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.

Off the beaten path family activities near West Yellowstone and Big Sky , Montana...

We're all about the lesser known areas of the place we call home. Those types of places locals take the family for a Sunday drive. There is no reason you can't check them out either on your Yellowstone Vacation, often times way more fun for kids than Yellowstone itself!

Lewis and Clark Caverns

To this day I remember fondly of the trip I took here with my then 4 year old daughter. She loved it of course and whether or not you have been in caverns before it's a great place. About 2 hours from both Big Sky and West Yellowstone. It takes a couple of hours so prepare the younger ones appropriately.

Here is what the Montana Travel site says:
"Lewis and Clark State Park is Montana's first and best-known state park featuring one of the most decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest. Naturally air conditioned, these spectacular caves lined with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helictites are electrically lighted and safe to visit. Above ground, a self-guided nature trail provides opportunities to understand the natural surroundings.

Also available is 10 miles of hiking trails, 40-space campground, 3 camping cabins, tipi, picnic sites, firewood, flush and vault toilets, showers, group use area, RV dump station, grills/fire rings, picnic tables, trash cans, drinking water, and a food/beverage and gift concession. Pets are allowed if on a leash and under control.

The cabins are disabled accessible and sleep 4 comfortably (maximum occupancy is 6 people) - double bed, set of bunk beds and room for a cot. Plumbing, kitchen facilities, bedding and linens are not provided. Please bring your own sleeping bag or bedding, towels, cook stove, etc. There are electric lights and plug-ins - you may bring your own coffee maker. A table and 4 chairs are provided and a picnic table and fire ring are located outside each cabin. Shower facilities are located nearby.

The park is open year around, but guided tours are conducted daily only between May 1 and September 30. The park has two visitor centers, interpretive displays and evening programs presented during the summer months. The site encompasses 3,000 acres at an elevation of 4,300 and 5,600 feet. Golf course and museums are located nearby in Three Forks and Whitehall.

Campground and cabin reservation toll free: 855-922-6768

You will be spellbound by the Caribbean blue waters of the North Shore of Cliff Lake. Bring your swim suits! About an hour from West Yellowstone, the lakes are a rare sight and offer a great place for a 1/2 day of family fun and picnicing. Locals love this place so expect some crowds on the weekends but during the week it's perfect. Fishing can be good and boat rentals are available. If you do rent boats you will need to travel to the North end of the lake to see the blue waters or take the road to the campground and play around there. Bring snacks and drinks...

From visitmt.com
"Cliff and Wade Lakes sit on a geologic fault that formed a chasm that filled with water; cliffs surround much of the lakes' shorelines. Cliff Lake is the larger and somewhat more isolated of the two. Wade Lake is more easily accessible and receives more use; it's spring-fed and stays partly ice-free in the winter. Both lakes support many nesting raptors. Look for prairie falcons, bald eagles, and osprey. Do not approach or disturb nesting birds. Waterfowl and beavers are common on both lakes. In winter, Wade Lake is a good place to see river otters and occasionally trumpeter swans. Larger mammals frequently seen include elk, deer, and moose, which are even more numerous and visible in the winter. Cliff Lake offers some exceptional canoeing, especially in the remote coves; canoes and lodging available at Wade Lake Resort (406) 682-7560. Hikers can learn something of the flora, fauna, and geology of the area on a 0.7 mile interpretive trail connecting the Wade Lake and Hilltop campgrounds. A newly developed spawning channel is an excellent place to view rainbow trout. The lakes also can be a great place for cross-country skiing in the winter."

Insiders Tip: for a slightly more PG13 experience go see the Brewery Follies in Virginia City

3 Hour Family Yellowstone Lake Kayak Adventure

 One of our favorite secrets to Yellowstone and an experience so few families get to ever enjoy is our Yellowstone Lake Kayak Tour.  Some of Yellowstone's coolest geysers and thermal features are actually in Yellowstone Lake and near the Southern shore.  Our family friendly 3 hour tour takes you there and allows you to experience the Real Yellowstone.  Of course no experience is needed and kids as young as 7 are welcome.  Your guides are seasoned veterans of the Lake with decades of combined experience introducing visitors to kayaking and the hidden wonders of Yellowstone.  From West Yellowstone it takes about an hour and half to reach our meeting area at Grant Village.  We've designed our 10:30 meeting time so you can have an easy morning and be done with your tour for a late lunch at Grant Village. Groups of 4 or more can even bring along some fishing gear and troll for some Yellowstone Trout! The cost is $125 per kayk or $200 for 2ppl in a Tandem Kayak.  Kids ages 7-12 are welcome in a Tandem Kayak with an adult.

Our super fun guides, always hard at work