Are you searching for fun things to do in West Yellowstone Montana? If yes, then check out this article on some of the best West Yellowstone attractions that you must visit.
The west entrance to Yellowstone National Park is less than a mile from the city and is one of the biggest reasons why tourists visit it.
That is why visiting West Yellowstone is one of the most popular things to do in Montana!
If you are wondering about what to do in West Yellowstone, then let me tell you that there is no shortage of fun things to do here.
From exploring the numerous trails surrounding the city to wildlife sightseeing, to fly fishing, there are lots of outdoor activities to indulge in here.
Apart from that, you will also find lots of fun things to do inside the city as well. You can choose to sample delicious meals at amazing restaurants, watch a theatrical performance, and so on here.
Are you still confused about what to do in West Yellowstone?
Well, then read on our list of the 10 best things to do in West Yellowstone MT that you cannot miss out on.
10 Best Things to Do in West Yellowstone MT for Your Bucket List
Hike the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River
Since you are near the West Yellowstone entrance of Yellowstone National Park, , one of the best things to do is take the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: Loop Hike with Lunch tour.
On this tour, you will be accompanied by a naturalist guide who would take you to see the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone River.
The hike will take you through the stunning thermals, lakes, and valleys of the national park.
That’s not all, you will also see the most iconic waterfalls of Yellowstone – Upper and Lower Falls.
Begin your tour from the Upper Falls Viewing Area where you will meet your guide. After the brief safety presentation and packing, you will start the hike along the Grand Canyon’s rim.
Enjoy the amazing views of Lower Falls from the Artist Point and watch this famous waterfall plunge over 300 feet.
On the hike, you can also spot the wildlife in the Hayden Valley and stop for a picnic on the hiking trail.
Trust me, if you love hiking, then one of the best things to do in West Yellowstone MT is to enjoy the loop hike of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Book Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: Loop Hike with Lunch Tour
Go On the Lower Loop Active Van Tour from West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone entrance is perfect for going on short tours to Yellowstone National Park, a popular national park in Montana.
One such tour that you cannot miss out on is the Lower Loop Active Van Tour from West Yellowstone.
On this tour, you get a chance not only to visit the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park but also the Yellowstone Lake, Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, and the Old Faithful Geyser.
This tour is perfect for those who wish to explore Yellowstone National Park comfortably.
You can watch the wildlife from the comfort of your van and learn about the history of the area. A naturalist guide will accompany you on this day trip to help you make the most of your day here.
The tour starts from West Yellowstone at 7 AM and after a light morning snack, you will hike to the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring overlook.
Take some amazing pictures of this famous hot spring before moving to the next location.
At the Old Faithful Inn, watch the Old Faithful Geyser erupt, explore the historic inn, and enjoy a picnic lunch outside.
Watch the wildlife at the Hayden Valley and then make the final stop at the Artist Point. From here, you can view the Grand Canyon and the Lower Falls of Yellowstone National Park.
If you have limited time and want to make the most of your visit to West Yellowstone, then this is one of the best tours to Yellowstone National Park that you cannot miss.
Book Lower Loop Active Van Tour from West Yellowstone
Go Hiking Around the Town
Are you an outdoor enthusiast? If yes, then one of the top things to do in West Yellowstone MT is to go on fun hikes around the town.
Since the town is located close to the national park, there are several hiking trails that visitors can explore.
From Grand Canyon to Grand Prismatic Springs, you will find several fun trails to explore in Yellowstone National Park.
But that’s not it. Apart from the national park, you also have other hiking trails around the town to check out.
A few worth mentioning are Buttermilk Trailhead, Yellowstone Half Marathon, and more. Most of these trails will take you through beautiful wildflowers and offer stunning valley or river views.
You will also find several hiking trails in the nearby Hebgen Lake where you will be greeted with lake and mountain views.
Trust me, if you are looking for fun West Yellowstone activities to indulge in, then do go hiking near the town.
Yellowstone Lodge is a great place to stay while exploring West Yellowstone MT.
Spend A Day At Hebgen Lake Is One Of The Best Things To Do In West Yellowstone Montana
For outdoor enthusiasts, one of the best things to do in West Yellowstone Montana is to spend a day at Hebgen Lake.
This huge reservoir on the Madison River is a 20-minute drive from the city and is a popular summer attraction.
It has some of the best hiking in Montana.
One of the best lakes in Montana, Hebgen Lake is famous for the 1959 earthquake that resulted in the formation of the adjacent Earthquake Lake.
Although the lake is famous for Stillwater fishing, there are many other things to do here as well.
The stunning mountains surrounding the lake make it a popular spot for hiking and nature walks. Apart from that, you can also enjoy boating and camping here.
Trust me, you can watch the most amazing sunset from the lakeshore as you spend some quality time with your partner.
So, whether you are traveling to West Yellowstone with family or just your spouse, spending a day at Hebgen Lake is a must.
Kelly Inn West Yellowstone is located near attractions.
Try Fly Fishing
Another one of the top West Yellowstone activities that you cannot miss out on is fly fishing.
There are several blue-ribbon fisheries located within a short drive from the town of West Yellowstone MT.
Out of all the waterways where you can go fly fishing including Yellowstone River and Gallatin River, the Madison River is located nearest to the town.
The Madison River is formed at the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers in the national park. Both these spots are popular fish hatcheries.
Once the river exits the park boundary, it is found near the town of West Yellowstone. It further connects to Hebgen Lake which is located 20 minutes from the town.
You can rent the gear at the local fishing shops in the town. Plus, you can also get fishing permits and tips from the shops here.
For those who are inexperienced, there are several fly fishing tours organized by Arrick’s Fly Shop as well.
Yellowstone Park Hotel has a great location!
Go Cross-Country Skiing on the Rendezvous Trail System
One of the top West Yellowstone activities that you cannot miss out on is cross-country skiing on the Rendezvous Trail System.
The trailhead is located on the southern end of the town of West Yellowstone. Visitors can easily reach it by walking.
If you are an enthusiastic skier, then one of the best things to do in Montana in winter is skiing on this 35 km-long trail that goes through the Custer Gallatin National Forest.
To enjoy skiing here, you need to have trail passes that come with the validity of day passes, season passes, and family passes.
One of the best things about the Rendezvous Trail System is that they are well-suited for all skill levels.
From beginners to pro-skiers, everyone can enjoy the trails. If you wish to make the most of it, plan a trip between January and March when the trails are the snowiest.
You can also attend many amazing festivals during the winter here. Yellowstone Ski Festival, Yellowstone Rendezvous Race, etc. are a few winter festivals worth attending here.
Not visiting in winter? Don’t worry.
There is plenty to do here in summer as well. You can go hiking, mountain biking, running, and more during the summer months on these trails.
Yellowstone Park Hotel is close to the entrance of the national park!
Visit the Museum of the Yellowstone
Located near the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the Museum of Yellowstone is one of the top West Yellowstone attractions that you cannot miss.
This museum highlights the history of the National Park and the nearby areas, including the town of West Yellowstone.
It is housed in a former train depot and showcases the different transport methods used to travel to the national park.
There are many exhibits here including the ones that focus on the 1988 fires in the national park and the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake.
Visitors can also take a guided tour of the Union Pacific Railroad Historic District which is located adjacent to the museum.
Trust me, one of the best things to do in West Yellowstone Montana is to learn about its history and the national park at the Museum of the Yellowstone.
Grey Wolf Inn & Suites is close to all amenities and has an indoor heated pool!
One of The Fun Things To Do In West Yellowstone Is To Visit Earthquake Lake
In 1959, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit the Madison River near Hebgen Lake. This resulted in a landslide and the creation of a natural lake which is presently known as Earthquake Lake.
One of the top things to do in Montana is to visit the lake and learn more about its formation.
The 5-mile-long lake is also quite popular for fishing as it is home to the brown trout and the cutthroat trout.
Apart from fishing, visitors can enjoy boating in this lake or enjoying a leisurely walk around the shore.
There are several short hiking trails that offer you stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
You can also visit the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center which gives insight into the 1959 earthquake and the surrounding landscape.
There are indoor exhibits with several items on display including the working seismograph. You will also find many interpretive displays focusing on the 1959 earthquake.
From the building, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the Earthquake Lake and the mountains in the backdrop.
If you are a nature lover, then one of the best things to do in West Yellowstone Montana is to visit the Earthquake Lake near Hebgen Lake.
Yellowstone West Gate Hotel is conveniently located 5 blocks from the entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
Enjoy a Delicious Meal in Town
As West Yellowstone is the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park, it attracts thousands of tourists every year.
This is why a lot of high-quality restaurants have emerged along the streets of the small town of West Yellowstone.
When you are visiting this small town, don’t forget to try some of these local establishments for a delicious meal.
There are lots of amazing places to eat in West Yellowstone including Bullwinkle’s Saloon & Eatery, The Buffalo Bar, and more.
You can also find vegan options at a few places such as Slippery Otter Pub, Red Lotus Restaurant, Taqueria Malverde, and more.
For breakfast, Running Bear Pancake House is a good choice. But if you want to try the local favorite, then do try Ernie’s Bakery and Deli for breakfast or lunch.
If you are craving some delicious pizza for dinner, then Wild West Pizzeria and Saloon is a top place to try.
Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone offers contemporary cottages less than a mile from the entrance to the national park!
Exploring Canyon Street Is One Of The Best Things To Do In West Yellowstone MT
Canyon Street is one of the best West Yellowstone attractions that you must visit. This street features a long line of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Visitors can visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, a non-profit wildlife park that houses bears and wolves that cannot survive in the wild anymore.
You can watch these majestic creatures live happily and safely in the naturalistic environment and learn more about them.
There is also West Yellowstone Heritage Park where visitors can indulge in fun activities or just take a stroll around the park.
Apart from this, you will also find several rental and tour company shops along this street. So, if you are interested in outdoor activities, you can rent the gear from the shops here.
Another important attraction on Canyon Street in the town of West Yellowstone is Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre.
This is a local cinema featuring a 60 x 80 feet screen that enhances your movie-watching experience tremendously.
Trust me, you won’t find any shortage of things to do in West Yellowstone MT, especially Canyon Street.
Whether you are looking for an amazing dinner, a Yellowstone tour, or a local attraction, this street has it all.
There are many cabins in Montana specifically around the West Yellowstone area!
Packing List When Visiting West Yellowstone Montana
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Montana, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when searching for activities in West Yellowstone MT.
It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone as I have. And wow is it fast!
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
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There are so many things to do in West Yellowstone Montana it is clear why it is such a popular tourist destination.
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