Article by Jessica Renstrom |  Photos courtesy of Simply Local

Montana and Wyoming are packed with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant local culture that don’t require a week off work to experience. With a bit of planning, a single day trip can take you from iconic museums and hot springs to scenic hikes, art galleries, and old-timey diners. Whether you’re craving a dose of nature, a cultural deep dive, or just a good milkshake and a mountain view, there’s so much to discover right in our own backyard. Here are some ideas to get your summer adventures started:

FROM BILLINGS TO BIG TIMBER

After grabbing coffee from a local favorite like Mazevo, the drive west along I-90 from Billings to Big Timber sets the tone with expansive views and distant mountain silhouettes guiding the way to your first stop at GreyCliff Mill, nestled just off the highway about an hour out from Billings. This place could be a full-day experience all on its own. Beyond the cozy café with scrumptious baked goods, the mill offers immersive experiences like cheese-making demonstrations in the creamery, opportunities to learn to weave on a loom, and hiking trails that wind through the surrounding countryside.

“In the thick of life with little ones, Saturday mornings at Greycliff Mill have become a favorite treat,” shares Sarah Lagace, Billings resident and mother of three. “My husband and I love the slow, scenic drive… one of the few times we can talk without distraction. We pile out of the car into this warm, thoughtful, and charming world. The grounds are a beautifully strollable place where life slows down a little. I’ll sit with a book… while our boys come alive, tossing pebbles into ponds, scaling trees, and building elaborate stick structures. Between the unforgettable pastries, cozy workshops, kindest people, easy hikes, farm animals, and giant swings, it’s all pure magic.”

After the mill, continue west into Big Timber to visit Meats of Montana. This specialty butcher shop is packed with locally sourced cuts, elk, bison, jerky, and sausages, making perfect gifts or road snacks. The friendly staff often offers samples and stories, making it as much a cultural stop as a culinary one.

With full bellies, the next destination is the Crazy Mountain Museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past. A range of exhibits on Montana archaeology, pioneer life, the Stillwater Mine, and Hunter Hot Springs showcase the fascinating history of Sweet Grass County.

After the museum, take a short drive about 25 minutes south to the Natural Bridge Falls Picnic Area. This rewarding little detour gives you a stunning view of a natural rock bridge and waterfall carved by the Boulder River. You can enjoy some snacks at the area’s picnic tables while relaxing to the sound of cascading water. The peaceful scenery makes for a perfect moment of calm and serenity before returning to town.

On the drive back, take a fun detour through GreycliffPrairie Dog Town State Park, a personal childhood favorite. It's a simple roadside pull-off, but watching the prairie dogs pop in and out of their burrows, chirping and scurrying in their little community is delightful. It’s also a great place to let little ones stretch their legs and get their wiggles out.

A DAY IN CODY, WY

Cody, Wyoming, offers a wonderful mix of history, scenery, and small-town charm. Begin your morning with a visit to the Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center just a few miles west of town. The views over the Shoshone River and the surrounding canyon are breathtaking, and you can view a movie in the Visitor’s Center to learn more about the history of this marvel, which was the tallest dam in the world when it was completed in 1910.

Next, head back into Cody to visit Old Trail Town, a must- see for lovers of the Old West. This unique attraction comprises authentic 19th-century cabins and buildings that were relocated and restored to recreate a frontier town. You can walk boardwalks lined with historic structures, peer into preserved blacksmith shops and saloons, and even view the grave of mountain man Jeremiah Johnson. It’s immersive, educational, and incredibly photogenic.

By midday, you’ll be ready for lunch. Cody has several standout options, including the Irma, located in a hotel originally built by Buffalo Bill himself and full of Western flair, and the Trailhead, which offers artisan pizzas and creative, locally sourced dishes.

After lunch is the perfect time to visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. This incredible museum complex includes five separate museums under one roof: the Buffalo Bill Museum, Plains Indian Museum, Cody Firearms Museum, Draper Natural History Museum, and the Whitney Western Art Museum. You could easily spend the entire afternoon here wandering through exhibits that capture the art, culture, history, and natural environment of the American West. It’s an essential stop and worth the few hours you’ll want to dedicate to it.

Before heading out of town, check out The Bigg Chill, a cheerful ice cream shop on Sheridan Avenue. With a fun mix of traditional and quirky flavors, it’s the perfect treat before making a final stop at Olive & Pearl, a charming local candle store known for its hand-poured coconut wax candles and cozy, curated home goods. It’s the kind of boutique that smells amazing the second you walk in, making it a perfect spot to grab a gift or souvenir with a personal touch.

IN LIVINGSTON AND PARADISE VALLEY

If you’re headed to the Paradise Valley area, get your day started by exploring the vibrant shops of Downtown Livingston. The streets are lined with various art galleries, boutiques, and shops that showcase the town's rich cultural scene. And don’t miss the Livingston Center for Art and Culture, which offers rotating exhibits and workshops.

While shopping, take a short stroll to the Livingston Kite Company at 113 W Callender St. This charming shop offers a whimsical array of kites and tasteful indoor/outdoor home decorations, making it a delightful stop for kids and adults.

Nearby the Kite Company, you’ll find Neptune's Taphouse & Eatery, a perfect stop for lunch. This restaurant features coastal cuisine like burgers, fish and chips, and sushi, alongside a full bar with draft beers made in Montana and cocktails using many Montana-made or small-batch craft spirits.

After lunch, embark on a scenic drive to Pine Creek Falls, approximately 17 miles south of Livingston. The trail to the falls is a moderately challenging 3.2-mile out-and-back hike that meanders alongside a babbling creek, offering beautiful views of the picturesque Falls.

As the sun sets, make your way to Pine Creek Lodge, a unique outdoor live music venue nestled in the heart of Paradise Valley. The lodge hosts a variety of concerts featuring local and national artists. Check their event schedule in advance to catch a performance during your visit.

Or if you’d prefer something more tranquil, unwind with a relaxing soak at Yellowstone Hot Springs, located just eight miles north of the North entrance to Yellowstone Park. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the hot springs offer natural mineral waters with temperatures ranging from 98°F to 105°F, providing the perfect end to your adventurous day.

Originally printed in the June 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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