5 Things Not To Miss in West Yellowstone

The Zipline Adventure Park

The brand new Zipline Adventure Park in West Yellowstone is a unique attraction filled with high flying surprises. Located right in West Yellowstone, the park is within walking distances of most hotels. It is open until dark so visiting after dinner or day in Yellowstone is quite possible. This is the most economical of all the zipline attractions near Yellowstone and unlike any other offers unlimited adventure. visit www.yellowstoneparkzipline.com for more info.

The Grizzly Wolf and Discovery Center

The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is an AZA accredited Not-for-Profit, wildlife park and educational facility. The Center offers every visitor to Yellowstone a chance to uniquely experience the world of grizzly bears and gray wolves. All the animals at the Center are unable to survive in the wild and serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. Located right in town, the center is open 8:30 to 8:30 in the summer and costs about ten dollars. Visit http://www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.com/ for more info.

Playmill Theater

After nearly fifty years of the "Finest in Family Entertainment," The Playmill Theatre continues the tradition with three popular hits this summer Les Miserables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The Playmill Theatre provides an experience like no other. The moment you arrive you will be greeted and shown to your seat by members of the Playmill Cast. They will personally get to know you and would love to get you any concessions (fudge), programs, or souvenirs, which you will need. As you walk to your seat you will be delighted to hear Playmill Players singing and entertaining on stage. Once the audience is seated, we begin the show with sing-along, and opening number, followed by an audience favorite-- the Playmill Variety show! The featured production will be announced and begin directly after the variety show. http://www.playmill.com/

West Yellowstone Rodeo

Get ready to rodeo! Not the largest rodeo around but this down home spectacle is a family favorite. The rodeo is in the evening so you can visit the park during the day and enjoy the rodeo after. For an added thrill you can even take a horseback ride before and end up at the rodeo. Check out http://www.yellowstonerodeo.com/ for rodeo times and dates.

Swimming in Yellowstone Park

Firehole Canyon Drive is a 2-mile, one-way side road off Yellowstone’s Grand Loop south of Madison Junction.  On the drive you will pass the Firehole River, Firehole Falls, and a natural swimming hole.  The swimming hole in Firehole Canyon is one of two swimming areas inside Yellowstone National Park.  The other area on the Boiling River has no facilities and is only open in late Fall through Winter because of water levels.

There is no parking lot at the Firehole Swimming Area, but there are several locations to park on the side of the road. You can use the changing rooms at the road to put your swimming suits on. Then access the rocky beach area by climbing down wooden stairs. The beach is roomy enough that you can sit and watch the swimmers if you don’t want to swim yourself.

Sorry – it’s not hot. The name “Firehole River” may lead you to believe that this is heated by hot springs, but the swimming area is a cool temperature similar to an unheated swimming pool. Those used to swimming in rivers and lakes will not see any difference in this water temperature.

There is no lifeguard on duty, but the beach is relatively calm and safe. Swim at your own risk. There are many small boulders and rocks in the river, making it fun to explore. To safely maneuver, some type of footwear made for water sports is recommended. Climbing on and jumping from the cliffs is illegal, unsafe and strictly prohibited.