Livingston and Clyde Park

Livingston was founded in 1887, though it was originally a tent settlement called Clark’s City. The town was a headquarters for the Northern Pacific Railway and, after being moved further north, was renamed in honor of railway executive Crawford Livingston. But long before it was “settled,” the area was a neutral ground for a number of Native American tribes, such as the Bannock, Blackfoot, Crow, Flathead, and the Shoshone. A huge part of Livingston’s importance is due to its connections and proximity to Yellowstone. Park Country, of which Livingston is the seat, was named for its proximity to the Park. The town is located near the Yellowstone river, traveled by William Clark and Merriweather as a part of their expedition. They camped out on the outskirts of what is today Livingston. Once the entrance to Yellowstone, Livingston is now the only road into Yellowstone that is open year-round. The local history museum, set up in 1906 school, draws its name from this history. The Yellowstone Gateway Museum is a great place to learn more about the town’s origins.

The design and setup of the downtown area give it a real Western feel and include a number of quality restaurants and bars, a couple books stores, and antique shops. The Shane Center gives the community access to any number of arts opportunities, including theater, film screenings, and classes. One of the town staples we’d be remiss not to mention is Mark’s In & Out, an old-fashioned drive-in diner from the 50s, only open during the summer, offering malts and milkshakes, burgers, and other drive-in staples (our personal favorite is the chili dog).

The town has attracted many writers and poets over the years, such as Jim Harrison, Tom McGuane, and Michael Earl Craig. This legacy lasts even today —poet and writer Jamie Harrison,  Jim Harrison’s daughter, also finds herself influenced by the Livingston area. Actors, like Jeff Bridges, also find some sort of muse in the area. Why are so many artists and creatives drawn to and inspired by a town so small? Perhaps it’s the town’s unique character. It could be that history and the world of yesterday are palpable as we walk through the streets. Or maybe, it’s just all of the Western bars. Either way, Livingston is a great place to find creative inspiration, no matter your artistic medium. 

But maybe you want to go even smaller than even Livingston or RED LODGE. Maybe you want to get even more rural. Of course, Montana has no shortage of tiny rural towns. One place we recommend for a truly small, rural, Western experience, whether you are looking to sketch or just get away from the busyness of modern life, is Clyde Park, clocking in at a population of around 350, located just a ways north of Livingston. Located in the Shield Valley, the town is tucked between two stunning mountain ranges: the Crazies and the Bridgers, providing stunning views from all directions. And, like many towns in Montana, there are a number of offerings for those amongst us who want to experience a classic Western or cowboy bar. 

The town was originally founded in the 1870s under the name Sunnyside, though the jury’s still out on where the name “Clyde Park” actually comes from. Unlike Bozeman and Red Lodge, the town was not settled for mining opportunities, but for the potential the land had for ranching and raising cattle. And where Bozeman and Red Lodge are largely divorced from their mining roots, Clyde Park still operates and relies on ranching to this very day. One of the main tourist attractions is the G Bar M ranch, spanning 3,200 acres. While the family-owned business is still an operational cattle ranch, it also acts as a dude ranch that provides guests the opportunity to try out the western lifestyle, including horseback riding, cattle work, and fishing. But if that isn’t your speed, you can simply hang out and enjoy the views.