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Livingston is the perfect base for exploring nearby Yellowstone National Park but with its location in the north of Montana’s Paradise Valley, it’s also a great destination for fishing, hiking, and camping.
The city, founded in 1882, has some incredible history with so much of its old west charm still present in its downtown district. Visitors are spoiled with galleries, museums, shops, and buildings that tell the town’s story.
Here is all the information on how to plan a fantastic trip to Livingston from when to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and what to do.
Best Time To Go To Livingston
Livingston, Montana
The summer months, June to August are considered to be the best time to enjoy Livingston. All outdoor recreational activity is available and fishing, one of the most popular activities here, is at its best.
It’s a popular season for hiking and camping too. It’s a great place to explore some of Montana’s incredible state parks.
This is also a great time to visit the nearby Yellowstone National Park, as the roads and facilities are open and the park is in full operation.
Winter can be a great time to visit Livingston as it’s close to some great ski resorts like the Big Sky Resort which is just over an hour’s drive away from the city.
It’s also still possible to visit Yellowstone during the winter by cross-country skiing or by renting a snowmobile but many of the usual access points are closed to cars during this season.
The Fall is a great time to visit to experience the changing of the leaves. Meanwhile, spring is a great time to visit as the wildflowers are in bloom.
Spring and fall are great times of year to visit to get the best value on accommodation and experience some milder temperatures while exploring the beauty of Montana.
What To Know When Visiting Livingston
Emerald Lake Trail, Livingston, Montana
Livingston is known as the original ‘gateway city to Yellowstone National Park’ and it’s a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping in its own right as it is situated between the Crazy Mountain Range and the Absaroka Mountain Range.
The city was founded in the 1880s and the main street still has so much of its old western charm intact.
The closest airport to Livingston is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport which is about a 35-mile drive from the city; it will take under an hour to reach the city center. It’s served by a number of major airlines including, Allegiant Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines.
Livingston is located on US-89 and is easily accessible by car from major cities such as Bozeman, Billings, and Cody via the i-90.
It’s possible to take a free bus service from Bozeman to Livingston with Streamline Bus and the schedule is subject to change so be sure to check the Streamline Bus schedule for updates.
Livingston is a particularly good city to travel to with an RV; many RV parks and campgrounds are available in and around Livingston, making it a great destination for RVers.
Best Ways To Get Around Livingston
Livingston Montana
A lot of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other, visitors can explore the galleries and museums and wander through the old streets comfortably on foot.
It’s also possible to rent a bicycle and explore the streets and some of the trails nearby.
Dan Bailey’s Outdoor Co
- Contact: 406-222-1673
- Address: 209 W Park St, Livingston, MT 59047
A popular choice for tourists is car rental as many people visiting Livingston plan on exploring the beauty of Montana that lies on Livingston’s doorstep, particularly Yellowstone National Park which is about an hour’s drive from the city.
Most car rental companies are available at Bozeman International Airport.
There is a free public transport service in Livingston provided by Park County Windrider and Uber and Lyft are also available in the city.
There are also several RV parks and campgrounds in and around Livingston that offer hookups and other amenities for RVs and motor homes.
Where To Stay In Livingston
A street at night Livingston MT
Highly rated hotels in Livingston
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Livingston Yellowstone
- Room rates at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Livingston Yellowstone start from $126 per night
- Amenities: Indoor pool, free breakfast, fitness center, hot tub
- Address: 1629 W Park St, Livingston, MT 59047
The Historic Murray Hotel
- Room rates at The Historic Murray Hotel start from $169 per night
- Amenities: Free parking, on-site restaurant
- Address: 201 W Park St, Livingston, MT 59047
Travelodge by Wyndham
- Room rates at Travelodge by Wyndham start from $54 per night
- Amenities: Indoor Pool, In-Room Microwaves and Refrigerators,
- Address: 102 Rogers Ln, Livingston, MT 59047
Budget hotels in Livingston
Yellowstone River Inn & Suites
- Room rates at Yellowstone River Inn & Suites start from $75 per night
- Amenities: Free breakfast, laundry facilities, pool
- Address: 114 Loves Ln, Livingston, MT 59047
Livingston Inn
- Room rates at Livingston Inn start from $55 per night
- Amenities: Free parking, air conditioning
- Address: 5 Rogers Ln, Livingston, MT 59047
Super 8 by Wyndham Livingston Yellowstone
- Room rates at Super 8 by Wyndham Livingston Yellowstone start from $58
- Per night Amenities: Free breakfast, restaurant
- Address: 105 Centennial Dr, Livingston, MT 59047
Campgrounds in Livingston
Livingston is a great place to camp and visit with an RV to explore the surrounding mountains and Yellowstone National Park. Here are some options:
Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday
- RV site rental start from $55 per night
- Amenities: Heated pool, Hammock Park, WiFi
- Address: 163 Pine Creek Road
Osen’s RV Park
- RV site rentals start from $50 per night
- Amenities: Bathhouse facility, WiFi throughout the park, laundry facilities
- Address: 20 Merrill Lane Livingston, MT 59047
Yellowstone Edge RV Park
- RV site rentals start from $78 per night
- Amenities: laundry, game room, bathroom/shower facilities
- Address: 3502 US Hwy 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047
Where To Eat And Drink In Livingston
Steak with fries
There are a number of fantastic restaurants in Livingston, here are a few options:
Great breakfast spots in Livingston
- Faye’s Cafe, Pinky’s, Homemade Kitchen
Delicious lunches in Livingston
- Fiesta En Jalisco, Pickle Barrel, Gil’s Goods
Fabulous dinners in Livingston
- Montana’s Rib & Chop House, Livingston Bar And Grille, Neptunes Taphouse and Eatery
Best coffee shops in Livingston
- Coffee Crossing, RX Coffee, Eastside Coffee
Fun bars in Livingston
- Whiskey Creek Saloon & Liquor, Murray Bar, The Mint Bar and Grill
Top Things To Do In Livingston
Snow in Bozeman, Montana
There is so much to do in Livingston, particularly for those who love the great outdoors but also for those curious to learn more about the old west and the great history of the town when it was born in the 1880s.
It’s also an incredible arts and culture hub.
Explore some of the fantastic trails around Livingston:
There are numerous trails to enjoy around Livingston and here are some great options for a variety of skill levels:
- Myer’s River View Trail: This is an easy trail along the beautiful Yellowstone River. It’s under 2 km in length.
- Pine Creek Falls Trail: A very popular out-and-back hike that’s around 4 km in length and takes around an hour and eight minutes to complete and takes hikers to beautiful Pine Creek Falls.
- Livingston Peak Trail: This is a challenging hike. It’s almost 6 km in length and will take five and a half hours to complete. It offers incredible mountain views.
- Suce Creek Trail This trail can include Livingston peak and also offers great mountain biking opportunities. It’s a 6km loop trail
Venture to Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, United States
Livingston makes a great base for those who wish to explore Yellowstone.
This world-famous park is just a one-hour drive from Livingston and offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and geyser watching. It’s one of the most beautiful and famous national parks in the US and is well worth a visit.
- Admission: A seven-day minimum pass is required to enter Yellowstone National Park. Here are the charges according to the National Park Service
- Single Vehicle (Private): $35 -Unlimited entry for one vehicle and all passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase. Vehicles must be private, non-commercial, and with a seating capacity of 15 or less.
- Yellowstone Entrance Pass – Buses/Vans (Private): $20 per person
- Non-commercial groups (e.g. church groups, scouts) traveling in a vehicle with a capacity of 16 or more people. Unlimited entry for one vehicle and all passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase.
- Single Motorcycle/Snowmobile: $30
- Entry for one motorcycle or snowmobile and one passenger for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase.
- Individual Person: $20
- Entry for visitors on foot, bicycle, ski, etc., when 16 years of age or older. Children 15 years and younger are admitted for free.
Explore the mountains on horseback
Live out cowboy or cowgirl dreams by riding horseback through the stunning Montana wilderness on horseback.
There are a number of equestrian centers in Livingston including Trail Ride Montana: MAERA and Sky Horse Ranch.
Take a fishing trip
Rainbow Trout and Angler
Fishing in the Yellowstone River is one of the most popular past times in Livingston. The river is known for having rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout.
Visit the Livingston Depot Center
Livingston Depot
This is a great place for history buffs to learn more about the town’s important role as a major point on the North Pacific Railroad between Chicago and the west Coast.
- Admission: Starts at $1 per person
- Address: 200 W Park St, PO Box 1319, Livingston, MT 59047
Enjoy some Livingston Arts and Culture
Livingston has a vibrant arts scene and some popular galleries visitors should add to an itinerary include the Livingston Center for Arts and Culture, Green Door Gallery, and Ed Enders Gallery.
Enjoy walking through the historic main street where many of the buildings were constructed in the 1880s and find bookstores, gift shops, and coffee shops to drop into.
Enjoy the relaxing waters of Chico Hot Springs
This famous hot spring is found outside of Livingston and is a perfect stop on the way to Yellowstone National Park or just a good way to enjoy the surrounding mountains.
- Admission: Adults and children ages 7 and up $10.00, children ages 3-6 $5.00 Seniors ages 65+ $5.00
- Address: 163 Chico Rd, Pray, MT 59065
How To Spend A Perfect Day In Livingston
First things first, breakfast; head to Faye’s Cafe for a proper meal to start the day off right before exploring the downtown area. Then it’s time for a quick walk along the Myer’s River View Trail along the Yellowstone River.
Then try some fly fishing; it’s the best place to try it for the first time even if for non-experts.
Grab some lunch at Gil’s Goods and then take a drive to Chico’s Hot Springs in the afternoon and relax in the warm waters.
In the evening, head back to Livingston for dinner at Neptune’s and then catch a live show at the Murray Bar to finish a fantastic day.
FAQ
Q: Is Livingston Montana worth visiting?
Livingston Montana is worth visiting for outdoor recreation like camping, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. The city was founded in the 1880s and has maintained its old western charm in the downtown area. The city has a vibrant arts and culture scene with plenty of galleries, and museums to explore. It’s a great base for those looking to explore Yellowstone National Park which is just an hour’s drive away.
Q: What is Livingston Montana known for?
Livingston, Montana is known as ‘the original gateway city to Yellowstone National Park’, It remains a great base for those looking to explore Yellowstone and its incredible scenery. The city offers great hiking, mountain biking and fishing for its visitors. The town was founded in the 1880s and became an important stop on the Northern Pacific Railway, Livingston has galleries, museums and shops that tell the story of the city’s unique history.
Q: Are there grizzly bears in Livingston Montana?
Yes, there are grizzly bears in the area around Livingston, Montana. The bears are typically found in the nearby mountains and forests, including the nearby Yellowstone National Park. Grizzly bears are an important part of the ecosystem and are protected by the Endangered Species Act.
However, sightings of grizzly bears in the town of Livingston are rare, as the bears tend to avoid populated areas.
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