Updated July 2024
By Emma Heller
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Photo by Jim Peaco/NPS
Yellowstone National Park has five distinct entrances to the Park, and it can be challenging trying to decide where to stay. At Yellowstone Scenic Tours, many of our guests stay in Big Sky, Montana, or West Yellowstone, Montana. We are biased, many of us call Big Sky or West Yellowstone home, and they are our top choices for places to stay during your trip to Yellowstone and Montana. We have already put out "The Local's Guide to Big Sky", and now, drum roll, please, it's time for "The Local's Guide to West Yellowstone"!
Since Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, West Yellowstone has been and still is one of the main entrances to Yellowstone. West (locals shorten West Yellowstone to West), was established because of the Union Pacific Railroad line. The first passenger train arrived in West in June 1908. This line was an extension of the Oregon Short Line from Ashton, Idaho. With an influx of visitors, West was established and is still a bustling gateway community.
If you want to be close to Yellowstone Park, staying in West Yellowstone is an obvious choice, with the town nestled up right to the Park boundary. West Yellowstone is also a family-friendly town with many great activities available after spending time in the Park. You can also easily access some beautiful and unique places in Montana. The West Yellowstone Visitor Center staff is very friendly and helpful if you don’t find the information you are looking for in this guide
NPS / Jacob W. Frank
Finding a place to stay should be high on your list! The summer season in West is busy, and we recommend making a reservation as soon as you know you are planning a trip!
Places to Stay
Yellowstone Vacations - Yellowstone Vacations has multiple options to ensure an enjoyable stay in West Yellowstone.
Sawtelle Mountain Resort - This resort is located in Island Park, Idaho, along the longest main street in the U.S. It is about 25 minutes from West Yellowstone.
Arrowhead Properties - We have had many past guests use this reliable property management company.
The Golden Stone Inn - Our friends at our favorite gear and coffee shop, Freeheel and Wheel made this recommendation to us.
Alpine Inn - This is another great recommendation from Freeheel and Wheel.
Multiple options in West Yellowstone - The West Yellowstone Visitor Center’s comprehensive list of lodging in West.
National Park Lodges - Lodging in Yellowstone National Park. Be sure to book early!
Things to Do
West Yellowstone is a family-oriented town with many great activities for the entire family. West also has a rich history and offers multiple opportunities to learn about the surrounding area and Yellowstone National Park. We think it’s a given, but there are also many fun outdoor activities!
Outdoor Activities
Yellowstone Park Tours
Obviously, you should go with Yellowstone Scenic Tours!
Fishing
Hiking
This is the impressive view from the Grand Prismatic Overlook.
NPS/Diane Renkin
Rendezvous Trail System - In the summer these cross-country ski trails are great hiking, running, or biking trails.
Boundary Trails – Located on the Park boundary on Boundary Street, hence the name, these easy trails take you through a beautiful lodgepole pine forest that leads you down to the Madison River. Take a snack, a refreshing beverage, and dip your toes into the Madison after a day in the Park.
Yellowstone Park – Exploring the thermal areas and walking on the boardwalks will give you plenty of exercise in the Park. On tours, we often don’t have time for hikes. There’s so much to see! These are some of our suggestions if you want to get off the boardwalks.
Harlequin Lake – The trailhead is located between West Yellowstone and Madison Junction. It is a mile round trip and takes you to a lily pad-filled lake.
Grand Prismatic Overlook – This is the best way to see Grand Prismatic! This is a 1.2-mile round-trip trail to an impressive overlook of Grand Prismatic.
Observation Point at Old Faithful – Want to earn your view of Old Faithful erupting? Get a different perspective of Old Faithful erupting and a great view of the Old Faithful Inn and Upper Geyser Basin. This is a 1.6-mile out and back with a bit of a climb to the overlook.
Biking
Free Heel and Wheel - Get your bike rentals and great recommendations for bike rides in the area.
Rendezvous Trails - These are primarily cross-country mountain bike trails. There are green, blue, and black trails. What a nice mix!
Boundary Trails – These are the same trails we mentioned in the hiking section! They are beginner-friendly trails that take you to some great spots along the Madison River.
Trail Rides
NPS / Neal Herbert
Rodeo - Local rodeos are always fun to watch! West Yellowstone has two options during the summer. Put on your freshly starched wranglers, cowboy/girl boots, and Stetson hat and get your rodeo on, partner!
Meadow Vue Ranch - Watch a rodeo and get a ranch-style dinner!
Rafting
Geyser Whitewater Expeditions - The closest rafting is located in Big Sky, MT, about a 45-minute drive from West Yellowstone.
Ziplining
ATV/UTV
Visit the West Yellowstone Visitor Center for ATV/UTV rentals.
Hebgen Lake - On hot summer days, this is a great refuge from the heat.
Kirkwood Marina offers boat, paddleboard, and kayak rentals.
Outdoor Gear Shops
Freeheel and Wheel – This is our favorite shop in town! Locally owned, has great gear, a coffee bar, and super friendly and helpful owners and staff.
Madison River Outfitters - This is a great outdoor gear shop. Head here if you forgot any gear.
Big Sky Anglers - Another great spot for outdoor gear.
Area Attractions
Museum of the Yellowstone - This museum is housed in the Union Pacific Depot, built in 1909, and tells the story of travel to and through Yellowstone Park and the surrounding area.
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center - It is not guaranteed to see grizzly bears and wolves in Yellowstone, but it is here! You’ll also see otters, birds of prey, and ground squirrels. They have an excellent education center that caters to all ages.
Big Gun Fun - This indoor shooting range is a bit different from other shooting ranges. It offers a wide variety of guns you won’t find elsewhere. Pistols, full-auto, semi-auto, revolvers, and shotguns. If you’ve ever wanted to try shooting some of these guns, here’s where you can give it a shot.
Oregon Short Line 1903 Railroad Car – Located at the Holiday Inn West Yellowstone. This railroad car once belonged to the Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad. Also, it has free admission!!
The Oregon Short Line depot in West Yellowstone;
Frank J Haynes;
West Yellowstone Walking Tour - Stop by the Chamber of Commerce to get the map and learn about the history of West Yellowstone!
Earthquake Lake Visitors Center – In 1959 a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit near the Madison River and triggered a landslide that blocked the Madison River. The eerie Earthquake Lake was formed, engulfing the recreation area and campground now underwater.
Earthquake Lake
Virginia & Nevada City - If you are up for a beautiful drive along the Madison River to a “living ghost town” preserved from the late 1800s, then we highly recommend the drive. From West Yellowstone, it is about an hour and a half through the Madison Valley. This is the site of the richest placer gold strike in the Rocky Mountains. During the summer, there are many events. You can visit historical shops and sites, pan for gold, experience living history from the gold rush, and learn about Montana’s rich, pun intended, history.
For the Kids
Gemstone Mining - Sluice up some gemstones and fossils!
Junior Ranger Program - Stop by any of the visitor centers in Yellowstone to grab your Junior Ranger book. For ages four and up, this is a fun and educational way to learn about Yellowstone Park. Parents are guaranteed to learn too! A completed book gets you a Yellowstone Junior Ranger badge!
NPS / Neal Herbert
Movie Theatre
Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre (IMAX) - Yes, there’s an IMAX in West Yellowstone! Watch educational films here or catch the latest blockbuster movie.
Theatre
Playmill Theatre - A fun family activity, performances go back to 1964 at the Playmill.
Live Music
Food & Drink
West Yellowstone has a lot of local favorites that made it on this list! You’ll notice that many of these establishments have a bar with local beers and delicious cocktails. We recommend trying some of the local game. You’ll even see some of your meals in Yellowstone. They didn’t come from the Park, though. That’s illegal! Bison, elk, and trout are on many of the menus.
Best Way to Start Your Day
Ernies Bakery - Lots of breakfast options and a great spot to grab a coffee.
Book Peddler - Breakfast, coffee, and a cute store! Save room for later, they also serve sandwiches, soups, and salads for lunch.
Mountain Mamas Café - They offer pastries and elk or bison breakfast burritos.
Lunch
Ernies Bakery - Grab lunch here! They offer a variety of sandwich options. If you are going into the Park and want to bring a lunch, this is a great spot to get a box lunch.
Pete’s Rocky Mountain Pizza Company - When multiple guests have raved about this restaurant’s pizza and food while staying in West Yellowstone, you know it’s a good spot! Head here for lunch or dinner for a filling meal.
Taqueria Las Palmitas - Check out this tasty taco bus for an authentic, tasty, and a quick bite for lunch or dinner.
Mountain Mamas Café - We highly suggest a picnic lunch if you are heading into Yellowstone. All you need to do is grab a box lunch, and then you are all set to stop at your picnic area of choice in the Park. There are many to choose from!
Dinner
Bullwinkle’s Saloon & Eatery – This family-owned restaurant will give you a taste of local cuisine. Here you can try elk, bison, and trout. Yum!
Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon - This local favorite pizza spot!
Mountain Mamas Café – Great take-and-bake options if you are staying somewhere where you can reheat dinner.
The Buffalo Bar - If you ask locals where to dine, this is a frequent suggestion!
The Branch Restaurant and Bar - Check out the Oregon Short-Line railroad car before or after dinner! It’s located in the same building as this great dining option.
Madison Crossing Lounge - Offering great local cuisine, but with a modern twist. This is high on the list for many locals.
Firehole BBQ - This place is famous! For real, it was on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Grocery Stores
You only have two options! If you are passing through or flying into a larger city and have specific dietary needs, stop at a larger store there. These two options will get you all the basics while you are staying in West Yellowstone.
Event Calendar
Area Resources
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center - The Yellowstone National Park Visitor Center is an excellent resource for information about the area, Yellowstone Park, and has tons of free resources for your visit. The West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce is located in the same building!
West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce
We hope if you end up staying or visiting West Yellowstone, you enjoy our area suggestions as much as we do! Please reach out if you have any questions, and we hope this helps you plan an epic trip to Yellowstone National Park!
