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The infamous Instagram-worthy photo at the top of Swift Current.
This Big Sky Beginner Skier Guide is dedicated to families like ours, outlining a progression path from the very first ski runs from the magic carpet to mastering some of our favorite beginner terrain. Whether you're a parent looking to guide your little ones or an adult newcomer to skiing, this guide will help you navigate your way!
Read moreCraving a delicious meal in Big Sky, Montana? Look no further! We've been exploring Big Sky's culinary scene for over 15 years and have some insider tips for dining at both Big Sky Resort and down the mountain in Big Sky Town Center and Meadow Village. Let's delve into our favorite eateries!
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We’ve been visiting Bozeman as a family for over 15 years. We’ve stayed in a variety of hotels and vacation rentals, and I have to say every experience has been terrific. As a general rule, we try to stay as close to downtown and Main Street as possible to take advantage of walking to restaurants, shops, festivals, etc. Here’s the lowdown on where to stay in Bozeman!
Read moreNot sure what to do in Bozeman? We have vacationed in Bozeman for over 15 years and share our fantastic finds-- the best things to do in Bozeman. From skiing and hiking to biking and floating to exploring its vibrant downtown with fun shops, restaurants, and festivals. Enjoy family-friendly fun, friendly locals, and a town bursting with happy energy.
Read moreI remember that planning our first trip to Big Sky Resort was a bit daunting—navigating accommodations, understanding the mountain layout, and figuring out what to expect in general. This guide is for all of you who, like us once were, are planning your first winter adventure at Big Sky Resort. Let's dive in!
Read moreWhen we imagine the perfect place to spend a summer vacation, McCall, Idaho definitely holds a place on the list. Located on the shores of a stunning glacial lake, this quaint small resort town offers a wealth of amenities and outdoor pursuits.
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Living in Bozeman, MT, we get plenty of friends and family visiting us on their way from Bozeman to Yellowstone National Park. We are fortunate to live within 2 hours of both the West Entrance and North Entrance to Yellowstone. This is the information we share with them and it’s proven to be a great itinerary for all!
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There is so much to see in Yellowstone National Park, but the Lamar Valley is a must see for wildlife viewing. Find out where to stay, where to eat, best places for wildlife viewing, and easy hikes for all to enjoy in the Lamar Valley.
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Big Sky, MT is known for its winter skiing, but it is just as beautiful in the summer with its blooming wildflowers, scenic mountain ranges, and variety of outdoor activities. You could easily spend a week here, especially if you add a day trip to Yellowstone National Park which is just one hour away. Here’s what we did during our summer trip to Big Sky.
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Stopping in Bozeman on your way to Yellowstone National Park? You’ll find plenty to do in this fun western town. Here’s how to spend a perfect day. What to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Bozeman, MT.
Read moreGrand Teton National Park is simply awesome with its jagged mountain peaks, alpine lakes, wildlife, sagebrush meadows, and forests filled with aspens and fir trees. You’ll find it all on this wonderful hike to Phelps Lake on the Lake Creek-Woodland Trail Loop.
Read moreThe Teton’s String Lake is shallow, so although it is still very cold, it’s not quite as freezing as some of the other lakes found in Grand Teton National Park. Its sandy bottom is easy on the feet making it a very kid-friendly lake to swim and float. My girls brought their snorkel masks and had a blast.
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Favorite family-friendly hikes, awe-inspiring views, swimming holes, float trips, horseback riding, wildlife viewing tips, rainy day activities, and more “can’t miss” jewels of Grand Teton National Park are described in detail in this 5 day itinerary for Grand Teton National Park.
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Waving at my brother from the top of Saddle Pass trail in Badlands National Park. He climbed up to this overlook but I was pretty content with the view where we were, which was fantastic. Of course, the views were pretty fantastic everywhere in Badlands.
Between Badlands National Park and the Black Hills, South Dakota has an incredible amount of things to do and see. This 6 day itinerary hits some of the highlights of the area - Wind Cave National Park, hiking Black Elk Peak in Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, biking the Mickelson Trail, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, and of course Badlands National Park. Where we stayed and favorite places to eat are also included in the itinerary as well as detailed maps and pictures.
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You can arrive at this otherworldly landscape just 15 minutes after you left the car in Badlands National Park. This is Door Trail, one of 3 trails sharing the same parking area near the Northeast Entrance to the park.
Looking for something short and sweet to do in Badlands National Park? These 3 hikes- Door, Window, and Notch Trails- share one parking lot just 10 minutes from Interstate 90. All 3 trails are scenic and fairly easy trails that give a great taste of what makes the Badlands so special. Our kids really liked exploring them, especially climbing the fun ladder on Notch Trail.
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View down from a rock outcropping overlooking Saddle Pass Trail. One member of our group ran up but the rest of us elected to stay on the trail and wave up at him. You can see the trail ascending up the rock formations on the right of the picture.
Saddle Pass to Medicine Root Trail to Castle Trail is a nice day hike of about 4.8 miles that combines rock scrambling, strolling through the prairie, plus fantastic views out over the classic rock formations of the Badlands all in this one hike. Our family really enjoyed this hike - interesting and varied enough for the kids (but not too long) while the adults got to take lots of pretty photosand feel like they stretched their legs.
Read moreNot too hard to get a pretty picture of Cedar Pass Lodge with this backdrop. You can see the small group of rental cabins in the foreground and the main building in the distance on the left of this picture. The campground is about a 1/4 mile away to the left. This picture is taken just after the sunset so the rocks are reflecting the beautiful reds and pinks and all you had to do to see it was just walk outside your door.
I loved Badlands National Park and part of the reason why I liked it so much is because we stayed one night at Cedar Pass Lodge. Being able to enjoy the breathtaking sunset and sunrise, not to mention the awesome starry nights, made this trip special in a way I don’t think visiting the park just for the day would have. If you can swing it, definitely try to make an overnight in the cozy cabins at Cedar Pass a priority. You won’t regret it.
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If you’re thinking about skiing at Big Sky, Montana but can’t figure out where to stay, this guide is for you. Having skied here with our families for over 15 years, we have the best lodging recommendations for skiing with kids or that perfect mountain chalet to share with your friends or family. Our goal is make your visit to Big Sky, MT a simply awesome trip!
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I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend the day looking at scenery like this?
Whether you cycle the entire 109 miles or just rent a bike for an afternoon, the Mickelson Trail is an awesome adventure for the whole family. It is an absolutely gorgeous ride through some of the most beautiful parts of the Black Hills. With 4 train tunnels and over a hundred bridges, not to mention rolling hills, open pastures, and old gold mines dotting the trail, there is plenty to look at and enjoy on the Mickelson Trail!
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Mushing was never on my bucket list and it should have been. So much fun.
Traveling to Fairbanks in January turned out to be a much better idea than I thought it was going to be. When my friends invited me on the Alaskan vacation they were planning, my first thought was "Alaska? In January? Have you met me???" But a chance to check off an elusive bucket list item, the Northern Lights, got me on a cross-country plane flight to Fairbanks, Alaska hauling a suitcase stuffed with warm clothing.
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