Gardiner, Montana
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Yellowstone National Park visitors who descend the winding road from Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace down to the park's northern border may be leaving the "Crown Jewel" of America's park system, but they're about to reach Gardiner, Montana, another gem of the great American West.
Built on both banks of the famed Yellowstone River, Gardiner's settlement history began after the park was established in 1872. The nation's first national park was managed by the U.S. Army in its early years (there was no National Park Service until 1916), and a boomtown sprang up just past the park border to meet the soldiers' needs.
The most eye-catching monument in town is the majestic 30-foot Roosevelt Arch, topped by 52-foot towers and inscribed, "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People." It was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903, when Gardiner was the official seat of the U.S. government.
Although Roosevelt never saw the completed arch that bears his name, it remains the only park entrance open year-round, giving access to Mammoth, the Lamar Valley, and the towns of Cooke City and Silver Gate at the Northeast Entrance.
Gardiner also provides access to the aptly named Paradise Valley to the north, where numerous outfitters take visitors fly fishing, horseback riding, Llama trekking, backpacking, mountain biking, kayaking, or white-water rafting. Excursions also go into the less-crowded Gallatin National Forest or Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness.
Two annual summer festivals celebrate Gardiner's ranching roots and its historic habitat for the great beasts of the plains, the bison. Top cowhands compete in the Upper Yellowstone Roundup rodeo on June 16 and 17, where spectators can also enjoy a community breakfast, parade, and barbecue. The Buffalo Days Celebration takes place the first week of September, with a parade, street dance, craft fair, games, and, of course, a buffalo barbecue.
Nancy Kessler
Want to know more? Call: 406-848-7971
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