Gardiner, Montana, is a small town with many exciting activities that attract countless tourists.
It’s got abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery. Unlike other tourist towns and cities, Gardiner, Montana, is open to tourists all year round.
There are exciting activities to partake in both the summer and winter months.
It also boasts of a colorful history replete with mountain men, miners, hunters, and trappers.
The article covers 21 things to do in Gardiner, Montana. It will also go further to talk about some of its colorful histories.
Where is Gardiner, Montana?
Gardiner, Montana is an unincorporated community in Park County, Montana.
According to information made accessible by the United States Census Bureau, the population of Gardiner, Montana, as of the 2020 census, was eight hundred and thirty-three people.
Therefore, the United States Census Bureau also describes it as a Census-Designated Place (CDP).
Gardiner, Montana, was founded in 1880 and is the main entrance to the Yellowstone National Park.
Tucked between Absaroka-Beartooth and the Gallatin Mountain Ranges, Gardiner, Montana, stretches to over 10 million acres of land.
It is home to several wildlife species such as bison, grizzly bears, et cetera.
Gardiner, Montana, was heavily impacted by the 2022 Montana floods.
Fun Things to Do in Gardiner, Montana
There are several exciting things to do in this census-designated town of Gardiner, Montana. These are 21 things to do in Gardiner, Montana;
1. Chiko Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa
Chiko hot springs resort & day spa is an excellent location for your Montana getaway.
The historic resort is located right at the center of Paradise Valley, north of Yellowstone National Park and Gardiner, tucked in the foothills of the breathtaking Absaroka Mountains.
Chico offers a variety of world-class accommodations, from luxury private cabins to historic main lodges.
The resort is also known for exceptional dining, natural hot springs pools, outdoor adventures, live entertainment, and ultimate relaxation, all with a warm smile and welcoming spirit from our friendly staff.
Address: Chiko Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa is at 163 Chico Road Pray, MT 59065.
2. Yellowstone Hot Springs
Yellow hot springs are an excellent place to relax in natural mineral-rich hot springs 10 minutes from Yellowstone’s north entrance in Gardiner, Montana.
It is a family-friendly, alcohol-free, and smoke-free environment.
There are flow-through pools, hot and cold plunges, landscaped grounds, and a gorgeous view of Montana Mountain.
Address: Yellowstone Hot Springs is 24 East Gate Rd, Gardiner, MT, United States.
3. Go Biking with Big Sky E-Bike Tours & Rentals
Their tours and rentals of E-bike are unique experiences everyone should have. Enjoy the breathtaking views pedaling down the trails.
If you intend to witness wildlife up close, you can always join them for the adventure.
Accompany them on a guided tour up to Mammoth Hot Springs, stopping for refreshing ice cream, or around Bunsen Peak with the option to hike down to Osprey Falls, witnessing its marvelous beauty.
They also provide daily rentals if you want to venture alone around Gardiner or through Yellowstone on one of their Rad Power E-Bikes.
They range from 2 hours to 3 hours or a full-day rental.
Address: This attraction is located at 401 Scott ST W. Gardiner, United States.
4. Cabin on the Yellowstone River
This Cabin offers a stress-free, clean air (devoid of pollution) environment to vacation with family.
It is an excellent opportunity to avoid the crowds, hike, fish the river, or relax and watch the Yellowstone River flow.
The Cabin also boasts a fully outfitted kitchen to accommodate dining-in for all meals.
In addition, the Cabin has two bedrooms with a King and two queen beds, two full bathrooms, and a washer/dryer.
Address: Cabin on the Yellowstone River is located at 550 Old Yellowstone Trail, Gardiner, Montana, United States.
4. Yellowstone Llamas
Yellowstone Llamas offers Single Day Hikes and Multi-Day Pack Trips through wild landscapes in the company of charming llamas carrying your gear.
Experienced naturalists and llama handlers guide the treks, and you will have the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of Yellowstone National Park and the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, its wildlife, history, and geology.
Pack your load on a llama and explore the countryside responsibly and sustainably with your long-eared hiking buddy at your side.
Beautiful trails winding through incredible landscapes beckon to be discovered by you.
Address: The Yellowstone Llamas is at 59 Bull Rd., Livingston, MT 59047, United States.
5. Prismatic Tours
The guide staff at Prismatic Tours has over 45 years of combined boating and guiding experience.
The friendly guides can help turn your vacation into a memorable adventure.
You get to meet new people and explore the hidden treasures along the shores of Yellowstone Lake.
Whether staying for a few hours or a full day, you would discover and experience something new.
Address: Prismatic Tours is located at 355 W. Deloney Ave. Jackson Hole, United States.
6. The Antler Pub & Grill
This is an excellent place to have a nice meal in Gardiner, Montana.
They serve delicacies such as chicken strips, pulled pork nachos, cheese curds, chips and salsa, wings, salads, and so much more.
They are open Monday to Saturday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Address: The Antler Pub and Grill is located at 107 Hellroaring St. Gardiner, MT 59030, United States.
7. CinnaBear Bakery and Deli
Regardless of when you eat, eating a great meal is always a wonderful thing.
CinnaBear Bakery & Deli provides a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu to help satisfy your taste buds before or after a long day of adventuring and exploring.
They use high-quality ingredients for all their meal options, hot bread, and fresh cinnamon rolls all day long!
If you have questions or need to speak with a staff member, you can always stop by the local restaurant.
Address: The restaurant is at 401 Scotts St. Gardiner, MT, United States.
8. Yellowstone Dreaming Camp
This unique retreat set in Paradise Valley, Montana, offers a stunning spot for families to take in Montana’s Big Sky on an exclusive glamping trip.
It gives you a chance to experience adventure on a grand scale.
It is an idyllic place to lay back and view a sweeping meadow surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Take a short stroll, go for a bike ride, play horseshoes and revel in this quintessential Montana-style glamping retreat.
Address: This attraction is at 30 Mule Deer Road Emigrant, MT, United States.
9. Gardiner Guest House B&B
Gardiner Guest House B&B is a modest in-town home with three upstairs bedrooms and one small Cabin.
The breakfast buffet includes hot and cold cereals, drinks, fruits, juices, and a hot entree.
There is ample parking in front of the house. The Cabin features a full bedroom suite upstairs kitchen/living room downstairs.
There are several outdoor seats to lounge in. They are located a quarter-mile from the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Address: The Gardiner Guest House B&B is at 112 E. Main Street Gardiner, MT 59030, United States.
10. Yellowstone RV Park & Campground
Gardiner’s Yellowstone RV Park remains unrivaled partly for its strategic positioning along the magnificent Yellowstone River.
Yellowstone RV Park offers state-of-the-art accommodations for the R.V. traveler and tenter at affordable rates.
Clean and comfortable stations or showers are easily accessible from the various sites.
The amenities include electrical service at each R.V. site, free cable T.V., and large drive-thru sites for the giant rigs.
In addition, the sites allow plenty of room for slide-outs and awnings.
A laundry facility and an excellent view of the Yellowstone River complement this convenient location in Gardiner, Montana.
Address: The Yellowstone RV Park is just one mile from the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
11. Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center
The tour includes a visit to this place, and you are likely to see a collection of the National Archives, and you can conduct your research there.
Some of the things you will likely see there include Thomas Moran’s paintings, drawings, and artistic palette.
There are also very cool travertine-covered artifacts. They also have wolf skulls, the original key from Old Faithful Inn, and other neat things.
They have old signs from around the park, too. The items on view rotate, so you may likely see different things.
Address: The Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center are located at 20 Old Yellowstone Trl. S, Gardiner, MT 59030-9346, United States.
12. The Roosevelt Arch
The Roosevelt Arch is an excellent gateway to one of the most popular places in the U.S.
The arch is well preserved. You can drive through the arch or bypass it. This is an excellent place to take pictures.
It was commissioned by President Roosevelt himself while vacationing there. You can also stop there and take beautiful pictures.
Address: The Roosevelt Arch is located at 2819 US-89, Gardiner, MT 59030, United States.
13. Yellowstone Wild
Yellowstone Wild Tours is a local guiding service with various private and tailor-made tour options in Yellowstone National Park.
They specialize in crafting personalized educational experiences with Yellowstone’s iconic wildlife and natural history.
Their highly experienced naturalist guides and top-of-the-line equipment they possess produce the highest quality wildlife sightings and wilderness excursions.
Deep personal knowledge of Yellowstone’s wolves, bears, bison, and other treasures motivates their teachings which appeal to all ages.
Address: The Yellowstone Wild is located at 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168, United States.
Are you also visiting other parts of Montana? If yes, endeavor to check out the best things to do in Flathead Valley.
14. Cedar Creek Trail
This trail can be a bit tricky to find. It is mostly uphill but not overly rocky—good views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
You’re likely to see a bear or bear tracks on the trail on your way down. So, be careful of bears.
Address: The Cedar creek trail is located in New Mexico 88345, USA.
15. Yellowstone Gifts and Sweets
This is an excellent place to get souvenirs. If you’ve got a sweet tooth or want some clothing, jewelry, knick-knacks, ice cream, or chocolates, this is the spot to get them.
The Yellowstone Gifts and Sweets is well organized and has a well-mannered staff.
Address: This attraction is located at 108 S 2nd St, Gardiner, MT 59030-7787, United States.
16. Specimen Creek Outfitters
Specimen Creek Outfitters offers amazing horseback rides, overnight pack trips, and hunting just north of Yellowstone National Park in the beautiful Gallatin National Forest and Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
You can always book a tour with them.
Address: The Specimen Creek Outfitters is at 583 Jardine Rd, Gardiner, MT 59030-9408, United States.
17. Parks’ Fly Shop
Parks’ Fly Shop is a full-service fly shop serving southwest Montana, the Yellowstone River, and Yellowstone National Park since 1953, under continuous Parks family ownership.
They are a small “old-fashioned” shop focusing on their region-specific guide service, a large selection of area-specific fly patterns, and outfitting anglers for the Yellowstone region.
Address: This attraction is at 202 S 2nd St, Gardiner, MT 59030-7736.
18. Lamar Valley Touring
Prepare to be blown away by the sheer amount of wildlife you get to see under the guidance of local naturalist Audra Conklin Taylor and wolf expert and biologist Claire Lacey.
You are presented with the opportunity to see wildlife such as wolves, pronghorn, bison, elk, grizzly, black bears, et cetera.
Address: The Lamar Valley Touring is located at 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168, United States.
19. Wilderness Connection
On a wilderness connection, you get a horseback tour of the fantastic Stermitz Ranch.
First, the ride to the ranch is a thing of immense beauty. It has the most beautiful scenery you can imagine.
Address: The wilderness connection is located at 488 Cinnabar Basin Rd, Gardiner, MT 59030-9319, United States.
20. You can Try Climbing the Sphinx Mountain
The mountain is famous for its reddish-brown color and strange summit.
It is challenging as only 200 climbers reached their summit from 1913 to 1976.
Address: The Sphinx Mountain is located at 1201 3rd Ave Ste 4900, Seattle, WA 98101, United States.
21. Go for More Hiking on the Joe Brown Trail
If you enjoy hiking, you can always try the Joe Brown Trail in Gardiner, Montana. It has beautiful scenery with few trees shielding you from the sun.
Address: The Joe Brown Trail is located at Joe Brown Rd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, United States.