Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sandwiched spectacularly between two forested ridges of the Beartooth Mountains, just 4
miles from Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance, this one-street Montana town (population
85 in winter, 350 in summer) gets a steady flow of summer visitors en route between the
scenic splendors of the Beartooth Hwy and the national park. There's not much here in the
way of shops, sights or even trailheads, but this isolated town has a backwoods feel that's
more laid-back and less commercialized than the park's other gateway towns, and a year-
round population that's as rugged as the surrounding peaks.
Cooke City's isolation is due to geography and the lack of a railroad link. Citizens lob-
bied to bring the railroad to the original mining town of Shoo-Fly, even going so far as to
rename the town in 1880 after the Northern Pacific Railroad's Jay Cooke, but even this
blatant flattery failed to overcome hard economics. Oddly, this enclave of Montana can
only be accessed from Wyoming.
In winter the road from Yellowstone is only plowed as far as Cooke City, so visitors -
mostly backcountry skiers and snowmobilers - tend to check in and stay awhile. Gas
prices are the highest in the Yellowstone region, but there's not a whole lot you can do
about it. There's no cell coverage in town.
Sights & Activities
In winter the network of mining roads northeast of town are favorites of Nordic skiers and
snowmobilers. Near Colter Campground, the unpaved Lulu Pass-Goose Lake Rd, the
Goose Lake Track (trail 3230) and trails to Aero Lakes are all popular, as is snowmobiling
the Beartooth Hwy. Several outfits in town rent snowmobiles ($175 to $225 per day).
Cooke City General Store
( www.cookecitystore.com ; 8am-7pm) This historic 1886 store retains an old-time feel
and is a fun browse. It sells fishing permits, topo maps and almost anything else you can
think of.
HISTORIC BUILDING
Yellowstone Trading Post
( 9am-9pm Mon-Sat; ) Kids will like the stuffed animal exhibits in this souvenir
store next to the Beartooth Café. It's normally free; if not, the small admission fee can be
spent in the store.
MUSEUM
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