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Yellowstone Country’s small towns are its heart, but what truly sets them apart are those who call them home. These dedicated individuals protect, preserve and celebrate this remarkable place through their work and their passion. Their businesses are a reflection of their love for Montana — a way to share its beauty and character while showcasing the care and stewardship that keep this place special. Yellowstone Country is pretty darn phenomenal on its own, but it’s got soul because of these incredible people.
MICK BURLINGTON & DONALD ZANOFF:
A STONE’S THROW BED & BREAKFAST
KATY MARTIN:
FISHTAIL GENERAL STORE
CHIP HURT & JENNY ARR:
PINE CREEK LODGE
Shauna White Bear:
White Bear Moccasins
KARA TRIPP & LYNAE AXELSON:
DAMSEL FLY FISHING
Amy Beegel:
Easy Tours Yellowstone
BRAD & CYNDI EDWARD:
ELK RIVER OUTFITTERS
MacNeil Lyons:
Yellowstone Insight
In Livingston, Montana, Mick Burlington and Donald Zanoff create unforgettable stays at A Stone’s Throw Bed & Breakfast. Their warm hospitality extends beyond the cozy inn, offering guests personalized recommendations for exploring Livingston’s art, culture, history and outdoor recreation. From hiking and rafting to local galleries and hot springs, they ensure visitors leave feeling connected to the welcoming spirit of the town. “I hope they come away feeling that Montana is more than they expected,” says Mick. “Hopefully they resonate with the culture and the people here, and the community.
Katy Martin and her husband, Bill, retired to Fishtail, Montana, and stumbled upon their next great adventure — owning the state’s oldest continuously open general store. They’ve preserved the historic charm of the Fishtail General Store, offering locals and visitors a step back in time while stopping for lunch. Nestled at the base of the Beartooth Mountains, the store serves as a gathering place for the small community. While Fishtail’s population is only 60, Katy still doesn't feel the need to advertise their special spot. In her words, "I just hope that somebody walks in the door, and they always do."
In 2015, Chip and Jenny left Chicago for a shot at the Montana dream: buy a cabin in the woods, host live music in the backyard, add a fully-stocked beer garden, and don’t forget to smell the pine trees every day. Years later, they’ve done all that and more. Pine Creek Lodge sits in the heart of Paradise Valley and is a one-of-a-kind destination for 10,000+ music lovers every year. Visitors can reserve a campsite, or book their stay in a stylish shipping container cabin — all “spittin’ distance from the stage.” The venue regularly hosts big-name acts like John Mayor, Dave Chappelle, The Wood Brothers and Billy Strings — and always showcases local Montana talent.
In 2015, Chip and Jenny left Chicago for a shot at the Montana dream: buy a cabin in the woods, host live music in the backyard, add a fully-stocked beer garden, and don’t forget to smell the pine trees every day. Years later, they’ve done all that and more. Pine Creek Lodge sits in the heart of Paradise Valley and is a one-of-a-kind destination for 10,000+ music lovers every year. Visitors can reserve a campsite, or book their stay in a stylish shipping container cabin — all “spittin’ distance from the stage.” The venue regularly hosts big-name acts like John Mayor, Dave Chappelle, The Wood Brothers and Billy Strings — and always showcases local Montana talent.
Shauna White Bear's grandfather always insisted that her name was powerful, and he told her to "put that last name on something." So, she did. White Bear Moccasins began with a single pair of hunting moccasins Shauna made for her boyfriend. And while that initial pair can't compare to the artfully crafted moccasins she makes today, they were the catalyst for her business and lifelong passion. Building White Bear Moccasins has brought Shauna closer to her community in Bozeman, her natural surroundings, and her heritage as part of the Arikara Hidatsa Nation. Her goal as a business owner and native maker is to bring people together and to live her life with authentic passion.
Sisters Kara Tripp and Lynae Axelson are the proud owners of Damsel Fly Fishing, a women's fly-fishing accessory brand located in Belgrade, Montana. They’re also product designers, outdoor advocates and anglers. Born and raised in a Montana ranching community, they attribute their sense of adventure to their mother, and to their grandfather — a well-known angler of his time. After their mother’s passing, they decided to pursue their dream, because, in their words, "you only get one life to live, so you really have to seize the day." When they’re not designing products, you’ll find them exploring Montana’s waters or planning their next adventure.
Amy Beegel is a Yellowstone tour guide with a passion for snowmobiling and a knack for making people laugh. She was eager to explore the country from a young age, and that sense of adventure is still apparent to everyone around her. When she first came to Yellowstone in 1988, she soaked up all the information she could find about the area. Her guiding career began a little south of here in the Tetons, but Amy always knew she would find her way back to West Yellowstone. If you ask Amy why she works in tourism, she'll give you a straightforward answer: "People are so happy on vacation. I wanted to be where people were happy all the time.”
Brad and Cyndi Edward own Elk River Outfitters, a fifth-generation, family-owned business that offers a glimpse into the cowboy way of life and pays tribute to the Crow Tribe, as "Elk River" was the tribe’s name for the Yellowstone River. Brad shared the dream of owning a pack string with his grandfather, Bill Hayes, and that dream became a reality in 1994 when they began offering their first trail rides around Billings. They now have operations in Red Lodge, Billings, the Pryor Mountains and East Glacier Park. With their four sons helping out, the Edwards bring their love of horses and the land to life on every ride.
MacNeil Lyons, owner of Yellowstone Insight, offers private, personalized guided tours of Yellowstone National Park. Known for his individualized approach, Lyons delivers in-depth, educational and thought-provoking experiences that go far beyond a typical tour. “It’s not just a regular ‘see Yellowstone’ type of tour. You have a private guide, just for you,” Lyons says. His passion for the park and Montana shines through as he shares the park’s geological wonders, human history, American Indian history and abundant wildlife. His goal? To leave guests with a lifelong appreciation for the natural world and a deeper connection to Montana’s treasures.