Things to Do in Montana
48 curated spots from Montana itineraries
Activities & Attractions
28 curated experiences
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
Non‑profit wildlife facility where you can observe rescued grizzlies, wolves, and birds of prey in naturalistic forested enclosures and learn about Yellowstone ecosystems.
2h · $18-20 per person
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Follow the boardwalks around steaming, colorful limestone terraces that look like a mineral jungle, with elk often grazing on the lawns of historic Fort Yellowstone nearby.
2h · Free (included with park entry)
Norris Geyser Basin
Walk the boardwalks through one of Yellowstone’s hottest, steamiest geothermal areas.
1h 30m · Free
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Walk the boardwalk loop along the lake’s edge where hot pools and steaming vents sit right beside the forested shoreline and deep‑blue water.
1h 30m · Included with park entrance fee
Arrive in West Yellowstone & Forest Stroll
Check into your lodging, then take an easy walk from town into the nearby lodgepole pine forest on the Boundary Trail or similar paths along the park edge. The trees feel dense and wild, with birdsong and soft forest light—a gentle way to meet your ‘jungle wild’ surroundings.
1h 30m · Free
Firehole Lake Drive & Great Fountain Geyser Area
Take the short, one-way loop past colorful hot pools and steaming vents; stop at boardwalks where safe and watch the steam drift over the pine forest.
1h · Covered by park entry
Firehole River Drive & Firehole Canyon Pullout
Take the one‑way Firehole Canyon Drive to see the river cutting through steep, tree‑covered cliffs; stop at viewpoints to photograph the canyon and foaming water below.
1h 30m · Included with park entrance fee
Fountain Paint Pot & Firehole Lake Drive
Walk the short boardwalk loop at Fountain Paint Pot to see bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and small geysers surrounded by lodgepole pines and open, steamy flats. Then drive the one-way Firehole Lake Drive to see steaming pools and geysers set among meadows and trees.
2h · Free (park entry covered by pass)
Fountain Paint Pot and Firehole Lake Drive
Walk the short boardwalk at Fountain Paint Pot to see bubbling mud, steaming vents, and colorful pools, then drive the scenic Firehole Lake loop to pass geysers, hot pools, and forest-lined geothermal features.
1h 30m · Free with park entry
Gardiner Roosevelt Arch & Yellowstone River Walk
After leaving Mammoth, stop under the historic Roosevelt Arch at the park’s original stone entrance, then walk along the Yellowstone River near Gardiner where cottonwood trees line the banks and cliffs rise above.
1h 30m · Free
Geyser Hill and Old Faithful
Watch Old Faithful erupt, then follow the boardwalk loop for steaming vents, bright pools, and dense geothermal scenery.
2h 30m · Free
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
See Artist Point and nearby overlooks for the Lower Falls and the canyon’s dramatic yellow and rust walls.
2h · Free
Grand Prismatic Overlook
Take the short hike to the overlook for the best family-friendly view of the giant rainbow-colored spring.
1h 30m · Free
Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook
Take the short trail to the overlook for a sweeping photo of the spring’s color bands and surrounding steam.
1h 30m · Free
Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook (Fairy Falls Trail Segment)
Take the Fairy Falls trail spur to the Grand Prismatic Overlook (about 1.6 miles roundtrip) for elevated views of the vivid blue, orange, and green spring surrounded by forested hills.
1h 30m · Free with park entry
Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook (Fairy Falls Trailhead)
Walk the gentle 1.2-mile (round trip) trail from the Fairy Falls parking area to the overlook platform for elevated views over Grand Prismatic’s vivid colors.
1h 30m · Included with park entry
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces (Upper & Lower)
Drive 10–15 minutes from Gardiner to walk the boardwalks around steaming, white-and-gold travertine terraces; take it slow, choose a short loop, and enjoy the ‘other planet’ atmosphere.
2h · Park entry fee only
North Entrance Roosevelt Arch & Gardiner River
Drive under the historic Roosevelt Arch, then walk along the Gardiner River’s wooded banks to stretch your legs and adjust to the mountain environment.
1h · Free (park pass required if entering)
Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin
Watch Old Faithful erupt, then walk the boardwalks to see geysers, steam vents, and colorful pools.
2h 30m · Free
Riverside Trail (West Yellowstone)
Easy out-and-back forest and river walk starting at the edge of West Yellowstone, following the Madison River with views of pine forest and open meadows.
2h · Free
Roosevelt Arch & Gardiner River Area
Walk around the historic Roosevelt Arch, then stroll short paths by the Yellowstone River and Gardiner River for views of mountains and, often, elk wandering near town.
1h · Free
Sunrise in Hayden Valley
Drive south from Canyon before dawn and park at one of the pullouts as the mist lifts off the river and meadows. Scan with binoculars for bison herds, elk, and possibly bears or wolves moving through the grasslands framed by distant forests.
2h · Free (park entry covered by pass)
Tower Fall Overlook & Yellowstone River Canyon
Drive from Canyon to Tower-Roosevelt and walk the short path to the overlook for Tower Fall, set among cliffs and dense conifers. Look down into the river’s canyon, where the water snakes between steep wooded walls.
1h 30m · Free
West Thumb Geyser Basin & Yellowstone Lake Shoreline
Stroll the lakeside boardwalk around brilliantly colored pools and steaming vents that sit right beside the vast, cold waters of Yellowstone Lake, then walk down to the shore for a quiet moment together.
1h 30m · Free with park entry
West Yellowstone Evening Stroll & Visitor Center
Explore the compact, walkable grid of West Yellowstone, stop into the visitor center for exhibits, and browse rustic, wood-front shops before or after dinner.
1h · Free
West Yellowstone Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
Visit this non-profit facility to see grizzlies, wolves, and birds of prey up close and learn about their lives in the Yellowstone ecosystem. Exhibits explain how animals move through forests, meadows, and river corridors you’ll be exploring.
1h 30m · $18-20 per adult
West Yellowstone Riverside Trail
Easy, mostly flat trail starting from town that follows the Madison or a nearby river corridor (check local maps) through pine forest for a peaceful late-day walk close to your accommodation.
1h · Free
West Yellowstone Town Stroll & Visitor Center
Walk the small, pine-lined streets, stop into the visitor center for maps and Junior Ranger booklets, and let the kids pick a souvenir stuffed bison.
1h · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Book Peddler & Coffee Cafe
Bookstore-café with a rustic-cozy vibe and houseplants, good for a quick, simple morning. Halal-friendly options include vegetarian breakfast burritos (no meat, no alcohol), oatmeal, yogurt with fruit, pastries, and coffee/tea. Clarify no meat and no lard in any baked items you choose.
45m · $10-18 per person
Canyon Eatery (Canyon Village Fast-Casual)
Inside Canyon Village, this cafeteria-style spot usually offers customizable bowls, salads, and grab-and-go items; choose vegetarian or fish-based options, verify ingredients, and ask staff to prepare your dish with clean utensils and away from pork or non‑halal meat.
30m · $15-25 per person
Canyon Eatery (Canyon Village Food Court)
Casual, lodge-style food court surrounded by pines. Stick to vegetarian pizza (ask no pepperoni/sausage and confirm no pork-based lard), salads, fries, and any plainly prepared fish that can be cooked away from meat. Always ask about meat broths or bacon in soups and sides.
45m · $15-22 per person
Ernie's Bakery and Deli
Order egg breakfast plates, oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, and vegetarian pastries; these are the safest halal-compatible choices here.
45m · $12-22 per person
Ernie’s Bakery and Deli
Order the oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, and any clearly vegetarian breakfast sandwich; if needed, ask for a meat-free build on plain bread or bagel. Halal-safe options here are vegetarian breakfast items only.
45m · $12-20 per person
Ernie’s Bakery and Deli (Vegetarian Breakfast Sandwiches)
Order egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal, and pastries without bacon or sausage, plus coffee or tea; confirm no lard or gelatin in pastries if needed.
30m · $10-15 per person
Ernie’s Food & Deli
Pick up made-to-order vegetarian sandwiches, salads, and snacks; clearly specify no meat and avoid shared cold cuts by asking for fresh prep.
30m · $10-18 per person
Espresso West
Go for coffee, pastries, yogurt, fruit, and any vegetarian breakfast sandwich option; avoid meat fillings. Halal-safe options here are vegetarian breakfast items only.
35m · $10-18 per person
Espresso West & Picnic Pack
Small takeaway café where you can grab coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and simple pastries or bagels (confirm no lard or gelatin). Pair with fruit and snacks you’ve bought from a local grocery store for a car-friendly breakfast.
20m · $8-12 per person
Euro Café
Cozy café with a few outdoor tables, good for a simple start. For halal needs, stick to vegetarian items like omelets without meat, veggie breakfast burrito, oatmeal, fruit, and pastries, and avoid all pork/sausage and any meat-containing dishes.
45m · $15-25 per person
Euro Cafe West Yellowstone
Cozy café with wood-paneled interior and forest-town vibe; order vegetarian omelets, pancakes without meat, or a veggie breakfast sandwich and pair with coffee or tea. Confirm they cook your meal on a clean surface without pork or alcohol-based ingredients.
45m · $15-25 per person
Firehole Bar-B-Que Co. (Halal-Friendly Vegetarian Plates)
Small, rustic BBQ joint with wood walls and a casual vibe; order sides like mac and cheese, cornbread, coleslaw, beans (confirm no pork), and vegetarian salads, making it a meat‑free plate in a smoky, Western setting.
1h · $15-25 per person
Firehole BBQ Co. (Halal-Friendly Vegetarian Strategy)
Popular barbecue joint with a rustic wood interior. For halal needs, skip all meat and build a meal from vegetarian sides such as mac and cheese, cornbread, coleslaw, potato salad, green salad, and baked beans (verify no pork or bacon in beans); ask staff which sides are completely meat-free.
45m · $15-25 per person
Firehole BBQ Company
Popular BBQ joint with a rugged, timber-heavy interior. For halal, order only the smoked salmon plate or any clearly fish-only special, plus sides like coleslaw, fries, and cornbread; confirm no pork or lard is used in your selected items and ask them to use a clean cutting area for the fish.
45m · $18-25 per person
Gardiner Cowboy’s Lodge & Grill – Veggie & Fish Plates
Order grilled salmon or trout (no wine or beer sauces, ask for simple seasoning) with vegetables, or choose hearty vegetarian sides and salads; avoid all non-halal meats.
1h 15m · $25-35 per person
Gardiner Market (Picnic Lunch Supplies)
Grab sandwich ingredients (vegetarian or tuna), salads, hummus, crackers, fruit, nuts, and drinks to build a halal-friendly picnic; skip any pork or non-halal meat products.
30m · $12-18 per person
Gardiner Market & Yellowstone Pizza Company (Vegetarian Pies)
In Gardiner, grab essentials at Gardiner Market (fruits, bread, snacks) and then have vegetarian pizza at Yellowstone Pizza Company (ask for no meat, confirm no pork-based lard in crust, and no alcohol-based sauces). The restaurant has a casual, woodsy vibe with mountain views.
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Madison Crossing Lounge
Choose the vegetarian pasta, salads, soups, or ask for fish if available that day; confirm preparation is meat-free if needed. Halal-safe options here are vegetarian dishes and clearly fish-based choices.
1h 15m · $25-45 per person
Madison Crossing Lounge (Halal-Friendly Selections)
Cozy, wood-and-stone interior with a slightly wild, lodge feel. They do not serve pork and you can request vegetarian or pescatarian dishes prepared without alcohol or non-halal meat. Order: roasted vegetable pasta (ask no wine/no alcohol in sauce), seasonal salads, and any fish specials cooked simply with vegetables (confirm no wine or bacon in preparation).
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Mammoth Terrace Grill
Casual counter-service spot overlooking the historic Mammoth area. Opt for vegetarian burgers (ask to confirm patties are plant-based), salads, fries, and any fish sandwiches you can verify contain no pork or alcohol-based sauces; decline meat patties and bacon.
45m · $15-22 per person