Stroll through the charming downtown Red Lodge —visit gift shops, coffee roasters, outdoor gear companies, the Montana Candy Emporium, and more.
If visiting July through mid-September, check out the Red Lodge Farmers Market in Lions Park from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
If visiting in the winter with time to spare, take advantage of affordable family skiing at Red Lodge Mountain. The mountain really comes to life during Winter Carnival in early March, and includes costumes, cardboard races, a fireworks display, and live music.
Pollard Hotel—historic hotel pick.
The Yodeler Motel—a favorite alpine-style, locally owned motel. “Corporate free and groovy since 1969.”
Sweeping views of the Absaroka Beartooth Mountain Range on this famed scenic byway.
Top of the World Resort and Store.
Scenic pullouts, optional hikes to alpine lakes.
Camping opportunities.
Stop by Beds and Buns for cheddar bombs and milkshakes.
Explore Cooke City Montana Museum.
Stop by the visitor center for updates on Yellowstone National Park.
Lamar Valley—famous wildlife watching, including wolves, bears, bison, and moose.
Stop for a bite to eat or spend some time in the porch rocking chairs with a beverage at Roosevelt Lodge midway along the journey.
Historic Mammoth Hot Springs and Albright Visitor Center.
Mammoth Terraces.
Short family-friendly hikes along the way: Trout Lake, Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail, Lost Lake, Wraith Falls.
Roosevelt Arch photo op—original entrance to America's first national park.
Family owned and operated restaurants:
Tumbleweed Cafe or Yellowstone Grill—breakfast and lunch.
Corral—elk and bison burgers and huckleberry milkshakes.
Two Bit Saloon and Red's Blue Goose—local watering holes.
Wonderland café—breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a modern, rustic setting with plenty of local artwork on display.
Wildlife watching right in town—check out Arch Park or the high school football field for elk and bison herds or the field across from Park Street for deer and pronghorn antelope.
Shopping for wildlife photography, western ware, made-in-Montana products along Park Street.
Yellowstone National Park sign photo op.