22 Awesome Things to Do in West Yellowstone You Need to Check Out

This guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners.

Want to know the best things to do in West Yellowstone?

Known mostly as the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park, there’s a lot more to see and do in the small, charming town of West Yellowstone, Montana than you might originally think. West Yellowstone offers a bunch to for all members of the family.

As someone who spend her summers explore the Greater Yellowstone Region, I would recommend taking some time to see the other activities in West Yellowstone if you have the time. It might be your favorite part of your Yellowstone National Park itinerary!

[lwptoc hideItems=”1″]

Things to do in West Yellowstone you won’t want to miss

Here are some recommended things to do in West Yellowstone that you will want to check out.

1. Yellowstone National Park

Exploration of the amazing offerings within Yellowstone National Park itself is a must for visitors to West Yellowstone. Wander the Norris Geyser Basin and Lower Geyser Basin, both full of multi-colored thermal wonders like Grand Prismatic Spring, Mystic Falls, and numerous awe-inspiring geysers including Old Faithful.

Don’t forget to check out the park’s other famous sites like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake, Lamar Valley, and Mammoth Hot Springs.

When you’ve worn yourself out from this natural wonderland, retreat to the comforts of the West Yellowstone hotels to reflect on your amazing day amongst Yellowstone’s magnificent geothermal features.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Do you need help with your Yellowstone National Park trip?”]

I offer custom national park itinerary planning as a service to help you make the most of your adventures! These itineraries cover everything from where to stay, eat, what to do, and more!

⭐CHECK OUT CUSTOM NATIONAL PARK ITINERARY PACKAGES HERE⭐

[/vc_cta][vc_column_text]

2. Fly fishing

Fly fishers flock to West Yellowstone to cast their lines in the Madison River and surrounding tributaries teeming with native cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish, and invasive non-native species like rainbow trout and brook trout. Outfitters provide guided fishing trips and rent equipment allowing anglers to explore legendary fishing holes winding through the area’s dramatic scenery.

Wade hip-deep into rushing rapids, stand on steep riverbanks amid sagebrush and pine trees, and fish isolated backcountry lakes surrounded by soaring mountain peaks.

⭐BOOK FLY FISHING TOUR HERE⭐

3. Yellowstone Zipline Adventure Park

The Yellowstone Zipline Adventure Park provides an adrenaline fueled adventure high above the trees of West Yellowstone. Harness up and climb towers up to 40 feet tall to reach the starting point of ten ziplines totaling over a mile in length.

Rush over the treetops at speeds up to 35 miles per hour while taking in breathtaking views of the Yellowstone landscape including the mountains, meadows and forest. After flying between platforms and hanging out over the forest canopy; challenge yourself on the park’s ropes course with swings, traverses and climbing obstacles.

4. Take a tour

If you want to make sure you don’t miss anything when visiting Yellowstone National Park, then guided tours might be the best option for you! There are plenty of options for tours of Yellowstone National Park from West Yellowstone, so I recommend doing a little bit of research beforehand so that you choose one that covers all of the attractions you want to see.

If planning out your trip doesn’t sound like fun, then taking a tour can often be your best bet. Plus, you might even be able to spot more wildlife and you know you won’t miss anything while you’re in the most famous of Montana’s national parks!

⭐CHECK OUT TOUR OPTIONS FROM WEST YELLOWSTONE HERE⭐

5. Playmill Theatre

The Playmill Theatre offers a fun night out for the whole family in West Yellowstone. Each summer season, the theatre stages musicals and comedies that showcase the talents of both local and out-of-town actors and actresses.

The theatre’s rustic lodge-like interior transports audiences back in time to the days of vaudeville and summer stock performances. After the show’s final curtain call, many folks make the Playmill a tradition, returning year after year.

6. Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center provides an unforgettable encounter with two of Yellowstone’s iconic species–grizzly bears and gray wolves. Enter the center’s habitat and boarding area and you’ll come face to face with these majestic predators at only feet away.

Keepers give interactive presentations educating visitors on bear and wolf biology, behavior, and conservation while providing a glimpse into their daily routines. After observing these powerful carnivores up close, walk the center’s trails winding through a native mountain meadow habit also home to bison, elk, moose, and more.

7. Earthquake Lake

Earthquake Lake is a serene blue lake nestled in the mountains near West Yellowstone, Montana. Also known as “Quake Lake,” it was formed in 1959 when a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake rocked the region, causing 25 million cubic yards of rock and soil to crash down and dam the Madison River. The dam formed Earthquake Lake, which now covers the land where the small town of Hebgen Lake Village once stood.

The lake is now a place of quiet reflection at the site of a tragic natural disaster that killed 28 people. Visitors to Earthquake Lake can hike the trail to the landslide origin, gaze at the spectacular mountain views, and learn about the region’s geologic and human history from the interpretive signs along the shoreline.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Join the community!”]Love the outdoors? Join my free Facebook community where we chat and share information about national parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more!

JOIN HERE! ⛰️ [/vc_cta][vc_column_text]

8. Yellowstone Big Gun Fun

Yellowstone Big Gun Fun is an outdoor shooting range and gun store in West Yellowstone, Montana located just outside Yellowstone National Park. Gun enthusiasts from near and far visit this family-owned business to shoot a variety of firearms on their 60-yard rifle and pistol range. They offer rentals and sales of guns including pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns. The friendly and knowledgeable staff also provides safety training and NRA certification courses.

After firing off a few rounds, visitors can relax in their comfortable gun store with a large selection of ammunition, holsters, optics, targets, and gun care supplies. Yellowstone Big Gun Fun strives to promote responsible gun ownership and the right to bear arms in a relaxed and fun atmosphere for shooters of all experience levels.

9. Hebgen Lake

Hebgen Lake sits nestled in the mountains just west of Yellowstone National Park near the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. Formed by earthquakes and landslides that dammed the Madison River in 1959, the long, narrow lake stretches for over 15 miles and offers spectacular views of the surrounding Gallatin Mountain range.

The calm, deep waters provide excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing in the summer. Hebgen Lake Marina rents powerboats, personal watercraft, paddleboards, and kayaks to explore the lake’s many coves and inlets.

Camping is also abundant along the lush shoreline filled with lodgepole pines and Douglas firs. The lake’s placid surface and mountain backdrop make Hebgen Lake a recreation gem and popular getaway near Yellowstone.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Hiking essentials”]Recommended hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4 Gore-tex 🥾 

Recommended jacket: The North Face Antora Jacket 🧥

Recommended hiking poles: Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles 🌲

Recommended day pack: Osprey Daylite Pack 🎒

Hike like a pro: Get an AllTrails Pro membership! 🗺

[/vc_cta][vc_column_text]

10. Rendezvous Trails

The Rendezvous Trails offer stunning views of Yellowstone and wildlife-watching opportunities near West Yellowstone. These hiking trails of eight loops ranging from 1 to 12 miles that wind through rolling sagebrush hills and aspen forests. Hikers are treated to vast panoramas of Hebgen and Quake Lakes, the Gallatin Mountain range, and Yellowstone’s northwestern boundary.

The trails are shared with mountain bikers and horseback riders thanks to their smooth tread and gentle grades. Wildlife abounds with frequent sightings of elk, moose, coyote, deer, and a variety of birds including bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and waterfowl. In the fall, the yellow and gold foliage of aspens lights up the mountainsides.

Camping is permitted along several of the loops making the Rendezvous Trails a popular refuge for outdoor enthusiasts near Yellowstone Park.

11. Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo

The Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo Show in West Yellowstone, Montana brings the action and excitement of the Old Wild West right to life. This nightly summer rodeo features classic western events like bareback bronc riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, and barrel racing. But the show doesn’t just stop with the rodeos–entertainment also includes trick roping and riding exhibitions full of whirling lariats, fast horses, and daring stunts.

After the local rodeo, visitors are invited to meet the cowboys and cowgirls, see the rodeo animals up close, and take pictures with the stunt riders. The Wild West Rodeo Show strives to preserve and honor the western heritage and cowboy culture that defines Montana and the larger American West through an evening of fun and exhilarating rodeo entertainment. I highly recommend checking it out if you haven’t been to a rodeo before!

12. Yellowstone Historic Center

The Yellowstone Historic Center in West Yellowstone, Montana seeks to preserve and share the history and stories of Yellowstone National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Housed in a historic school building, the center features exhibits that showcase the park’s geologic formations, early explorers and settlers, Native American tribes, the Army soldiers who first protected Yellowstone, the development of tourism and infrastructure, and the vital role wildlife and conservation have played. Outdoor exhibits include restored historical buildings and objects like stagecoaches, snowplows, and other machinery.

The center also hosts educational programs, living local history demonstrations, and children’s activities. By illuminating Yellowstone’s fascinating past, the Yellowstone Historic Center aims to inspire visitors to value and protect America’s first national park and the world it represents.

Nearby is the Union Pacific Depot Dining Room housed in the old Union Pacific Train Depot. After spending a day learning about the historic sites in the area, I recommend this spot as a unique option for West Yellowstone local restaurants.

13. Running Bear Pancake House

The Running Bear Pancake House is a classic West Yellowstone dining experience offering hearty breakfasts and lunches since 1971. Regulars rave about the fluffy buttermilk pancakes, omelets filled with cheese, bacon, and onion, and Belgian waffles topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

The lunch menu features sandwiches, burgers, and salads along with unique specialties like cheesesteak omelets and Navajo tacos. A children’s menu and outdoor patio seating make the Running Bear Pancake House a reliable choice for families passing through the greater Yellowstone area in search of a satisfying and traditional breakfast or lunch.

14. Cross country ski

If you plan on visiting Yellowstone National Park in the winter, then you’re going to make sure you add cross country skiing to your list of West Yellowstone things to do. You can choose to either take a tour or look into some of the local trails near the town itself.

While most visitors tend to come to Yellowstone in the summer, there’s a whole winter wonderland perfect for outdoor activities that you shouldn’t miss if you have the opportunity to come during this time.

15. Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre

The Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre offers an immersive cinematic experience like no other. Situated at the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, the theater features a six-story domed screen that engulfs viewers in massive images of the park and beyond.

Films take viewers on amazing journeys from the volcanoes of Hawaii to the African Serengeti while highlighting the wonders of Yellowstone itself: the geysers, waterfalls, canyons, and abundant wildlife.

The giant screen breathtakingly captures the scale and grandeur of these natural marvels, transporting audiences to places they have only dreamt of while enlightening them on the majesty of our planet.

16. Custer Gallatin National Forest

Custer Gallatin National Forest is a natural gem sprawled across over 3 million acres of southwest Montana. Rugged snowcapped mountain ranges tower over alpine lakes, rolling grasslands, and dense conifer forests providing habitat for diverse wildlife from bighorn sheep and elk to black bears.

Visitors come to hike scenic trails that lead to glacial lakes, go mountain biking along old dirt roads, go fly fishing on the many pristine streams and the Gallatin River stocked with native trout, hunt for big game in the fall, and camp under a blanket of stars.

Rangers sustainably manage the forest for diverse recreational opportunities while protecting natural resources for future generations to explore and enjoy the beauty and wonder of Custer Gallatin National Forest.

17. Slippery Otter Pub

The Slippery Otter Pub is a lively watering hole in the heart of West Yellowstone. The local’s favorite spot for a cold beer and good times after a long day of hiking Yellowstone National Park, the pub offers an array of microbrews on tap, a full menu of casual bar food like burgers, nachos, and hot wings, and live music on weekends to draw crowds to its dining room and deck with scenic views of Electric Peak.

I recommend stopping here after you’ve completed your Yellowstone adventures for the day or after a long day of travel on your Montana road trip! It’s one of my favorite things to do in West Yellowstone after exploring the area.

18. Johnny Sack’s Cabin

Located right on the Idaho border, Johnny Sack’s cabin is a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to accommodations near the West Entrance. The cabin features rustic charm with extensive updates for convenience, including modern appliances, a smart TV, and high-speed WiFi. A large deck provides views of Electric Peak and the surrounding forest, the perfect place to relax after a day of adventure.

The location is just minutes from Yellowstone’s west entrance and Yellowstone Airport, making it easy to come and go from iconic sights like Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Upper Geyser Basin.

19. Free Heel and Wheel

Free Wheel and Heel is a family-owned bike shop in West Yellowstone with over 40 years of experience outfitting and guiding bike tours in Yellowstone National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The staff will help you select the right mountain bike to handle any terrain in the park, from hardtails for cruising the paved paths to full suspension rides for tackling rugged backcountry trails.

They offer rentals, tune-ups, repairs, and professional bike fittings to ensure a comfortable ride. In addition to bike sales and service, Free Wheel and Heel organizes guided tours daily from May through October to show visitors the best rides the area has to offer and safely navigate the many hazards in the park.

If you want to try one of the more unique things to do in West Yellowstone, I would make sure to add this to your list!

20. Daly Creek Trail

The Daly Creek Trail offers a stunning hike through forest, meadows, and alongside a rushing mountain stream just minutes from West Yellowstone. The 6-mile out-and-back trail begins at an elevation of 7,600 feet and gradually climbs to Daly Creek Falls, offering hikers majestic views of Electric Peak and the Gallatin Mountain Range along the way.

Wildflowers bloom in abundance in the summer months and the rushing waters of Daly Creek provide a tranquil soundtrack. Hikers may spot elk, moose, black bears, and a variety of birds including bald eagles and osprey. The trail is mostly gently graded with a few short, steep sections making it accessible to hikers of most abilities.

21. Ghost towns

Just a short drive from the bustle of West Yellowstone lies the remnants of Montana’s ghost towns. Virginia City and Nevada City, once booming mining camps of over 10,000 people, now stand quiet except for the occasional tourist. Structures like the Opera House and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church still stand in Virginia City, the red brick buildings now empty shells silently telling the story of prospectors who flocked here in the 1860s in search of fortune.

In Nevada City, a skeleton of a stamp mill and mine shafts beckon visitors to imagine what life was like for the miners and their families who braved the harsh winters and difficult conditions. Wandering these mostly abandoned streets provides a vivid glimpse into the Wild West era that helped shape the region.

⭐BOOK GHOST TOWN TOUR HERE⭐

22. Downtown West Yellowstone, MT

Downtown West Yellowstone is a charming historic district filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, hotels and bars situated just steps from the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The two-block long main drag features a quaint “old west” aesthetic with wooden sidewalks, antique street lamps and buildings dating back to the town’s founding in the early 1900s.

Visitors can peruse souvenir shops along Madison Avenue stocked with gear for the park as well as arts and crafts made by regional artisans. Cafes and eateries offer classic “cowboy cuisine” featuring burgers, steaks and chili while saloons and pubs provide a place to relax with a beer and listen to live music in the evenings.

While you’re likely to be busy exploring the park during the day, I highly recommend spending a little time in the town if you possibly can–it’s one of the top attractions in the Yellowstone region itself!

Where to stay in West Yellowstone

Here are some of my recommended hotels in West Yellowstone, MT that are perfect for your Yellowstone National Park trip.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”My recommendations”]

⭐BEST FOR BUDGET TRAVELERS: DUDE AND ROUNDUP⭐

⭐BEST FOR COUPLES: 1872 INN⭐

⭐BEST FOR FAMILIES: KELLY INN⭐

⭐BEST FOR INSTAGRAM: EVERGREEN MOTEL⭐

⭐BEST FOR ADVENTURERS: EXPLORER CABINS⭐

🐾BEST FOR PETS: GEYSER INN🐾

[/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Tips for visiting West Yellowstone

Here are some tips for visiting the West Yellowstone area in Southwest Montana.

• Preparation is key: Before your trip, familiarize yourself with the local weather, trail conditions, and potential risks associated with outdoor activities. West Yellowstone is at high altitude, which can impact your physical performance and health, especially if you’re not used to it. Remember to pack for all types of weather – it can change rapidly in the mountains.
• Respect wildlife: One of the main attractions of West Yellowstone is the abundant wildlife. However, it’s essential to respect these creatures and maintain a safe distance. Feeding, approaching, or attempting to touch wildlife is dangerous and illegal. Always use binoculars or a telephoto lens for close-up views.
• Be bear aware: West Yellowstone is bear country, and it’s crucial to be aware of proper bear safety procedures. Carry bear spray when hiking or camping and know how to use it. Always store food and scented items properly to avoid attracting bears to your campsite.
• Follow Leave No Trace: When enjoying the natural beauty of West Yellowstone, remember to leave the area as you found it. This means packing out all trash, staying on designated trails to avoid damaging vegetation and sensitive habitats and respecting wildlife and other visitors.
• Support local businesses: West Yellowstone is home to a number of unique local businesses, including souvenir shops, restaurants, and outdoor outfitters. Supporting these businesses not only provides you with a more authentic travel experience but also helps to sustain the local economy.

Conclusion: things to do in West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone offers an astounding combination of natural beauty, rich history, and thrilling adventure that is guaranteed to delight travelers of all types. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a newbie adventurer, this vibrant town is a treasure trove of outdoor experiences that invites you to immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”National park essentials”]You’ll need to enter: National parks pass 🎟️

Document your trip: National parks journal ✏️ 

Wear your national parks love: National parks shirts 👕

[/vc_cta][vc_column_text]

Have any questions about things to do in West Yellowstone? Let me know in the comments!

Like this post? Save it for later!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want more information on Montana? Check out these articles:

• Beartooth Highway
• West Yellowstone Restaurants
• West Yellowstone Hotels
• Lamar Valley