Massive Timber is a small city that’s huge on allure in south-central Montana, surrounded by the fantastic thing about the Loopy Mountains and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Vacationers come right here for quaint outlets, tasty native meals, and thrilling outside adventures. I used to be touched by the city’s welcoming residents, who had been glad to counsel close by issues to do or chat about life in Montana. For pleasant vibes and beautiful views, check out what to do in Massive Timber, Montana!
This story is delivered to you in partnership with Go to Montana. It’s primarily based on my household’s adventures within the Massive Sky State.
This web site generally receives compensation, hosted journey, or merchandise associated to weblog posts. This text could embrace affiliate hyperlinks at no additional value to customers. As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn cash from qualifying purchases.
The place to Store
Massive Timber includes a darling downtown with a fistful of fascinating outlets. Stroll alongside the city’s most important thoroughfare, McLeod Avenue, and pop into what strikes your fancy. Make sure to take a look at these must-sees.
Thistle Creek Mercantile
The upscale Thistle Creek Mercantile sells merchandise that mirror the spirit of Massive Sky Nation. The boutique prides itself on its Montana-made objects, from clothes to residence décor. (Search for an cute little book-lending library out entrance!)
Little Timber Quilts & Sweet
Rising up, my mother taught stitching lessons, so a go to to Little Timber Quilts & Sweet with the bolts of materials felt nostalgic for me, as did the number of old style candies and handmade candies. The shop’s eye sweet and literal sweet make a enjoyable combo.
Earth Smart Normal Retailer
Situated only a block off Massive Timber’s most important strip, the stylish Earth Smart Normal Retailer jogged my memory of the Rose Apothecary of Schitt’s Creek fame! It’s a haven for environmentally acutely aware consumers, providing regionally grown and natural meals. Customers may fill up on refillable private care and home items. Buy made-to-order deli sandwiches to-go on the counter in the back of the shop.
The Fort
Going to The Fort is a visit! It’s filled with a curious array of merchandise, from child objects and youngsters’s toys to outside gear, firearms, and liquor. This can be a great place to choose up reasonably priced Montana souvenirs, too, together with huckleberry syrups, jams, and different treats. Situated 1.7 miles from downtown Massive Timber, you’ll must hop within the automotive for a brief drive to achieve this uncommon store.
Issues to Do
From native sights to fashionable actions within the nice outdoor, let’s discover what to do in Massive Timber and close by.
Loopy Mountain Museum
The Loopy Mountain Museum is so-named due to its proximity to the Loopy Mountain Vary, not as a result of the museum’s contents are cuckoo! This attraction is devoted to preserving the historical past and tradition of Montana’s Candy Grass County.
Reveals showcase the world’s early settlers and Norwegian heritage, Massive Timber’s rodeo traditions, and the world’s wool and mining industries. One of the vital fashionable shows is a restored one-room schoolhouse depicting rural training in 1912.
What fascinated me most was a miniature copy of Massive Timber because it appeared in 1907, simply earlier than a significant hearth in 1908. This Cobblestone Metropolis exhibit was meticulously crafted by a neighborhood artist and historian named Jack Hines.
Horseback Path Trip
Giddy as much as discover the majestic Loopy Mountains in Candy Grass County on horseback. Affectionately known as The Crazies, this remoted mountain vary stretches almost 40 miles (63 km) between Yellowstone and Musselshell Rivers. I can’t consider a greater approach to expertise the fantastic thing about this vary than from atop a horse on a path experience.
My household saddled up with Candy Grass Ranch for a day experience. Whether or not you’re an skilled equestrian or a newbie, riders of all levers are welcome. Usually, youngsters should be age 6+, however there are wrangler-led pony rides for kids aged 4-6 who’re in a single day visitors on the ranch.
Pure Bridge Falls
You’ll be captivated by Pure Bridge Falls in Custer Gallatin Nationwide Forest, 27 miles (43 km) south of Massive Timber. Named for a pure rock bridge that collapsed in 1988, the 100-foot falls stay a spectacular sight.
The Higher Path at Pure Bridge Falls is the best nature path, excellent for vacationers with strollers or wheelchairs. Alongside this brief hike, you’ll be able to learn interpretive indicators concerning the space’s pure magnificence and historical past, take pleasure in views of the Boulder River, and catch a glimpse of the falls. Simply accessed picnic tables can be found, too.
My household wished a better encounter with the falls, so we hiked the Canyon Backside Entry Path. This path requires sturdy climbing sneakers with good tread because of steep and slippery sections. Our efforts had been rewarded with the mesmerizing sight and thunderous sound of the waterfall plunging into the pool under. Regardless of how you intend to discover, I counsel bringing insect repellant, bear spray, and unscented sunblock.
Lions Membership Park
A simple stroll from the center of the historic downtown, Lions Membership Park is a enjoyable place to play. The 5.7-acre (2.3-hectare) park includes a public pool, tennis courts, and baseball diamonds. Take pleasure in a native farmers market on the park each Friday throughout summer season, too.
Pack a lunch to take pleasure in at one of many park’s picnic tables. Then, go for a stroll alongside the paved paths. Better of all for youths is the darling Outdated West-themed playground with loads of slides, swings, and climbing buildings.
Yellowstone River
If visiting Montana in summer season, you’ll be able to cool off with a swim within the Yellowstone River at one of many many fishing entry websites close to Massive Timber. Otter Creek Fishing Entry is only a couple miles north of city on Freeway 191. Open year-round, there’s a ship launch and tenting entry.
Massive Timber Outfitters
For added outside adventures in and close to Massive Timber, rent a neighborhood clothing store that will help you fulfill your Montana goals.
The place to Eat & Drink
For a small city, Massive Timber boasts huge flavors at its native eating places. Many eateries are closed on Sundays, so if visiting Massive Timber on the weekend, verify the hours earlier than you go.
The Espresso Cease
With seating indoors plus a helpful drive-through, this espresso store makes a good selection for hungry vacationers on the lookout for a fast chew. Open seven days per week, come to The Espresso Cease within the morning for a breakfast sandwich or burrito, or order a deli sandwich or panini for lunch. Select from an in depth drink menu of coffees, teas, smoothies, and “Foo Foo Drinks” just like the Campfire S’extra made with chocolate and marshmallow.
Massive Timber Bakery
Identified for his or her generously iced cinnamon rolls and hearty breakfast plates, Massive Timber Bakery additionally serves brick oven pizzas for lunch and dinner. Consider me, you’ll lengthy bear in mind their delightfully chewy but crispy, made-from-scratch pizza crust. Delicate tummy? They provide an incredible gluten-free crust, too.
The Tangent Espresso
Open mornings and afternoons all week lengthy, this can be a enjoyable spot for a morning pastry and latté. The Tangent Espresso serves regionally baked items ready by Massive Al’s Bakery, together with scones, danishes, and cookies. They even supply a number of gluten-free goodies!
Cease by within the afternoon for a smoothie, a dish of frozen yogurt, or an ice cream cone. Settle into the comfy sofas with certainly one of their board video games to play together with your crew when you take pleasure in your treats.
The Grand Resort Restaurant
Make reservations at The Grand Resort Restaurant for a chic night in Massive Timber. As is the case in most locations in Montana, there isn’t a formal costume code of their eating room, so that you’ll really feel comfy in your “fancy” denims or an off-the-cuff costume. For a extra laidback, kid-friendly dinner choice, you’ll be able to order from the identical menu of their restored 1890 Saloon subsequent door.
To get a style of fashionable Montana delicacies, order the native grass-fed buffalo ribeye or the trout platter. My household began our meal with the spicy elk sausage & pretzel bites served with huckleberry honey mustard sauce, too. Earlier within the day, look for easy fare like omelets or hen fried steak for breakfast, and sandwiches or hand-breaded hen strips for lunch.
Timber Bar
For laidback native meals to feed the entire household, head to Timber Bar. Count on easy eats like burgers, salads, and hen wings. The service is pleasant, however be ready to attend, particularly on fashionable Sunday nights. There’s a pool desk and many TVs for watching the sport, making it a energetic place to take pleasure in a drink or two.
Circle T Taproom
Massive Timber’s Circle T Taproom is a pleasant place to pattern native craft beers by Loopy Peak Brewing Firm and dig into some tasty pub fare. Suppose pizzas, sandwiches, nachos, and pretzels with beer cheese. The outside patio lures patrons when the climate is heat, however the inside is cozy, too. Search for stay music on weekends.
All ages are welcome. Actually, they even supply a kids’s nook with toys and video games. Learn our ideas for visiting breweries with youngsters and convey the entire household!
The place to Keep
There are just a few chain motels in and close to Massive Timber. Nonetheless, for a memorable keep, check out these two contrasting choices.
The Grand Resort
One of many oldest still-operating motels in Montana, The Grand Resort in Massive Timber, was in-built 1890. The historic allure, trendy facilities (good day, air con!), and site proper in town’s most important avenue make this resort ideally suited for vacationers wanting to remain on the town.
There are solely 14 rooms at this historic inn, adorned in turn-of-the-century type with Victorian architectural parts like intricate brickwork. Actually, the resort has been positioned on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. Eight rooms embrace personal loos, whereas the remaining supply nice-looking shared services.
My household stayed within the 2-bedroom suite, which is actually the identical value as reserving two separate resort rooms and is sensible for a bunch of three or extra journey mates. It comes geared up with a sitting space with an hooked up full bathtub plus an additional sink within the widespread room.
Learn extra evaluations of The Grand Resort through TripAdvisor or ebook your keep immediately.
Candy Grass Ranch
My household got here to Candy Grass Ranch on the outskirts of Massive Timber only for a path experience, however most guests keep for a full week or extra for an immersive ranch expertise. Many visitors journey from far-flung international nations to expertise life on a working American cattle ranch. Expertise this distinctive mix of journey and rest from Might by way of September. Children of all ages and canines are welcome.
After all, the first draw is horseback driving, with visitors having fun with every day guided rides. Different actions embrace cattle work, fishing or swimming in Candy Grass Creek, climbing scenic trails, and garden video games. Residence-cooked meals are served family-style and made with regionally raised meats, recent produce, and home-baked breads and pastries. Climate permitting, visitors additionally take pleasure in campfires with tales, songs, and marshmallow roasting. I hope to return sometime for the total expertise!
Learn extra about this dude ranch expertise through TripAdvisor or ebook your stick with Candy Grass Ranch.
Extra Adventures For You
Be taught what to do in summer season in Montana, from scorching springs to music festivals and past.
Check out the finest motels for households in america, really helpful by household journey specialists.
Uncover the prime U.S. nationwide parks for youths, together with Montana’s Glacier Nationwide Park and Yellowstone Nationwide Park.
Situated close to Denali, examine what makes Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge particular.
Save These Issues to Do in Massive Timber
For future reference, save this listing of what to do in Massive Timber, Montana. Merely pin the picture above or under to Pinterest. Go forward and comply with Journey Mamas on Pinterest when you’re at it!
Which of those Massive Timber sights and actions would you love to do? Tell us within the feedback under!
A Word from The Journey Mama: Go to Montana sponsored this weblog publish about Massive Timber. Observe @visitmontana on Instagram for extra inspiration. All opinions are mine, as all the time.
