Places to visit in Livingston, MT.
If you’re planning a trip to Livingston, Montana, you will be pleased to know that there are plenty of things to do in this quaint town.
The downtown area has a western feel, with old historic dive bars making their home alongside gourmet restaurants and breweries. This perfect dichotomy of old and new gives Livingston a uniquely Montanan energy.
Livingston Galleries and Art Walks
The thriving gallery scene in Livingston has attracted renowned artists like Parks Reece and Russell Chatham. Several galleries are located throughout the city and often host rotating exhibits.
Day Trips from Livingston to Yellowstone
One of the best things to do in Livingston is explored nearby Yellowstone National Park. In addition, Gardiner, a town outside the park’s boundaries, is a popular destination for day trips, offering excellent access to hiking and rafting opportunities.
A variety of outfitters can take you on day trips from Gardiner. These include guided hikes, e-bike tours, and horseback riding.
Music in Livingston, MT
A vibrant arts scene makes Livingston a hotspot for musicians and music fans. Local restaurants and breweries host bands, and the Attic is an excellent venue for live music on Main Street.
Shopping in Livingston
A surprisingly varied shopping scene makes Livingston a fun place to shop. Shoppers can browse specialty shops, galleries, a community theater, and historical museums.
Sacajawea Park
Located near the Yellowstone River, Sacajawea Park commemorates the site where the Corps of Discovery stopped in Livingston in 1806. The park features a bronze statue of Sacajawea riding horseback with her son, Jean Baptiste. The park also features interpretive wayside exhibits.
Hiking along the Sacajawea Trail
This scenic trail winds through the picturesque mountain town of Livingston. It begins at Sacajawea Park and winds through sweeping grassy areas, shaded play structures, tennis courts, and a firm gravel pathway. The route passes by a variety of historic sites, including the site where Lewis and Clark landed.
Livingston Depot Center
Located in the heart of downtown, the Livingston Depot Center is a quintessential Livingston icon that caters to laid-back celebrations and lavish extravaganzas. Its courtyard is bordered by a spectacular colonnade of pillars and is surrounded by a shaded park to create the perfect backdrop for your wedding day.
The former train station was built by the Northern Pacific Railway in 1902 and is now a museum that offers various exhibitions and special events throughout the year. Its most famous exhibits include “Rails across the Rockies,” which explores railroad history, and Yellowstone National Park.
The Depot Center is also home to the Livingston Depot Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to preserve this historic site and its heritage. In addition to promoting tourism development, the Foundation also showcases local art and culture.
It also operates and maintains the former Northern Pacific depot as a community cultural center and museum. The center is open from May to September for the museum, and during the rest of the year, it hosts weddings, films, conferences, and other events.
Yellowstone Gateway Museum
The Yellowstone Gateway Museum in Livingston, Montana, is a must-see for travelers looking to learn more about the region’s history. This historic landmark is part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and houses a vast collection from different eras that have shaped Livingston.
The museum also has exhibits focusing on local history, wildlife, and geology. Its collections include records of people who moved to Livingston to work on the Northern Pacific Railroad or visit and work in Yellowstone National Park, as well as ranchers and homesteaders.
It’s an excellent place to take the kids for a fun day out. They’ll learn about the area’s history and even participate in fun hands-on activities.
Another great activity to do with the family is to spend some time in the Yellowstone River. There are various public access points: kayaking, boating, whitewater rafting, or swimming.
Natural Bridge Falls
One of Livingston’s best natural attractions is the breathtaking waterfall at Natural Bridge Falls. This water-carved canyon is accessible year-round and offers a variety of hiking trails with sweeping views, caves, rock formations, and a jaw-dropping waterfall.
The Boulder River flows through the canyon in low water but erupts from several channels to burst out of a rock cliff at high water. This gorge carved into the limestone rock is a great changing environment that feels different every time you visit.
Natural Bridge Falls is an excellent recreation site whether you climb this boulder field or relax with a drink at the picnic area. There are paved trails, picnic areas, and interpretive panels about the geologic processes. The falls are also famous for fishing.