The Yellowstone House couldn’t be closer to the majority of the most popular regional activities
Fishing: the blue-ribbon Yellowstone River literally runs through our front yard, which puts some of the country’s best wild trout fishing just a few steps out the door. Also, the rafting, boating and wildlife viewing on this river is exceptional. Just down the road are the world-famous spring creeks (DePuy’s, Armstrong’s, and Nelson’s) and the streams in Yellowstone Park. Within striking distance are the Gallatin and Madison rivers, as well as the Boulder and lower Yellowstone all great trout fisheries. If you’re an avid fly fisher, the Yellowstone House is the place to be.
Hiking: if you like to lose yourself in the wilderness, be careful what you wish for the numerous trailheads not far from the Yellowstone House offer literally hundreds of miles of hiking trails so you can get as far “off the beaten path” as you like. That doesn’t include the trail system in Yellowstone Park, for even more options. The scenery is breathtaking, and the wildlife watching and photography opportunities are remarkable.
Rafting: combine the thrills of whitewater rafting through Yankee Jim Canyon of the Yellowstone, just minutes down the road, with all the terrific scenery of the river itself, and a rafting adventure makes for a perfect way to spend the day.
Horseback Riding: several outfitters in the area can take you on horseback up into the surrounding mountains for the day or for weeks on end. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in a Montana tradition, and also to see wildlife.
Yellowstone Park: what else can you say? It’s the nation’s oldest national park, and arguably the premier wildlife viewing destination in the country. Elk wander its lush meadows, bison roam the vast hillsides, and the opportunity to view grizzly bears and wolves in their native habitat is truly one-of-a-kind. Everyone needs to see Yellowstone Park at least once in their lives, and every season has its own appeal (not just summertime).
Lounging: One of our most treasured activities at Yellowstone House is just to grab a book and your ‘beverage of choice’ and just soak it all up from any one of the wraparound decks. Bald eagles, osprey, summer thunderstorms blowing up the valley, rafters floating by after all, this is what you come here for!
Towns: Livingston has all the charm of a classic western town, but with the added attractions of great shopping, art galleries, and some of the finer restaurants you’ll find anywhere and that includes any city. Not far is Bozeman, for even more shopping and dining options, and the tiny town of Emigrant has a general store that will cover all your basic and immediate needs.
Chico Hot Springs Lodge: after a long day out hiking or fishing, we’d recommend a visit to Chico Hot Springs Lodge, where you can enjoy a first-class meal and then a soak in its world-renown hot springs pool. If you have kids, you’re going to have a hard time keeping them out of this pool, guaranteed. It’s large enough to play in, but has a semi-separated warmer part more popular with relaxing adults. The Chico bar hosts good local live music for some fun night life, and the bar has a window out to the pool, if you’d rather relax with a drink out in the hot pool, and gaze up at the stars. It’s a “must-experience” place for the whole family. And even better, guests of the Yellowstone House get to soak for free!
