Quick Facts
- Population: 1,272 (as of 2020 census)
- County: Gallatin County
- Founded: 1908 (railroad completion), incorporated in 1966
- Elevation: 6,660 ft
- Known For: West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, snowmobiling, blue-ribbon trout fishing, Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
- Nearby Landmarks: Yellowstone National Park (Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone), Hebgen Lake, Gallatin National Forest
- Fun Fact: Holds the record for the lowest temperature recorded in a residential community in the lower 48: -66°F (-54°C).
Notable People & Pop Culture
- Early explorers and conservationists like Nathaniel P. Langford and the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition were pivotal in the area’s history and the creation of Yellowstone National Park.
- Featured in nature documentaries, photography, and visual media celebrating the American West.
Top Things to Do in West Yellowstone
- Explore Yellowstone National Park: See Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and hike scenic trails.
- Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center: Learn about and observe grizzly bears and wolves in a naturalistic setting.
- Fly Fishing: Cast a line in the Madison River or other blue-ribbon trout streams.
- Snowmobiling & Winter Sports: Hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Local Industry & Economy
- Tourism is the primary industry, driven by proximity to Yellowstone National Park and year-round outdoor recreation.
- Hospitality, guiding services, and local retail support the visitor economy.
History & Heritage
- Founded as a railroad terminus to serve Yellowstone visitors; the town grew with the rise of automobile tourism.
- Deep ties to the conservation movement and the history of Yellowstone National Park.
Seasonal Activities & Local Events
- Spring/Summer: Hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, rafting, horseback riding, visiting geothermal features.
- Fall/Winter: Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, winter tours into Yellowstone.
- Annual Events: Yellowstone Rendezvous Race, Snowmobile EXPO, Fourth of July, fall festivals, and winter carnivals.
Getting There & Nearby Destinations
- Located at the western entrance of Yellowstone National Park on US-20/US-191.
- Yellowstone Airport (WYS) offers seasonal flights.
- Nearby: Big Sky Resort, Island Park (ID), Gallatin National Forest.