After a day spent exploring the majesty of Yellowstone National Park, you’re left wondering: what’s the plan for when the sun dips below the horizon? Don’t worry – West Yellowstone’s got plenty of evening activities lined up for you, whether you’re a family, couple or group of explorers.
You’ll find everything from live entertainment to horseback riding to wildlife spotting and chilling around the campfire. In fact, West Yellowstone is one of those places where you can keep on adventuring all summer long, or even tackle some of the best winter activities in Montana.
Catch a Show at the Westgate Theatre
Want to spend a relaxed evening in West Yellowstone with the family? Get yourself to the Westgate Theatre for some live theatre that will tickle your funny bone and get you laughing like a kid again. The theatre’s rep season includes everything from western dramas to comedies and musicals, so you can pick the one that floats your boat.
Westgate Theatre has a great mix of old-school theatre charm and modern comedy that’ll keep the whole family entertained till the end of the show. Plus, they’re literally just a few minutes’ drive from Yellowstone’s west entrance, so it’s the perfect way to cap off a day of hiking, wildlife spotting, fishing or exploring.
See Some Wildlife at Dusk
You know the saying: “the early bird catches the worm”? Well, when it comes to wildlife spotting in west Yellowstone, the evening bird catches the wildlife-viewing prize. Why? Because the cooler temperatures make for some seriously active wildlife, including elk, bison, deer, wolves, and even grizzly bears.
And the best part is, most of these hotspots are just a short drive from West Yellowstone, so you can get there in no time. Look for Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley, or the Yellowstone River corridor for some top-notch sightings.
Check Out the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone just happens to be one of the most visited attractions in the area and a definite must-see for families looking to explore Yellowstone National Park. Located next to the park’s west entrance, visitors can get up close & personal with grizzly bears, wolves and a few other native species, all while learning a bit about conservation and the bigger picture of the Yellowstone ecosystem.
The place itself is really set up well with live animal habitats, educational exhibits, and some pretty cool interactive experiences that are just as enjoyable for the adults as the kids. Its a great spot to unwind after a long day of hiking, fishing or trying to snag some wildlife views within the park.
Go Horseback Riding Through the Yellowstone Wilderness
Want to get up close and personal with the beautiful West Yellowstone wilderness? Take an evening horseback ride through the mountains and river valleys with one of our top-notch outfitters – like Diamond P Ranch (more information here).
These guys know the trails like the back of their hand, and can take you to some of the most stunning spots in the area. Summer evenings are a great time for horseback riding in west Yellowstone because the temperatures are a lot cooler, and you still get some amazing views to boot.
Enjoying Dinner in West Yellowstone - the Perfect Way to Wind Down
After a full day of exploring Yellowstone National Park, tackling those hiking trails, trying your hand at fishing the river, or spotting some wildlife like wolves, elk or even – if you’re brave – a grizzly bear, what you need is a fantastic meal to cap off the evening in West Yellowstone, Montana.
Now you might be thinking – a small mountain town like West Yellowstone can’t possibly have a lot of great places to eat. But think again – West Yellowstone has a surprisingly lively food scene, with a whole bunch of different restaurants, pubs and family friendly places to grab a bite. Whether you’re after a casual burger after a long day on the trails, or a nice dinner with a few drinks to unwind, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
A few of our local favorites include:
- Madison Crossing Lounge – It’s all about locally inspired dishes, and they knock up a mean steak or seafood, served with a handcrafted cocktail and in a relaxed, western kinda setting.
- The Buffalo Bar – a regular favorite here, offering up all the classic Montana comfort food – and plenty of burgers and beer to go around in a pretty laid back setting.
- Bullwinkle’s Saloon & Eatery – This place is great for families, with everything on the menu from burgers and sandwiches to pasta and salads.
- Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon – A whole lot of fun and a great spot for a casual pizza dinner, plus live music over the summer, and a lively atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
In the warmer months, loads of the places to eat in West Yellowstone have outdoor seating, so you can grab a bite and enjoy the cool mountain air. Some of them even have live music and entertainment, so your dinner becomes part of the evening entertainment itself.
For many families who visit Yellowstone, getting a burger in town before catching a show at a West Yellowstone theater has become a bit of a tradition.
Explore West Yellowstone's Saloons & Local Shops
As the crowds thin out and the sun dips below the horizon, it’s a great time to slow down, take a stroll around town and soak up the local vibe by visiting the shops and stopping by some fantastic western-style saloons.
West Yellowstone has a super unique blend of old west character and modern vacation fun, which means there’s heaps of places to relax, shop, and get a feel for the town’s individual charm.
Kick Back With a Drink
- For a relaxed mountain-town vibe, people love heading to The Slippery Otter Pub, where you can get great craft beer, a good cocktail and just generally unwind.
- The Branch Bar & Grill is a real favourite with visitors, offering up hearty grub, a great selection of drinks and a classic western feel that perfectly fits with the Yellowstone experience.
These spots are especially popular during the summer months when visitors from around the world come to West Yellowstone after a long day exploring the park.
Visit Some Historic Shops & Local Stores
West Yellowstone also has some really unique shopping experiences where you can pick up gifts, souvenirs, outdoor gear and local products.
- The Yellowstone Trading Post has a great range of western gifts, Yellowstone souvenirs, outdoor gear and just some really cool keepsakes from your trip.
- Eagle’s Store has been around for generations – this place has been a West Yellowstone institution for years and it’s a fantastic place to pick up groceries, gifts, outdoor gear and classic Yellowstone merchandise.
- Inside Eagle’s Store, The Eagle’s Store Soda Fountain is a real treat, where you can enjoy an ice cream, a shake or just a nice old-fashioned snack – it’s a great place to take the kids.
- Free Heel and Wheel is a great spot for anyone who loves the outdoors – they’ve got loads of gear for biking, skiing, hiking and other adventures in the Yellowstone area.
Whether you’re after a unique souvenir, a milkshake after dinner or just a place to relax with a drink after a long day exploring Yellowstone, the shops and saloons in West Yellowstone are what make these kinds of memorable evenings that visitors keep coming back to year after year.
Chill Out by the River or Around a Fire Pit
After a long day of adventuring in Yellowstone, sometimes the best thing you can do is… nothing. That’s right – sometimes a relaxing evening in West Yellowstone is just what the doctor ordered.
Grab a drink, sit by the river, and watch the sunset over the mountains. The Madison River Canyon area is one of our faves for a chill evening, and you can even try your hand at some evening fishing if that’s your thing.
Make the Most of Your Yellowstone Trip
Whether your trip takes you hiking, or maybe trying your hand at fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, taking in the wildlife, or you’re just looking to unwind near the lake, there’s plenty of ways to unwind in West Yellowstone once the day is done inside Yellowstone National Park.
Headed to a live show at the Westgate Theatre, or simply strolling along the river with the sun setting behind you? West Yellowstone manages to hit the spot with its perfect blend of thrill-seeking adventure, good old fashioned entertainment, and family-friendly fun that everyone can enjoy.
When you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone, don’t forget to carve out a bit of time to check out what this quirky mountain town has to offer once the sun dips below the horizon.
