Summer Bucket List in Montana's Yellowstone Country

 



We have an ongoing quandary in our house: so many fun summer excursions, and not enough weekends to fit them all in! Montana’s Yellowstone Country is bursting with family-friendly activities, and with a little planning, you can add some fun local experiences to your summer bucket list.

 

Cowboy Up and Watch a Rodeo

Pack your boots, there are eighteen different rodeos in the region, meaning you can find one most weeks. Some of the larger ones, like the Red Lodge Home of Champions and the Livingston Roundup Rodeo, sell out quickly, so if you plan to attend, get your tickets now! Others, such as the West Yellowstone Rodeo, Valley View Rodeo and Lone Mountain Ranch Rodeo, offer multiple competitions throughout the summer. You can find a full list of regional rodeos here.

 

Explore Local Foods

Agriculture is a major part of our region, and small farmers and ranchers are doing an amazing job of supporting our local food system. We have a dozen farmers markets, an easy way to get fresh foods, but we also have opportunities to explore some of our local ranches. You can find a complete list of farms, local food providers, and other agritourism opportunities at Abundant Montana.

 

Music Under Montana’s Big Skies

Live music hits differently when it's set against a backdrop of mountains. Musicians are drawn to our area, also inspired by the landscape, affording us an extraordinary live music scene. Free summer concert series, festivals, fairs and year-round venues host music of all genres. From large-scale shows to intimate gatherings, if you’re a music lover, you’re in the right place.

 

Summer Floats

When summer heat is at its peak, getting out on the water is a favorite way to cool down. In Livingston, three companies offer scenic boat rides on the Yellowstone River. Montana Whitewater has a shuttle service and float tube rentals for the Madison River, or you can enjoy mellow whitewater rafting trips on the Gallatin and Yellowstone Rivers.

Take the Road Less Traveled

Scenic drives are among the region's highlights. The Beartooth Highway may be the most iconic, but everywhere you go, you’ll find majestic views, quaint downtowns and a friendly welcome from local business owners. We’ve got six ideas for you, and we encourage leisurely stops along the way.

 

Ride the Tram in Big Sky

Not a skier? Not a problem. The Lone Peak Tram is now open for summer tram rides to the top of Lone Mountain (11,167 feet). On a clear day, you can see into two national parks and three states — when we say big sky, we mean big.

 

Enjoy the Local Fair

Many of our smaller towns still host thriving local fairs, complete with 4-H animals and competitions. The largest, the Big Sky Country State Fair, is held in Bozeman each July and includes concerts, a carnival, a food court, motorsports, ranch rodeos and a biergarten.

 

Art Walks

The arts and culture communities here in Yellowstone Country are robust, and art walks are a great way to see the latest work by local artists. Red Lodge, Livingston and Bozeman all host monthly events throughout the summer, or you can peruse the galleries and art centers at your own pace.

Enjoy a Local Brew with a View

And of course, it’s patio season. Whether it’s enjoying a cold brew after a long hike or gathering with family and friends for a meal, dining al fresco is a lovely way to wrap up the day.

Still looking for more adventure? Check out our events page.