Spring Getaway in Red Lodge, Montana!

Tucked up at the base of the Beartooth Mountains, Red Lodge is an ideal mountain getaway. Spring is lovely, and the vibe is decidedly local before summer starts. Locals welcome visitors with genuine Montana hospitality.

Spring storms can bring some big powder days in this neck of the woods. The conditions at Red Lodge Mountain are already excellent, with nearly two feet of snow piling up over the past week. We're big fans of spring skiing, with bluebird days and spectacular views topped off with live music and cold beer at the Bierstube.

If Nordic skiing is more your style, the Red Lodge Nordic Center has 15 km of trails that are typically groomed on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

 

Spring Events

This Saturday, the Throwback ThrowBIG Competition will take place at the Miami Beach Terrain Park. Skiers and riders of all ages are welcome to compete to see who can capture the biggest air. (It's also a fabulous spectator event for those who like to keep their skis and boards on the snow.)

This Sunday at Red Lodge Ales, the annual Monster Dog Pull will take place. Our furry friends will compete to see who can pull a weighted keg in the fastest time. (Don't worry; the dog's weight determines its keg size and weight.)

The festivities continue St. Patrick's Day with a parade and dinner at the Elks Club featuring live music by the Cellar Door Band and a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner.

There are three more Winter Wildlife Camps at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. Each Saturday, kids are invited to explore hands-on activities and outdoor adventures with new themes each week focused on winter wildlife.

 

History and Culture

Red Lodge has a colorful history, with Buffalo Bill Cody and Calamity Jane staying at The Pollard Hotel. In 1897, guests at the Pollard also witnessed The Sundance Kid rob the Red Lodge Bank. The hotel lobby has more interesting information and relics from the past.

Learn more about Red Lodge's history at the Carbon County Historical Society and Museum or attend Gravel and Grit—Music at the Museum on Friday, March 28.  

Carbon County Arts Guild and Depot Gallery offers rotating exhibits and summer events. They are also accepting applications for a summer Artist in Residence program, an incredible opportunity to connect artists with our wild lands and provide uninterrupted time to work on their craft.

Speaking of opportunities, the Red Lodge Clay Center offers a Spring Workshop with Lauren Mabry & Kyle Johns, open to the public on April 26-27.

Shopping

Of course, a trip to Red Lodge isn't complete without a stop at the Montana Candy Emporium, with its nostalgic mix of old-time candies and handmade favorites. But that isn't the only unique shopping in town. Babcock and Miles have an excellent selection of coffee, wine, craft beer, and charcuterie makings.

Kevin Red Star Gallery showcases the work of Crow artist Kevin Red Star, who uses brilliant colors and light to depict his Native culture. Other interesting stops include Beartooth Books, Southern Dish (kitchen and home goods), Back Alley Metals (custom metalwork), and The Cigar Lane, for those who enjoy a good cigar at the end of the day.

 

Dining

One of our favorite things about getaways is trying new restaurants. One-legged Magpie is a fabulous choice for local food, craft cocktails, and SoberBird, their zero-proof cocktail program and curated non-alcoholic collection of beverages.

Piccola Cucina Ox Pasture is an authentic Italian restaurant by Chef Philip Guardione, who learned his craft from his Sicilian grandmother. Ox Pasture is one of three restaurants with locations in New York City and Ibiza, Spain.

Other fantastic choices include Black Canyon Bistro (where Montana meets Mediterranean), The Wild Table (also offering cooking classes and private catering), Café Regis (their stellar breakfasts are served all day)  Carbon County Steakhouse (a classic steakhouse with great food, fine wine and stiff cocktails) and Red Lodge Pizza Co. (a family favorite!)

Summer Fun

If you can't make it this spring, the Beartooth Highway opens May 23 (weather depending), and summer has its own lineup of events like the Montana Renaissance Festival, Red Lodge Music Festival, Livingston Songwriters Festival, and of course the Home of Champions Rodeo, PRCA Xtreme Bulls, and the Fourth of July Parades! You'll find a slew of art walks, fun runs, and other community events at Red Lodge, Montana.

For additional trip-planning ideas, go to visitredlodge.com.