Things To Do in West Yellowstone

Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center

Watch grizzlies engage in an array of activities in their spectacular bear habitat at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. The bears enjoy playing in a cascading waterfall, fishing in their very own rainbow trout stocked ponds and interact in an environment that offers ever-changing enrichment opportunities.

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Museum of the Yellowstone

Explore the heritage of travel to the Yellowstone at the Museum of the Yellowstone. The Museum of the Yellowstone tells the story of travel to and through Yellowstone National Park, and the Park’s influence on West Yellowstone and the Hebgen Lake Basin. The Museum is managed by the Yellowstone Historic Center, a non-profit located in West Yellowstone.

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Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo

Lillian Rodeo Company is proud to present the Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo. Starting the summer of 1999, it has out grown the town of West Yellowstone. The rodeo events it features is Bareback Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, Team Roping, Breakaway Roping, Jr. Steer Riding and Saddle Bronc Riding. 

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Horseback Riding

Get a taste of the old west and discover West Yellowstone in style with a day or afternoon on horseback with any number of excellent ranch outfits nearby! Explore the Gallatin National Forest, high mountain meadows or the top of 10,000′ peaks. See the Sunken Forest and a wildlife like elk, deer, bears, eagles, coyotes, and wolves all from horseback. Rides generally begin and end at the ranch and the staff will help you get situated and comfortable on your horse. 


 

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4th of July

My esteemed countrymen, I would be remiss not to include the splendid West Gate Hotel among the exemplary lodges from which you can immerse yourselves in the full splendor of West Yellowstone's Fourth of July celebrations. Much like its brethren, the ClubHouse Inn and Kelly Inn, the West Gate Hotel offers unparalleled convenience that allows you to revel in the patriotic pageantry while basking in utmost comfort.

But this town's prime location offers more than just accessibility to its festive Independence Day observances. Lest we forget, West Yellowstone stands as the gateway to one of our nation's most cherished natural wonders - Yellowstone National Park, the first and oldest of America's national parks.

Can you imagine a more fitting locale to commemorate our hard-won liberties than amidst the awe-inspiring vistas, prismatic hot springs, and majestic wildlife that abound in this vast wilderness expanse? As you explore Yellowstone's trails and geysers, let the sublimity of its unspoiled landscapes imbue you with a profound appreciation for the freedoms we celebrate.

The ClubHouse Inn, Kelly Inn, and West Gate Hotel do not merely provide respite from your adventures – they serve as elegant gateways to this natural sanctuary. After immersing yourselves in Yellowstone's grandeur by day, you can return to these exceptional lodgings and seamlessly transition into the evening's patriotic festivities without ever leaving West Yellowstone's charming environs.

From the vantage point of your accommodations, gaze out upon the wilderness panorama as the night's dazzling fireworks display unfurls across the starry skies. Let this juxtaposition of nature's timeless masterpieces and man's celebratory artistry etch itself into your memories – a uniquely American experience that pays homage to both our independence and our bountiful landscapes.

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Whitewater Rafting

Explore Yellowstone from  a raft with an experienced guide on the Gallatin, Yellowstone or Madison river. These rivers are thought to be the most beautiful and pristine waters in the lower 48 states, and throughout the season they showcase everything from technical class IV rapids, to scenic relaxing class I rapids appropriate for the whole family. 

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Cross country Skiing in West Yellowstone

Cross country skiing abounds in West Yellowstone, drawing Nordic ski enthusiasts from all over the world. Participate in one of the many festivals or just get out by yourself to enjoy the peace and quiet of the trails. Within walking (or gliding) distance to both Rendezvous Ski Trails and Yellowstone National Park Nordic ski trails, and driving distance of Harriman State Park, the Kelly Inn West Yellowstone, is a great home base for Nordic ski expeditions. 

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Snow Coach Tours in Yellowstone

Ride a snowcoach in Yellowstone National Park to see the park covered in a blanket of white snow! Most roads in the park close in early November, but re-open to "oversnow" adventures when there's enough snow on the ground. 

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Snowmobile West Yellowstone

Explore hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails across Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming from a base camp at the Kelly Inn West Yellowstone. With a wide range of trails like steady beginner cruises up to steep and deep powder for the experienced riders there's something for everyone in the region. 

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Earthquake Lake Visitor Center

Learn a bit of local history at the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center which gives visitors a panoramic view of the mountain that fell and the lake that was formed in a 1959 earthquake. 
 

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Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre

Located just blocks from the Kelly Inn West Yellowstone, the Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre is a “must see” on your travel itinerary.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do in West Yellowstone besides visiting the park?
Plenty, and much of it is steps from the Kelly Inn. Visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center directly across the street, explore the Museum of the Yellowstone, catch the Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo in summer, or head out for horseback riding, whitewater rafting on the Gallatin, Yellowstone, or Madison rivers, and fly fishing.
Is the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center worth visiting?
Yes. It's one of the most visited attractions in West Yellowstone, and it's directly across the street from the Kelly Inn. Watch resident grizzlies play, and see the wolf packs up close. It's a reliable way to see bears and wolves safely, whatever the park delivers that day.
What winter activities are available from the Kelly Inn?
West Yellowstone is a world-class winter base camp, and reviewers describe the Kelly Inn as built for it: hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails span Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming; guided snowcoach and snowmobile tours run into Yellowstone itself; the renowned Rendezvous Ski Trails, with more than 35K of Nordic skiing, are within walking distance; and you come back to the hot tub and the lobby's daily soup and cookies.
Can I take a snowcoach tour to Old Faithful from the Kelly Inn?
Yes. Several experienced local operators offer snowcoach tours into Yellowstone and will pick you up and drop you off at our front door. Have breakfast with us, leave your car safely in our lot, and ride into the winter park. You can even stay overnight in the park and pick up your car the next day at no charge.
Do I need a guide to snowmobile in Yellowstone?
Inside the park, yes. The roads from the West Entrance close to wheeled traffic in early November and reopen for guided oversnow travel only, typically mid-December through mid-March. Outside the park, hundreds of miles of groomed trails in the Gallatin and Targhee national forests are open to independent riders. Local outfitters offer both rentals and guided park tours, and book up fast around holidays.
Where can I go cross-country skiing near the Kelly Inn?
The famous Rendezvous Ski Trails (more than 35K through lodgepole pine and meadows) are within walking distance, and the park's Riverside Ski Trail, nearly 10K along the Madison River, starts on the east side of town. Harriman State Park in Island Park, Idaho is a 26-mile drive for even more groomed terrain.
Where can I go horseback riding near West Yellowstone?
Several excellent ranch outfits nearby offer day and afternoon rides through the Gallatin National Forest, high mountain meadows, and up toward 10,000-foot peaks, with chances to see elk, deer, eagles, and more from the saddle. Rides begin and end at the ranch, and our front desk can help you choose and book one.