There is lots of accommodation in the town of West Yellowstone ranging from good quality Hotels, lodges, motels to hostels. The town is just out side the national Park by the western entrance. One of the best attractions of West Yellowstone is the not for profit Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, 201 S. Canyon, West.

You can never guarantee seeing bears in the park but visiting the center at least ensures you can get close to one. Some of the bears were orphaned in the wild & rescued by rangers and the centres staff. Some of the bears were due to be shot after becoming a nuisance in residential areas and a threat to humans. They were given a second chance at the centre.

The bears live in a large indoor den and during the day are allowed access to the 2 acre outdoor habitat in social groups. Fruit and other food are hidden underneath logs and rocks to make it challenging for these large omnivores. When the bears are allowed back into the compound they have to sniff out the treats just like out in the wild.

I could have stayed there for hours watching the bears play in the artificial pond and with the large logs. Opposite the bears is the wolf pack enclosure with raised observation decks. You may be lucky to hear them howl as a pack.

The Yellowstone Museum, West Yellowstone

Located in the old stone Union Pacific train station built in the early 1900's is the Yellowstone Museum. It houses a collection of old west and railroad memorablilia including a stagecoach and stuffed animal exhibits. A film on the Yellowstone fires is available to view. There is an admission charge

Yellowstone National Park Visitors Center, West Yellowstone

Make sure you stop at the Yellowstone National Park Visitor center in West Yellowstone by the parks west entrance. The Rangers are most helpful and with maps point out things to see and do in the park. They also provide any warnings. The rangers pointed out that elderly visitors may benefit from using a walking stick inside the park walking to and from all the geysers, mud pots, and animal sightings and the ground is normally bumpy and rocky.

West Yellowstone Railway surprise

The Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort has an original 1903 preserved railway passenger coach from the Oregon Short Line. It is a small museum of how people travelled on the railroads. The railway carriage has all the original furniture and appointments. The Oregon Short Line was so named because it was the shortest distance between Oregon and Wyoming. Part of the Union Pacific Railway it's first run was in 1884. Many visitors to Yellowstone National Park used to use the railway system. . Railroad buffs who are interested in the early train transportation interiors, and for children will delight in looking around this relic of the early 1900's. There is no cost to walk the rail car. You will find the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort at 315 Yellowstone Ave. 2 blocks west of Canyon St. (Hwy 191) in West Yellowstone, MT

Travel books