West Yellowstone, Montana

West Yellowstone, Montana, is the most centrally located gateway town just outside Yellowstone National Park. As such, Old Faithful Geyser is just 30 miles to the southeast and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is just 40 miles to the northeast. Idaho is 8 miles west and Wyoming is 2 miles east. In addition, a few miles to the east or north, you can find prime, blue-ribbon fly fishing. Snowmobile trail access to the national forests is right at the edges of town.

Geographically in the center of town, all West Yellowstone vacation cabin rentals at the Faithful Street Inn are just 6 blocks from the west gate of Yellowstone National Park. Also, we are within walking distance to most shops, restaurants, and activities. Yet, when leaving for daily adventures, drive via the side streets and easily avoid the congestion of "downtown." In summer, try fly fishing, horseback riding, ATVs, or ziplining. In winter, cross country ski or snowmobile right from your Faithful Street Inn cabin rental. Also, both summer and winter tours into Yellowstone will pick you up just steps from your front door.

To learn more about West Yellowstone and Faithful Street Inn's location, please go to our map of West Yellowstone and our Chamber of Commerce website.

ABOUT West Yellowstone

A village in constant transition, today’s West Yellowstone, Montana, was shaped by a colorful past. 

Before Yellowstone National Park

Before there was a Yellowstone National Park or even a town, this valley saw the semi-permanent encampments of Native Americans from the Pacific Northwest, Great Basin, Columbia Plateau, and Great Plains. They paused in the Hebgen Basin between the high plains of Montana and Wyoming, and the fertile Snake River Plain. Mountain men also gathered here along with fur traders, gold prospectors, explorers, army detachments, hunters, entrepreneurs, fishermen, and outlaws. The last two are occasionally mistaken for each other!

A New Town Emerges

Though Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, most early visitors arrived near Gardiner, Montana. In 1908, two significant events occurred to shape what today is West Yellowstone. The Union Pacific Railroad and the Eagle and Stewart families arrived in the forest preserve just outside the West Entrance to Yellowstone. Our town grew out of the few buildings established that year and became a small gateway community serving the railroad and visitors to our first national park. As years passed, folks became more aware of the diverse wonders in this rich valley and this dusty little tourist town became a bustling and thriving year around community.

Today's Gateway to Yellowstone & Recreation

Standing at the corner of Madison Avenue and Canyon Street on a sunny July day, it is very easy to forget we are surrounded by wilderness. While our town retains the relaxed atmosphere of its early days, many 21st century amenities and services have come to roost. Even so, it surprises many visitors to learn that fiberoptic, high speed internet just recently arrived and is still being installed around town. Or, that the nearest hospital is an hour away. However, the wildness of national forest and our first national park surrounds our little oasis and provides what people come from all over the world to experience. As a result, West Yellowstone now hosts the most used entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

In Town Attractions

The Historic District

Including most of Old Town, the historic district along Yellowstone Avenue includes Eagle's Store, several buildings from the early 1900's, and the Union Pacific depot complex. The old train depot houses the Yellowstone Historic Museum. Our police department occupies the former baggage terminal. Our town’s medical clinic resides in what used to be an employee dormitory. The Union Pacific Dining Hall, generator building, ice storage house, and water tower are in this area as well. The Museum of the Yellowstone leads a walking tour of these early historical and architectural sites free of charge. Or, pick up a self-guided walking tour brochure at the Visitor Center.

Canyon Street

Our “Main Street,” Canyon Street is the place to go for fly shops, restaurants, souveniers, and ice cream! Additionally, you can find these things along Madison and Yellowstone Avenues just off of Canyon. Our Chamber of Commerce and National Park Service Visitor Center are at the southeast corner of Canyon and Yellowstone. Just south of there, are a Giant Screen Theater and the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. Because Canyon Street is just 3 blocks from Faithful Street Inn, leave your car at the cabin and walk to almost everything in town.

In Town Access

Rendezvous Ski Trails

The Rendezvous Ski Trails are just 2 blocks from Faithful Street Inn. Cross country ski from your cabin to this wonderful trail system and then off into the national forest. Stay in a Faithful Street Inn cabin rental during the Yellowstone Ski Festival and cook your own meals. In summer and fall, the trails provide for a nice walk, run, or hike. But, be sure to bring your bear spray!

Snowmobile & ATV Trails

Surrounded on three sides by national forest, snowmobile and ATV trails are accessible at the north, west, and south edges of town. Ride right from your Faithful Street Inn vacation rental cabin to these trails just a few blocks away.