8 Things Not to Miss When Visiting West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone, Montana, serves as the gateway community to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. While this quaint Montana town may be small, it attracts over 4 million visitors yearly. Offering mountain charm and proximity to one of the most visited US national parks, it is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families. Keep reading to learn more about our favorite things to do in West Yellowstone and discover the best place to stay in West Yellowstone.
1. Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is a must-visit attraction in West Yellowstone for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation. As an AZA-accredited, not-for-profit wildlife park and educational facility, the center provides a unique opportunity to observe live grizzly bears and gray wolves up close. Many animals at the center cannot survive in the wild and serve as ambassadors for their species, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of these magnificent creatures. In addition to bears and wolves, the center is home to otters, birds of prey, and ground squirrels.
2. Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo
The Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo offers an authentic taste of Montana’s cowboy culture, making it a must-see event for visitors during summer. Held just outside West Yellowstone, visitors can enjoy rodeo performances six days a week from mid-June to the end of August.
For a truly Western experience, book the Rodeo and Trail Ride package to take a horseback ride to the show and feel like a true cowboy.
3. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, carved by the Yellowstone River, is a natural feature that extends from Lower Falls to downstream of Tower Falls. Formed over 600,000 years ago after a massive volcanic eruption, the canyon’s landscape is shaped by the erosion of hydrothermally altered rocks, creating colors of orange, brown, and green. Visitors can explore the site via North Rim and South Rim Drives, each offering views of the canyon's cliffs and waterfalls, including the 308-foot Lower Falls and 109-foot Upper Falls.
4. The Buffalo Bar
The Buffalo Bar is a local favorite in West Yellowstone, offering a mix of classic bar food like burgers and wings and West-Mex favorites like tacos and burritos. For an authentic taste of Montana, we recommend ordering the Huckleberry Lemonade or Huckleberry Margarita, both made with the state's famous wild huckleberries.
5. Yellowstone Beer Company
Originally built in the 1930s as the town's schoolhouse, the Yellowstone Beer Co. building later served as the local drug store before becoming the new home for Yellowstone Beer Co. This modern taproom offers a variety of beers on tap and a menu featuring items like cheese curds and Elk Chili.
Head upstairs to enjoy pool, shuffleboard, and air hockey or play board games with friends. The venue also hosts a daily happy hour from 3 pm to 6 pm, featuring $5 draft pints, $2 Rainier pints, cocktail specials, and $2 off appetizers.
6. Zipline Adventure Park
Interested in an adrenaline-fueled activity to get your heart pounding? Visit West Yellowstone's Zipline Adventure Park. Located downtown, this park features over 1,000 feet of ziplines and more than 50 challenge elements, including a ropes course and kids' area.
Guests aged six and up can enjoy the main course and ziplines, while younger children, ages four to six, can explore the Junior Ranger Course.
7. Blue Ribbon Flies
If you're an avid angler, we recommend spending a day on the river to enjoy fly fishing. Before you head to the water, visit Blue Ribbon Flies for the latest equipment, fly patterns, and tying materials. You can also book guided trips, including float trips, walk/wade trips, and horse pack trips, to suit your fishing preferences.
8. Yellowstone Fun Snowmobiling
West Yellowstone is more than just a summer destination. Once winter comes, the crowds disappear, and snow covers the ground. This is the perfect time to visit and plan a snowmobile excursion. Yellowstone Fun offers snowmobile rentals and packages catered to a variety of preferences, including rides to Old Faithful.
The Best Vacation Rentals in West Yellowstone
The 100 Collection™ is proud to partner with Roam Property Management for the highest quality West Yellowstone Vacation Rentals. Roam Property Management offers vacation rentals that blend rustic elegance with modern comfort. Whether you're looking to stay close to Yellowstone National Park, near the Madison River, or in a quiet forested area, their properties provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Each home is thoughtfully designed to complement the surrounding wilderness and encourage adventure. For instance, homes near the Madison River include storage for fishing gear and rod racks, perfect for those interested in fly fishing. Properties close to Yellowstone feature ample parking for snowmobiles, with trails just a block away.
