Cozy Season Must-Do’s

As the weather turns cooler, we’re creating our bucket list of cozy-season activities for the days when we want a gentler adventure. Montana’s Yellowstone Country is full of unique experiences both in and out of nature — an invitation to slow down and enjoy the simple things.

Unique Winter Adventures

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is an experience that remains with you long after. The excitement of the dogs doing what they love, the chance to learn to mush, and the beauty of gliding through a quiet winter wonderland is unmatched. There are three companies that offer dog sledding in the region; tours are offered in West Yellowstone, Big Sky and Paradise Valley.

Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures

Spirit of the North Dog Sled Adventures

Morrison Racing Kennels

Sleigh Rides

Sleigh Rides offer a nostalgic experience. Perfect for families of all ages, or a romantic evening for two, horse drawn carriages take you through mountains and forests, some offering a dinner option, such as the beloved Lone Mountain Ranch sleigh ride dinner where guests are greeted with a shot of honey moonshine then treated to a family-style meal of prime rib, slow roasted over a century-old railroad stove. You can find the companies offering sleigh rides here.

Relax in One of Our Hot Springs

Yellowstone Country is home to three hot springs: Bozeman Hot Springs, Yellowstone Hot Springs and Chico Hot Springs. All three are fabulous, and each offers a slightly different experience. Bozeman Hot Springs has twelve pools, indoor and outdoor, all with varying temperatures, including a cold plunge. Time it right, and you can listen to live music while you soak. In Paradise Valley, Yellowstone Hot Springs is located right outside of the North Entrance to the Park and has mineral-rich waters including silica, which helps soothe irritated or dry skin, so common here in this dry climate. And finally, Chico Hot Springs, a historic hotel and hot springs, offers incredible dining options, live music and a newly refurbished pool!

Tasty Local Beverages

Gourmet Hot Cocoa

Hot cocoa is its own category of deliciousness, but these four companies are taking this winter treat to a whole new level. Vienne, a bakery and wine bar in Bozeman features Valrhona dark drinking chocolate, a French gourmet chocolate line. La Chatelaine serves a French chocolat chaud, a rich, thick and velvety drink made with real melted dark chocolate and whole milk rather than cocoa powder. You can also purchase their fine chocolate online for making hot cocoa at home. Other companies selling chocolate online that is specially crafted for drinking chocolate include Front Porch Chocolates and Caldera Cacao.

Breweries, Distilleries, Meadery and Cider House

Locally made and often with locally sourced ingredients, Yellowstone Country has 18 breweries all with exceptional craft beers, sours, and some including hard seltzer and slushies. There are three distilleries offering craft cocktails in their tasting rooms, and a variety of liquors for sale by the bottle. We also have a local cider house, and even a meadery (a fermented alcohol made with honey, water and yeast).

Cultural Treasures

Explore Montana’s History

History buffs will love the variety and depth of our local museums. Museum of the Rockies, a Smithsonian affiliate, has one of the most significant collections of dinosaur fossils in North America. The American Computer and Robotics Museum traces the evolution of technology, while Livingston’s Depot Center, located in the historic train depot, traces Western history and the expansion of rail travel.

Enjoy Community Theater

Montana’s Yellowstone Country has a vibrant arts culture, including live theater performances by local theater companies. Actors and actresses of all ages participate in a variety of musicals, well-loved plays and even locally written screenplays. Grab your playbill and step into the stories.

Shane Lalani Center for the Arts

Blue Slipper Theatre

Verge Theater

Ellen Theatre

Warren Miller Performing Arts Center

Red Lodge Theater Company