Places to visit in Red Lodge, MT.
Red Lodge, Montana, is a four-seasonal town with something fun and exciting for everyone. From the mountainous back door to Yellowstone National Park to horseback riding, hiking, and rafting, you will never run out of things to do!
In the summer, you can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and rafting on the Beartooth Pass Highway or play golf at the Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course. In winter, you can snowshoe on trails near Red Lodge Nordic Ski Center and West Fork of Rock Creek.
If you’re visiting Red Lodge in Winter, consider taking a scenic horseback ride from a local company like Elk River Outfitters. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, try Whispering Winds or Paintbrush Adventures.
Red Lodge Mountain – A Skier’s Paradise
A skier’s paradise in south central Montana, Red Lodge Mountain is the “Coolest Ski Town You’ve Never Heard Of.” With 2,400 feet of vertical and over 1,635 acres of groomers, glades & chutes to explore, you won’t be disappointed.
Authentic Montana skiing that’s not cluttered with glitz or attitude, this family-friendly mountain is known for pristine snow conditions and friendly, down-to-earth people. Located on US Highway 212, just southwest of Billings, Red Lodge Mountain is accessible by the Billings Logan International Airport and the Yellowstone Regional Airport near Cody.
The Best of Red Lodge
A quaint six-block downtown with historical coffee shops, breweries, and boutiques is only minutes from the base of Red Lodge Mountain. The town’s pristine beauty and rich western history make it the perfect home base for any ski vacation.
Where to Stay
AAA Red Lodge Rentals has a wide selection of vacation rentals in Red Lodge, ranging from pet-friendly cottages to luxury homes with private hot tubs and saunas. All are within easy walking distance of the slopes and include free WiFi, cable TV, and more.
Where to Go
The Beartooth Highway runs through Red Lodge, giving you access to some of the most stunning mountains and natural vistas. It also links Red Lodge to Yellowstone National Park and Custer Gallatin National Forest.
A little-known gem, this small-town ski resort has been around since 1960. The Silver Run Ski Club’s original members built a ski run to satisfy their desire for a safe, fun place to ski in the mountains. They carved out a unique location that allowed them to build a snow-covered slope and two tow ropes and grew the ski area into one of the premier destinations in the West. Today, this historic ski area is a beloved destination for both locals and travelers alike.
Beartooth Scenic Byway – All American Road
The Beartooth Scenic Byway – All American Road is an incredibly scenic drive that climbs 5,000 feet through lodgepole pine forests to an enchanting world of alpine lakes, 20 mountain peaks over 12,000 feet, glacially carved cirques, and vibrant wildflowers. This National Scenic Byway connects Red Lodge and Cooke City in Montana with the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
This 69-mile drive takes you across the Beartooth Plateau, which has been described as “one of the most beautiful places in the world.”
You’ll pass through a mix of lush forests and alpine tundra as you make your way through the mountains. Along the way, you’ll find a few overlook points that provide spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
You’ll also come across several small lakes and ponds that are great for hiking, fishing, and canoeing. In addition, several campgrounds and trailheads along the Beartooth Highway offer campsites with stunning views of the mountains.
Montana Candy Emporium
The historic Montana Candy Emporium on Broadway Street is a must-see attraction for any Red Lodge vacation. This confection superstore is easy to find thanks to an enormous marquee displaying the latest sweets.
Montana Candy Emporium is a store with all sorts of fun candy in the mix. It’s the place worth a stop, whether you’re a diehard candy lover or just a curious mind.
The interior resembles an old-time country store filled with everything a sugar lover can imagine. They have every type of candy, ranging from Walnettos to taffy, fudge, jellybeans, and jawbreakers.
Big buckets of taffies, candy cigarettes, and other nostalgic favorites are part of the experience at this Red Lodge landmark. A 1930s theatre marquee stands out on the front, while a cool cruiser bike and other memorabilia are scattered around the shop’s interior.
Old-fashioned stuff mixed with new and homemade confections is what you’ll find here, along with an impressive display of huckleberry candy. They also have novelty chocolates and a large selection of candy bars, and the fudge is a must-try.
Carbon County Historical Society & Museum
The Carbon County Historical Society & Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Red Lodge, Montana. Exhibits and a lecture series tell the story of the town’s past ranging from native cultures to modern rodeo traditions.
The museum is home to several local rodeo family collections, a gun and projectile point collection, an interactive coal mine exhibit, vast archives, and much more. It also offers historical research assistance.
Located in a 1909 building, the Historical Society features many histories exhibits on Carbon County as well as an Old West book and gift shop. In addition, the Gallery of Fine Art also showcases various collections throughout the museum’s multiple rooms.
Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
Red Lodge is an old mining town that has transformed into a year-round tourist destination with access to the Beartooth Mountains and the Custer Gallatin National Forest.
If you’re in the area and looking to see wildlife, Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary is a great stop! YWS is a non-profit animal sanctuary that provides lifelong care for animals that can no longer survive in the wild.
The sanctuary also offers educational programs for kids that are fun and informative. One of the highlights is the grizzly and wolf enclosure, where visitors can observe these beautiful creatures up close.
In addition to the wolves and grizzly bears, this sanctuary has summer raptor exhibits, an Otter exhibit, and more. YWS is the first animal sanctuary in Montana to receive the American Sanctuary Association accreditation.
Best Things to Do in Red Lodge, Montana
Places to visit in Red Lodge, MT:
- Red Lodge Mountain – A Skier’s Paradise
- The Best of Red Lodge
- Where to Stay
- Where to Go
- Beartooth Scenic Byway – All American Road
- Montana Candy Emporium
- Carbon County Historical Society Museum
- Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
