This Is Montana's Quirkiest Little Town
When Red Lodge, Montana, was established in the late 19th century as a mining town, its founders likely never imagined that it would grow into one of Montana’s quirkiest tourist hubs. By the mid-20th century, mining had faded, and tourism had taken its place, a shift that will not surprise anyone familiar with this lively town. All kinds of events and attractions take place here, including summer rodeos, music festivals, wildlife sanctuaries, and horseback riding outfitters. If you are looking for a quirky summer vacation, you will fall in love with Red Lodge.
Summer Events & Festivals
Red Lodge hosts a tremendous variety of events each summer, including rodeos, music festivals, and art exhibits. On the second Saturday of each month from May through October, the town hosts the Red Lodge Art Walk. This free, self-guided, family-friendly event allows visitors to stroll through the downtown district and enjoy the work of local artists. The Red Lodge Music Festival is another beloved event that celebrates the town’s music scene. It brings professional musicians from across North America to work with local students throughout the week and features a variety of faculty-led concerts open to the public.
Interested in experiencing Red Lodge’s rodeo and bull bucking scene? Make sure to plan your visit to Red Lodge in July. On July 1st, the Red Lodge Rodeo Grounds will host the PRCA Xtreme Bulls competition, featuring a night of the organization’s 40 best bull riders facing off against the top bucking bulls. The Home of the Champions Rodeo takes place during the following few days. This year, the rodeo will be celebrating its 96th year, with rodeo events including a parade, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping, bareback riding, and bronc riding, among other rodeo classics.
Horseback Riding
As part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the nature that surrounds Red Lodge is well deserving of a visit. If you are looking for a unique way to see this wilderness, you may enjoy arranging a horseback riding excursion with Elk River Outfitters. As a fifth-generation family-owned business, this company is one of the most trusted places to get on a horse. Their horseback riding season begins in May and ends in September, with ride options including one and a half hours, two hours, and half-day excursions. Each ride departs just a few minutes from downtown Red Lodge, beginning along Rock Creek. The ride gradually ascends in altitude, arriving at a vantage point where riders can view seven different mountain ranges. For the best riding experience, Elk River recommends that riders bring boots or closed-toed shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and jeans or long pants.
Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
Travelers hoping to spot some of the wildlife native to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem will easily be able to do so at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary! This accredited sanctuary has been operating in the area since 1983 and provides lifelong care to native animals that are unable to survive independently in the wild. Some of the species you may be able to view while visiting include bobcats, black bears, red-tailed hawks, red foxes, bison, and tiger salamanders.
The sanctuary also hosts educational programs and events throughout the year. This summer, they are hosting day-long Junior Keeper Camps for kids, which allow children to step into the shoes of a wildlife caretaker for the day. Each Friday through Sunday during the summer, visitors can also appreciate talks given by the wildlife keepers at 11 am and 1 pm. For a more in-depth experience, consider arranging a guided tour of the sanctuary, which lasts between 60 and 90 minutes and is led by a staff member who shares information about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the species the sanctuary cares for from this region, and the story of each wildlife resident.
Culinary Scene
Despite having fewer than 3,000 residents, Red Lodge has an impressive culinary scene, featuring numerous innovative restaurants and bars. One Legged Magpie is the perfect example of this creativity, a restaurant and cocktail bar that specializes in modern dishes and drinks. Some of the dishes you may be able to try here include pistachio pizza, ricotta gnocchi bolognese, and braised lamb shank. The restaurant also hosts periodic live music events, such as jazz performances, songwriter festival performances, and theater productions, so make sure to check out its calendar!
For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, Black Canyon Bistro is a great option. This restaurant serves each dish with fresh, high-quality ingredients, featuring a menu that includes items such as garlic shrimp, seared tuna, artichoke dip, and French dip sandwiches. Black Canyon Bistro also has a strong music lineup planned for the summer. From June through August, several performances will take place each month, which visitors can find on the bistro’s Instagram and Facebook pages.
Final Thoughts
There are so many ways to enjoy your time in Red Lodge. If you enjoy live music, you will love attending one of its music festivals or dining at one of its local restaurants during a live performance. Travelers who prefer to spend their time out in nature can do so on horseback with Elk River Outfitters. Always dreamed of seeing a bison? You are just about guaranteed to see one at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. All that is left to do is pack your bags and get ready for the quirky surprises that await in Red Lodge!
