Explore Livingston, Montana

Just 30 minutes from Bozeman lies the charming town of Livingston, Montana. The small town of about 8,000 strikes the perfect balance between remote outpost and city living. Situated between the Absaroka and Crazy Mountains, and along the banks of the famed Yellowstone River, you can head out in the morning for blue-ribbon fly fishing and be back in time for dinner at one of the town’s highly acclaimed restaurants. Often referred to as the “Gateway to Yellowstone”, Livingston is only 55 miles from the north entrance to the park—just one of the many outdoor adventures that await in Paradise Valley.

Traversed by Lewis & Clark in 1806, Livingston’s population boomed when the Northern Pacific Railway came through the town in the early 1900s, marked by the historic Livingston Depot building still standing in the center of town. Tourists flocked to the area when Yellowstone was named the nation’s first national park and Livingston was the closest town with amenities. Today, Livingston is still a great stop for tourists on the way to Yellowstone, but is worthy as a destination all on its own. Popular outdoor activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding and white water rafting in the summer. Fly fishing is a must, as the area is famous for some of the best blue-ribbon trout fishing in the world. Winter sports include cross country and downhill skiing and the colder months are a great time to take a dip in one of the natural hot springs in the area—an authentic Montana experience!

Full of history and Western allure, Livingston also boasts a thriving arts community. The town has attracted many creatives over the years including a host of writers, artists, musicians and movie stars. There are more art galleries in Livingston than you would expect in a small town, much less in the middle of a ranching community. Every fourth Friday from June through September there is an “art walk” where participants can enjoy a glass of wine and see the latest works featured in the many galleries. There is no shortage of entertainment in this town—whether it’s shopping for handmade goods at Cactus Blossom Collective, enjoying a drink and a pizza at the historic Murray Hotel bar or catching an outdoor concert at the Old Saloon, just down the road in Paradise Valley. There is something to do in Livingston year-round.

Area Highlights

• Historic Downtown Livingston
• Yellowstone National Park
• Yellowstone River
• Tom Miner Basin
• Suce Creek Trail
• Dan Bailey’s Outdoor Company
• Yellowstone Gateway Museum
• Livingston Depot Center Museum
• Shane Lalani Center for the Arts
• Livingston Fairgrounds
• Livingston Golf Course
• Montana Grizzly Encounter Bear Sanctuary
• Chico Hot Springs
• Yellowstone Hot Springs
• Bridger Bowl Ski Area

Events

• Livingston Farmers Market June – Sept.
• Livingston Art Walk June – Sept.
• Livingston Roundup Rodeo July
• Livingston Classic PBR Rodeo July
• Summerfest July
• Yellowstone Harvest Festival Sept.
• Light Up Livingston Nov.
• Downtown Christmas Stroll Dec.
• Boots and Buckles Ball Dec.

Dining & Entertainment

• Mark’s In & Out
• The Murray
• Gil’s Goods
• Campione
• Katabatic Brewery
• Neptune Brewery
• Pine Creek Lodge
• Follow Yer Nose BBQ
• Yellowstone Valley Grill
• The Old Saloon
• Sage Lodge
• Chico Hot Springs

Livingston also has a host of practical amenities, such as grocery stores, gas stations and a Murdoch’s where you can get everything from a pair of jeans to a cattle chute. But it’s still a small town, so you’ll need to head to Bozeman to hit the big box stores, or for commercial air service (just a 30 minute drive on a good weather day). The local airport is Mission Field Airport (LVM) which can accommodate private jet service.

This small Montana town has a lot to offer—a close-knit and friendly community, 360 degree mountain views, world-class outdoor recreation and a unique artistic culture. To learn more about the area, and about available properties, contact Western Ranch Brokers.

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