trails are consistently snowy between January and March. Also on display are the different transportation methods used over the years to travel through the park. They also have new release movies and a couple other documentary films that also looked really interesting. The theatre, officially opened in the Yellowstone region in 1964, offers excellent family fun even today. Travel from Canada to United States is: Conditional. And dogs are welcome! The city abuts park boundaries, with the West Entrance less than a mile away. Highly rated budget-friendly activities in West Yellowstone: The top cheap things to do. This 5 mile-long lake is a favorite among anglers as it is stocked with brown trout and cutthroat trout. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Below we share our list of things to do on your trip to West Yellowstone along with where to eat and where to stay. The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is open 365 days of the year, and all admission tickets are good for two-day entry. Of course, youll also be exploring the geyser basins at Old Faithful. However, the attraction of West Yellowstone goes far beyond its closeness to the park. With authorization to ride into the Gallatin National Forest, they serve as the only horseback riding establishment operating west of West Yellowstone. 10 Best Things to Do in West Yellowstone MT for Your Bucket List Seasonal raptor exhibits (May through November) educate visitors on the areas impressive birds of prey. The local economy of West Yellowstone is based on the vast amount of visitors that come each year. The bike shop gave us a variety of different options for trails we could take (a lot of them are cross country ski trails in the winter). Explore from the first trappers footsteps to the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872 and beyond. Old Faithful goes off about once per hour, but if you get there right after it goes off dont stress. In addition, the community's many stores and rental businesses guarantee that people of all skills may experience the winter rush. Learn more about snowmobiling in West Yellowstone here. The one in the park was definitely more scenic as it cruised along the Madison River, but the trails in West Yellowstone were more challenging and fun (the kids loved the big hills we went down!). 20 Best Weekend Getaways in Montana Quick Trips. Recommended Hotel Nearby: 1872 Inn Adults Exclusive, 101 S Canyon StreetWest Yellowstone, MT 59758(406) 646-4100. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 'Stranger Things' Play in London: Tickets, First Look - TVLine The theater's trademark presentation is a park-themed instructional film featuring stunning scenic views. Visitors coming in from the West Entrance first encounter Madison Junction and Firehole Canyon. The Big Sky Meadow condo is perfect for the golfer but also offers shopping and dining within walking distance. Read More: Best Places for Fly Fishing in Montana. The views of rolling hills and high mountains that you can see along the trail are simply spectacular. The resulting debris blocked the river and quickly created the adjacent Earthquake Lake. Thousands of additional acres of national forest surround the community, and this Greater Yellowstone region entices adventure seekers throughout the year. They also have a nice indoor pool and hot tub and a continental breakfast with lots of options. West Yellowstone: Yellowstone Day Tour Including Entry Fee Immerse yourself in the landscape and wildlife of the Yellowstone National Park on this van tour from West Yellowstone. Yellowstone Zipline Adventure Park is open every day throughout the summer, with more limited hours in the shoulder seasons. Trails of various kinds lead from the town's border into the vastness of Montana's countryside. Despite being such a small town, you'll find a vast array of fantastic things to do. The daily summer excursions are specially tailored to your requirements and preferences. Interested in having your whole Yellowstone trip planned out for you?! Shows span between May and September. Popular things to do Top Picks Day Trips & Excursions Full-day Tours Private & Custom Tours Likely to Sell Out Sporting Events Special Offers Cultural & Theme Tours Luxury & Special Occasions Multi-day Tours Weddings & Honeymoons Walking Tours Ways to tour West Yellowstone Book these experiences for a close-up look at West Yellowstone. Yellowstone Zipline Adventure Park A zipline hardly begins to describe what you'll find at this massive climbing structure in downtown West Yellowstone. As they swim around huge tanks stocked with Yellowstone cutthroat trout, these hairy animals are entertaining to watch. Pass through Madison Canyons unforgettable views and even see a few bison around. The trail system caters to all skill levels, from old pros to first-time beginners. Things to do in West Yellowstone - GetYourGuide We also got a few pizzas and they definitely hit the spot. As we celebrate, During "National Travel & Tourism Week", we remind, Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development. The town's most renowned rodeo can be found approximately four miles west in a huge outdoor arena. Local places like Yellowstone Vacations offer guided snowmobiling expeditions of these areas. The park offers four different zipline experiences for the whole family. The Madison River seems to be the nearest river to West Yellowstone among the numerous famous waterways that emerge from the park, such as the Gallatin River and the Yellowstone River. The Lionhead region has become a hotspot for mountain riding because of a mix of user privileges and devoted maintenance. The Naturalist Cabin, founded in the center, is a wonderful location to look at the Discovery Center's three different wolf packs. The good part is the pizza is good and so are the drink options (Huckleberry Margarita anyone?!). See all This stretch of water still present to date is now renowned as Quake Lake. 10 Best Family Beaches in Montana Kid Friendly Beach Vacations! 205. from C$2,736 per group. The river eventually flows into Hebgen Lake, a renowned Stillwater fishing location in the area. The town of West Yellowstone sits right at the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. In the summers and winters, Yellowstone Alpen Guides offers naturalist-guided excursions in Yellowstone National Park and the nearby areas. Situated on Hayden Street, Arrick's Fly Shop has provided services to the West Yellowstone region since 1993. Arrick's Fly Shop was founded on a deep love and respect for the natural world. Nearly all routes require some climbing, but outstanding views reward the uphill efforts. West Yellowstone, MT 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor The cheapest way to get from Montreal to West Yellowstone costs only $284, and the quickest way takes just 18 hours. Spotted a mistake, have some feedback, or just want to chat with our editorial team? Fishing, boating, and strolling along this quiet lake are some of the relaxing, free things to do in West Yellowstone. 1. Tiny room, but clean. Located along Madison Avenue, the Playmill Theatre is where you can enjoy live performances while learning about traditional values and having a good time. CA $651 Cheap Flights from Montreal (YUL) to West Yellowstone (WYS) With only a seating capacity of 480, this theater provides an intimate setup that makes it easy to immerse yourself in the production being played. All these incredible landscapes host many of Yellowstone's best hiking trails. Since 1991, Arrick has held a license as an outfitter, and in 1993, he established Arrick's Fly Shop. Outfitters in West Yellowstone are happy to help craft a memorable adventure. Fishing on Hebgen Lake, rafting on the Gallatin River, and hiking on mountain trails all draw families to the outdoors. 16 Best Things to do in West Yellowstone (Montana, USA) See Tripadvisor's 72,235 traveller reviews and photos of West Yellowstone free attractions Outside Watch Ski Warren Miller Entertainment Healthy Living Clean Eating Oxygen Vegetarian Times Yoga Journal Endurance Beta Pinkbike Roll Massif Trailforks Trail Runner Triathlete Velo Using West Yellowstone as your home base is an easy way to get the most out the park while taking advantage of all that Montana has to offer. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. This RV Park is located right by the Giant Screen Theatre so it is a great location if you want to be able to walk to everything in West Yellowstone. Trails of all types extend from the city's edge into this incredible wide-open Montana landscape. If you want to see some amazing animals up close in an incredible way while supporting a good cause, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is for you!. July 4, 2023 11:03 am. 9 Awesome Things To Do In West Yellowstone - Crazy Family Adventure During the summer, the trail system is popular for hiking, running, and mountain biking. This popular tourist attraction is a few blocks west of the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, near many of the area's top hotels. We got the jalapeno poppers with Huckleberry sauce for an appetizer and they were delicious. Plus its open 365 days a year, as the bears living here do not hibernate. I wish we would have planned to spend a whole day here watching the grizzly bears and wolves along with the other animals (they switch out which bears are in the habitat you can see about every hour), the talks, and the movies. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in West Yellowstone - Tripadvisor I really liked the variety of pizza flavors they had to choose from. In addition, the Norris Geyser Basin is bounded to the north by steamy landscapes such as Artists' Paintpots and Steamboat Geyser. This six-story-tall movie screen is one of a kind in the region. (800) 257-2570 Open 365. Visitors may also enjoy exploring snow coaches, sledding, and cross-country skiing during the winter. And a combination of user access rights and dedicated maintenance has made the area a mecca for mountain biking. Gouin O., Montreal, Quebec H9H 1C4 Canada. Earthquake Lake was formed in 1959 when a 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit the Madison Canyon River Area. Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190(307) 344-7381. For quick lunch and breakfast meals, The Buffalo Bar is a neighborhood favorite. (406) 646-7001. Attractions of America: Top 10 Things To Do in Yellowstone National Park. The rodeo is built on western traditions, and each event showcases fervent crowds and sold-out shows. Visitors don't have to step a snowboot in the park to find excellent trails, however. Other documentaries and current Hollywood blockbusters are also shown at the venue. Beth-Centric Yellowstone Spinoff With Kelly Reilly: Why We - TVLine The building itself lends an excellent view of Earthquake Lake and the backdropping mountain landscape. The Playmill Theatre ensemble pleases and attracts spectators with the main play and various performances, in addition to a song-filled opening. The park is huge and there is so much to see and do. In partnership with Yellowstone Country and West Yellowstone. THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in West Yellowstone - Tripadvisor It's not a western vacation without witnessing a rodeo. Youll be able to see them going about their lives in huge, naturalistic habitats that keep them happy and safe. Yellowstone Alpen Guides and Yellowstone Adventures both offer guided sightseeing trips based out of West Yellowstone. Grand Prismatic Spring is a hot spring located inside Yellowstone National Park. 29 Madison AvenueWest Yellowstone, MT 59758(406) 646-7757. Tourists keep tangling with wild animals at Yellowstone National Park. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in West Yellowstone - Tripadvisor Climbing up ropes, crossing log bridges, and maneuvering around spiderwebs while in the air are just some of the fun things to do in West Yellowstone, Montana, when you do these courses. Snowmobiles arent everybodys cup of tea, and this tour operator offers a snowcoach. 201 South Canyon Street. Adventures in Yellowstone are endless. The town has hosted tourists for decades, bolstering a local economy that blossoms with local restaurants, theaters, and a giant movie screen. This is a poignant area, with a beautiful visitor center, very interesting (and easy to manage) trails, with amazing. It was a popular destination in 1959, when an infamous earthquake rocked the Madison River Canyon below the Hebgen Dam. Youll find tons of refreshing outdoor stuff to do in West Yellowstone that you wont be able to enjoy in the metropolis. Click for Privacy Policy / Disclosure Policy. Stops and things to do on Boise to Yellowstone National Park drive or Written by Jess McGlothlin for RootsRated Media in partnership with West Yellowstone Chamber. Yellowstone Bucket List: 18 Epic Things to Do in Yellowstone - Earth Trekkers Yellowstone Bucket List: 18 Epic Things to Do in Yellowstone Julie Last updated: June 28, 2023 United States 35 Comments Yellowstone National Park is a wonderland of geothermal activity, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife. One of my favorite places in Yellowstone! Can't-Miss Things to Do in West Yellowstone, Montana West Yellowstone is located right by the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park easy name to remember, right? Available daily, the tours feature knowledgeable local guides who know the best places to spot wildlife and take in the sightsand letting someone else worry about navigating the park means families can relax and enjoy the experience.