Day Trips From Our Western Montana Lodge
Yellowstone National Park: Clearly the most popular natural attraction in our area, Yellowstone National Park draws nearly 3 million visitors annually. With the West entrance about an hour from Elk Lake Resort, this wonderful National Park is a 'not-to-be-missed' place to visit. To enhance your experience we have compiled a list of fun facts and a bit of Yellowstone National Park's history in an
informative article. Another article offers a brief overview while yet another discusses the Park's geothermal features. - Gravelly Range Loop: The Gravelly Range is an even bigger secret than the Centennial Valley. This range of mountains lies between Montana's little known
Centennial Valley and its well-known Madison Valley. Accessed from either valley, this range offers visitors the unique opportunity to explore high mountain valleys and even higher mountain peaks - all from the comfort of their (or our) automobile.
Go to the base of several breathtaking peaks. Walk among carpets of vibrant wildflowers. Enjoy breathtaking vistas. View elusive wildlife - all in one long loop.
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has done an exceptional job building and maintaining a automobile-passible road system allowing visitors access - even in a car with good clearance. Open from July 1st until the snow closes the road, this loop is a must for those who seek 'out-of-the-way' destinations. - Island Park Idaho: Just over the Continental Divide from the Resort lies another unique and interesting area. Island Park claims to have the longest Main Street in North America - some 30 miles long. And, if you're trying to hurry from one end to the next it does seem to take forever. Broken into five distinct 'districts', each section of Island Park has its own unique personality.
- Virginia City and Nevada City Montana: Birthed during one of the biggest gold rushes to hit the Montana territory, Virginia City now serves as the Madison County seat, and Nevada City stands as a relic to a bygone era. A visit to these unique towns is a step back in time.
- Big Hole Valley and Bannock Montana: To the west of the Centennial Valley lies the Big Hole. Stage for one of the last major Indian wars, the Big Hole Battlefield Visitor's Center offers a wealth of information.
Although more developed than the Centennial, the Big Hole still offers beautiful vistas and welcome serenity. Bannock, Montana's first Territorial Capital, is now a ghost town well worth the visit. - Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge: Of course some of the most spectacular scenery is right here in the Centennial Valley. The RRLNWR is considered to be the most beautiful in the lower 48 for good reason. Furthermore its size (over 55,000 acres) makes it perfect for a day tour. Best of all, it sits right next door!
"It was about four o'clock in the afternoon on May 26, 1863, when a ragged, trail-weary party of six men decided to make camp beside a mountain stream . .The men knew they were only a few days away from the gold camp of Bannack. .After selecting their campsite, four of the men walked back upstream to do some gold prospecting before dinner. ." So begins the history of Virginia City, Montana. Read more on our blog.