Are you ready for a memorable adventure in Red Lodge, Montana? This picturesque town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a vibrant western charm. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your stay in Red Lodge.

Stay:

Choosing the right accommodation is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Red Lodge.

• The Bunkhouse – This cozy rental accommodates 10 people with 2 double beds, 4 bunks, and 2 single beds. Perfect for two families, it offers modern amenities and beautiful mountain views. The friendly hosts provide excellent insights into the town and offer thoughtful assistance, like providing a pack n play and loaning eggs for dessert. Despite having bunk beds, the Bunkhouse is soundproofed, ensuring a good night’s sleep for even the lightest sleeper.”
• The Pollard Hotel – If you are looking to stay IN town, then choose the Pollard! Each of the 39 guestrooms is uniquely designed with vintage handcrafted furnishings. Immerse yourself in the charm of a bygone era and explore the rich history of the Pollard Hotel while enjoying the picturesque mountains and parklands surrounding the area.
• Rustic Campgrounds: If you prefer camping, there are well-maintained campgrounds near Red Lodge where you can pitch a tent or park your RV.

Eat:

Discover the flavors of Red Lodge and indulge in its local culinary delights.

• Piccola Cucina at Ox Pasture: For a more upscale experience and fun people watching, check out the exquisite Sicilian cuisine at Piccola Cucina, located in the historical building of Ox Pasture on Broadway in Red Lodge. The menu features authentic dishes prepared with fresh and locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the rich flavors of Sicilian food. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor some of their specialties, such as:
  • Arancini: Delicious Sicilian rice balls stuffed with meat, cheese, and vegetables, perfectly fried to golden perfection.
  • Pasta alla Norma: A classic Sicilian pasta dish featuring eggplant, tomatoes, basil, and ricotta salata.
  • Cannoli: End your meal on a sweet note with traditional Sicilian cannoli filled with creamy ricotta cheese and sweetened with chocolate chips.
• Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company: For a more casual dining experience or to eat with a large group, head over to the Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company. This local brewery offers a variety of handcrafted beers with distinct flavors that are sure to delight any beer enthusiast. Be sure to also order a giant pretzel with queso, you won’t be disappointed!

Do:

Red Lodge offers an array of activities for all ages. Here are some additional activities to add to your itinerary:

• Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary: Meet bears, cats, foxes, raptors, and other rescued Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem wildlife at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary provides lifelong homes to animals that cannot survive in the wild. Take a guided tour to learn more about the animals and their survivor stories. The Sanctuary also offers unique animal encounters, allowing you to get up close with ambassador animals like Piglet the Hognosed Snake or Scherbatsky and M&M, the Tiger Salamanders. The guided tours last about 60 to 90 minutes, while the encounters are about 10-15 minutes. Keep in mind that the Sanctuary is closed on Tuesdays and Christmas Day. Plan your visit accordingly, and support their important work by purchasing tickets online.
• Sentinel Ranch Llama Feeding: Have an unforgettable experience feeding llamas at Sentinel Ranch. The knowledgeable guides will introduce you to these fascinating creatures and provide insights into their behavior and habitat. It’s an excellent activity for families and llama enthusiasts. Plus, it’s free! Enjoy the opportunity to interact with these gentle animals and make memories to last a lifetime.
• Fishing/Hiking: There is plenty of outdoor activities and hiking to serve even the most adventurous outdoorsmen/women! Head over to Lake Fork or Silver Run for hiking and over to Wild Bill Lake for fishing. There are cute trails and you can even bring your 4-legged friends to chill with you.
• Go Shopping: Explore the charming shops in downtown Red Lodge. You’ll find a variety of boutique stores, art galleries, and gift shops offering unique souvenirs and local crafts. It’s a great way to support local businesses and take home some memorable treasures.
• Candy Emporium: Treat yourself and your kids to a delightful experience at the Candy Emporium. Indulge in a selection of candies, chocolates, and nostalgic treats from your childhood. It’s a sweet stop that both young and young-at-heart will enjoy.
• Local Public Swimming Pool: If you’re traveling with kids, let them cool off and have fun at the local public swimming pool. For a small fee of $5, they can enjoy the pool’s amenities, including a diving board and a cute toddler area that is sectioned off for their safety.