The North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park established in 1872, is a scenic 40-minute drive south. There are far too many activities to list, but here are a few of our easiest day-trip favorites:

Gardiner, Montana – located at the North Entrance and offers many gift shops and restaurants.

Boiling River soak – just inside the North Entrance, the warm waters of the Boiling River mix with the cold water of Gardner River for a perfect spot to soak and swim.

Mammoth Hot Springs – five miles south of the North Entrance, these rock terraces were formed by rock fractures, heat and water and are unique formations of orange, pink and green caused by living organisms in the water

Steamboat Geyser – another 20 miles down the road from Mammoth, you’ll find the world’s tallest active geyser, shooting to over 300 feet during major eruptions.

Old Faithful Geyser – drive another 30 miles from Steamboat to reach this iconic geyser, which erupts every hour or two and shoots up to 180 feet.

Rubber Ducky River Rentals has been serving the boating community since 1998. They have evolved from a small raft rental shop to one of the largest river liveries in the state. They offer rentals, guided trips, instruction, advice, boat repairs, and inflatable boat and equipment sales.

406-222-3746

Paradise Valley is noted by National Geographic as the “apex of the sport for the true trout bum.”

Pine Creek Lodge is near access to the most celebrated and diverse trout waters in America, including Armstrong, Nelson's and DePuy spring creeks and the Yellowstone River.

Owners of the creeks recommend guides and reservations, and you’ll need a Montana fishing license.

Pine Creek Falls, just two miles from Pine Creek Lodge,  is a beautiful place to visit, on a well-maintained trail.

For the adventurers - after reaching the top of Pine Creek Falls, keep going for a 3,000 foot 4-mile climb to Pine Creek Lake, a 32-acre lake fed by a cascading plunge. This is an all-day hike or an overnighter.

There are another 10+ other local trailheads located nearby, as is Allenspur, with 40+ rock climbing routes.

Southwest Montana alone offers over 16 different people-friendly hot springs. Here are a few within driving distance of Pine Creek Lodge.

Chico – two outdoor pools filled from local hot springs, in a historic resort located at the base of the Absaroka Mountains. 12 minutes.

Bozeman – nine indoor pools filled from local hot springs in an upscale health & fitness facility. 40 minutes.

Norris – outdoor hot springs offering a more rustic experience, often accompanied by live music. 1 hour 20 minutes.

Happy Hour(s)

Neptune’s Brewery – One of Montana’s finest microbreweries, also featuring a full, eclectic menu and serving Pine Creek Pale Ale, named after the Pine Creek Lodge

Katabatic Brewery – Microbrewery with good selection of “Rugged, yet refined” options

Gourmet Cellar – Fine wines, cheese and charcuterie

Open Late

The Murray Bar – Casual, bar food, live music

The Owl Lounge – Cozy, great martinis

The Mint – Casual, bar food, live music

Whiskey Creek Saloon – Gaming, slot machines, live music

Buckhorn Theatre – Live honky tonk, country

Livingston Art Walk – Stroll through Livingston’s 12+ galleries, every 3rd Friday during the summer

Parks Reece Gallery – Fine digital prints and original limited edition lithographs

Shane Lanai Center for the Arts – Theatrical productions and film screenings

Garre Fine Art – Untamed interpretations of the American West

Hrasky Fine Art – Landscape, music and figure studies in watercolor and oil

Mordam Art – Representational art, romantic landscapes

Livingston Center for Art & Culture – Scheduled exhibits

Empire Twin Theatres – Showing new releases

Many options, all just a 15 minute drive or less.

Dinner

2nd Street Bistro – (Anthony Bourdain’s favorite) Casual fine dining, specialty wines and cocktails

Yellowstone Valley Grill (Paradise Valley) - casual fine dining, modern American and sushi

Follow Yer' Nose BBQ (Emigrant) - Top notch BBQ with both in- and outdoor seating

Montana's Rib & Chop House – Steakhouse, casual setting

Rosa’s – Homemade pizza

Lunch

Pickle Barrel – Simple sandwiches and soups

Fry House – Food truck with fried fish and po’boys of all types (seasonal)

Mark’s In & Out – Classic drive-in, burgers & fries  (seasonal)

Breakfast

Wildflour Bakery (Emigrant) - Superior baked goods and other breakfast fare

Pinky’s – Diner fare

Gil’s Goods – Wide variety of both typical and unique breakfast items; also serving lunch and wood-fired pizzas

Northern Pacific Beanery – Serving full breakfast and brunch in the old railroad station