Create Lasting Memories
Top Attractions in South-western Montana
Discover Yellowstone and Beyond
West Yellowstone, Montana, serves as the ideal base for exploring Yellowstone National Park. Visitors can enjoy a mix of natural wonders, local attractions, and seasonal activities that make every trip unique and memorable.
Things To Do
Outdoor recreation is at the heart of West Yellowstone. Guests can look forward to hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and many other activities that highlight the landscapes and character of the Greater Yellowstone region.
West Yellowstone Horseback Riding
Local outfitters provide guided trail rides ranging from one-hour outings to full-day excursions, often with opportunities to spot elk, deer, and other wildlife along the way. Many also host cowboy cookouts or chuckwagon dinners, blending scenic rides with authentic Montana ranch traditions.
Parade Rest Guest Ranch
Parade Rest Guest Ranch, just outside West Yellowstone, offers a traditional Montana guest ranch experience surrounded by mountain scenery. Established in 1919, it features rustic log cabins, horseback trail rides, guided fishing trips, and family-style dining. The ranch operates seasonally and provides a relaxed, western atmosphere where guests can explore meadows, rivers, and forests on horseback, making it a memorable destination for outdoor recreation and authentic cowboy culture.
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
This AZA-accredited, not-for-profit wildlife park in West Yellowstone offers an immersive and educational experience to observe grizzly bears, gray wolves, otters, and birds of prey in carefully designed habitats. Visitors can take part in interactive features like “Keeper Kid’s,” watch ranger-led talks, and explore exhibits including a Bear museum and Naturalist Cabin. The center is open year-round and includes admission valid for two consecutive days for added flexibility and value.
Firehole River
Flowing approximately 21 miles within Yellowstone, the Firehole River traverses several major geyser basins—including the Upper Geyser Basin—and passes notable features like the Kepler Cascades and Firehole Falls. Named for the steamy effect of geothermal runoff, its waters remain warmer than upstream regions, and it’s famed as a fly-fishing destination populated by wild brown and rainbow trout. This unique combination of thermal activity and natural beauty offers memorable recreation opportunities.
Grand Prismatic Spring
Grand Prismatic Spring, located in the Midway Geyser Basin, is the largest hot spring in the U.S.—roughly 370 feet in diameter and over 121 feet deep. It’s famed for its vivid, rainbow-colored microbial mats that surround the vibrant blue center, making it Yellowstone’s most photographed thermal feature. The spring’s striking hues and immense scale make it an unforgettable natural landmark for guests exploring the park.
Playmill Theater
As the oldest summer stock theatre in the region, the Playmill is a beloved West Yellowstone tradition. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, it stages lively family-friendly musicals and variety shows. Productions are interactive and warm, offering audiences a delightful live performance experience in a rustic, intimate setting—an ideal cultural outing to complement adventures in and around Yellowstone.
Gibbon Falls
Gibbon Falls is an impressive 84-foot cascading waterfall on the Gibbon River, conveniently visible from the road on Yellowstone’s Grand Loop Road, just 4.7 miles above Madison Junction. The viewing area is paved and accessible, offering a brief but spectacular stop that’s great for stretching legs and snapping photos. Its dramatic drop sits amid rugged volcanic scenery and is especially serene in early morning light.
Rendezvous Ski Trails
Just west of West Yellowstone, the Rendezvous Ski Trails present over 35 kilometers of gently rolling, well-groomed Nordic pathways winding through lodgepole pine forests and meadows. Designed for both classic and skate skiing, the network suits all skill levels and often treats skiers to glimpses of moose, elk, deer, and even pine martens. It’s a beloved winter haven known for its accessibility and pristine terrain.
West Yellowstone Rodeo
Held just outside West Yellowstone, this family-friendly rodeo runs from mid-June through mid-August, offering nightly entertainment 5–6 times per week. Guests can watch classic western events such as bareback riding, team roping, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and even a kid-focused “calf scramble.” The rodeo promises lively, authentic Montana rodeo action with plenty of western charm—an evening highlight for guests at Parkside Cabins.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone stretches roughly 20 miles long, with walls plunging 800 to 1,200 feet deep and spanning up to 4,000 feet wide. Carved by the ceaseless Yellowstone River over millennia, this vivid landscape showcases layers of colorful rhyolite cliffs and roaring waterfalls. Scenic overlooks like Artist Point offer panoramic views that highlight both its raw beauty and geological significance.
Hebgen Lake
Hebgen Lake is a man-made reservoir about 15 miles long and 5 miles wide, located roughly 11 miles northwest of West Yellowstone. Created by the Hebgen Dam, the lake is renowned as one of Montana’s premier still-water fishing destinations, especially for brown and rainbow trout. Its shoreline offers fantastic opportunities for boating, camping, hiking, and seasonal ice‑fishing, all set against a backdrop of the striking Madison, Gallatin, and Centennial mountain ranges.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, spans nearly 3,500 square miles across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It’s famous for geothermal wonders like Old Faithful geyser, bubbling hot springs, and colorful thermal pools, as well as diverse wildlife including bison, elk, bears, and wolves. Scenic drives, hiking trails, and overlooks offer endless opportunities to explore its dramatic landscapes, from mountains to canyons and pristine rivers.
Make The Most of Your Stay
Create lasting memories in West Yellowstone by planning ahead and balancing adventure with relaxation. From exploring Yellowstone’s natural wonders to enjoying local attractions in town, every day offers something new. Our property keeps you close to it all, ensuring convenience throughout your stay.
Local Dining
A variety of restaurants are available throughout town, offering everything from hearty meals to quick bites. Visitors will find convenient dining options to suit every appetite during their stay near Yellowstone National Park.
The Running Bear Pancake House
The Running Bear Pancake House is a longtime West Yellowstone favorite for hearty breakfast and lunch. Famous for its pancakes, omelets, and fresh-baked goods, the restaurant serves generous portions in a cozy, homey setting. Seasonal lunch offerings add variety, but the standout attraction is its breakfast menu, which draws early risers heading into Yellowstone. Friendly service and consistently good food make it a staple for fueling up before a day outdoors.
Pete's Rocky Mountain Pizza
Pete’s Rocky Mountain Pizza is a laid-back, family-run restaurant in West Yellowstone known for hearty Italian-American comfort food. Guests enjoy freshly made pizzas, pastas, calzones, and sandwiches in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Local favorites include specialty pies like the Cowboy Combo and classic pasta dishes. The restaurant’s central location and friendly service make it a popular stop for visitors looking for a relaxed, satisfying meal after a day in the park.
The Buffalo Bar
The Buffalo Bar in West Yellowstone combines casual dining with a lively Montana saloon atmosphere. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s popular for its hearty burgers, bison dishes, and extensive beer and cocktail selection. Sports screens, live entertainment, and a rustic lodge-style setting give it an energetic yet relaxed vibe. It’s a go-to spot for both locals and travelers seeking a laid-back night out with classic western flavor.
TR's Burgers
TR’s Burgers offers a fun, family-friendly setting for enjoying burgers and comfort food in West Yellowstone. Known for its build-your-own burger menu, guests can customize everything from the bun and patty to sauces and toppings. In addition to burgers, the menu includes salads, sandwiches, and milkshakes. Its playful, casual vibe makes it a reliable stop for a quick meal before or after Yellowstone adventures.
Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon
Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon is a beloved local spot in West Yellowstone known for its family‑friendly atmosphere, live music, and consistently top‑rated pizza. Founded in 1999, the restaurant features Montana‑flour dough, Wisconsin mozzarella and provolone, and a family‑recipe pizza sauce. Beyond great food, the venue delivers an upbeat ambiance with pool tables, sports‑bar vibes, and comfort after a day exploring Yellowstone National Park.
The Outpost
Outpost Restaurant is your stop-off after a long day enjoying the natural wonders of southwest Montana. This family-friendly restaurant specializes in warm, hearty, home-cooked comfort food—ranging from blueberry pancakes to chili burgers and biscuits and gravy—offered in a cozy, relaxed setting with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. It operates seasonally from April 19 to October 12 and does not serve wine or beer.
Madison Crossing Lounge
Housed in a charming former West Yellowstone schoolhouse, Madison Crossing Lounge offers an evening retreat with an extensive menu of fine wines, local craft beers, cocktails, and dessert drinks. Set in what was once a first-grade classroom, the cozy and inviting atmosphere makes it a standout spot to unwind after a day exploring—ideal for enjoying a relaxed meal or post-dinner drink.