For some of the best natural scenery in the country, friendly locals, and an endless supply of outdoor activities to enjoy, look no further than Red Lodge. Your best bet for stylish boutiques and upscale dining is Hauser Avenue, while parks and sporting activities can be found all over town.

Be sure to make time for some of these must-see sights during your stay in the area:

• Beartooth Nature Center: Visit this center, home to over 70 animals and birds.
• Carbon County Historical Society and Museum: A historical gun collection and interactive coal mine exhibit are two of the many interesting and educational exhibits on display here.
• Go Fishing: For a great family experience, rent a boat and hire a guide to take you out fishing on the crystal blue water of the lake.
• Carbon County Arts and Depot Gallery: Original art from over 200 Western and contemporary artists are on display at this local gallery.

In addition to the attractions throughout the many parks of Red Lodge, there are also several events and festivals held in town throughout the year. The Red Lodge Music Festival, the oldest and most successful music festival in Montana, takes place in town every June. You can also cheer on the riders at the Home of Champions Rodeo every July, or watch classic motorcycles ride through town at the Beartooth Rally in August.

Luckily, there a wide range of vacation rental options, suitable for all family sizes and budgets, for you to choose from during your stay in Red Lodge. Book a condo that's in the middle of town and puts you near the excellent dining options and rows of art galleries. Or, for a more rural experience, rent a beautiful cabin in a remote part of town closer to the ocean and local state parks.

If you wish to explore other parts of Montana, there are several places near Red Lodge that make excellent day trips. The busy towns of Cooke City and Bozeman can be reached within an hour drive, and offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state.