[ad_1]
Known for its western hospitality, historic downtown, and impressive mountain range, Red Lodge, Montana is the perfect destination for your next vacation. I’ve spent many holidays here and still consider it one of the most diverse destinations for travelers in Montana.
Whether you want to fish, hike, see wildlife, try unique food, or take in the history and culture, Red Lodge has plenty to offer. This is one of the top places to see in Montana for good reason.
Best Things To Do in Red Lodge, Montana
For two consecutive summers, I’ve spent time exploring Red Lodge and the surrounding area. Each time I visit there seems to be more I discover and even more I want to explore. I’ve experienced more Red Lodge than I’ve listed here, but to make this list more concise, I’ve kept it to the top 15 absolute best things to do in Red Lodge, Montana.
1. Drive the Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway makes for one of the most iconic and scenic drives in the entire United States. Driving this steep and windy road is one of the most fun activities in Red Lodge.
Starting right in the town of Red Lodge, the highway continues for 68.7 miles arriving at the entrance of Yellowstone National Park and reaching nearly 12,000 ft. at its highest point.
Along the way you’ll pass breathtaking alpine lakes, lush mountainsides, and snowcapped peaks. There are countless viewpoints to stop to take in the scenery and snap some memorable pictures.
I often find myself looking back on the pictures from our visits when I’m craving some fresh mountain air.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can rent a 3-wheeled Polaris Slingshot, (a three-wheeled, open-top motorcycle), up and down the Beartooth Highway for an open and up-close experience.
Between the high elevation and thrilling ride, the views are sure to take your breath away. Renting is made easy through Beartooth Slingshots. This is one of the most fun activities in Red Lodge that you can look forward to.
Remember that the Beartooth Highway is open from late May to October so plan accordingly.
GPS Location: 44.9392845,-109.6158698 (Get Directions)
2. Hike the Beartooth Mountains
My favorite way to see and experience Red Lodge, Montana is to explore the Beartooth Mountains on foot. The hiking options are endless and are a great activity for summer, spring, or fall. Being some of the tallest mountains in Montana, the Beartooths offer some of the best trail views and alpine lakes.
My favorite hikes in the area include:
Basin Lakes Trail No. 61 to Upper Lake: This 7.4-mile out-and-back trail offers the most beautiful scenery. With pockets of wildflowers and an alpine lake as the destination, the climb is well worth it. (And maybe you’ll catch some wildlife along the way!)
Glacier Lake Trail: If you’re looking for something a bit shorter, try this 4.6-mile trail to Glacier Lake. A popular trail; you’ll be sure to see others along the way. Keep in mind that you’ll need an all-wheel drive vehicle to reach the trailhead and meander the dirt roads.
Sundance Pass: My favorite hike completed near Red Lodge is definitely this one. Start at the Lake Fork Trailhead and make your way down the trail for 9.4 miles to reach Sundance Pass.
Along the way, you’ll pass Lost Lake and Keyser Brown Lake which make for perfect places to take in the views and stop for some lunch. Head out on this hike for the best Red Lodge sightseeing.
GPS Location: 45.1632684,-109.8160388 (Get Directions)
3. Go Fishing
The Custer Gallatin National Forest offers thousands of acres to be explored. Therefore, the opportunities to catch a beautiful fish are endless.
One of the best lakes to fish in is Wild Bill Lake as it is accessible with just a 7-mile drive. Wild Bill Lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, making it a great place for fly fishing in Montana.
If you’re looking to fish a stream, Rock Creek flows right through Red Lodge and offers anglers some of the best rainbow and brown trout. The options don’t end there though. There’s also the Stillwater River west of Red Lodge and the Yellowstone River further outside of Red Lodge.
The fishing through Rock Creek is technical, but if you’re able to find any slack water, the fish will be sitting there ready and waiting. The fishing is amazing and I didn’t find that there was too much pressure on the river either.
If you’ve always wanted to give fly fishing a try, Red Lodge offers fishing guides who are eager to get you out on the water and perfect your skills, ready to catch plenty of fish!
GPS Location: 45.597777,-109.73424 (Get Directions)
4. Ski at Red Lodge Mountain
If you’re looking for an iconic Montana skiing experience, Red Lodge Mountain is a must-visit. Only 6 miles from town, Red Lodge Mountain is known for its laid-back feel and small-town personality.
Red Lodge Mountain offers 71 runs spread across two mountains. They offer a full-service shop including rentals, lessons, a retail store, and plenty of dining options.
Consider Red Lodge Mountain for an iconic Montana adventure in the fresh winter snow.
Address: 305 Ski Run Rd, Red Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Directions)
5. Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
Located between Red Lodge High School and the Coal Miners Memorial Park sits the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. This non-profit animal sanctuary has been around for 30 years and provides a home and refuge for animals otherwise not fit for life in the wild.
The animals here are native to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the sanctuary includes the likes of bison, black bears, mountain lions, hawks, owls, and falcons. Not only does the sanctuary have animals, but they also house beautiful gardens.
Visit their website to book your family-friendly activity in Red Lodge.
Address: 615 2nd St E, Red Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Directions)
6. Carbon County Historical Society and Museum
If you like to get to know the history of a place you’re visiting, the Carbon County Historical Museum is for you. The museum not only shares dates and names, but seeks to preserve, communicate, and educate those who pass through about the significant history of Carbon Country, Montana.
Visit their website to learn more and book your visit. Try out their guided walking tour of the museum.
Address: 224 Broadway Ave N, Red Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Directions)
7. Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course
Getting a round of golf in at Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course is a great way to multi-task; practice your swing and take in the stunning mountain views. Golfing at this course guarantees scenic mountains, lakes, and creeks with hole #15 being the signature hole.
Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course offers affordable green fees, a driving range, and clubs to rent if you didn’t travel with your own.
Golfing is a fun activity in Red Lodge. Take advantage of this unique and beautiful course!
Address: 828 Upper Continental Dr, Red Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Directions)
8. Red Lodge Clay Center
The Red Lodge Clay Center is committed to ceramic artistry and is known for hosting resident artists for weeks or months at a time. Not only is the Clay Center available for resident artists, but community members and travelers can take advantage of this creative outlet.
The Clay Center offers both child and adult workshops and classes. If you’d rather partake in the art by purchasing it, the Clay Center also has handcrafted ceramics for sale.
Address: 123 Broadway Ave S, Red Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Directions)
9. Go Horseback Riding
On my bucket list for things to do next time I’m in Red Lodge, is to go horseback riding. Sitting up high on a horse and taking in the mountain scenery and vast countryside feels like an ideal activity to do in Red Lodge.
A guiding company right in Red Lodge, Elk River Outfitters, is sure to have an itinerary that fits your schedule; with rides ranging from an hour long to a full day, and even an overnight trip. Consider booking a horseback ride for your next trip between May and September.
Other guiding services you can find a little further out of town are Whispering Winds Horse Adventures and Paintbrush Adventures.
Address: 10 State Hwy 308, Red Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Directions)
10. Explore Historic Downtown
Although Red Lodge is only a town of 2,000, you might be pleasantly surprised by the charm and plentiful places to explore in their historic downtown.
If you have a sweet tooth, there’s the historic Montana Candy Emporium. With every candy imaginable in the emporium, expect to walk out with a full and heavy bag of taffy, fudge, jawbreakers, and jellybeans.
As you head down Broadway Avenue, you’ll encounter the Coleman Gallery and Studio where you can enjoy your time looking at the award-winning photography of Merv Coleman. For another form of art, stop at Back Alley Metals to see the custom metalwork that’s shipped all over the country.
To get ready for your outdoor adventures, stop at The Village Shoppe, Grizzly Peak Outdoors, and Sylvan Peak for all your outdoor clothes and gear needs.
Historic downtown Red Lodge has something for everyone – kids and adults alike.
Location: 45.1931639,-109.2669235 (Get Info)