Article and Photos by Jamie Blotske

The end of summer is always bittersweet. While we look forward to cooling temps, fall colors, and the return of routine, letting go of the longer days, warm sun, time with our kids, and the endless feeling of “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” is the bitter part. Summertime is the ultimate memory-making season, between pool days, camping trips, family vacations, etc. Here are five fantastic ways to spend a day creating lasting memories before the school year begins.

Beartooth Pass - Cooke City - Bear Creek Saloon

For this day trip, let’s bypass the charming mountain town of Red Lodge and head straight for the Beartooth Pass. Driving the pass is always an otherworldly experience. People travel from all over the world for its sights. Pull off for a few family photos along the way, stop at the rest area to visit the chipmunks, shop at the Top of the World general store, and maybe even take a quick hike. Continue to Cooke City for lunch. The pizza at Miners Saloon or the BLT from Beartooth Café are great options.

After spending time in quaint Cooke City, set your GPS for Bear Creek Saloon in Bearcreek, MT. Make an early dinner reservation at the steakhouse, then stick around for the main attraction: pig races! Your kids will love placing bets and cheering on their favorite pig. The races run from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Thursday through Sunday, and start at 7 p.m., so plan accordingly!

Greycliff Mill – Natural Bridge Falls

Plan for an early lunch just before reaching Big Timber, MT, at the beautifully renovated and remodeled 1760 barn of Greycliff Mill. The menu is small, but the breads are homemade, pastries are baked fresh daily, and the coffee is some of the best I’ve ever had! Spend some time touring the property, visiting the greenhouse and cheese cave.

Continuing to Big Timber, go to the Natural Bridge Falls picnic area. Spend the day hiking and basking in the beauty of the waterfall, dropping over a limestone cliff. There are paved trails with guard rails and some dirt paths for those seeking a little more adventure. You can hike down into the canyon to get an up-close and personal view of the falls. Be careful, though, and never underestimate its immense power!

Plan dinner at the iconic Grand Hotel & Restaurant for an old-west-style dining experience.

Cody – Buffalo Bill Reservoir

Leaving Montana and heading into Wyoming, Cody is packed with history, museums, exhibits, and even a nearby re-created frontier town with 1800s log cabins and a saloon to tour. However, the highlight of this day trip is found just 10 miles southwest of Cody. Breathtaking views surround Buffalo Bill Reservoir, and it is an ideal spot to have a picnic lunch. The reservoir is a great place for boat owners for fishing and boating. Bring a frisbee or a kite, as there is plenty of space to spread out and play. Be sure to stop in at the Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center. You can walk across the top of the dam to view both the Shoshone River and Buffalo Bill Reservoir.

Head back into town for educational fun and a bite to eat at one of the many local restaurants along Sheridan Ave.   

Hot Springs Hopping

Montana boasts some incredible pristine natural hot springs; fortunately for us, we have two very close by! Spend an entire day resting and relaxing in the mountain mineral pools of Yellowstone and Chico Hot Springs.

There’s no right or wrong answer here, but I recommend starting your hot springs hop at YHS, just outside of Gardiner, MT. The 360-degree mountain views alone are worth the drive. With three varying-temperature pools to choose from, you’ll feel rejuvenated and recharged after your time spent soaking.

Grab lunch in Gardiner or make a reservation for the Fireside Room at Sage Lodge (ask to sit outside for the views!)

Late-day/evening soaks at Chico Hot Springs are lively and entertaining. With a poolside grill, swim-up bar, and saloon that offers live music on the weekends, Chico knows how to deliver a good time!  

Bighorn Canyon – South End

 The south end of the Bighorn Canyon, near Lovell, WY, is the perfect place to escape the crowds in search of adventure! There is plenty to do and see between swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. One of the best ways to experience the canyon is by boat. Book a tour with Hidden Treasures Charter, located at Horseshoe Bend Marina. A designated swimming area at Horseshoe Bend is a great spot to cool off. Bring a stand-up paddleboard or kayak to explore beyond the shoreline. And last but certainly not least, plan for a hike to take in the views of the canyon from above. I highly recommend Sullivan’s Knob Trail and Ranger’s Delight. You’ll be blown away by what you see!

Here's to making some lasting memories as we say goodbye to summer and hello to fall!

Originally printed in the August 2024 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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

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