Written by Sandy Briggs, a long time resident and friend. Note about Yellowstone Entrances: One of the most important things to understand about Yellowstone National Park are the entrances. Each one offers something different, and I highly recommend not eating at the park restaurants because it is expensive, and the food just isn’t that good. Therefore, below I will recommend restaurants just outside the park boundaries at each of the entrances. Keep in mind that the West Yellowstone Entrance is the closest to the cabin, but you probably already figured that one out! When deciding routes, the maximum speed in the park is 45 mph and it is strictly enforced. You can usually get away with 5 mph over, but that is not a guarantee. You may also get caught in a “bison, elk, or bear jam” which can delay you for hours. Best practice is to have food and water with you and plan on it taking longer than you expected. Don’t worry, enjoy the ride. Note, we have a cooler which is great for packing food and beverages for the park. It is located on the back porch. Please remember to leave it when your visit is done so the next person will have it to use.

West Entrance, near West Yellowstone, Montana

Restaurants and things to do are covered previously in this book because they are geographically the closest to the cabin. Please see West Yellowstone Experiences and West Yellowstone Places to Eat for more detailed information. One thing to add, the West Entrance brings you to geyser paradise.

Bechler Ranger Station 

Most people do not know there is an Idaho entrance to YNP at the Bechler Ranger Station. This area is a favorite of hikers, backpackers, and hot springs soakers looking to get away from the tourist crowds. It is about 45 minutes south of the cabin. You drive to Ashton and follow the signs to Cave Falls. Most of this road is dirt but is well maintained. If you like to hike, and don’t want steep grades, this is the hike for you. You are literally in meadows for miles and miles. The view of the Tetons from the meadows is spectacular, too. One thing to keep in mind is that the meadows are swamps mid to late season depending on snowpack. It is also a great place to fish. Take bug spray and wear shoes that you can get wet and hike in. From Bechler you can hike to Dunanda Falls which features a beautiful waterfall and hot springs.

Stop and check out Cave Falls, too, either on the way in or the way out of Bechler – it’s beautiful.

Note: The cave is on the roadside looking at the falls and you must hike down to river level to see it. You can just imagine the Native Americans fishing there.

North Entrance, near Gardiner, Montana - CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO FLOODS IN JUNE
The North Entrance brings you the Roosevelt Arch, Gardiner, Montana, and Mammoth Hot Springs. This entrance can be reached by going through the park from West Yellowstone to Norris, Mammoth, and Gardiner. You can also reach it by traveling from Bozeman to Livingston, then Gardiner, and through the park to the West Entrance. Taking this route from Bozeman will have you going by two hot springs. Chico Hot Springs and Yellowstone Hot Springs. Boiling River (which is one of the only hot springs areas of the park you can swim in). Note that Boiling River has been closed since COVID. All of these are worth checking out when you are near the North Entrance. Check with any park ranger when entering the park to see if Boiling River is open.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN GARDINER:

·      The Corral, 711 Scott Street

Great burgers, including elk and bison options, shakes, fries, some gluten-free options.

·      Wonderland Café, 206 Main Street

Locally sourced and organic fare using fresh ingredients as much as possible, therefore their menu is constantly changing. They only accept reservations for 6 or more and will add a 20% gratuity. Coffee and baked goods from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, lunch from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and dinner from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

·      Follow Yer’ Nose BBQ Smokewagon, 375 US 89 South

This is a BBQ wagon. Surprisingly great options for vegetarians, their chopped brisket sandwiches are fantastic, and the coleslaw is to die for.

·      Mountain Tacos, 906 Scott Street West

Mexican Fare which is quick and easy if you are in a hurry to get back to the park. They are in Outlaws Pizza.

·      Yellowstone Grill, 404 Scott Street West

American fare, burgers, sandwiches, etc. They do have good breakfast, but it’s hard to get to that side of the park by breakfast unless you leave really early.

Northeast Entrance, near Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana

In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful areas of the park. The mountains are incredible. If you have the time, going through Cooke City and Silver Gate to the Bear Tooth highway which is an amazing drive. You don’t have to take the whole drive, but even doing part of it is fun. It does take some time however, and it is a long way away, so plan accordingly. The Northeast Entrance is a long way to any town of size, but the two small towns just outside the park borders have a couple of options for dining.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN SILVER GATE AND COOKE CITY:

·      The Log Cabin Café, 106 US-212This quaint little restaurant is adorable inside and out. They serve good food, not fast, but worth the wait. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are excellent. They usually have great coffee and desserts. Their beef is top-notch.

·      Silver Gate BBQ, 91 US-212They are known for their pork shoulder and have typical BBQ dishes with delicious sides. If it is a nice day, it’s great to sit outside and enjoy the incredible views.

·      Miners Saloon, 208 Main StreetThey have typical bar food and pizza. Not my favorite choice in the area, but a possibility if you want an alcoholic beverage and aren’t too picky or in a hurry.

·      Buns N Beds, 201 Main StreetFood served home-made and fast. Really good huckleberry shakes and chocolate chip cookies. You can also get good sandwiches.

East Entrance, near Cody, Wyoming
The East Entrance takes you to Yellowstone Lake from Cody, Wyoming. Cody is a great little city to spend time in and Roosevelt called the road from Cody to Yellowstone “the most beautiful 50 miles in America.” If you do end up in Cody, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and the Irma’s Hotel are two places to pay a visit.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN CODY, WYOMING:

·      Irma Hotel, 1192 Sheridan AvenueThe Irma is a historical landmark, but they also have great meals. On the weekends they have a dinner buffet that features buffalo prime rib. It is worth a look.

·      Wy Thai, 1928 Big Horn Avenue
Best Thai food in Cody. They have dine-in and take-out, but no delivery.

·      Michael’s Taco, 702 Yellowstone Avenue
Best Mexican food in Cody. Made fresh daily. They have dine-in and take-out.

·      Noon Break 2 Go, 2619 Sheridan Avenue
Best breakfast burritos and green chili in Cody. 

·      Hungry Bear Restaurant, 2706 Big Horn #ALocally owned, great service and friendly staff. Good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. American food and home-cooking. Dine in, drive through, and no delivery.

South Entrance, Grand Teton National Park, near Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The South Entrance takes you from Jackson Hole to Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) then on into Yellowstone National Park (YNP). The closest city to this entrance is Jackson Hole and you end up near the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake if you are going into GTNP, then YNP. It is a beautiful drive on a clear day. Keep in mind that if the weather is cloudy, you might not get to see the majestic Tetons because of cloud cover. Note: There are many options for dinner in Jackson if you are not in a hurry. I did not include dinner options below, except for one experience if you happen to be spending the night. Google the top restaurants to make your choice.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN OR NEAR JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING:

·      Jackson Hole Marketplace, 4125 Pub PlaceBy far the best place to get a sandwich in Jackson and a great location on your way out of town to stop and grab one. You can also order online and pick up. The market also has a really good selection of drinks and snack foods for your trip.

·      Nora’s Fish Creek Inn, 5600 WY-22Nora’s has one of the best breakfasts in town. It is on the way over Teton Pass in Wilson, just outside Jackson, but worth the stop if they aren’t too crowded. They have familiar breakfast fare and diner-style American chow such as burgers for lunch. They are now open for dinner, but I haven’t tried their menu.

·      The Bunnery Bakery and Restaurant, 130 N. Cache StreetBaked goods, brunch, traditional breakfast plus sandwiches, and desserts like pie. A great spot to sit and eat or to grab a sweet to go. Usually crowded, but they do a good job moving people through.

·      Calico Pizza, 2650 Moose Wilson RoadItalian restaurant with fantastic pizza. One of our favorite spots. They do not open until 4:30 pm and only serve dinner. Show up early because they fill up fast. They do take reservations.

·      The Whistling Grizzly Restaurant, 930 West BroadwayBreakfast and lunch fare. They are not open for dinner. They have dine-in and take-out.

·      Bar J Chuckwagon Suppers, WilsonThis is one of the most fun events we have done in Jackson. I believe they had some trouble staying open during COVID but hopefully they will be able to reopen this summer. This is a great dinner and fantastic entertainment all wrapped into one.

·      Gondola Ride, Teton VillageOne of the best things to do on a sunny day is take the gondola up the mountain. The gondola doesn’t take you to the top, that would be the Aerial Tram, but to one of the restaurants on the hill which has a great deck, bar, and if you like mushrooms, the fried ones with aioli sauce are the best. They often use this venue for weddings and parties, so call to make sure it is open. They also have a mountain bike trail that is amazing. You can check that out by talking to the folks at the bottom of the hill.

·      Aerial Tram at Teton VillageThe ride up the Jackson Aerial Tram is breathtaking on a clear day. Take coats as the temperature at the top can be cold and windy. Hiking trails are available from there or just a ride up and back for photos.