Livingston
At Livingston (pop. 7,401), the upper Yellowstone River takes a sharp turn south toward Yellowstone National Park and its source high in the Absaroka Mountains. The beauty and wildness of the Yellowstone River is an awesome sight to behold as it flows near Livingston. The area south of Livingston is know as Paradise Valley.
Livingston, MT is an amazing small town in the upper Yellowstone Valley.
Livingston is an old railroad town that hasn’t changed much in the past 100 years. Still attractions abound. The Yellowstone Gateway Museum is a popular stop to learn Montana history. Excellent art galleries are found downtown. Don’t miss Don Bailey’s Fly Shop for everything fly-fishing. The stock of fly patterns and fly fishing gear is absolutely amazing.
The Livingston area is vacation headquarters for south-central Montana. Outfitters offer horseback riding, float trips, wildlife viewing, fishing and other outdoor activities. Dude ranches are a big attraction in this part of Montana. An extra nice guest ranch is the Mountain Sky Guest Ranch near Emigrant.
Horseback riding MontanaHorseback riding in the Absaroka Mountains near Livingston, Montana is pure enjoyment. Photo Courtesy Sandy Archives.
For premium lodging, stay at the all new Sage Lodge, about 25 miles south of Livingston on U.S. 89. Dining on site (855) 400-0505.
If you like B&Bs, book a room at A Stone’s Throw Bed & Breakfast in Livingston. Located near Main Street downtown, this B&B has real character, as it is built around a rescued historic building (406) 222-5221.
If you are staying in Livingston and need extra bedrooms, book the Red House (complete home) in the downtown area on south 5th Street. Red House has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and sleeps nine. Good for families or a place to stay with friends. Requires two night minimum stay. VRBO property # 131662.
The historic Murray Hotel is another good choice (406) 222-1350. Gill’s Foods is attached to the Murray Hotel. A Classic breakfast at Gill’s goes for $12, Huevos Rancheros cost $12, BBQ, pizza, burgers, and yummy desserts are served at Gill’s as well.
The 2nd Street Bistro, another restaurant in the Murray Hotel, serves Main Entrees including halibut, short ribs, lamb shank, bistro sirloin, and lemon chicken. A tasty dining experience, for sure, at the 2nd Street Bistro. For breakfast or lunch, try Pinky’s Cafe in the downtown area.
Book lovers can browse a great selection at Elk River Books, located on Main Street. This is a good place to find books by western writers and on western subjects such as Yellowstone. You’ll get friendly service here as you might expect from a locally operated shop.
From Livingston, two highways run south towards Yellowstone National Park. U.S. Highway 89, located generally on the west side of the Yellowstone River, is the main highway and it carries most of the heavier traffic. Starting a few miles south of Livingston, East River Road, Montana Route 540, branches off to the east of U.S. Highway 89 and continues south on the east side of the Yellowstone River for about 31 miles until it reconnects with U.S. Highway 89.
Montana Route 540 is a very scenic drive, as the road runs close to the flank of the towering Absaroka Mountains. The highway offers wonderful views of Paradise Valley, the Yellowstone River, and the Gallatin Mountain Range, which flanks the west side of Paradise Valley. Traffic on Montana Route 540 is usually light and moves more slowly, giving travelers a chance to view the full beauty and grandeur of Paradise Valley. If travel time is not an issue, taking this scenic road is very rewarding, an experience that creates life-time memories of Montana travel.
Chico Hot Springs Resort is just off U.S. Highway 89 near Emigrant, and about mid-way between Livingston and Gardiner. Founded in 1900, Chico offers a variety of lodging, two open-air mineral hot springs pools, several dining options, and a Tasting Room. A day spa and other activities make Chico a fun and exciting destination. (406) 333-4933.
The Livingston Area Chamber of Commerce puts together a nice package of materials with highlights on things to do and see in Livingston and surrounding areas. View fun in Livingston.
Livingston is an amazing town. History worth remembering, commercial architecture from early days, mountain scenery, and easy access to nearby Yellowstone National Park make Livingston a top go to place in Montana. Of great interest to many tourists, the pace of life and lifestyle of locals has much to recommend. The hectic community of Bozeman a few miles to the west of Livingston is in startling contrast to the tranquility of Livingston. MTbest™