Red Lodge Travel Guide

Welcome to Red Lodge!

Tucked away in south central Montana, Red Lodge is a mountain town that merges scenic drives with the Sundance Kid and motorcycle rallies with a mining history. Prior to the 1860s, the town was a summering ground for the Native American Crow Nation people but was propelled into its heyday when coal deposits and gold were discovered shortly thereafter. Immigrants poured into the area, the railway came to town, and by the end of the 1800s, Red Lodge reputedly had 20 saloons and a riotous way of life. In 1897, the infamous Sundance Kid robbed a Red Lodge bank and was observed by guests at the historic Pollard Hotel, which hosted such characters as Buffalo Bill and Calamity Jane, and is still welcoming visitors today.

A century later, tourism, recreation and ranching define Red Lodge, and its quaint, historic downtown reflects its varied character. Along with the Pollard, several Western-style pubs and the Carbon County Historical Society Museum speak of the town’s past, while gourmet cafes, outdoor gear shops, galleries and specialty stores indicate its tourism traffic, which was first brought to the area by the building of the Beartooth Scenic Byway in the 1930s. The scenic drive links Red Lodge with Yellowstone National Park and has been called “the most beautiful drive in America.” Summer visitors will also find a calendar full of festivals, rallies and rodeos and wildlife enthusiasts can visit the Beartooth Nature Center for a chance to see a grizzly bear. Outdoor recreationists can enjoy an abundance of activities anytime of year, from hiking and fishing to skiing and snowboarding at Red Lodge Mountain Resort.

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