Red Lodge, Montana, known for its western hospitality, historic downtown, and stunning mountain range, is an ideal vacation spot. Having spent many holidays here, I still view it as one of Montana’s most diverse travel destinations.
If you enjoy fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, food tasting, or delving into history and culture, Red Lodge has you covered. It’s a top destination in Montana for good reason.
I’ve spent two summers exploring Red Lodge and its surroundings, finding more to discover each time. To keep things concise, I’ve narrowed down the top 15 best things to do in Red Lodge, Montana.
1. Beartooth Highway: This iconic and scenic drive starts in Red Lodge and takes you on a 68.7-mile journey, ending at Yellowstone National Park’s entrance, reaching nearly 12,000 ft. You’ll see alpine lakes, lush mountainsides, and snowcapped peaks. Renting a Polaris Slingshot for a thrilling ride on this highway is a must.
2. Hiking the Beartooth Mountains: With endless hiking options suited for summer, spring, or fall, the Beartooths offer spectacular trail views and alpine lakes. Notable hikes include the Basin Lakes Trail, Glacier Lake Trail, and Sundance Pass.
3. Fishing: The Custer Gallatin National Forest offers abundant fishing opportunities. Wild Bill Lake, stocked with rainbow trout, and Rock Creek, flowing through Red Lodge, are perfect spots for anglers. Guided fly fishing is also available.
4. Skiing at Red Lodge Mountain: Just 6 miles from town, this ski resort boasts 71 runs across two mountains with a laid-back, small-town feel. Rentals, lessons, and dining options are available to enhance your skiing experience.
5. Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary: Between Red Lodge High School and Coal Miners Memorial Park, this sanctuary provides a home for animals native to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, including bison, black bears, and mountain lions.
6. Carbon County Historical Museum: This museum in downtown Red Lodge educates visitors on the significant history of Carbon County, Montana. Guided walking tours are available.
7. Golfing: Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course offers scenic mountain views, affordable green fees, a driving range, and club rentals. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors.
8. Red Lodge Clay Center: Known for hosting resident artists, the Clay Center offers workshops and classes for the community and travelers. Handcrafted ceramics are also available for purchase.
9. Horseback Riding: Elk River Outfitters offers guided horseback rides ranging from an hour to full-day or even overnight trips. Whispering Winds Horse Adventures and Paintbrush Adventures are also nearby options.
10. Exploring Historic Downtown: Downtown Red Lodge features the Montana Candy Emporium, Coleman Gallery and Studio, Back Alley Metals, and various outdoor shops like The Village Shoppe, Grizzly Peak Outdoors, and Sylvan Peak.
11. White-Water Rafting: North of Red Lodge in Absarokee, Adventure Whitewater offers thrilling rafting trips down the Stillwater and Yellowstone Rivers. Absaroka River Adventures also provides unique rafting experiences.
12. ATV Riding: Red Lodge Powersports lets you rent ATVs to explore trails like Hell Roaring Plateau and Glacier Lake Road.
13. Mountain and Road Biking: The Beartooth Highway offers a challenging ride with rewarding views, while local mountain bike trails provide lush landscapes.
14. Dining: Red Lodge’s dining options range from the award-winning breakfast at Cafe Regis to steaks at Bear Creek Saloon and pizzas at Red Lodge Pizza Co. Enjoy local cuisine and cocktails at Marli’s at the Pollard Hotel or sports bar vibes at Foster and Logan’s Pub and Grill.
15. Yellowstone National Park: The Beartooth Highway leads to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance. Plan for a 3+ hour trip to enjoy wildlife sightings and landmarks like Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful.
Red Lodge has endless activities for outdoor lovers, history buffs, food enthusiasts, and shoppers. Whether it’s a day trip or a week-long stay, you’ll have plenty of sights, sounds, and tastes to enjoy.
For a quick visit, consider driving the Beartooth Highway, exploring historic downtown, or hiking to Glacier Lake and rafting in Absarokee. With a longer stay, include visits to the Wildlife Sanctuary, fishing at Wild Bill Lake, and more extensive hiking or biking adventures.
For accommodation, choose from cozy cabins near West Fork Road for mountain escapes, luxury homes by Rock Creek for a mix of serenity and town convenience, or downtown options for easy access to shops and restaurants.
Red Lodge’s outdoor activities, vibrant downtown, and welcoming atmosphere make it a top choice for a Montana vacation.