Overview

The small town of Gardiner, Montana is the only year-round entrance to Yellowstone National Park, and is a mere five miles from Mammoth Hot Springs. With great weather and such close proximity to many famous sights, Gardiner is an ideal vacation destination.

Location

Gardiner is located at the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park on US 89.

Services/Amenities

For eats, Gardiner has many family friendly restaurants and pizza joints sprinkled throughout its limits. Cafes, delis, espresso and ice cream stands and a grocery store are also available. Whether you’re in the mood for a thick juicy steak, shrimp fra diavolo or the classic American hamburger, the Gardiner establishments can definitely satisfy your hunger.

Gardiner offers a host of accommodations, but be sure to reserve spots in advance in the summer and early fall. With motels, cottages, inns, lodges, bed-and-breakfasts and guesthouses to choose from, Gardiner will suit your every need.

Activities

With Yellowstone only a hop, skip and a jump away, you will find a multitude of activities to keep you busy on your vacation.

Fly-fishing
The Yellowstone River flows from Yellowstone Park through miles and miles of scenic landscapes until it meets up with the Missouri River in North Dakota. Anglers love to make trophy catches along this river in and around Gardiner. The upper seven miles of the Yellowstone to Sulphur Cauldron are the most popular for fishing.

Whitewater rafting
Enjoy the thrill of a guided rafting trip down the Yellowstone River, with rapids in the Class II to III range.

Camping
Only two miles northeast of Gardiner, Montana you’ll discover the Gallatin National Forest, with many camping sites available for those who want to get out there and sleep under the stars. You’ll find great campgrounds within Yellowstone as well.

Attractions

Roosevelt Arch
You must stop and see this monumental stone entrance to Yellowstone, dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. It commemorates the natural beauty of the park, as well as the spirit in which the park has been preserved.

The Oldest Fly Shop
In town you’ll discover the oldest fly shop in the Yellowstone area, Parks’ Fly Shop, founded in 1953.

Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center
Adjacent to the Gardiner School, Yellowstone National Park Heritage and Research Center houses historic records, books and manuscripts, archeological artifacts and much more. It’s a fascinating place to visit.

Getting Here

The shortest route from Gardiner, Montana to West Yellowstone is through Yellowstone National Park. Enter through the North Entrance; go south to Norris and cut over westward to the West Entrance and West Yellowstone, Montana.