Surrounded by the beauty of the Beartooth Mountains and the Custer Gallatin National Forest, Red Lodge, Montana, seems like an isolated place. However, this little mountain town is just an hour southeast of Billings and 2.5 hours from Bozeman. And while most see it as a jumping-off point for numerous outdoor adventures, the town itself is a perfect day trip destination.

Red Lodge was officially established in 1884, but long before that, it was Crow Country.

When the Rocky Fork Coal Company opened the first mine in the area in 1877, Red Lodge soon became a lively place.

These days, lively isn't the best word to describe Red Lodge, which has a current population of about 2,200.

But we wouldn't exactly call this place dull or sleepy, either. The vibe here in this Montana mountain town is relaxing, quiet, and very friendly.

As one of the best day trips in Montana, a visit to Red Lodge should always include a trip to Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary.

This amazing nonprofit is a refuge for animals otherwise not fit to live in the wild. All of them are native to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, so this is a great place to go to view local wildlife. The sanctuary is open six days a week throughout the summer and weekends only during the off-season.

For such a small town, Red Lodge has an abundance of tasty restaurants. Cafe Regis and the Red Lodge Cafe are especially popular.

However, for an unforgettable lunch, head to Broadway Avenue and find the Red Lodge Pizza Company. It's exceptional.

You can easily spend an entire afternoon ducking in and out of shops at the Historic Downtown Shopping Area...

...and don't forget to find some sweet treats to snack on at Montana Candy Emporium.

The interior resembles an old-time country store, and you just might rediscover a forgotten favorite candy from your childhood.

Red Lodge is so much more than a gateway to skiing and hiking. It's one of the most charming mountain towns in Montana.

The next time you're in the area, spend a few hours here -- and prepare to fall in love.

When was the last time you spent time in Red Lodge, Montana? What did you enjoy the most about this town? Let us know!

Looking for a place to stay during your Red Lodge getaway? Book a stay at The Pollard Hotel, a highly-rated mountain hotel.