Welcome to Gardiner
A genuine basecamp town and recreational paradise
When visitors enter Yellowstone National Park's north entrance, they are greeted by the famous 1903 Roosevelt Arch. This curved stone arch is etched with the phrase, "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People." The Roosevelt Arch and north entrance are located in no other place than Gardiner, and the inscription could not be a more apt description for this lovely town. Gardiner is not only right next to Yellowstone, but it's the perfect place for every recreational activity known to humankind. Gardiner residents can hike the manifold trails, watch wildlife, check out the Yellowstone tourist attractions, and spend time horseback riding along the trails.
In the wintertime, Gardiner homeowners can frequent the Yellowstone Hot Springs and unwind. Or, they can go snowmobiling and fly over the snow dunes at high speeds. Gardiner is one of the few places where people can go skijoring, when a person is pulled over snow-covered grounds by a team of dogs, horses, or vehicles. When it's time to warm up, homeowners here can grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy their fireplaces with a perfect view of the nearby mountains.
What to Love
- Eateries with farm-to-the-table cuisine style and rustic settings
- Historic downtown right near the stone entrance to Yellowstone
- Private, scenic tours into the wild
- Life in a resort town in the mountains
- The best outdoor recreational activities
Local Lifestyle
Gardiner is well-known for its outdoor recreational activities and lodge-style accommodations. The people who live in this area year-round are dedicated to the park and niche local businesses. Living in Gardiner means having a deep appreciation for the mountains and Yellowstone. Many individuals and families here are involved in the community or spend a lot of time appreciating the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountain Ranges.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Since Gardiner is right at the entrance to Yellowstone, there are distinctive boutiques that cater to tourists, and locals have access to items that are unique to their area for decorating their own homes. For instance, the Tumbleweed Bookstore & Gifts features books written by local authors, western jewelry, and trinkets often made by artists in town. Kellem's Montana Saddlery can only be found in Gardiner, where people can purchase authentic western clothing and accessories. The Yellowstone Park Gateway Mall also has rustic western shops, hiking gear, and crafts. There's no shortage of places to eat in Gardiner, such as the Cowboys Lodge & Grille at North Entrance to Yellowstone Park right at the arch. Antler Pub and Grill is on the infamously named Hellroarin Street. This restaurant has beef and elk, the best views in town, and is only open in the summer.
Things to Do
Residents offer one helpful tip for making the best of life in Gardiner: don't pet the wildlife! There's an abundance of wildlife in Gardiner and safe ways to observe them without getting too close to the wolves, elk, and bears. However, locals can't say the same about the bulls because there's a thriving rodeo scene in town. The Gardiner Rodeo is one of the most famous in the country and is held in the Jim Duffy Arena. In May, the Hell's A-Roarin' Horse Drive is another exciting event where residents ride their horses at full speed to the Jardine Rodeo Grounds.
When Gardiner residents feel like traveling, they often head to Cooke City for the hiking trail or Yellowstone Lake for the best hot springs. While in Cooke City, many Gardiner residents can always join the Upper Yellowstone Snowmobile Club. Additionally, the Custer Gallatin National Festival is held in the Custer Gallatin National Forest and very close to Gardiner.
