Are you trying to flee the commotion of everyday life? If so, you will love West Yellowstone and its beautiful natural surroundings.
The most popular entrance to the renowned Yellowstone National Park is the lively, small town of West Yellowstone, a year-round hotspot for outdoor activity enthusiasts.
West Yellowstone offers touring snowcoaches, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing in winter. In the summertime, you can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, river rafting, and more. Furthermore, viewing wildlife is an exciting, adventurous activity available all year.
West Yellowstone provides a lot more than just outdoor activities. The city has many stores, museums, restaurants, and theaters.
If you want to learn more about the best things to do in West Yellowstone, check out the post below. Make the most of your trip!
Things to Do in West Yellowstone in Winter
1. Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiers love West Yellowstone because of the area’s snowy winters. Even though it does not offer mountain skiing, this is still one of the favorite destinations among cross-country skiers.
It is the ideal location for cross-country skiers to experience a winter wonderland because it has accessible tracks spanning more than 30 miles. The Rendezvous Ski Trails is the best location for skiers of all skill levels, and everybody can find a trail at Rendezvous.
These trails are known as a “Nordic Skier’s Dream,” featuring groomed trails through meadows, pine trees, and picturesque mountain views.
To make skiers of all skill levels feel welcome and part of a much bigger community, Rendezvous Trails also provides a beginner’s loop trail and hosts races every November.
The West Entrance is one of the best places to begin your skiing adventure in Yellowstone National Park.
You can also explore popular terrains, including the Canyon Area Ski Trails, Mammoth Area Ski Trails, and Old Faithful Area Ski Trails. Since the park is closed to vehicles during the winter season, skiers will have the West Yellowstone attractions to themselves.
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2. Go on a Snowmobile Adventure
In the winter, West Yellowstone is a magnet for snowmobilers. Along with easy access to snowmobile-friendly routes in Yellowstone National Park, the area’s national forests offer hundreds of miles of groomed trails.
Everyone can enjoy the winter rush in West Yellowstone, all thanks to the community’s several snowmobile outfitters and rental businesses.
The West Entrance to Yellowstone is closed to automobile traffic during winter. However, snowmobiles are allowed here to explore at their leisure.
Riders can also experience an incredible guided tour of snow-covered Yellowstone landmarks and geysers, such as Norris Geyser Basin and Old Faithful.
Excellent trails are throughout the park. Several hundred miles of trails are located in the national forests surrounding West Yellowstone and are reachable from the city. The Madison Arm Loop, Big Sky Trail, and Mount Two Top Trail are well-traveled paths.
To make the most of your trip, book a guided private tour and spend the day snowmobiling from West Yellowstone to Old Faithful.
3. Go Shopping for Souvenirs
Without purchasing some souvenirs to commemorate your vacation, no trip to Yellowstone National Park is complete. Fortunately, West Yellowstone has a wide variety of stores. West Park Mall and Eagle’s Store are two popular shopping spots.
The small business of Eagle’s Store offers cowboy boots, t-shirts, trinkets, and other items. This gift shop also sells some of the best huckleberry ice cream you can enjoy while shopping for your favorite souvenirs in West Yellowstone.
The West Park Mall is a large shopping center with several souvenir shops. There are plenty of options, making this the ideal place to shop!
4. Visit the Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre to Watch a Movie
Address: 101 S Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States
Even though many visitors to West Yellowstone come for adventure and to see places like the Grand Canyon, Grand Prismatic, and the Old Faithful, there are times when some might want to relax and watch a movie.
The Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre is the best spot for adults and kids to unwind, regardless of the weather. It is one of only two officially recognized big screens in 12 states. The cinema offers an IMAX experience and is equipped with premium surround sound.
This theatre provides an incredible experience that rivals the nearby bigger city, Bozeman. At six stories tall, it has one of the biggest screens in the state.
The Giant Screen screens blockbuster movies and local films about the Yellowstone region daily. Additionally, there is a lobby gift store where guests can purchase popcorn and other snacks to enhance their movie experience.
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5. Enjoy a Meal at a Local Restaurant
The tourism industry is the lifeblood of West Yellowstone, Montana. Due to its proximity to Yellowstone National Park, the local economy depends highly on the influx of tourists. As such, visitors have various bakeries, local eateries, and bars to select from in West Yellowstone.
In southwest Montana, breakfast is considered an important meal and is vital before beginning a full day of sightseeing in the greater Yellowstone region. For coffee, pastries, and sandwiches to go, locals prefer Ernie’s Bakery and Deli.
This restaurant offers the best pastries and sandwiches in the area, prepared using French bread, such as baguettes and croissants. Since it has been operated locally for over 30 years, Ernie’s is the ideal destination for breakfast and lunch.
Firehole Bar-B-Que serves some of the best BBQs in the West for dinner, using fresh meats delivered daily. Even on busy nights, it is easy to get meals at Firehole, as it is both a drive-thru and a sit-down location.
Visit the Slippery Otter Pub, one of West Yellowstone’s top dive pubs, for late-night entertainment, bar cuisine, and drinks to wash down your barbecue.
The main West Yellowstone eateries serve traditional American food, including pancakes, steak, and burgers. However, they also serve burgers from local meats, such as grass-fed cows, bison, and elk.
As these types of meat are a common component of Montana’s diet and are frequently prepared fresh by local hunters in Montana homes, it is pretty common and encouraged to consume them.
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6. Shooting at Yellowstone Big Gun Fun
When visiting West Yellowstone, you might want to try something different, like shooting a gun. Fortunately, West Yellowstone has a shooting range called Big Gun Fun. Here, visitors can try out a variety of weapons, including an AK-47 and a Glock.
Remember that it is not similar to just practicing your aim at a shooting range. This location serves more as a tourist attraction where guests can experience shooting a gun.
Yellowstone Big Gun Fun’s crew offers several instructions for beginners to ensure their safe and fun experience.
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7. Meet the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center’s Residents
Address: 201 S Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States
West Yellowstone’s Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is a must-see wildlife attraction. There are several bears and two to three wolf packs at this non-profit facility.
The animals kept here aren’t for captivity display but would struggle to survive in the wild. Both animals are kept apart in a climate-controlled, open environment, helping them live in similar surroundings to the wild.
The facility remains open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enthusiasts can either stop and watch wolves and grizzly bears from the outside or, to get a more intimate experience, visit the river otter display, Birds of Prey show, and Naturalist Cabin site.
The facility also provides a 30-minute Kid’s Keeper demonstration where young children can learn about bears and prepare food for them. The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is the best option for a fun-filled family day in West Yellowstone.
8. Explore Yellowstone National Park by Snowcoach Tour
You can’t go on a winter vacation to Yellowstone National Park without taking an exciting and interesting Snowcoach Tour! Riding a snow coach is one of the best ways to access Yellowstone in the winter.
It allows you to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery and wildlife. Most snowcoaches in West Yellowstone offer excellent heaters and large windows so you can enjoy the stunning view in comfort.
Book a snow coach tour of the Grand Canyon and the Old Faithful. Private and customized tours are also available. Daily snow coach tours leave West Yellowstone, Montana, or Gardiner, Montana, in the winter.
9. Grab a Sled
Sledding is one of the most fun winter activities for children and adults. So grab a sled and spend your day zooming down hills! You can use the fantastic sledding hill at West Yellowstone’s City Park or venture outside the National Forest to find the perfect spot.
If you have kids, check out Kids N’ Snow in West Yellowstone. In addition to sledding, this show allows kids to practice other activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in a secure setting with local experts.
Overall, the Kids N’ Snow show offers plenty of entertaining activities that your kids will love.
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10. Go Ice Fishing
Whether you are a seasoned pro or are just learning how to ice fish, the Yellowstone region is the ideal place to carry your spud bar and catch a trout.
Hebgen Lake is one of the best fishing locations near West Yellowstone. During the winter, it has at least a foot of solid ice and a good population of gulpers and trout.
Kirkwood Resort and Marina are well-liked spots to access the lake for ice fishing. These places offer convenient parking to walk out onto the lake immediately. If you’ve never gone ice fishing, the friendly locals will help you.
Although ice fishing may require more patience and effort than other types of fishing, Hebgen Lake has plenty of fish, making it easier for you to catch something!
The lake has large quantities of brown and rainbow trout. On average, the size ranges from 14 to 18 inches, but sizes above 20 inches are not unusual. It is an easy trip; no trekking is required unless you venture further away.
11. Get Some Exercise With Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is another well-known winter excursion in Yellowstone. Although it may sound a little intimidating, snowshoeing is one of the best winter activities. So, if you’ve never tried snowshoeing, give it a go!
Snowshoeing across Yellowstone will allow you to see the scenery more freely, even in places where the snow is deep. Since snowshoeing is a common activity in Yellowstone, several park trails have been groomed specifically for it. As a result, you will see other people engaged in the same activity.
Snowshoeing is a great way to explore thermal zones, including the areas near Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin.
The following trails are excellent choices for beginners who want to explore Yellowstone in snowshoes:
- Tower Fall Ski Trail (5 miles)
- Black Sand Basin Ski Trail (4 miles)
- Bannock Ski Trail (2 miles)
- Observation Point Loop Snowshoe Trail (2 miles)
- Upper Terrace Loop (1.5 miles)
- Old Canyon Bridge Ski Trail (1 mile)
You can rent snowshoes at the park if you don’t want to bring your own. The Bear Den Ski Shop (Old Faithful) or Mammoth Hot Springs are the ideal spots to rent snowshoes.
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12. Wildlife Viewing
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The animals in Yellowstone behave very differently in the winter than in other seasons. Compared to summer, winter is when you’re more likely to see wildlife, and it is a wonderful opportunity to watch them endure some of the harshest conditions. In Yellowstone’s winter, only the strongest live!
Wolf viewing is popular in the winter as wolves are rarely seen in the summer and thrive during winter, while elk, bison, and other species battle to survive the severe temperatures. Furthermore, it is an exhilarating experience to witness a pack of wolves hunt.
While some herds of bison endure the below-freezing temperatures in valleys and use their enormous heads to push through thick snow to locate grasses hidden underneath, other herds gather in geyser basins to stay warm and discover exposed vegetation.
Elk rule the icy landscape and bugle to break the stillness of the land. Otters play and dance in the snow. You may find trumpeter swans scattered throughout the partially frozen rivers. Additionally, you might even come across a moose or two.
Yellowstone, Madison Valley, Hayden Valley, and Lamar Valley are some of the best locations to see wildlife in winter.
You can reach Lamar Valley by car if the weather conditions are right. On the other hand, Madison Valley and Hayden Valley can only be reached by over-snow travel.
When visiting these places, remember to bring your spotting scope or binoculars so you can see wildlife up close.
Wintertime in Yellowstone offers some of the best wildlife views in the world. To maximize your experience, take a private Yellowstone tour of iconic sites and wildlife.
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Things to Do in West Yellowstone in Summer
13. Enjoy a Live Show at the Playmill Theatre
Address: 29 Madison Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States
Catching a show at the Playmill Theatre is one of the most enjoyable West Yellowstone activities. The facility is over 55 years old and close to the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center.
Shows run here from May to September each year. The Playmill Theatre strongly emphasizes delivering a personalized experience by appropriately welcoming and directing each visitor to their seat.
Every show here focuses on family-friendly entertainment, so you are welcome to come and see the show even if your children are with you.
Playmill Theatre also organizes a five-day summer camp in June for children aged between 14 and 18 years. Furthermore, ticket prices depend on the seat you choose.
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14. Watch the Wild West Rodeo and Cheer on the Cowboys and Cowgirls
Address: 175 Oldroyd Rd, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States
The Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo, one of Montana’s favorite small-town events, is held in West Yellowstone, also home to wildlife like bears. From mid-June to the end of August, the rodeo takes place every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
The rodeo, four miles from West Yellowstone, Montana, on Highway 20, starts at 8 pm and immerses spectators in the lifestyle of the Old Wild West. The rodeo features local cowboys and cowgirls roping calves, competing in barrel races, riding broncos and bulls, and horseback riding.
No matter how many rodeos someone has attended, the rodeo is for both novices and professionals, making everyone’s trip enjoyable. Since its inception in 1999, the rodeo has remained one of West Yellowstone’s most well-attended and famous events.
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15. Participate in a Zipline Adventure
The Yellowstone Zipline Adventure Park is a family-friendly, adrenaline-filled aerial adventure. This attraction, which features a zipline, a ropes course, and a rafting adventure, entertains even the most grumpy teenagers.
The park’s zip lines and outdoor obstacle course are the most notable features. Visitors can swing, climb, fly, and shimmy through Montana’s big sky, full of aerial challenges and adventures. Kids love this location because the ropes course is appropriate for children as young as four.
However, this park has more to offer than just aerial adventures. The park also provides rafting adventures during the summer. Families can take rafting trips down the Gallatin River’s rapids while being encircled by the majestic wilderness of Gallatin Canyon. Geyser Whitewater Expeditions is listed on Viator, and they organize these rafting trips.
Overall, the Yellowstone Zipline Adventure Park is ideal for an exhilarating day in West Yellowstone because it offers the chance to see wildlife and experience family-friendly entertainment.
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16. Visit the Museum of the Yellowstone
Address: 104 Yellowstone Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States
The Museum of the Yellowstone, situated at the park’s west entrance, is a perfect place to spend the day learning about the park, the history of the west, and the greater Yellowstone region.
This museum, run by the Yellowstone Historical Center, tells us about travel history to and within Yellowstone National Park. Furthermore, the museum has interactive exhibits showcasing different modes of transportation and their influence on the area, from early voyagers on horseback to the popular yellow stagecoaches.
They also show films about the transport system in Yellowstone and the region’s geological history, such as the 1959 earthquake around Hebgen Lake that blocked the Madison River and formed Earthquake Lake.
You can also take a walking tour of West Yellowstone’s historic sites and the former Union Pacific train depot, offered by the Museum of Yellowstone. Additionally, it provides an exciting way to learn about the background and setting of the geyser-filled park.
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17. Make a Visit to the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center
Address: 317 US-287, Cameron, MT 59720, United States
In 1959, an earthquake of 7.3 magnitudes caused a landslide in Madison River near Hebgen Lake. As a result, 28 people died of the chaos in the area, although certain newspaper outlets at the time reported that number to be in the 50 – 60 range.
The landslide instantly formed a brand-new natural body, today recognized as Earthquake Lake or Quake Lake. The Earthquake Lake Visitor Center provides insightful information about the 1959 incident and the local geological setting.
There are 2,400 square feet of indoor exhibit space in the visitor center. A functioning seismograph and many interpretive illustrations about the 1959 earthquake are among the items on display.
The structure provides a beautiful view of Earthquake Lake and the surrounding mountain range. The best view is from the short outside trails of the visitor center’s grounds. Along these hiking trails, you will find memorial plaques for the 28 earthquake victims.
18. Experience Fly Fishing at Blue Ribbon Waterways
In Montana, West Yellowstone is the best place to experience fly fishing. Within a short drive, you will find many renowned fishing spots, including Yellowstone National Park’s trout-rich waters.
The Madison River is the one that flows closest to West Yellowstone, among the many famous rivers that emerge from the park, including the Gallatin River and Yellowstone River.
The Firehole and Gibbon Rivers, well-known fish hatcheries, meet to form the Madison in Yellowstone. The Madison leaves the park’s borders and travels close to the city limits. The river then joins Hebgen Lake, another favorite still-water fishing location in the area.
To get guidance on where to fish and what equipment to use, you can stop by one of the fly shops in the area. If you are a beginner, the professionals at these shops will gladly help you start fly fishing.
The Blue Ribbon Flies, Montana Trout Wranglers, and Yellowstone Angler are a few of the best fly shops in West Yellowstone. Fly fishing is one of the best ways to unwind and take in West Yellowstone’s breathtaking scenery. Also, it is a fantastic family activity. All in all, West Yellowstone offers incredible fly fishing opportunities.
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19. Watch the Beautiful Sunset at Hebgen Lake
Address: Hebgen Lake Montana 59758, USA
Outside the park, West Yellowstone is surrounded by exceptional outdoor settings. One of the area’s vast landscapes, Hebgen Lake, is a prime example. This enormous reservoir on the Madison River is a favorite spot among visitors for summer recreation and is located less than 20 minutes to the northwest.
Campgrounds, boat ramps, and hiking trails are just a few facilities the U.S. Forest Service maintains along the lake’s shore.
Hebgen Lake is well-known as the best stillwater fishing spot in the area, and fishing is one of the most popular activities here. Even if you do not catch a fish, Hebgen Lake is a perfect place to witness the sunset, and the bright evening colors paint the sky.
20. Explore Yellowstone National Park
Address: United States
The neighborhood closest to Yellowstone National Park is West Yellowstone. The distance between the West Entrance and the town center is less than a mile. Hence, because of the proximity, West Yellowstone is one of the perfect starting points for exploring Yellowstone Park.
The first national park established by the country, Yellowstone has a staggering 2.2 million acres of land and a distinct ecosystem. Firehole Canyon and Madison Junction are visitors’ first spots through the West Entrance.
Significant Yellowstone sights like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, and the Upper Geyser Basin are conveniently close to Madison Junction.
The Norris Geyser Basin to the North is surrounded by stunning landscapes like Artists’ Paintpots and Steamboat Geyser. Many of Yellowstone’s best hiking trails are located among these breathtaking landscapes.
See Related: Where to Stay in Yellowstone: Best Areas & Places
Places to Stay in West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone is right outside the park’s west entrance, but you must still drive through the park before seeing the top tourist attractions.
Depending on traffic, this drive usually takes 20 minutes or less. Some of the best hotels in West Yellowstone include Holiday Inn, Elk Horn Cabins, and Gray Wolf Inn & Suites. Here are some additional options:
You can also rent a car in West Yellowstone and venture out whenever possible. If you want to travel without worrying about anything, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance such as TravelInsurance.com and InsureMyTrip.
FAQ
Is West Yellowstone worth visiting?
West Yellowstone is unquestionably the best location to start your Yellowstone adventure any time of the year. With many hotels, campgrounds, and RV parks available, it is the most convenient place to spend your winter or summer vacation.
What are the top attractions to visit in West Yellowstone?
The top attractions in West Yellowstone include the Playmill Theatre, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, Earthquake Lake, and the Yellowstone River. You must include these attractions to get the most out of your adventure-filled trip.
What is the best place and time to see wildlife in West Yellowstone?
Animals are typically the most active early in the morning or late at night. Searching for wildlife at dusk and dawn is recommended when you’d prefer to go to bed or stay in bed. Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley are the best places to see wildlife, but since animals like to roam, you never know where they will appear next!
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