Destination Red Lodge
May 2025
article by Maria Weidich | photos by Seth Kroft
Tucked away at the base of the Beartooth Mountains, Red Lodge, Montana, boasts a rich history, natural beauty, and small-town charm. Along with its easy access to adventure, local eateries, quirky shops, and unique entertainment, a trip to Red Lodge makes the perfect family-friendly mountain getaway this summer. Here are a few worthwhile stops, whether you have just one day or a long weekend.
The line might be out the door, but we promise it’ll be worth it. The Cattail Bakery, located in the heart of downtown Red Lodge, is a charming, family-owned, made-from-scratch establishment with something for everyone. Start your day with a flaky croissant or savory quiche before embarking on an adventure.
Whether packing a picnic lunch for a scenic drive along the Beartooth Highway or planning a relaxing afternoon by Wild Bill Lake, Babcock & Miles ensures your picnic is delicious and memorable. This charming specialty shop in Red Lodge is your go-to spot for all gourmet provisions. It's stocked with fine cheeses, cured meats, fresh bread, and an impressive selection of wines to complement any outdoor feast. Remember to grab some artisan chocolates or handcrafted snacks for the road!
Aptly nicknamed the “Highway to the Sky,” this section of U.S. Highway 212 connects Red Lodge to Cooke City through 68 miles of steep switchbacks zig-zagging across the Montana-Wyoming border. Climbing to an impressive 10,947 feet above sea level, the drive offers stunning views of alpine lakes, hanging valleys, fragile tundra, and occasional wildlife. Only passable from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, the Beartooth Highway is arguably the most scenic gateway to Yellowstone National Park.
Cooke City might be the end of the road in the winter, but in the summer, it’s only the beginning! Just four miles east of the Yellowstone National Park entrance, Cooke City makes a great pit stop before entering the park gate. Gas up the car and grab a Wilcoxcin’s ice cream cone at the local Sinclar before embarking on an epic drive through Yellowstone’s famed Lamar Valley.
One of the most common and appealing draws to Red Lodge is its quick and easy access to many hiking trails. Whether you stay in the front country, explore the neighboring Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, or venture to the high alpine tundra on the Beartooth Pass, plenty of convenient and well-maintained trails are suitable for the whole family. Reach out to the Beartooth Ranger District for more detailed information before heading out.
Wild Bill Lake is a popular fishing destination for young families and makes for a perfect picnic spot. Just a few miles from downtown Red Lodge, the small but beautiful lake offers two accessible fishing docks and is stocked multiple times a year with rainbow trout. Even the smallest anglers will enjoy the 0.4-mile loop circling the lake.
Red Lodge Mountain isn’t just a winter haven anymore. Now offering a unique, family-friendly way to hike from higher grounds and take in the breathtaking views, the Stache Express chairlift will spin Friday through Sunday all summer long (children five and under ride free!). Summer visitors can also enjoy cross-country mountain biking, an 18-hole disc golf course, and kicking back at the Bierstube.
The Red Box Car is a Red Lodge icon not to be missed! An actual 100-year-old box car, the Red Box Car was converted into a drive-in diner in 1972 and continues to serve delicious burgers, fries, and its famous milkshakes. The fast service and outdoor seating make this a popular choice for families.
For over 35 years, the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary’s mission has been to provide lifelong care to wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem who would be unable to survive on their own. Schedule a guided tour or roam around on your own as you visit native wildlife like bison, bears, mountain lions, wolves, and owls. Pro tip: Visit in the morning when the animals are most active.
After a day of adventure, there’s nothing like a delicious meal with even better company. A Red Lodge institution since 1975, Bogart’s offers delicious Mexican dishes, hand-tossed pizzas, signature burgers, and, most notably, an entire menu of margaritas.
For history buffs, the Carbon County Historical Museum is worth a visit. Established in 1959 by Alice Greenough, known for busting broncs and busting ranks in the world of rodeo, as a way to preserve and share the history of Carbon County. The exhibits are brimming with rodeo memorabilia, gun collections, and an extensive coal and rock mine exhibit.
No mountain town is complete without a brewery offering casual patio dining with a side of cornhole. Sam’s Tap Room & Kitchen offers a family-friendly atmosphere with fresh salads, hearty soups, and enormous sandwiches, all matching the flavor and philosophy of their world-class beers and ciders.
photo by Nathan Satran
Straight from the pages of a fairytale, the Montana Candy Emporium is a vintage candy store offering nostalgic, old-time candies and handmade sweets promised to delight both the young and old. Rustic wooden barrels full of brightly colored classics and mountains of saltwater taffy fill the shop, all sold by the pound. Overflowing with antique posters, signs, and memorabilia, the shop provides plenty of eye candy, too.
Built in 1893, the Pollard Hotel is Red Lodge’s first brick building, even frequented by Buffalo Bill Cody himself. The perfect place to rest your head at the end of a long day of adventuring. Nestled in the heart of downtown, the Pollard is also home to Marli’s, dishing up classic breakfasts and hearty dinners promised to satisfy.
A trip to Red Lodge feels like stepping into a postcard showcasing Montana’s natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and Western-style charm. Historic enough to have hosted guests like Buffalo Bill Cody, progressive enough to feature farm-to-fork dining, and laid-back enough to embrace the wide array of outdoor recreation, which is undeniably the best aspect of the area. Make it a point to see for yourself this summer!
Originally printed in the May 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine
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