West Yellowstone, Montana, isn’t just the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. This adventure-packed destination is full of western-style charm and entertainment.
Popular attractions in West Yellowstone include:
West Yellowstone IMAX Theater – This theater has been playing a traditional introduction to Yellowstone’s vast history for decades. They also feature rotating films, including those highlighting scenic areas worldwide. The theater offers a six-story screen and surround sound stereo, making it a must-visit destination for adults and children alike.
Yellowstone Historic Center – Located on the historic 1909 Union Pacific Railroad depot, this museum highlights the area’s history from historic through modern times. Their exhibits include railroad artifacts and information about the devastating 1988 wildfires that swept across the park. Other exhibits also include trains, buses, stagecoaches, historic photos, films and wildlife specimens. Take the historic “Walking Tour”, an informative self-guided tour, relieving the early days of West Yellowstone.
Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center – Open every day, this discovery center highlights information about local grizzly and wolf species. As a non-profit facility, this wildlife educational center is home to animals that were no longer permitted to remain in the wild. This includes orphaned animals or those that were deemed a nuisance to the public. These animals have been rescued, instead of meeting their alternative fate, which would have been death. Families and children enjoy this interactive adventure into learning about native animal species. A new otter exhibit is opening this summer!
Yellowstone Aerial Zipline Adventures – The zipline Adventure Park features over 1000′ of ziplining thrills on 4 different, family oriented ziplines. It also boasts a giant rope course, with 49 challenge elements, from spiderwebs to rope bridges, log bridges, and more. It is an experience that will both challenge and thrill adventurers of all ages.
Earthquake Lake Visitors Center – Overlooking Earthquake Lake, the center features interpretive programs about the tragic 1959 earthquake, which is one of the largest earthquakes recorded in North America. The result of this earthquake was that a mountain slid into Madison River Canyon, ultimately creating a natural dam and Quake Lake.
Fishing at Hebgen Lake – This lake is a premiere destination for Montana fly-fishing. The lake boasts giant rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout, which average 15- to 20-inches! An additional popular fly-fishing area is nearby Quake Lake. With a small boat ramp, these areas accommodate kayaks, canoes, paddleboats and small sailboats.
National Forest Trails – The Custer Gallatin National Forest borders Yellowstone National Park to the west and north, encompassing thousands of miles of hiking, biking and riding trails. Please visit their website, www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin, for maps and information.