Things To Do In YELLOWSTONE
We Will Help You Plan Your Yellowstone and Montana Vacation!
When your destination is Yellowstone, it can be the trip of a lifetime. The staff at Yellowstone Basin Inn has an in-depth knowledge of Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding area. We can provide up-to-date information about special events, road and weather reports, transportation details, and Yellowstone’s unlimited activities.
When you stay with us,
- Restaurant recommendations that matter, here and in surrounding areas.
Yellowstone National Park Vacationback to top
Yellowstone National Park
A visit to the natural wonders and wildlife of Yellowstone National Park is a truly unforgettable experience.
For detailed information about every aspect of your Park vacation, check out the official Yellowstone National Park website and up-to-date reports.
Montana Vacation Sightseeing Day Tripsback to top
From the front door of the Yellowstone Basin Inn, guests can experience amazing Montana-based sightseeing trips, both into Yellowstone National Park and to a number of Montana destinations. Here are some of our favorite day trips:
Virginia City and Nevada City
A glimpse at Montana’s colorful mining and pioneering history.
Madison Buffalo Jump State Park
1585 Trident RoadThree Forks, MT 59752
(406)-285-3610
http://visitmt.comLewis and Clark Caverns State Park
25 Lewis and Clark Caverns Rd.Whitehall, MT 59759
(885)-922-6768
http://stateparks.mt.gov/lewis-and-clark-caverns/Missouri Headwaters State Park
c/o FWP Region 3 Headquarters1400 S 19th Ave
Bozeman, MT 59718
(885)-922-6768
http://stateparks.mt.gov/missouri-headwaters/
Horseback Ridingback to top
Ever dreamed about riding out west in Montana? Well now is your chance. Explore the mountains surrounding Yellowstone National Park on horseback. Experience Montana mountain trails that offer spectacular views of the Park, wildlife and wildflowers.
Enjoy a half-day or a whole day. Ask our staff to help you book your horseback riding trip.
Hikingback to top
The Yellowstone area has unlimited hiking trails for all different fitness levels. Hike into the Yellowstone backcountry for a true wilderness experience, or follow a mellow, paved path to one of the many magnificent sites.
Our staff can recommend hikes throughout the area, and several hiking books are available for guests to use and bring along on their journeys.
Whitewater Raftingback to top
The Yellowstone is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the West, offering exciting rafting excursions on different scenic stretches. During the snow run-off in late spring and early summer, you can experience a wild, fast ride. The late summer brings a more mellow river experience, with whitewater rapids and cool, refreshing waves that help beat the heat.
Decide what time of the day you'd like to go and we'll arrange it for you.
Fishingback to top
A short walk from the Yellowstone Basin Inn will bring you to the banks of the world-renowned Blue Ribbon fishing waters of the Yellowstone River.
Whether you bring your own gear or you’re starting from scratch, we can refer you to some of the best fishing spots, guides, and shops in the area.
Wildlife Viewing Photographyback to top
To see Montana’s wildlife grazing, playing, and lounging around in their natural environment is a spectacular sight. Because the Yellowstone Basin Inn is located near the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the viewing opportunities of the surrounding area are abundant. Different animals are more visible during each of the four seasons.
Spring
Montana’s spring rains bring out the area’s lush green grass, allowing the wildflowers to begin popping up through the melting snow. The snow melt also adds to the swollen rivers, at their fullest is the spring months.
Bears begin waking from their winter slumber in the late winter and early spring. Late spring brings out the newborns with bison calves and pronghorn fawns born in late May and baby elk born in early June.
Summer
Summer in Yellowstone allows for abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, with animals spending lazy days frolicking in the sun. Yellowstone’s wolves are active at sun up and sun down, and most animals take it easy in the lush valleys or move to higher elevations to find cooler weather.
August brings Buffalo rutting season when you can observe their unique mating rituals, preferably from the safety of your car.
Fall
As the leaves turn color and the animals prepare for the upcoming winter, fall is a great time for wildlife sightings. September brings elk rutting season when you can observe their mating rituals and hear their bugling, as the males strut their stuff.
Winter
The snow brings a serene calm and quite to the landscape of Yellowstone National Park, and the animals seem to move at slower speeds. Exploring on snowshoes or cross-country skies, you can observe the bison using their mammoth-like necks to push the snow away in search of food. Wolves are most active in the winter and much easier to spot with the snow as their backdrop. Geysers and hot springs make for magical surroundings.
Eventsback to top
With fun runs, rodeos, parades, live music and an annual Brewfest, Gardiner and nearby Livingston have a number of events taking place throughout the year. Yellowstone National Park also has frequent events, from ranger talks to nighttime star watches.
See detailed event calendars: Gardiner Events, Livingston Events, and Yellowstone National Park Events.
