If you saw the movie “A River Runs Through It,” you might remember the lush, green scenery surrounding the vibrant Gallatin River. Majestic mountains permeate the landscape, and soaring bald eagles dot the expansive sky. This is bucolic Big Sky, Mont.
Advantageously located in the southwestern corner of the state, Yellowstone National Park is on its doorstep. Although people usually associate this resort town of 2,300 with snow-peaked mountains and ski-lodge fireplaces, it is a great place to visit in the summer, too.
Here, plenty of reasons why:
PUT IT IN PARK
A convenient 15-mile drive will bring you to the awe-inspiring Yellowstone National Park (nps.gov/yell/index.htm). Its 2.2 million acres of natural wonders attract hordes of international sightseers — with good reason.
Be sure to see the largest hot spring in the United States, the Grand Prismatic, with its dazzling artist’s palette of colors. The Great Fountain and Old Faithful geysers launch 200-foot-high aquatic fireworks. The fumaroles are craters that emit steam instead of water; the Fountain Paint Pot spits boiling mud and smells like rotten eggs. Nowhere else will you see as many natural wonders all within walking distance.
PEAK YOUR INTEREST
The Lone Peak Expedition tram at Big Sky Resort has quickly become one of the state’s most popular summer attractions. Take the Swift Current chairlift to a 1-ton Chevy 3500 pickup truck retrofitted with bucket seats. After a slow crawl across Lone Mountain’s rock-strewn base, disembark at the Lone Peak Tram. One last ride up puts you atop the 11,166-foot summit — you can now look at Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. For a mere $75, you can see two national parks, three states and mountain peaks everywhere (bigskyresort.com).
PARTY ANIMALS
Wildlife is everywhere. Bison, bear, elk, deer and moose can pop up at any time. The chipmunks are noticeably courageous and even seem to pose for photographs. Words of advice: Don’t get too close to the bison, and high-tail it if you see a moose — people have been forced to climb trees for safety from wild animals. Locals commonly use the word “treed” to describe this.
GUT INSTINCTS
Dine al fresco at Ted’s Montana Grill in nearby Bozeman — that’s Ted, as in Turner. Try the hearty bison pot roast. The salmon from Chile is cooked on a cedar plank, imparting a smoky flavor (tedsmontanagrill.com).
Don’t miss Buck’s T-4, which in 1999 became the first Montana restaurant to host a dinner at New York’s James Beard House. While they have a set menu — our favorites were bison tenderloins and red deer, both sweeter, more tender and less fatty than beef — the “medley” sampler specials rotate in on a nightly basis. A recent one included antelope and prime rib (buckst4.com).
Check out the Jack Creek Grille at Moonlight Lodge for standout dishes like grilled shrimp and chicken marsala. David Letterman is no stranger there (moonlightbasin.com).
PILLOW TALK
Experience a real dude ranch, the 320 Guest Ranch and Resort. Log cabins are scattered amid grandiose mountains and the Gallatin River. For cool nights, use the woodburning fireplace in your cabin. Wake up early to see the “Running of the Horses,” or sleep late and watch them return in the early evening — dozens of horses galloping to and from pasture. Daily, free of charge. Cabin rooms start at $172 (320ranch.com).
The sportier set can go horseback riding, fly fishing and guided-hiking at the Orvis-endorsed Lone Mountain Ranch. The North Fork Creek and pine trees add to the ranch setting. Enjoy a hearty cowboy breakfast, and try the private Jacuzzis outside your cabin. Cabins start at $395 per adult and include three meals and activities (lonemountainranch.com).
Or stay at the Big Sky Resort for an alternative to the cowboy life. The modern rooms are well-appointed, with large showers and hotel amenities. Swim in outdoor heated pools year-round. Rooms start at $225.
For more information, go to visitbigskymt.com.