Beat the Winter Blues with a Trip to This Montana National Park

I grew up visiting West Yellowstone multiple times every year. I have a special place in my heart for this small town and all it offers. However, the majority of my visits have always been in the summer months, when the weather was warm, and we could spend most of our time outdoors. I’ve recently discovered that West Yellowstone is a delightful place to visit all year long, but especially in the winter. In fact, this small Montana town is the perfect snowy escape.

Every year, I battle the winter blues. While I do several things to improve my mood and increase my energy levels, I find a change of scenery to be the most effective, and a staycation in West Yellowstone is the perfect winter getaway. There’s so much to do and see here; a truly delightful place to explore.

West Yellowstone comes alive during the summer months. In fact, this small town in Montana can become quite crowded with tourists when the weather begins to warm up. However, I love the winter months as you can enjoy the town at a much slower, quieter pace. You can easily walk around town and visit many of the shops and dine at the local restaurants (I recommend Running Bear Pancake House for a delicious breakfast!). While many businesses are seasonal, there are still plenty of options to check out.

The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is a must-visit spot in West Yellowstone and is a fabulous way to receive a closer view of the wildlife you might spot in Yellowstone National Park. You can watch bears and wolves play and learn more about these animals and what makes them extraordinary. But there are many other animals to admire and exhibits to view.

West Yellowstone is the perfect place to spend a winter day outside, especially for children. In fact, on select weekends, children can participate in Kids ‘N’ Snow. This is an incredible opportunity for kids of all ages to try a variety of winter activities, such as ice fishing, snowshoeing, and ice skating, for free and under the guidance of experts. You can visit the Kids ‘N’ Snow website for a complete schedule of activities and events.

For adults, I recommend checking out the Rendezvous Trail System, where you’ll find groomed cross-country ski trails for all skill levels and in a variety of distances. And if you want to hit the slopes, you aren’t far from several ski resorts, including my personal favorite, Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, Wyoming. (Though this resort is in a different state, Alta, WY, is only about 100 miles south of West Yellowstone, MT).

West Yellowstone is also a fabulous place for snowmobiling, and there are several snowmobile rental and tour options throughout town. I also recommend you visit Pioneer Park, which has an ice rink and a sledding hill for even more outdoor time.

Of course, you can always head into Yellowstone National Park to view the incredible natural wonders under a blanket of snow. This national park appears much different during the winter months and is something I recommend you view at least once. Keep in mind that most roads are only open to commercially guided snowcoach and snowmobile tours. You can learn more on the National Park Service website.

If you want a quiet, snowy escape or the perfect basecamp for your upcoming winter adventures, consider booking one of the incredible cabins in the area. There are several Airbnb options in West Yellowstone (like this one) or in nearby Island Park, Idaho (like this one).

Battling the winter blues can be tough. But when you visit destinations like West Yellowstone, you’ll find you have a lot more energy in your step. Headed there? Before you leave, check out our itinerary planner for personalized recommendations of what to do in the area.