Three Forks to West Yellowstone
Day 1
THREE FORKS
Wake up after a restful overnight stay at the historic Sacajawea Hotel in Three Forks, so named because the Gallatin, Jefferson and Madison rivers converge nearby to form the Missouri River. Kick off the day with breakfast at Iron Horse Cafe & Pie Shop, Three Forks Cafe or the Shoppe Pastry & Coffeehouse—all are delicious options. Next, learn about the history and culture of
Missouri River headwaters communities at the Headwaters Heritage Museum (open June through September and the first weekend in December) before making your way to Missouri Headwaters State Park to see the confluence of the rivers, a view that Lewis and Clark saw in 1805. Interpretive displays in the park share some of the area’s cultural and natural history. When you’re ready for lunch, head back toward Three Forks to grab a bite and a brew at local favorite Bridger Brewing.
BUFFALO, TROUT AND POTATOES: AN AFTERNOON MENU OF MONTANA EXPERIENCES
Satiated, embark on the afternoon’s activities, starting with Madison Buffalo Jump State Park, southeast of Three Forks. This state park encompasses a high limestone cliff integral to a hunting method used by indigenous peoples in which herds of buffalo were stampeded over the edge and the remains at the base were gathered for food or used to make clothing, shelter and other provisions. The main geographical features of a jump site—as well as other evidence like buffalo bones at the foot of the cliff and teepee rings—can be found at the park, along with interpretive signage. From Madison Buffalo Jump State Park, make your way east to Montana’s own Manhattan, the potato capital of the state. In mid-August, the town celebrates the crop with the Manhattan Potato Festival, which features a parade, activities for kids, live music, and food and craft vendors. From downtown, head north on either Nixon Gulch Road or Yadon Road to access the Gallatin River, a blue-ribbon trout fishery. It’s an excellent place to cast a line and spend an afternoon. No worries if fishing’s not your thing—rafting, horseback riding and hiking are popular activities in this area, too.
BBQ AND A BELGRADE OVERNIGHT
When the dinner hour rolls around, head back through Manhattan—and if it’s a summer Wednesday, stop by the Manhattan Farmers Market—before turning west. Your destination is the town of Willow Creek—and the mouthwatering ribs at Willow Creek Cafe & Saloon that have been called the best on this side of the Mississippi (you’ll want to make a reservation as it can be busy). After your meal, make your way to Belgrade. Enjoy a nightcap at the Mint Cafe & Bar before turning in for the night with a stay at the Outpost Montana—a micro hotel in a historic building on Main Street—or the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
Day 2
BREAKFAST + HOT SPRINGS = AN EASY MORNING
Ease into the day with breakfast in Belgrade at Cafe Havana, the Buzz Coffee Bar or Rise and Shine Cafe. Then heed the call of the hot springs—Bozeman Hot Springs to be exact. This natural hot spring due south of Belgrade features 12 pools—both indoor and outdoor—that range from 59 to 106 degrees. Whether you choose to enjoy a relaxing soak or an invigorating swim, it’s a true Montana experience either way.
GALLATIN GATEWAY GALLIVANTING
Post-spring, head south to Gallatin Gateway, a friendly mountain town halfway between Bozeman and Big Sky. Enjoy lunch at the Corral Bar & Steakhouse before an afternoon of recreation in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Try a rafting, tubing, fishing or ziplining trip with Montana Whitewater Rafting and Zipline Tours, or explore on your own: The Lava Lake Trail and Garnet Mountain Trail are two popular day hikes in the area.
HISTORIC STAY IN GALLATIN GATEWAY
Back in town, sit down for a hearty meal and a warm Montana welcome at Stacey’s Old Faithful Bar and Steakhouse. Stacey Crosby—who bought the 26-year-old Old Faithful Bar in 1963 and whose daughter has run the place since 2005—was a rodeo lover and supporter, and many of the photos on the walls depict friends and patrons who participated in Montana State University–Bozeman rodeos. Overnight at the historic 320 Guest Ranch.
Day 3
BIG SKY MORNING
Rise and shine and head 30 miles south to Big Sky, the renowned mountain resort town at the foot of 11,166-foot Lone Mountain. Get a good breakfast at Cafe 191—”The Big Sky Breakfast Place”—before spending the morning outside: Golf, fishing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and hiking (the 1.6-mile Ousel Falls hike is a popular one) are all readily accessible.
HEBGEN AND QUAKE LAKES
Grab lunch at Big Sky’s Blue Moon Bakery—the menu features gourmet pizzas on homemade crust, salads and hot and cold sandwiches—then hit the road to Hebgen and Earthquake lakes. Hebgen Lake is a man-made lake created by an earth-fill dam; it’s been called the premier stillwater fishing lake in Montana. The neighboring Earthquake Lake—or Quake Lake, as it’s more locally known—formed in 1959, when a 7.3-magnitude earthquake caused a massive landslide that stopped the flow of the Madison River; a Forest Service-run visitor center provides visitors with interpretive services about the earthquake and the lake. The lakes are a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Along with fishing, stand-up paddleboarding and boating of all kinds are popular attractions here. Cap off your lake time with a happy hour beverage and snack at the appropriately named Happy Hour Bar on the shore of Hebgen Lake.
WIND DOWN IN WEST YELLOWSTONE
From Hebgen Lake, it’s about a 25-minute drive to reach picturesque West Yellowstone. This charming Yellowstone National Park gateway community is primed for visitors, which means lots of great dinner and lodging options. For your crave-worthy evening meal, you can’t go wrong with Madison Crossing Lounge, Beartooth Barbecue or Las Palmitas, a taqueria housed in an old school bus. Stay comfortably at 1872 Inn, Brandin’ Iron Inn, Elkhorn Cabins & Inn, Best Western Desert Inn or Bar N Ranch, which offers the Under Canvas Yellowstone glamping experience in summer. Whichever you choose, be sure to get a great night’s sleep before continuing your adventures in Yellowstone National Park in the morning.
