Large Timber is a small city that’s huge on appeal in South Central Montana, surrounded by the great thing about the Loopy Mountains and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Vacationers come right here for quaint retailers, tasty native meals, and thrilling out of doors adventures. I beloved the realm’s welcoming residents, who had been pleased to recommend close by issues to do or chat about life of their lovely state. For pleasant vibes and beautiful views, check out what to do in Large Timber, MT!
This story is dropped at you in partnership with Go to Montana. It’s based mostly on my household’s adventures within the Large Sky State.
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The place to Store
Begin your go to with a stroll by Large Timber’s darling downtown alongside the principle thoroughfare, McLeod Road. In the event you hang around lengthy sufficient, you’ll certainly see vehicles piled with huge timbers from cottonwood bushes roll by city. Pop into what strikes your fancy, however remember to take a look at these must-see retailers.
Thistle Creek Mercantile
The upscale Thistle Creek Mercantile sells merchandise that replicate the spirit of Large Sky Nation. The reward store prides itself on its Montana-made gadgets, 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 school candies and handmade goodies. The shop’s eye sweet and literal sweet make a enjoyable combo.
Earth Smart Common Retailer
Situated only a block off Large Timber’s major strip, the stylish Earth Smart Common Retailer jogged my memory of the Rose Apothecary of Schitt’s Creek fame! It’s a haven for environmentally aware consumers, providing regionally grown and natural meals. Buyers may also replenish on refillable private care and home goods. Buy made-to-order deli sandwiches to-go on the counter behind the shop.
The Fort
Going to The Fort is a visit! It’s filled with a curious array of merchandise, from child gadgets and kids’s toys to out of doors gear, firearms, and liquor. This can be a great place to select up reasonably priced Montana souvenirs, too, together with huckleberry syrups, jams, and different treats. Situated 1.7 miles from downtown Large Timber, you’ll must hop within the automobile for a brief drive to succeed in this uncommon store.
Issues to Do
From native sights to common actions within the nice outside, let’s discover what to do in Large 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 realm’s early settlers and Norwegian heritage, Large Timber’s rodeo traditions, and the realm’s wool and mining industries. One of the crucial common shows is a restored one-room schoolhouse depicting rural training in 1912.
What fascinated me most was a miniature copy of Large Timber because it seemed 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 Journey
Giddy as much as discover the majestic Loopy Mountains in Candy Grass County on horseback. Affectionately referred to as The Crazies, this remoted mountain vary stretches practically 40 miles (63 km) between Yellowstone and Musselshell Rivers. I can’t consider a greater strategy to expertise the great 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, children have to 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 Large 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, good for vacationers with strollers or wheelchairs. Alongside this quick hike, you may 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 needed a more in-depth encounter with the falls, so we hiked the Canyon Backside Entry Path. This path requires sturdy climbing sneakers with good tread as a result 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. Irrespective of how you intend to discover, I counsel bringing insect repellant, bear spray, and unscented sunblock.
Lions Membership Park
A straightforward stroll from the guts of the historic downtown, Lions Membership Park is a enjoyable place to play. The 5.7-acre (2.3-hectare) park encompasses 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 Previous West-themed playground with loads of slides, swings, and climbing buildings.
Yellowstone River
If visiting Montana in summer season, you may cool off with a swim within the Yellowstone River at one of many many fishing entry websites close to Large 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.
Large Timber Outfitters
For added out of doors adventures in and close to Large Timber, rent a neighborhood clothing store that will help you fulfill your Montana goals.
The place to Eat & Drink
For a small city, Large Timber boasts huge flavors at its native eating places. Many eateries are closed on Sundays, so if visiting Large Timber on the weekend, test 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 searching 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 intensive drink menu of coffees, teas, smoothies, and “Foo Foo Drinks” just like the Campfire S’extra made with chocolate and marshmallow.
Large Timber Bakery
Identified for his or her generously iced cinnamon rolls and hearty breakfast plates, Large 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 excellent 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 Large 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 comfortable sofas with one in every of their board video games to play together with your crew whilst you take pleasure in your treats.
The Grand Lodge Restaurant
Make reservations at The Grand Lodge Restaurant for a sublime night in Large Timber. As is the case in most locations in Montana, there isn’t a formal gown code of their eating room, so that you’ll really feel comfy in your “fancy” denims or an off-the-cuff gown. For a extra laidback, kid-friendly dinner choice, you may order from the identical menu of their restored 1890 Saloon subsequent door.
To get a style of common 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 common Sunday nights. There’s a pool desk and many TVs for watching the sport, making it a vigorous place to take pleasure in a drink or two.
Circle T Taproom
Large 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 out of doors patio lures patrons when the climate is heat, however the inside is cozy, too. Search for dwell music on weekends.
All ages are welcome. The truth is, they even supply a youngsters’s nook with toys and video games. Learn our suggestions for visiting breweries with children and produce the entire household!
The place to Keep
There are a couple of chain inns in and close to Large Timber. Nonetheless, for a memorable keep, check out these two contrasting choices.
The Grand Lodge
One of many oldest still-operating inns in Montana, The Grand Lodge in Large Timber, was in-built 1890. The historic appeal, fashionable facilities (hi there, air con!), and placement proper in town’s major road make this resort perfect for vacationers wanting to remain on the town.
There are solely 14 rooms at this historic inn, embellished in turn-of-the-century model with Victorian architectural parts like intricate brickwork. The truth is, the resort has been positioned on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. Eight rooms embody non-public 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 smart for a gaggle 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 opinions of The Grand Lodge through TripAdvisor or ebook your keep immediately.
Candy Grass Ranch
My household got here to Candy Grass Ranch on the outskirts of Large 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 international locations to expertise life on a working American cattle ranch. Expertise this distinctive mix of journey and rest from Might by September. Children of all ages and canines are welcome.
In fact, the first draw is horseback using, with visitors having fun with every day guided rides. Different actions embody 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, contemporary 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 complete expertise!
Learn extra about this dude ranch expertise through TripAdvisor or ebook your stick with Candy Grass Ranch.
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A Observe from The Journey Mama: Go to Montana sponsored this weblog submit about Large Timber. Observe @visitmontana on Instagram for extra inspiration. All opinions are mine, as at all times.