Roadside Attractions You Won't Want to Miss!

Summer greetings!

As you’re making your way through Montana’s Yellowstone Country, we thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite roadside attractions. You know, those quirky haunts that are well worth a short detour or stop along the way. Funky public art, geological wonders, local history and iconic establishments — sure to pique your curiosity.

Happy travels!

 

Fordhenge, Edgar

Located at the edge of town, sixteen Ford trucks from the 1950s and 60s are fashioned into the roadside version of England’s famous attraction. While you’re there, we also suggest a stop at the Edgar Bar.

 

Top of the World Resort, Beartooth Pass

What started as a small store has now grown to include year-round lodging, kayak and snowmobile rentals, and access to some of the most beautiful country in the lower 48. Explore the Beartooth Mountains by day, and enjoy Cooke City, Silver Gate, or Red Lodge for dinner.

 

Bleu Horses, Three Forks

If you’re driving Hwy 287, around mile marker 10, look to the hillside, and you’ll see a herd of horses. Although they look real, these 39 horses were created by metal artist Jim Dolan as a gift to Montana. Designed with gears and pulleys, the sculptures move with the wind, and at a glance, can be easily mistaken for real horses.

Mark’s In and Out, Livingston

Opened in 1954, this original drive-in still serves its classic burgers, fries and shakes every summer. The beef is ground fresh daily by Diamond N Meats, and the shakes are made with Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream, which has been made in Livingston since 1914. The line may look long, but it’s worth the experience.

Charles Ringer Kinetic Sculpture, Joliet

One of the region’s well-loved artists, Charles Ringer, was a prolific sculptor, spending his life creating fascinating art installations from scavenged items he then turned into works of beauty. Although the artist passed away this year, you can still schedule a tour of his grounds and gallery.

 

Devil’s Slide, Paradise Valley

Located on Cinnabar Mountain near Gardiner, Devil’s Slide is an interesting rock formation with a striking streak of red running down the middle, formed from a Triassic shale layer exposed by erosion.

Madison Buffalo Jump State Park, Three Forks

For over 2,000 years, and ending as recently as 200 years ago, Madison Buffalo Jump was used by Native Americans to harvest bison for food, clothing and other provisions. “Runners” dressed in hides or furs lured the bison to stampede over the edge, allowing them to easily harvest them.

 

Lloyd’s Free Store, Reed Point

Not often do you find a store whose origin began at the local landfill, but that’s exactly how Lloyd’s Free Store started. Today, most everything in the store is free (with a few exceptions that aren’t up for grabs). The only rule is that you can’t leave empty-handed!

Fishtail General Store, Fishtail

It’s a beautiful drive to get to the Fishtail General Store, the oldest continually open general store in Montana. You’ll be impressed by the range of products, including many Montana-made items, and the baked goods are a must-try.

Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, Pryor Mountains

An estimated 200 wild horses call the Pryor Mountains home. These horses have a higher-than-average level of Spanish breeds (saddle horses) and were likely brought over from Spain or Portugal.

 

The Coffee Pot Bakery and Café, Four Corners

Blink, and you’ll miss it, and that is something you don’t want to do. This little log cabin has a loyal following for its breakfast, lunch and baked goods. You’ll also find a great selection of handmade Mountain Arts Pottery, so you can enjoy a bit of Montana in your own kitchen!

Bearcreek Downs Pig Races, Bearcreek

Yes, these are actual pig races, and yes, they are great fun. Every weekend, Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Bearcreek Saloon and Steakhouse hosts their nightly pig races outside. Enjoy dinner, libations and some wholesome Western entertainment.

 

Natural Bridge Falls, Boulder Valley

Although spring is the ideal time to see the falls at their peak flow (and it is impressive), it’s a lovely site for all ages and abilities with boardwalks, picnic tables and lovely views. The drive to the falls is also a treat, the Boulder River valley full of sprawling ranches and more deer than people!

 

Kircliff Observatory, Big Sky

Our newest attraction, Kircliff Observatory at the top of Lone Peak, is well worth a stop. The new tram takes you to a glass observation deck, with views of two national parks and three states!

New Atlas Bar, Columbus

This quirky old-time bar has a room at the front designed especially for the ladies, and walls lined with uncanny taxidermy. Legend has it the bar is haunted, so if you’re a ghost hunter, you won’t want to miss this one!