Anyone who knows about Yellowstone National Park has probably heard about Gardiner – it's a great little town with a big history.

Discover it all during your stay in a FlipKey vacation rental!

About Gardiner, Montana

The town of Gardiner was officially founded in 1880, but had already been the official entrance to Yellowstone National Park since 1872.

It is the only entrance that is open all year round. So, there's always a steady flow of people coming in and out of the town.

Gardiner is centered around its park – businesses have been here for years, providing tours and equipment for visitors. Parks' Fly Shop opened in 1953 and just keeps on going!

The Yellowstone National Park and Research Center is also here, so that's a draw in and of itself!

The town has a quaint, small-town feel, and is very proud of its heritage. It got its name from a fur trapper called Gardner. But, someone misheard, called it Gardiner and the name just stuck!

With little independent shops lining the streets and glorious summer sunshine, it's no surprise that this is a top tourist destination for those looking to explore the National Park. But, there's more to this town than meets the eye. You just have to look.

What to do

Fly fishing and lake fishing are big things in Gardiner. You don't even have to go all the way to the park to try it. Head to Daily Lake or Knox Lake and you're bound to get a nibble or two.

While you're here, you should really check out Yellowstone National Park. Drive through the Roosevelt Arch and make sure you see Old Faithful – one of the biggest geysers in the world!

One of the best things to do all year round is go wildlife watching in the park. Though, in the winter, many of the most iconic animals will be in hibernation.

There are bison (the babies are called ‘red dogs’), elk, bears and more. If you take a guided tour you might be able to see them all! In the late summer and fall months, you can catch the bison and elk ruts in Gardiner itself.

There are some great outdoor pursuits around Gardiner. Try horseback riding trails, ziplining, whitewater rafting, hiking and hunting during your stay!

Top Gardiner, Montana travel tips

Head to Gardiner town center for some great shopping. Find your perfect souvenir in one of the little independent stores.

We would suggest driving to Gardiner as you'll get a great view and will be able to see all of the surrounding area – including Yellowstone itself.

Bring binoculars with you (or, rent some) so you can see all the animals in the park without scaring them off.

For the perfect start to your Yellowstone adventure, head to Gardiner. There are some great places to stay on FlipKey, all of which are great base camps for your next adventure. Book now and start planning!