Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and the following day the chamber of commerce hosts a parade downtown. This is a great
small-town rodeo.
But Gardiner is far from a one-event town. The
Annual Chomp & Stomp
(406/
848-7971,
www.gardinerchamber.com
)
in late February is a chili cook-off with live
bluegrass music that benefits the Gardiner Community Center. Also in late February, the
Jardine Ski Run
is a 5-mile groomed track race where outlandish costumes are appreci-
ated as much if not more than speed. Another worthwhile pursuit for the active is the
Park
to Paradise Triathlon
in early May, which includes an 18-mile bike, a 5-mile run, and an
8-mile river paddle. The much less demanding and very family-friendly
Annual Brewfest
(406/848-7971, $10 entrance pays for 2 free tastings, $2 each additional tasting) happens in
mid-August and raises money for the local chamber with live entertainment, food, crafts,
microbrews, and fun kids' activities like soda-tasting, face-painting, horseshoes, and kites.
For more information on these events, contact the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce (406/
848-7971,
www.gardinerchamber.com
)
.
Fishing and Boating
The Yellowstone is the longest free-flowing river in the Lower 48, and as such it offers ex-
cellent boating and fishing opportunities. With the river plunging through town on its way
to Yankee Jim Canyon, Gardiner is home to several outfitters that can whet your appetite
for adventure, trout, or both. The
Flying Pig Adventure Company
(511 Scott St., 406/
848-7510,
www.flyingpigrafting.com
,
May-Sept.) is a full-service outfitter offering guided
white-water rafting, horseback rides, wildlife safaris, and cowboy cookouts.
Yellowstone
Raft Company
(111 2nd St., 406/848-7777 or 800/858-7781,
www.yellowstoneraft.com
,
May-Sept.) was established in 1978 and has an excellent reputation for experienced guides
and top-of-the-line equipment. For adrenaline junkies, Yellowstone Raft Company offers
sit-on-top kayak instruction and adventures.
For anglers eager to wet a line in or out of the park in search of native cutthroats or
brown trout,
Park's Fly Shop
(202 2nd St. S., 406/848-7314,
www.parksflyshop.com
)
is
the best place to start. They offer half-day trips for two people starting around $340, and
full-day trips for two from around $440. Anglers can pick up their licenses and any supplies
in the retail shop, which stays open year-round. And since Park's has been serving the area
since 1953, their guides are keenly aware of the spots where the fish greatly outnumber the
anglers.
