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Cross country skiing in West Yellowstone

Winter Wonderland Family Fun

Three Days in West Yellowstone

Recommended Length

3 Days

Highlight City

West Yellowstone

Experiences

Wildlife Watching Wildlife Watching
Winter Activities Winter Activities
Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone National Park

Three days in West Yellowstone

Experience epic snow-season adventure and Yellowstone’s winter wonder in this mountain vacation destination.

Day 1

Explore Gardiner

Check in at Three Bear Lodge, Yellowstone Lodge, Gray Wolf Inn & Suites or Golden Stone Inn and settle in for three days of family fun. Visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center and get a fascinating glimpse (and a little education) into the world of these amazing mammals. Eat dinner at the famous Three Bear Restaurant, featuring Yellowstone décor and a great kids menu.

Day 2

Snowcoach tour of Yellowstone National Park

Fill up on delicious, fluffy cakes at the Running Bear Pancake House—with an espresso bar for the adults. (Travel Tip: They also sell box lunches, if you prefer to take one on your adventure in the park.) Next up, take a snowcoach tour to the iconic Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park with Backcountry Adventures or Yellowstone Alpen Guides (reserve in advance). Snowcoaches are over-the-snow vehicles that let you take in the wonder of the park in winter via a comfortable, heated ride. You’ll find multiple lunch options in the Old Faithful area, including the Old Faithful Bear Paw Deli, Snow Lodge Geyser Grill, Obsidian Dining Room and more. Back in town, grab dinner at the Madison Crossing Lounge, set in an old schoolhouse.

Day 3

Learn to Mush Dogsled Adventure

Grab breakfast at Three Bear Restaurant and set out for an off-the-beaten-path adventure—dog sledding. Book a tour in advance with Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures, which basecamps about an hour north of West Yellowstone. The tour itself is about 2 – 2.5 hours and takes you through a beautiful, remote part of the region between West Yellowstone and Big Sky. You’ll have the opportunity to learn to drive your own dog sled team and/or ride with a guide. At basecamp, enjoy a heated canvas wall-tent, a roaring campfire, hot drinks and snacks. Back in town, grab a bite to eat at Timberline Café and spend the afternoon exploring downtown West Yellowstone. For dinner, grab pizza or burgers at the family-friendly Slippery Otter Pub.

Attractions and Alternate Adventures

More to do

  • Swap out any of the above adventures with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling. You can even take a guided snowmobile tour of the park.
  • Sledding at City Park
  • Ice skating at the community ice rink
  • Ice Fishing on Hebgen Lake