Updated on May 1st, 2025
During June and July, I visited my parents in the US after not seeing them for almost 3 years. We did a lot of fun things, and I wanted to share some things to do in Montana as well as the shops we visited and the restaurants we ate at.
Livingston
Livingston is in the southwestern part of Montana, and it is about an hour away from the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park. When I visited my parents, we did a lot in Livingston, and these are my recommendations for things to do, shops to visit, and restaurants to eat at.
Things to Do in Livingston
Yellowstone Gateway Museum
The museum has permanent exhibits on the Lewis and Clark expedition, the importance of the railway in bringing visitors to Yellowstone National Park, and stories and artifacts from early-day communities. The museum also has an outdoor area with a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and transportation vehicles, including a caboose. Many of the exhibits have interactive elements, which was perfect for my daughter, and in one area, there were around 20 different old chairs, and you could vote for your favorite and read more about it in a booklet. There is a lot to look at and learn about in the museum, which makes it worthwhile to visit.
Accessibility: The museum is not wheelchair accessible. There are 4 floors of the museum, but there is no elevator. They are currently raising funds to be ADA compliant.
Livingston Depot Center
The Livingston Depot Center is an old train station from 1902 that has been converted into a museum. The museum has exhibits on behind the scenes of the Western movie Heaven’s Gate, films in Montana, the migration of elk in Yellowstone, including photography, paintings, and drawings, and of course, the railroads’ importance to Yellowstone National Park. By the Livingston Depot Center is the Livingston Model Railroad Club area which is free to enter to see the model trains run. Even though we did not go to the museum, my daughter loved seeing the model trains.
Accessibility: As I did not visit the museum, I do not know if it is wheelchair accessible, and there is no information on their website. The Model Railroad Club is inaccessible to wheelchairs, as you have to go down a flight of stairs, and the walking areas in the rooms are quite tight.
Livingston Farmer’s Market
The farmer’s market is held at Sacajawea Park every Wednesday during the summer. There are vendors selling local produce, baked goods, jewelry, and crafts, so you are sure to find something you like. There is also live music and various food trucks. Sacajawea Park is also nice to visit, as there is a duck pond and the Yellowstone River is nearby with beautiful views of the mountains.
Accessibility: There are sidewalks around the farmer’s market, and the concert area is paved. The vendors are on the grass, though, but they should be accessible to most wheelchair users.
Livingston Roundup
On the 4th of July weekend is the Livingston Roundup rodeo at the Park County Fairgrounds. They have food and various events, from barrel racing to bull riding. Then at the end of the rodeo are fireworks. Growing up in Texas, I have been to my share of rodeos, but my daughter has never been to one, and she loved it. Also, the 4th of July weekend was the Festival of the Arts, where over 100 artists and craftspeople sold their wares.
Accessibility: Seating is in stands, however, it may be possible to be in front of the stands in a wheelchair.
The Shane Center
The Shane Lalani Center for the Arts has a community theater, where you can see musicals. I saw The Addams Family musical with my parents, which was fun to watch. Other musicals they have had were Legally Blonde, Bonnie & Clyde, and Matilda.
Accessibility: The lobby and restrooms are accessible, and wheelchair seating is available on the floor level of the theater. Large print programs are available upon request, and setting requests can be made for those with auditory or visual impairments.
United in Light Sanctuary
UIL is a sanctuary for elder, injured, and abused draft horses. Every Saturday during the summer they have an open house where you can come pet, brush, and feed the horses. During the off-season, their open house is the first Saturday of every month, and it is donation based.
Accessibility: Since you go in the pen with the horses, the ground can be uneven and muddy and inaccessible for some wheelchair users.
Shops to Visit in Livingston
The Livingston Kite Company
The Livingston Kite Company is a great store for kids as they sell kites as well as a plethora of toys and games. My daughter bought a fidget toy as well as a small jar of Crazy Aaron’s putty. The shop owner also brings her dog to work, which was sweet to see.
Wheatgrass Books
Wheatgrass Books is an independently owned bookstore that sells books as well as gifts. The last time we were there, my daughter bought a mini Dr. Seuss notebook. I also recommend Sax & Fryer as they sell books, stationery, and gifts.
The Kitchen Shop
One of my favorite stores in Livingston is The Kitchen Shop, as it has everything you could possibly want for your kitchen. My daughter and I purchased an adorable egg and toast salt and pepper shaker, a cookie cutter, and a reusable dishcloth.
Windy Way Rock Shop
If you love rocks and crystals, I definitely recommend stopping by the Windy Way Rock Shop. They have good prices on a wide selection of rocks, crystals, and jewelry.
Community Closet
Community Closet is a local thrift store that has fantastic prices. They have home decor and accessories, books, clothing, and items for kids. I bought a shirt for $1 as well as a painting for my apartment for $3 among other things. I also recommend The Curated Closet as the more high-end donations to the Community Closet are sold there, and I have bought dresses for $20-$30.
Wolf’s Mercantile
Wolf’s Mercantile is an eclectic shop that sells home decor, gifts, jewelry, handbags, skincare, and even chocolate truffles and other sweets. My daughter has picked out bath bombs and chocolates from there.
Where to Eat in Livingston
Neptunes Taphouse and Eatery
Neptunes is a local seafood and sushi restaurant. Their food is delicious, and during my last visit to my parents, we ate there twice. I ordered the Tofu Bahn Mi, Avo Mango Roll, and Veggie Roll, and all of the dishes were so good!
Marks In & Out
Marks In & Out is a drive-in that opened in the 1950s that sells burgers and sides. Their food has great prices, and their Veggie Burger is good. I also recommend their shakes!
Los Pinos
Los Pinos is a Mexican restaurant. I ordered the Garden Fajitas, and they were delicious. They also have tacos, enchiladas, burritos, nachos, and other dishes.
Pinky’s Cafe
Pinky’s is a great cafe to go to for breakfast. They have pancakes, waffles, and egg dishes, including omelets. I ordered the Eggs Florentine, and it was delicious. Also, if you are looking for a good coffee spot for breakfast, I recommend Coffee Crossing, and they sell pastries at Coffee Crossing as well.
Rosa’s Pizza
As the name suggests, Rosa’s Pizza is a pizzeria that makes amazing homemade pizza. You can pick your own toppings or purchase one of their specialty pizzas, and I love their Vegetarian pizza, and my parents always get their BBQ Chicken pizza.
Livingston Bar and Grille
If you are looking for a more high-end restaurant, I recommend the Livingston Bar and Grille. The restaurant serves classic American food with a modern flair. I ate there with my mother, and the food was so good. Also, the bar is from 1901, and it is beautiful, and the restaurant has a collection of historical photos.
Bozeman
Bozeman is around 30 minutes from Livingston, and Bozeman has an international airport. Those who are visiting Yellowstone National Park can fly into Bozeman and rent a car to go to Yellowstone. The north entrance is around 1 hour and 20 minutes away, while the West Yellowstone entrance is a 1 hour and 40-minute drive away.
Things to Do in Bozeman
Museum of the Rockies
The museum has a large collection of dinosaur fossils, including fossils found in Montana. The museum also has exhibits on the history from early exploration through the mid-20th century and on American Indians. The Taylor Planetarium offers daily shows, which are included in the price of the museum. During the summer months, the museum has an outdoor exhibit – the Living History Farm, which is a homestead with a blacksmith shop. We had a great time at the museum, and my daughter especially loved seeing all the dinosaur fossils.
Accessibility: The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, and there is an elevator that can be used to go to the different floors.
Big Sky Country State Fair
While I was visiting my parents, there was the state fair in Bozeman. The fair had a livestock show and all different events from a reptile show, an extreme dog show, a magic show, and monster trucks. There was also a carnival area with rides. We spent the whole day there, and we had a lot of fun.
Accessibility: The carnival area is on uneven ground, but rides are offered around the grounds of the fair for those who are mobility impaired
Farmers Market
Every Saturday during the summer is the Gallatin Valley Farmers’ Market, where vendors sell produce, homemade food, crafts, and more. When we went, they also had a kids’ area with an inflatable bouncy castle and obstacle course as well as a petting zoo. There is also the Bozeman’s Farmers Market every Tuesday during the summer and the Bozeman Winter Farmers Market, which is every other Sunday during the winter months.
Accessibility: A large portion of the Gallatin Valley Farmer’s Market is indoors in the Pavilion, which is wheelchair accessible. There are some vendors outside on the grass. The Bozeman Winter Farmer’s Market is held in the Emerson Center Ballroom, which has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and there are accessible bathrooms.
Shops to Visit in Bozeman
Country Bookshelf
Country Bookshelf is the largest independently owned bookstore in Montana. The bookstore has two floors of new books, including children’s books, and I purchased a Ruth Ware book for myself from there.
Rethink Thrift
Rethink Thrift is one of the several thrift stores in Bozeman that I stopped at, and it has home decor, books, clothing, and more. The thrift store was well-organized and had great prices, so I recommend visiting. I also recommend Bridger Thrift.
Dee-O-Gee
Dee-O-Gee is a locally owned natural pet store. They sell food, treats, and toys for dogs and cats, and it is a great store to stop at for your furry friend.
Where to Eat in Bozeman
Stuffed Crepes and Waffles
Stuffed has the best crepes I have ever had. They sell both sweet and savory crepes, and you have the option of getting a waffle instead. My daughter loved the Cusco crepe that was with peanut butter and banana, and I enjoyed the Margarita crepe that came with tomatoes, mozzarella, and pesto.
The Nova Cafe
A delicious breakfast option is The Nova Cafe. They have omelets, eggs benedict, pancakes, waffles, breakfast tacos and burritos, and more. I got the Forager Omelet, and it was so good.
Cateye Cafe
Cateye Cafe is a quirky cat-themed cafe. They serve both breakfast and lunch, and for breakfast, I ordered the Veggie Burrito, which was delicious.
Gardiner
Gardiner is located at the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park. I recommend visiting for the day before heading into the park.
Things to Do in Gardiner
Yellowstone Hot Springs
Yellowstone Hot Springs is a little outside of the main city of Gardiner, but it is a great place to go to relax. They have a large main pool as well as a hot pool and a cold pool that use natural mineral water from a hot spring source. The pools are located outdoors, so you can enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains while you relax. There is also Chico Hot Springs in Pray, Montana, but the pool is smaller and tends to be more crowded, so I definitely recommend Yellowstone Hot Springs over Chico.
Accessibility: Yellowstone Hot Spring is ADA-compliant for those needing wheelchair access. The main pool has several entrances, including one with a slight slope. However, the hot and cold pools have steps.
Rafting
We have not been rafting on the Yellowstone River, but there are around 5 companies that offer whitewater rafting and scenic float trips during the summer at Gardiner. Some of the companies also offer fly fishing, horseback riding, and ziplining, and they would be fun to do if you are looking for something more adventurous.
Accessibility: I am unsure if any of the companies offer adaptive rafting.
Roosevelt Arch
The Roosevelt Arch was built for the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park, and it was completed in 1903. You can visit the arch and take photos.
Accessibility: The arch is accessible, and there is also a parking lot close by.
Shops to Visit in Gardiner
Yellowstone Gifts and Sweets
Yellowstone Gifts and Sweets is a large gift shop in Gardiner. They have a ton of Yellowstone-themed clothing and gifts, and they also sell chocolates.
Outwest T’s
Outwest T’ sells humorous and fun t-shirts. I bought one for my dad as a gift, and he liked it and thought it was funny.
Where to Eat in Gardiner
Yellowstone Perk
For ice cream, we stopped at Yellowstone Perk. I got a huckleberry milkshake, and it was so good, and my daughter loved her ice cream. They also have a small gift section.
Great Falls
Great Falls is located about 3 hours from Livingston, and we went there for a short trip to visit my grandma and uncle. Many stores are closed on Sundays, so when we were there, we could not do much shopping except at larger retailers like Walmart and Target.
Things to Do in Great Falls
Giant Springs State Park
Giant Springs State Park is a large park, and the highlights are definitely seeing the falls. Also, near the falls is a fish hatchery, and you can get food to feed them for 25 cents. When we went, it was a bit too warm to do a lot, but it would be great to go hiking or just have a picnic in the cooler months.
Accessibility: There is accessible parking by the falls, and the path to the falls is paved. There are also several wheelchair-accessible trails.
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
We did not go to the museum as we were with my grandma, but the museum is a short drive from the falls. The museum is all about the Lewis and Clark expedition, which seems worthwhile if you are interested in their exploration.
Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible, and the theater in the museum has 6 wheelchair-accessible seats and open captioning.
Where to Eat in Great Falls
Electric City Coffee
We ate at Electric City Coffee for breakfast, and I ordered the Breakfast Burrito. They also serve breakfast sandwiches, toast, and oatmeal. For lunch, they serve deli sandwiches and salads, and of course, you can order coffee, smoothies, and other drinks all day.
Tracy’s Family Restaurant
We did not eat here while we were in Great Falls, but my family recommends it. Tracy’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For lunch, they have burgers, sandwiches, and salads. For dinner, they have steaks, chicken, pasta, and seafood dishes.
Billings
Billings is the largest city in Montana, and it is about 2 hours away from Livingston. We went on a day trip to Billings to visit the zoo and the mall. I would recommend visiting the zoo, so I wanted to mention it here. If you are visiting Billings, there are other things you might like to do, such as visiting the museums like the Yellowstone Art Museum, Yellowstone County Museum, Western Heritage Center, and Moss Mansion, as well as parks like the Pictograph Cave State Park and Lake Elmo State Park.
Things to Do in Billings
ZooMontana
ZooMontana is the only zoo in Montana with over 100 animals. The zoo is small in comparison to other zoos in the US, but the zoo is lush and there is even a creek running through it. The zoo also has a botanical garden and a homestead area.
Accessibility: The zoo is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs can be rented as well. The paths are paved, and there is access to all the exhibits.
I will have a separate post on Yellowstone National Park, as there is so much to see and do in the park that it deserves its own post.
Thank you for such an informative write-up. I have never been to Montana, but it is one of the places I do want to visit. I love museums and being to see those dinosaur fossils sounds great to me. I find them fascinating! I love visiting thrift stores wherever I go. You just never know what kind of treasure you will find. Very impressed with everything you saw and learned on your trip. What great memories to make with your family. Thank you for inviting us along.
~ Cassie
You’re welcome! I hope you can visit Montana one day! The Museum of the Rockies is fantastic and there are so many different fossils to see.
I agree! You never know what you’re going to find at a thrift store.
Wow, this is a mega comprehensive list. I would love to visit Montana. Gosh the place seems huge! Think I am going to need a map to the waffles place haha yum
I hope you can visit Montana one day! Montana is a big state! Haha
We’ve never been to Montana before, but we’ve heard it’s pretty. We also love going to farmer’s markets.
Montana is beautiful and the farmer’s markets were fun!
Such a great, thorough list! Montana is on my bucket list.
I hope you can visit Montana one day!
What a great comprehensive post! And that margerita crepe looks amazing! I went to Montana so long ago to Glacier National Park will definitely have to check out Livingston next time! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Thank you and the crepe was delicious!
That’s awesome you’ve been to Montana before! When I was a kid, we went to Glacier National Park too, but I don’t remember that much of it.
I definitely recommend visiting Livingston!
I haven’t been to Montana in years but I’d love to visit again someday. I’d love to check some of these things off my list, including the Museum of the Rockies and the Country State Fair. Thank you for the ideas!
That’s awesome you’ve been to Montana before, and I hope you can go back one day!
I definitely recommend visiting the Museum of the Rockies and the state fair was so fun!
I had no idea there were so many interesting things to do in Montana. It’s not a place I’ve ever thought about visiting
I think many people who do visit Montana go there for Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, but there is so much to do outside of visiting the parks.
OMG! Such a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing your experience 🥰
You’re welcome and I agree Montana is beautiful!
I’ve never visited Montana, but I’m surprised at how much there is to do for fun. I’m definitely going to consider a trip there.
I definitely recommend visiting because there is so much to do!
I’ve been to Montana once – I went to Missoula and Glacier Park. I remember it being beautiful but chilly! I went in May
I haven’t been to Missoula, but when I was a kid, we did go to Glacier Park. It can get cold in Montana and when I saw my parents a few years ago, I was there in October/November.
This is a super interesting list, especially the Livingston Depot Center, I really like places like that, it reminds me a lot of the USS Alabama, which is the same concept a battleship turned into a museum. I love farmer’s markets, the one in Livingston sounds amazing. You would think someone from a small town (me) would have one close, but the closest thing to one is in the city and it’s the flea market (which is great, but not the same).
The Livingston Roundup, and The Shane Center also sound great. United in Light Sanctuary sounds so needed! It always so sad that people get animals just to mistreat them, people always abandon abused cats and dogs on my road, because it’s a wooded area. 🙁 The shopping sounded really fun, and interesting.
I love that variety in the food there, I love tofu and plant options. <3 Bozeman sounds great as well, and so does the Farmer's Market there, and so does the shopping. Giant Springs State Park sound really fun! I've actually never visited Montana but it sounds great!
Also the Yellowstone Gateway Museum and the Shane Center were schools from 1902/1903 so I agree I like places that use historical places for museums or a community center.
It is sad that so many animals are mistreated & that’s horrible people abandon dogs & cats on your road.
All the shopping & food in Montana is great!
Never been to Montana but this is an amazing list and anywhere you can get great crepes is an added bonus for me.
Thanks! There are a lot of great things to do in Montana, and yes the crepes were so good!
Overly spoilt for choice here, but if taking a few hours, I’ll be at the farmers market. Away from that, the horse sanctuary and the museum revisiting an old western movie set!
The farmer’s markets are great because you can find so many different things plus you can support small businesses! I also definitely recommend visiting the horse sanctuary because it was a one-of-a-kind experience being around these giant horses and being able to pet them, brush them, and give them carrots.
Great post! This is such an extensive and helpful list. I’ve been to Montana once for about 24 hours, and it reminded me so much of my home state, Colorado. I’d love to return and experience more than a lengthy road trip! Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you! Colorado does seem similar to Montana because you do have all the mountains, but it would be nice if you could visit Montana again because there is a lot to do!
Wow, there is some absolutely amazing places to visit! Thank you for sharing such a great travel guide, I’ll defiantly keep this under my belt for when I hopefully one day visit. Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
You’re welcome! I hope you can visit Montana one day!
Ooh I love this – I’d really love to go to Montana one day! I hope you had an amazing time with your parents after not seeing them for so long.
As someone who loves to pick up something crafty when visiting places, Livingston Farmer’s Market sounds amazing! I’d love to visit Wheatgrass Books and of course the Country Bookshelf – it sounds like a dream! My mum loves crystals and rocks so I think I’d have to drop in the Windy Way Rock Shop too.
I’ve never been rafting before but I’d love to give it a try in Gardiner and do something a little more adventurous!
I hope you can visit Montana one day! I did have a wonderful time with my parents!
I definitely recommend the farmer’s market and the bookstores are a must! Also, the rock shop would be perfect for your mum!
I’d love to visit Museum of the Rockies. What a fantastic list of recommendations for Montana for anyone visiting! Glad you got to see your parents after 3 years, bet you had the best trip 🙂
It’s a great museum! Also, one of the fossils there was found on a farm near my parents’ house!
It was a fantastic trip!
Wow! This is a great list of really interesting experiences. I love the idea of the train station turned into a museum, I think that would be interesting to visit! Wow, that food – it’s made me even more hungry! I have never been to Montana before, but it sounds like there is so much to do and experience. Thank you for sharing!
Lauren x
I would like to visit the Livingston Depot Center next time I visit too! Also, the Yellowstone Gateway Museum and the Shane Center used to be schools from 1903 and 1902!
The food was so good! There is a lot to do in Montana!
such a fun travel guide to Montana. I’ll have to add Montana to my list of states to visit. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! I definitely recommend visiting Montana because there are so many different things to do!
Wow! Hopefully I’ll visit Montana one day, so I’ll try out these things.
I hope you can visit Montana one day!
I went to Montana in May! Missoula, Bozeman and Yellowstone. I also visited Country Bookshelf but my favorite eat there was Blackbird Pizza!
That’s awesome you were just in Montana! I haven’t been to Missoula, but Bozeman and Yellowstone are both great places to visit!
Ooo when I go back, my parents and I will definitely have to try Blackbird Pizza!
So many amazing things to do in Montana, the Roosevelt Arch looks incredible and I love the look of the zoos they have there! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
The Roosevelt Arch is a great photo opp and the zoo was fun to visit!
I’ve never been but looks like lots to do there!! 🙂
There is a lot to do!!!
Lovely, I would love to visit the places because of the way you describe them……………
There are a lot of lovely places to visit in Montana!
Great blog Karalee!
Thanks!
I’d love to visit Montana for the nature and natural beauty it’s famous for. It sounds like there is a lot to do and a great variety of adventures to take part in. Thanks for the info!
Montana is beautiful and my parents live in an area known as Paradise Valley because of the mountain views. I didn’t mention this in the post, but when we were there, we went hiking around Fairy Lake and it was lovely!
You’re welcome!
This is an exhaustive list of things to do IN Montana. Lovely post
Thank you! There are a lot of things to do in Montana!
Wow… there are so many cool things to do in Montana. Montana does sounds like an interesting place to visit. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome! There is so much to do in Montana and it is a great place to visit.
Livingston Montana has a lot of fun things to do and see. The Food Explora in me would definitely seek out all the eateries in Montana. Rafting on the Yellow Stone River sounds like a nice adventure. Appreciate your recap of the time you spent in Montana. Thanks for sharing.
Livingston definitely has a lot of great things to do & there so many good restaurants there that I couldn’t list them all!
You’re welcome!
Great things to do in Montana and I haven’t been there before. I will keep these in mind.
I definitely recommend visiting Montana!
Great post! Aiming to hit every state at some point 🤣 love the food recommendations
Thank you! Ooo that’s exciting! I hope you can visit all the states!
Hi Karalee,
I’ve never been to Montana. The horse sanctuary looks amazing and that horse is so cute! I did therapeutic riding from ages 5-17 (I have physical and visual disabilities). The thrift store sounds great as do the waffle and pizza restaurants. My dad would like the train depot.
I am from England but have family in the US (aunts, uncles and cousins) in Connecticut, Maine, California, Georgia and Philadelphia.
This is a really great travel guide and makes me want to go. I hope the places have good wheelchair access. I use a powered wheelchair.
Hello Katherine!
That’s wonderful you did therapeautic riding as a kid. We also went to another farm that has Norwegian Fjord horses that the lady uses for therapy. We were there for a fundraising event and my daughter actually won a riding lesson, and she loved it.
That’s awesome you have family in the US! Have you been to visit them?
That reminds me. I should definitely update the post for accessibility. For the horse sanctuary, you do go into the pens with them so the ground is uneven and can be muddy.
Hi Karalee,
I haven’t visited my US family for years and would love to someday.
Congratulations to your daughter on winning a riding lesson. Thanks for the information about the horse sanctuary. I’d love to know about accessibility for everywhere else you mention.
Thank you and you’re welcome! I have added an accessibility section for the things to do, but I haven’t gotten to the shops or restaurants yet.
Thanks Karalee, you’re welcome, too. Looking forward to your updates on the post. Have a great week.
Thanks! I hope you have a great week too!
Montana is somewhere we plan to visit in retirement and you’re blog has given us a lot of great tips and advice. Thanks so much for sharing.
I hope you can visit Montana one day! You’re welcome!
I never knew I needed to visit Montana until after reading this post! The places to eat were especially enticing 🙂
Montana is a great state to visit! There are so many good restaurants there!
Great suggestions! I have seen a lot of TV shows in Montana and it looks dreamy.
Thank you! Montana is dreamy and where my parents live it’s called Paradise Valley because of the mountain views.