Discover the best things to do in West Yellowstone, Montana – from Yellowstone National Park and family attractions to dining, shopping, and unforgettable live theatre at Westgate Theatre.
End Your Yellowstone Day With Live Theatre
After a full day exploring Yellowstone National Park, enjoy an unforgettable evening at Westgate Theatre in downtown West Yellowstone. Family-friendly live entertainment, music, comedy, and memorable performances make the perfect ending to your Yellowstone adventure.
Yellowstone Must-See Attractions
Old Faithful
Yellowstone’s most famous geyser is a must-see for first-time visitors.
Grand Prismatic Spring
Incredible colors and one of the park’s most photographed sights.
Wildlife Viewing
Spot bison, elk, bears, and wolves in their natural habitat.
Family-Friendly Things To Do in West Yellowstone
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
Get up close to some of the Rocky Mountain region’s most iconic wildlife at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. This family-friendly attraction offers a rare opportunity to safely observe grizzly bears, wolves, river otters, and birds of prey while learning about wildlife conservation and the Yellowstone ecosystem. Located just minutes from Yellowstone National Park, it’s a must-see stop for visitors of all ages.
Downtown shopping
Stroll through the heart of West Yellowstone and discover unique local shops, outdoor outfitters, souvenirs, gifts, western apparel, handmade treasures, and Yellowstone keepsakes. Whether you’re looking for the perfect vacation memento, outdoor gear, or a sweet treat, downtown West Yellowstone offers a fun and walkable shopping experience for the whole family.
Ice cream & treats
Treat yourself after a day of Yellowstone adventure with delicious ice cream, fresh fudge, sweet treats, and family-friendly dessert spots throughout West Yellowstone. From hand-dipped cones to homemade candies and local favorites, downtown offers plenty of tasty ways to cool off, relax, and make vacation memories a little sweeter..
Dining, Burgers & Pizza
After a full day exploring Yellowstone, refuel with some of West Yellowstone’s favorite comfort foods. From juicy burgers fresh off the grill to hot, handcrafted pizzas piled high with toppings, downtown offers plenty of delicious options for families, couples, and hungry adventurers. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down to relax, there’s something to satisfy every appetite.
Explore Beyond Yellowstone National Park
While Yellowstone National Park is the main attraction, there are plenty of places to explore around West Yellowstone. Take a scenic drive through the surrounding mountains, visit nearby waterways or spend a day exploring some of the smaller communities and attractions in the area.
The Madison River is a popular destination for fishing, sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. The nearby Madison River Canyon offers beautiful views along the river, while Quake Lake is another interesting stop for visitors interested in the area’s natural history. For anglers, fly fishing along the Madison River can be a relaxing way to spend part of a Yellowstone vacation.
Outdoor Activities Near West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone is surrounded by opportunities for outdoor recreation. Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, fishing, boating and whitewater rafting in the surrounding area.
A horseback riding excursion can be a fun way to experience the landscape from a different perspective. Visitors can also find opportunities to ride horses through scenic mountain and forest areas outside of town.
For those looking to spend time on the water, boat rentals are available at several nearby recreation areas. These activities make it easy to build a full day of outdoor adventure before returning to West Yellowstone for dinner and an evening show.
Scenic Day Trips From West Yellowstone
If you have extra time during your vacation, consider taking a day trip beyond the immediate West Yellowstone area. Island Park is a popular nearby destination known for its forests, lakes and outdoor recreation. Gallatin National Forest also offers miles of scenic roads, trails and mountain landscapes to explore.
Other destinations worth considering include Mesa Falls, Virginia City and the Grand Teton National Park area. Each offers a different experience, from waterfalls and historic communities to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the region.
A longer day trip can also take you toward the Yellowstone Grand Teton, where visitors can experience dramatic mountain views and additional opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking and sightseeing.
Family Activities Around West Yellowstone
Planning a family trip to West Yellowstone? There are plenty of activities that can keep both kids and adults entertained outside of Yellowstone National Park.
Wildlife attractions such as Bear World provide opportunities to see animals up close, while nearby parks, lakes and recreation areas offer plenty of space to explore outdoors. A visit to a local visitor center can also be a good place to learn more about the area’s attractions, road conditions and seasonal activities before heading out for the day.
For families looking for something different after a day outdoors, live theatre offers a chance to slow down, relax and enjoy a shared experience together.
Explore Yellowstone's Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls
Water is a major part of the Yellowstone landscape, and there are plenty of places to see it throughout the region. Yellowstone Lake is one of the most recognizable bodies of water in the park, while the Yellowstone River winds through some of the area’s most scenic landscapes.
Visitors can also seek out Upper Falls and other waterfalls throughout Yellowstone. Mesa Falls, located outside the park in nearby Idaho, is another spectacular waterfall destination that can be added to a Yellowstone-area itinerary.
Whether you’re interested in photography, fishing, sightseeing or simply enjoying the scenery, the rivers, lakes and waterfalls around West Yellowstone provide plenty of opportunities to get outside.
See More of Yellowstone's Unique Landscapes
One of the best parts of visiting the Yellowstone region is the sheer variety of landscapes. From geothermal features like Mammoth Hot Springs to mountain valleys, forests and wide-open waterways, there’s always another place to explore.
The Midway Geyser Basin is home to some of Yellowstone’s most impressive geothermal features, while Lamar Valley is known for its expansive scenery and opportunities for wildlife viewing. For visitors exploring outside the park, Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding forests offer even more opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the region.
With so much to see during the day, save some time in your itinerary for an evening of live entertainment at Westgate Theatre in downtown West Yellowstone.
Don’t End Your Yellowstone Day Early
Planning Your Yellowstone Vacation?
Looking for Yellowstone travel ideas, attractions, lodging, and vacation planning resources?
Visit EnjoyYourParks.com for helpful Yellowstone travel information.