Events

While obviously Yellowstone National Park is the reason most people stay at Three Bear Lodge, the West Yellowstone area has plenty of other attractions and special events to entertain visitors of all ages.

Daily attractions include Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, IMAX theatre, Bears Den Cinema, featuring first run Hollywood movies, Playmill & Pinecone Theatres featuring live stage plays & musicals as well as plenty of restaurants and shopping. In addition, visit the Yellowstone Historic Center Museum and follow the self-guided “Historic Walking Tour”.

    September 5, 2010

    West Yellowstone Old Faithful Cycle Tour

    What a terrific way to wind down a summer of riding and a unique way to experience Yellowstone National Park.  Fall is a gorgeous time to be in the Park the elk are bugling, the aspens have turned to gold, and the nearly crowd-free thermal areas continue to beckon the explorer. The supported ride is sixty miles round trip, with options available for one way travel. Cyclists in the tour can take advantage of two feed stations, three sag wagons, on-course bike mechanics, and end the day with a group meal.  The tour is limited by the National Park Service to the first 350 riders that complete the online registration. For more information click here www.cycleyellowstone.com
    November 1, 2010

    The Yellowstone Ski Festival

    This is a must for every cross-country skier! West Yellowstone literally comes alive in lycra in November. Hundreds of Nordic ski enthusiasts from all over the world, novice to expert, gather to learn more about the sport, practice techniques and see new equipment. Early snows, superb grooming, racing opportunities and the Nordic Skiing Exposition make this an especially inviting time. On-snow clinics take place between November 24-28. SuperTour Ski Races are scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Web: www.yellowstoneskifestival.com and www.rendezvousskitrails.com (for races)
    November 7, 2010

    West Entrance of Yellowstone Closes to motorized traffic

    Yellowstone reopens to winter over the snow travel by guided snowmobile or snowcoach tours starting December 15, 2009.
    December 1, 2010

    Christmas for the Critters

    Christmas for the Critters at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Help make the holidays more joyful by donating food for the enrichment of the bears and wolves (please call the Center specific needs). Bring in your donation and we will give you $1.25 off an adult regular admission, 10% off any gift shop purchase and oodles of gratitude! 201 S. Canyon Street, West Yellowstone. Contact (406) 646-7001 or (800) 257-2570 or visit www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.org
    December 1, 2010

    West Yellowstone Christmas Craft Show

    9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Running Bear Pancake House, corner of Hayden and Madison.
    December 1, 2010

    West Yellowstone Christmas Stroll

    It's a time of rosy cheeks and laughter. Kick off the fun with the 6th Annual "Parade of Lights". There will be plenty of festivities for the kids and a Poker Stroll for the big kids (21 & over). Join your friends and neighbors as we light the Town Tree, greet Santa, and stroll the shops seeking just the right gifts. 5:00 pm - Line-up for the Parade of Lights 5:30 pm - Parade of Lights begins 6:00 pm - Santa arrive at the Visitors Center 6:15-9:00 pm Stroll around town for that perfect gift 7:30 pm - Movie for kids k-6th grade at Bear's Den Theatre
    December 1, 2010

    West Yellowstone Sled Dog Races

    The yips of eager dogs will pierce the winter mornings as mushers prepare for the return of Sled Dog Races to West Yellowstone.  After four-year hiatus, paws will pound across the Old Airport as sleds and mushers head off down the trail.  Races begin at 9:00 both days with 12-dog teams the first off.  8-dog and 6-dog teams follow in order.  Awards will follow Sundays races. Contact: www.westyellowstonesleddograces.com Phone: (406)-646-4988 or email rodeosconcrete@msn.com
    December 1, 2010

    National Guard Biathlon

    This event is open to all interested skiers.  No previous biathlon or shooting experience is necessary. A safety clinic will be held just prior to the start of the race.  All new biathletes are encouraged to participate in the FREE "Try Biathlon" clinic at the range on Tuesday from 10:30am to noon.
    December 1, 2010

    Spam Cup #1 – Classic Race

    The first in a series of citizen’s races sponsored by WYSEF, the Spam Cups are designed to be fun for everyone. Participants range in age from 5 to 75 and Winners in each distance category will win a highly coveted SPAM trophy! Come join the fun! Web:www.rendezvousskitrails.com
    December 1, 2010

    Christmas Bird Count

    Join us for the 7th annual West Yellowstone Christmas Bird Count in conjunction with the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and the Sacajawea Audubon Society. Enjoy a day of birding in the West Yellowstone/ Hebgen Lake area. Meet at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center at 8:00 am $5 fee. Contact: (406) 646-7001 for more information.
    December 4, 2010

    Saturday Evenings: Yellowstone National Park Evening Programs

    Whether revered or reviled, wolves have inspired strong reactions from humans throughout the world.  Join Park Ranger Denise Herman for a 45-minute slide-illustrated program exploring the origins of and changes in wolf myths and stories. More Weekly program descriptions will be posted in the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center. Meet at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center at 201 South Canyon Street at 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM or at the Visitor Information Center at 30 Yellowstone Avenue at 7:00 PM. Contact: (307) 344-2876.
    December 5, 2010

    Sunday Afternoons: Yellowstone National Park Afternoon Program

    Pictorial presentations of this incomprehensible landscape accomplished what words alone failed - the creation of Yellowstone National Park. Join Park Ranger Denise Herman for a 45-minute illustrated and interactive program exploring ways of seeing and experiencing the world's first national Park.
    December 5, 2010

    Sunday Evenings: Yellowstone National Park Evening Program

    Our Nation’s journey from careless conquerors of wilderness to responsible stewards of the land passes directly through the bison and Yellowstone National Park. Join interpretive park ranger Marc Hanna for a 45 minute slide-illustrated program of biological, historical, and philosophical exploration of the largest land animal in the Western Hemisphere.
    December 11, 2010

    Saturday Evenings: Yellowstone National Park Evening Programs

    Whether revered or reviled, wolves have inspired strong reactions from humans throughout the world.  Join Park Ranger Denise Herman for a 45-minute slide-illustrated program exploring the origins of and changes in wolf myths and stories. More Weekly program descriptions will be posted in the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center. Meet at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center at 201 South Canyon Street at 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM or at the Visitor Information Center at 30 Yellowstone Avenue at 7:00 PM. Contact: (307) 344-2876.
    December 12, 2010

    Sunday Afternoons: Yellowstone National Park Afternoon Program

    Pictorial presentations of this incomprehensible landscape accomplished what words alone failed - the creation of Yellowstone National Park. Join Park Ranger Denise Herman for a 45-minute illustrated and interactive program exploring ways of seeing and experiencing the world's first national Park.
    December 12, 2010

    Sunday Evenings: Yellowstone National Park Evening Program

    Our Nation’s journey from careless conquerors of wilderness to responsible stewards of the land passes directly through the bison and Yellowstone National Park. Join interpretive park ranger Marc Hanna for a 45 minute slide-illustrated program of biological, historical, and philosophical exploration of the largest land animal in the Western Hemisphere.
    December 15, 2010

    West Entrance to Yellowstone Opens to Over-the-Snow Travel

    Yellowstone re-opens to winter over-the-snow travel by guided snowmobile or snowcoach tours until March 15, 2011.
    December 18, 2010

    Saturday Evenings: Yellowstone National Park Evening Programs

    Whether revered or reviled, wolves have inspired strong reactions from humans throughout the world.  Join Park Ranger Denise Herman for a 45-minute slide-illustrated program exploring the origins of and changes in wolf myths and stories. More Weekly program descriptions will be posted in the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center. Meet at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center at 201 South Canyon Street at 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM or at the Visitor Information Center at 30 Yellowstone Avenue at 7:00 PM. Contact: (307) 344-2876.
    December 19, 2010

    Sunday Afternoons: Yellowstone National Park Afternoon Program

    Pictorial presentations of this incomprehensible landscape accomplished what words alone failed - the creation of Yellowstone National Park. Join Park Ranger Denise Herman for a 45-minute illustrated and interactive program exploring ways of seeing and experiencing the world's first national Park.
    December 19, 2010

    Sunday Evenings: Yellowstone National Park Evening Program

    Our Nation’s journey from careless conquerors of wilderness to responsible stewards of the land passes directly through the bison and Yellowstone National Park. Join interpretive park ranger Marc Hanna for a 45 minute slide-illustrated program of biological, historical, and philosophical exploration of the largest land animal in the Western Hemisphere.
    December 25, 2010

    Saturday Evenings: Yellowstone National Park Evening Programs

    Whether revered or reviled, wolves have inspired strong reactions from humans throughout the world.  Join Park Ranger Denise Herman for a 45-minute slide-illustrated program exploring the origins of and changes in wolf myths and stories. More Weekly program descriptions will be posted in the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center. Meet at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center at 201 South Canyon Street at 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM or at the Visitor Information Center at 30 Yellowstone Avenue at 7:00 PM. Contact: (307) 344-2876.
    December 26, 2010

    Sunday Afternoons: Yellowstone National Park Afternoon Program

    Pictorial presentations of this incomprehensible landscape accomplished what words alone failed - the creation of Yellowstone National Park. Join Park Ranger Denise Herman for a 45-minute illustrated and interactive program exploring ways of seeing and experiencing the world's first national Park.
    December 26, 2010

    Sunday Evenings: Yellowstone National Park Evening Program

    Our Nation’s journey from careless conquerors of wilderness to responsible stewards of the land passes directly through the bison and Yellowstone National Park. Join interpretive park ranger Marc Hanna for a 45 minute slide-illustrated program of biological, historical, and philosophical exploration of the largest land animal in the Western Hemisphere.
    January 1, 2011

    Skier Avalanche Safety Course

    The US Forest Service will offer an Avalanche Awareness Workshop for Skiers and Snowmobilers. Topics include: Avalanche terrain recognition, the affect weather has on avalanche hazard, development of mountain snowpack, decision making skills, and basic search and rescue procedures. Snowmobilers will need a reliable snowmobile and basic mountain riding skills. Skiers and boarders will need skins or snowshoes for uphill travel. An avalanche rescue beacon and shovel is required. For more information contact (406) 587-6984. To Sign up contact Sara (406) 599-4465 info@rendezvousskitrails.com Pre-registration is encouraged.
    January 1, 2011

    Yellowstone National Park Snowshoe Walk

    Join a Yellowstone National Park Ranger for a 2-mile walk into Yellowstone National Park along the Riverside Trail. Meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center at 30 Yellowstone Avenue at 1:30 PM. Bring snowshoes, water and a snack - Everyone welcome no experience necessary. Contact: (307) 344-2876
    January 1, 2011

    Spam Cup #2 – Freestyle Race

    The second in a series of citizen’s races sponsored by WYSEF, the Spam Cups are designed to be fun for everyone. Participants range in age from 5 to 75 and Winners in each distance category will win a highly coveted SPAM trophy! Come join the fun! Web:www.rendezvousskitrails.com
    January 1, 2011

    Yellowstone National Park Snowshoe Walk

    Join a Yellowstone National Park Ranger for a 2-mile walk into Yellowstone National Park along the Riverside Trail. Meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center at 30 Yellowstone Avenue at 1:30 PM. Bring snowshoes, water and a snack - Everyone welcome no experience necessary. Contact: (307) 344-2876
    January 1, 2011

    Sleddin’ & Smores

    Join the locals and fellow winter visitors for some good old fashioned family fun! Warm-up with hot beverages. Warm-up with hot beverages. Toast some marshmallows and make your own S' more all the fixings provided. Bring a sled to try out the Sleddin' Hill. Meet at the West Yellowstone Pioneer Park (corner of Dunraven & Firehole/highway 20) from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
    January 1, 2011

    Winter Trails Day

    Free ski lessons, free ski & snowshoe rentals at the Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone. Guided Family 1-hour snowshoe walks at 11:30 am and 1:00 pm. Contact Hebgen Lake Ranger Station (406) 823-6961
    February 1, 2011

    Spam Cup #3 – CLASSIC

    The third in our three part series of citizen races.  The winner, as always, receives a SPAM trophy.  Race will start immediately after JOQs.  The start/finish will be held at the Rendezvous Trailhead Building. For more information Click here.
    February 1, 2011

    Skatin’ & Smores

    Join the locals and fellow winter visitors for some good old fashioned family fun! Warm-up with hot beverages. Warm-up with hot beverages. Toast some marshmallows and make your own S' more all the fixings provided. Bring your skates to try out the new West Yellowstone Community Ice Rink. 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. (The ice rink is located on Faithful Street just south of Yellowstone Avenue. Rent skates at  WestMart (just across the field) for $5/day for adults; $5 deposit for kids. WestMart is open M-F 8-5 Sat 8-4. Rentals can be kept overnight.
    February 1, 2011

    Yellowstone National Park Snowshoe Walk

    Join a Yellowstone National Park Ranger for a 2-mile walk into Yellowstone National Park along the Riverside Trail. Meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center at 30 Yellowstone Avenue at 1:30 PM. Bring snowshoes, water and a snack - Everyone welcome no experience necessary. Contact: (307) 344-2876
    February 1, 2011

    Moonlight Ski

    Join WYSEF Board members for a free moonlight ski. See the Rendezvous Ski Trails in a whole new light. The casual paced ski is appropriate for families and beginners. Dress warm and bring a headlamp if you have one. Meet at the Trailhead Building at 6:30 pm. Contact: Sara (406) 599-4465 info@rendezvousskitrails.com
    March 1, 2011

    Yellowstone National Park Evening Programs

    Beginning December 19th and ending March 14th. Join a ranger for an illustrated program highlighting a fascinating aspect of Yellowstone' natural, cultural or scenic wonders. Weekly program descriptions will be posted in the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center. Meet at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center at 201 South Canyon Street at 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM or at the Visitor Information Center at 30 Yellowstone Avenue at 7:00 PM. Contact: (307) 344-2876.
    March 1, 2011

    Skatin’, Sledding & Smores

    Join the locals and fellow winter visitors for some good old fashioned family fun! Free ice skating, S'mores, and sledding. Warm-up with hot beverages. Toast some marshmallows and make your own S' more with all the fixings provided. Meet at the West Yellowstone Community Ice Skating Rink located on Faithful Street, just south of Yellowstone Avenue (across the street from WestMart). Skates are available for rent from WestMart (open until 5 PM). There is also a small sledding hill perfect for kids!  From 6:00 to 8:00 PM. For more information Contact: (406) 646-7701
    March 1, 2011

    Yellowstone National Park Snowshoe Walk

    Join a Yellowstone National Park Ranger for a 2-mile walk into Yellowstone National Park along the Riverside Trail. Meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center at 30 Yellowstone Avenue at 1:30 PM. Bring snowshoes, water and a snack - Everyone welcome no experience necessary. Contact: (307) 344-2876
    March 1, 2011

    US Forest Service Winter Snowshoe Program

    Come join Gallatin National Forest employees and learn about the great outdoors during the winter.  The program is geared for beginners. All programs last 2 – 3 hours unless stated. Come learn why Refuge Point was a vital meeting place after the 1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake. Program is free, snowshoes are not provided but available at local merchants. Meet at the Forest Service at 1:00 pm. We will caravan to Refuge Point Trail. Contact Hebgen Lake Ranger Station (406) 823-6961
    March 1, 2011

    32nd Yellowstone Rendezvous Ski Race

    With the blast of a black powder canon, racers sprint out to compete in a variety of age classes and distances in both classic and freestyle of 5 to 50K lengths. Hundreds of skiers come from across the nation to participate (typically 600-900). The 50 kilometers is over 31 miles and races make two laps on the outmost trails of the Rendezvous system. Five feed stations are located along the course and staffed with local groups and volunteers. Cash prizes are awarded but to many skiers, just finishing is the prize! Contact: (406) 599-4465 or www.rendezvousskitrails.com or www.rendezvourace.com
    March 1, 2011

    West Yellowstone Youth Ski Festival

    The Youth Ski Festival was created to encourage families to stay the whole weekend of the Rendezvous Race. This event is a fun way to wind down after the big race. All kids aged 13 years and younger are encouraged to play on skis. We will typically offer events such as: a relay race, an obstacle course, musical chairs, and a sprint. Parents are encouraged to cheer on all the little skiers. Contact: Sara (406) 599-4465 or www.rendezvousskitrails.com
    March 1, 2011

    Winter Photo Festival

    Photographers are invited to share their favorite winter photos of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem during a Winter Photo Festival. Sponsored by the National Park Service and the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. The festival will be held at the West Yellowstone visitor Information Center at 30 Yellowstone Avenue. Participants must register by contacting Rich Jalhe at (307) 344-2840 rich_jahle@nps.gov
    March 1, 2011

    Equinox Ski Challenge

    The Equinox Ski Challenge is a springtime celebration, a season finale and also among the most challenging ski races in the world.  This event is ingrained with camaraderie, challenge, and commitment to the well-being of the local community.  Skiers of all abilities can compete as a soloist or in a relay team of up to 8 members. The goal is to have a lot of fun and also complete as many laps as you can in the 24 Minute Kids Race, 3 Hour, 6 Hour, 12 Hour or 24 Hour divisions. That’s right, a 24 hour race. Saturday night marks the midpoint and is celebrated with a bonfire and potluck dinner. Race profits are donated to WYSEF, Manaia Youth Programs, and the West Yellowstone Food Bank. How far can you go? Cost: Varied, depending on team and late fee More information: www.equinoxskichallenge.com
    March 11, 2011

    21st World Snowmobile EXPO

    A terrific end and beginning for snowmobilers!  The World Snowmobile Expo culminates a year of Sno-Cross racing for many Rocky Mountain competitors with three days of racing thrills.  Snowmobile manufacturers and after-market companies strut their 2011 stuff at the exposition hall.  Nighttime activities include a “Funny-Money” Casino night and plenty of laughs.  Plan now to attend! For more EXPO information click here www.snowmobileexpo.com Exhibit Information Contact: Marge Wanner (406) 646-7895 For a full list of events & activities, or race information and registration: Visit: www.snowmobileexpo.com
    March 15, 2011

    Yellowstone Closes to Over-the-Snow Travel

    Today is the last full day for winter travel into Yellowstone. Yellowstone's west entrance will reopen to vehicle travel April 16, 2009, when regular vehicle travel begins from the West Entrance.
    April 15, 2011

    West Entrance to Yellowstone Opens to Motorized Travel

    West Yellowstone to the Madison Junction, Norris Junction and to Canyon West Yellowstone to Mammoth Hot Springs West Yellowstone to the Norris Junction West Yellowstone to the Madison Junction to Old Faithful