Exploring The Many Things To Do in West Yellowstone
There are many things to do in West Yellowstone aside from exploring the neighboring Yellowstone National Park. While Yellowstone attracts thousands of visitors every year, West Yellowstone remains a comfortable option for guests who want to take a short commute into the park itself.
The town of West Yellowstone is unique as it is where outdoor adventure, fun, and relaxation all meet in one destination. Explore Yellowstone National Park and enjoy all the amenities that come with a fully-equipped and modern town. Explore the city’s shops, learn about its history, and take on unique adventures that are suitable for the entire family!
Key Takeaways
- West Yellowstone is a town situated just outside the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Many guests choose this destination as an easy access point into the park, rather than staying within the park itself.
- By staying in West Yellowstone, visitors can enjoy many different hotels and accommodations, grocery stores, and dining that would otherwise not be available in Yellowstone Park.
- West Yellowstone is a hub of outdoor adventure opportunities, with year-round recreation that is worth visiting.
Enjoying the Comfort of West Yellowstone
This small town in Montana, just west of the world-famous Yellowstone National Park, remains a top choice for guests seeking to explore the park.
While it offers simple entry to Yellowstone, it maintains its own list of attractions and activities suitable for guests of all kinds. A town that was once constructed to serve tourists visiting Yellowstone via the Oregon Short Line is now a modern hub for exploration, offering modern amenities that many other small and remote towns simply can’t offer.
Why Choose West Yellowstone For Visiting Yellowstone National Park
Many guests have the option of choosing to stay directly in Yellowstone National Park or take a short car ride into the park via West Yellowstone. Guests looking to camp or stay at some of the lodgings located in the park quickly realize that accommodations are booked up more than a year in advance, limiting their options. In some cases, accommodations found within the park are known to be quite expensive, with limited options and a complex booking process.
As such, many guests choose to stay at one of the many hotels available in West Yellowstone, opting to rent a car and drive into the park, or use a shuttle service from one of the many travel companies in the area. More importantly, West Yellowstone maintains modern amenities, including grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants that are simply not available in the park itself.
Accommodations Within West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone remains home to several types of accommodations, ranging from campsites just outside Yellowstone National Park to luxury hotels that are fully stocked and highly modern. The number of options available helps travelers choose accommodations that suit their needs, including those within their budget.
You can find several different accommodations in West Yellowstone, including:
- Classic Chain Hotels that offer comfort and affordability.
- Rustic Cabins and Lodges, including offerings that are similar to the lodges found directly within Yellowstone National Park.
- Camping and RV Parks are just outside the west entrance of the park.
- Luxury Glamping with themed sites and western-inspired lodging.
Food and Dining in West Yellowstone
After a long day at Yellowstone National Park, having a great meal served to you is a great way to finish off a great day outdoors. Luckily, guests staying in West Yellowstone have access to full-service restaurants, pubs, and quick eats suitable for all different kinds of preferences.
You can expect the following dining options in town, including:
Smoked Meat and BBQ
Italian options that include plenty of pizza and pasta.
Classic pub grub including burgers, nachos, and fries.
Breakfast and other cafes serving up fresh coffee and locally inspired dishes.
Modern steakhouse that offers buffalo and bison, including beef or other wild game meats.
Quick bites, including Mexican eateries, but also casual diners.
Activities and Attractions In West Yellowstone
While many people flock to West Yellowstone simply to visit the nearby national park, the town itself offers plenty of activities and attractions. When you are tired of exploring Yellowstone National Park, consider stopping by the:
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center: This bear and wolf sanctuary is open all year long, welcoming guests and allowing them to view wildlife that would otherwise be unable to survive in their natural habitat. Visiting includes guided educational programs on bear safety, the chance to learn about their mission, along with tips on how everyone can better live alongside the natural wildlife around them. Suitable for families, this is a must-visit destination; don’t forget to view the river otter exhibit when you visit!
Stroll Downtown West Yellowstone: Small-town charm is on full display here, and the many shops that are available here are worth visiting. With how close it is to the West entrance to Yellowstone, this area remains incredibly tourist-friendly, where you can shop for unique souvenirs but also learn about the history of the town itself. Stroll the streets and enjoy the food, dining, and shopping experiences.
Take in a Show at the Playmill Theatre: This well-known theatre remains home to exceptional musicals and theater productions, offering incredible theater experiences suitable for the entire family. This theater is a local icon, where guests are offered an immersive theater experience that is a great way to relax after a long day exploring the great outdoors.
Outdoor Adventure Just Outside Yellowstone National Park: Aside from Yellowstone National Park, there are even more outdoor adventure opportunities just within a short distance from West Yellowstone. Consider exploring the trails of Gallatin National Forest via hiking or biking, but also explore world-class fishing opportunities at Madison and Firehole Rivers. The area is also great for exploring local ranches, taking part in horseback riding, and trail exploration. Consider partaking in some rafting or floating, but also explore winter sports, including skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
Simple Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park Via West Yellowstone
Keep in mind that many others choose to stay at West Yellowstone prior to visiting the park itself. Use these tips for visiting and ensure you have the best possible experience:
Get Out The Door Early: On the day you decide to visit Yellowstone National Park, make a point of heading out as early as possible. The west entrance to the park is known to be one of the busiest points of entry, and the later you arrive, the larger crowds and swarms of traffic you will experience. Visiting before 7 a.m. can help you avoid crowds, but also offer you the best opportunity to see wildlife when visiting.
Stock Up: Yellowstone maintains strict rules for bringing food into the park, but visitors traveling by vehicle can store their own food, locked away and covered up. Guests can store their own food, keeping it covered and the windows rolled up, helping them save money and stay hydrated during their visit. Consider visiting one of the many grocery stores in West Yellowstone before your visit.
Prepare for Time Offline: Yellowstone National Park maintains limited cell service, so you should have plans in place to help you enjoy the park without the use of your smartphone. Sometimes, purchasing maps or plotting out your itinerary before you leave West Yellowstone is a great way to ensure you never miss an important detail during your trip. Many shops and visitor centers can offer maps and other guides for a small price.
Expect Traffic: Yellowstone remains well-known for its, at times, heavy traffic coming in and out of the park. Traffic jams sometimes occur as a result of wildlife making their way onto the roads, including elk or bison. While these encounters are great chances to view wildlife, they can quickly disrupt your itinerary. Consider using a travel or tour company to facilitate ground transportation in and out of the park, and avoid the complications that can come from parking within Yellowstone National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions On Things To Do In West Yellowstone
Find answers to common questions when visiting West Yellowstone.
What is West Yellowstone known for?
West Yellowstone is known as a hub of outdoor adventure, where guests can visit Yellowstone National Park, enjoy hot springs, take on whitewater rafting, or explore hiking trails. This town is dedicated to helping tourists enjoy all that the great outdoors has to offer.
How far is the drive from West Yellowstone to Old Faithful?
The drive is about 32 miles or about one hour.
Is it better to stay in North or West Yellowstone?
West Yellowstone offers the most amenities, helping you properly plan for a trip into Yellowstone National Park. Further, it also offers the most options when it comes to food and accommodations.
Are there wolves in West Yellowstone?
Yes. Wolves remain present in both Yellowstone National Park and West Yellowstone.
Which is better, East or West Yellowstone?
West Yellowstone offers the most convenient access to Yellowstone National Park via the west entrance.
Is West Yellowstone a nice town?
Yes! West Yellowstone remains a perfectly nice town with modern offerings, including hotels, dining, grocery stores, and shopping. There are many things to do in the town itself, apart from its close proximity to Yellowstone National Park.
Is it better to stay in Gardiner or West Yellowstone?
West Yellowstone remains your best option.
Where do most people stay when visiting Yellowstone?
Many people choose West Yellowstone as their basecamp, traveling into the park when they please.
Is West Yellowstone walkable?
Yes. Downtown West Yellowstone is especially walkable, offering dining, nightlife, pubs, and shopping that is entirely walkable.
Are there grizzlies in West Yellowstone?
Yes. But many of the grizzlies are found in Yellowstone National Park, not in West Yellowstone.
Is there a shuttle from West Yellowstone to Old Faithful?
Yes! There are many travel companies that offer shuttle services to Yellowstone National Park, including straight to the Old Faithful geyser.
Have Caravan Lead The Way
Visiting a destination like West Yellowstone or the neighboring national park can come with a few challenges. Caravan, your trusted travel partner, offers private group travel options that include stops in both West Yellowstone and Yellowstone National Park. Never worry about the logistics or ground transportation, and instead, leave these details to trusted guides who have every detail pre-booked and pre-planned.
Private travel groups can help you avoid complications along your journey, allowing you and your family to relax and enjoy the scenery rather than focus on the many details.
Caravan offers fully-booked and all-inclusive travel offerings throughout America’s great Midwest, helping you take in the natural wonders with reduced risks and guided tours. Take advantage of a fully booked tour of Yellowstone Park that includes a full itinerary of some of the best attractions and activities in the area.
Ready to book?
Yellowstone remains one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States, attracting thousands of visitors each year for its incredible geothermal activity and stunning natural beauty. Private group travel offerings are intended to help support guests, offering valuable insight about the destination, while ensuring you gain valuable educational details along the way. Perfect for families, solo travelers, or couples, Caravan remains your top choice for exceptional private travel offerings around the globe.
Call us today at 1 (312)-321-9800or 1-800-CARAVAN and speak to a Caravan travel specialist to learn more. We expect an incredibly busy travel season ahead, so reach out to us today and book a vacation of a lifetime! Our agents are ready to answer any questions you may have regarding our Yellowstone tour and so much more.
Call us now and book for this upcoming travel season!