10 Things to do Outside of Yellowstone National Park

Horseback Riding in Montana's Yellowstone Country

While it’s no secret that Yellowstone is incredible, you may not know how much there is outside of the park. The charming towns, cultural treasures and endless outdoor recreation are well worth your vacation time. We’ve compiled a list of ten ideas to get you started on your trip planning, but we suspect you’ll need to visit more than once to fit it all in!

1. Horseback Riding


If you live in a city and grew up wishing for a pony, horseback riding in Yellowstone Country is the experience for you! Horses can take you to scenery you may not be able to see on foot, and the experience of riding itself is something to write home about. (Don’t worry, you’ll be given instruction, a helmet and a real cowboy to lead the ride.)

Whitewater Rafting in Yellowstone Country Montana near Yellowstone National Park

2. Whitewater Rafting


The first time you experience whitewater rafting, you’ll understand why it’s so popular. It’s the perfect combination of serene scenery and exhilarating rapids. On a hot summer day, getting splashed with cool river water is just about perfection. Plus, everyone in the boat participates; this definitely isn’t a spectator sport!

3. Explore Local Art


It’s no surprise that Yellowstone Country is home to talented painters, ceramicists, writers, jewelry makers and musicians; living in such a beautiful area is inspiration in and of itself. Galleries are abundant and many of the feature local artists. Watch for art walks and local festivals. And if you’re looking to explore your own creativity, ask about classes and workshops.

Zip lining in Yellowstone Country near Yellowstone National Park

4. Zip Lining


For a serious thrill, try zip-lining. Believe it or not, this adventure is loved by people of all ages. Poised high above the ground, safely strapped in, you’ll cruise through courses that will give you more than a few shots of adrenaline. Try one of the four lines at Big Sky Resort, which are tailored to various ages and abilities. Yellowstone Zipline has locations in Gardiner and Gallatin Canyon. Or check out Geyser Whitewater Exhibitions or Yellowstone Aerial Adventures in West Yellowstone.

 

5. Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals


Stand up paddle boards are the perfect way to get out on the water without a lot of fuss. There are lakes of all sizes around Yellowstone Country. Explore small lakes such as East Rosebud, or larger lakes like Hebgen Lake or Hyalite Reservoir. You can rent boards in most towns, but it’s a good idea to reserve yours ahead of time if you know when you are visiting.

Yellowstone Country Montana has plenty of rodeos throughout the summer

6. Rodeos


There’s nothing more western than a rodeo, and the sport is alive and well in Yellowstone Country. Some rodeos take place around local fairs, while others happen at specific times of the year (think: the Fourth of July).


7. Brewery Tours


Craft beer is much more than a novelty in Yellowstone Country—we take our brews seriously. Breweries are continuously popping up, and if you can’t make it to each of them, their brews can be found in restaurants and bars across the region. All this means you can enjoy a Red Lodge Ale while dining in West Yellowstone!

Check out the Montana Brewers Association Trail Map, for all the latest additions!

 

Prairie Dog in Yellowstone Country Montana

8. Visit a State Park


State Parks are some of Yellowstone Country’s best kept secrets. Known for excellent walleye and rainbow trout fishing, boating, water-skiing and scenic mountain views, Cooney Reservoir is the perfect choice for fishing and water recreation lovers!

Greycliff Prairie Dog Town is one of the more unique parks with opportunities to learn about the fascinating social systems of prairie dogs. Madison Buffalo Jump is the location of one of the state’s largest buffalo jumps, where Native Americans once ran buffalo over the edge of a cliff to harvest them for food, shelter and provisions. Or visit Missouri Headwaters State Park where the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers form the Missouri River. This was also a campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

9. Find Local Foods


Enjoying local food is half the fun of vacation. Yellowstone Country is full of locally raised meat, fresh produce, cheese and eggs. Most areas have one (if not two) farmers’markets. (Hint: These markets sell more than just fresh food. Generally there is a combination of Montana made products, music, food trucks and family-friendly activities.) Many restaurants throughout the region make a serious effort to buy locally, and some even grow their own veggies and herbs. It doesn’t get much fresher than that!

10. Scout out Photo Opps


Each moment spent in Yellowstone Country is both a treasure and an adventure. You'll find large vistas, stunning backdrops, and quirky little nooks and crannies to document your memories in Montana's Yellowstone Country!