Museums, railroad history, and activities along the Yellowstone River give a stay in Livingston a range of possible focuses. You can plan your trip around historical themes, set aside time outdoors, or follow the schedule of seasonal events. The offerings vary in content and character—from exhibits on regional history to a riverside trail and an annual rodeo.
Museums and Railroad History
The Yellowstone Gateway Museum recalls the Lewis and Clark Expedition and houses artifacts more than 12,000 years old. Permanent exhibits also explore the connections between regional history and the founding of Yellowstone National Park. The museum thus offers both a look far back into the region’s past and a specific link to the park’s history. If these topics particularly interest you, you can make them the focus of your cultural time in Livingston.
The Livingston Depot provides a different historical perspective: the building was constructed in 1902 as the original starting point of the Northern Pacific Railroad for trips to Yellowstone National Park. The Depot Museum is a restored Northern Pacific Railroad station from the same year and offers insights into the history and art of the American West. Together, these themes offer two perspectives on railroads and the West: the depot’s former role in trips to the national park and the broader history and art of the American West.
The Shane Lalani Center for the Arts also brings culture together with a historic building. The center offers arts programs, classes, and events in Livingston and is located in the repurposed historic East Side School. Individual offerings may change. The statue “At the Yellowstone” adds another dimension to the themes of public art and history: it depicts nine-foot-tall Sacajawea on horseback with Pomp as a toddler.
Trails, Parks, and Outdoor Activities
The Myers’ River View Trail is a one-mile gravel trail along the Yellowstone River. The city lists scenic walks, a family picnic, and an afternoon run as possible uses. The Livingston Mural Trail, by contrast, is described as a loop of about one mile, with an estimated walking time of about 30 minutes. These details can help you choose: the River View Trail is described in terms of its riverside location and surface, while the Mural Trail is described by its loop route and approximate walking time. The locations of the murals may change over time.
Sacajawea Park has soccer fields, playground equipment, Pompey’s Playground, a pavilion, a shelter, and a picnic shelter. It also has six tennis courts open to the public. The city’s information about recreational facilities may change; if your plans depend on a particular amenity, check whether it is currently available. Livingston also offers opportunities for fly-fishing on the Yellowstone River.
Golf is another option: the Livingston Golf Course is a nine-hole course on the Yellowstone River, with views of the Absaroka and Crazy Mountains. Leagues, tournaments, and other events take place there during the season; dates may vary. Golf and fly-fishing offer different activities on the river, while the trails and park add opportunities for walks, running, and sports.
Seasonal Offerings and Event Dates
The Livingston Farmers Market offers food from local farms and ranches. It also features prepared foods, local craft beer, baked goods, and crafts. The market is seasonal, and both participating vendors and offerings may vary from one market day to another. If the market is important to your trip, plan around the specific dates and offerings.
The annual Livingston Roundup is a rodeo in the Livingston area featuring PRCA and WPRA competitors. The organizer describes it as Montana’s oldest rodeo; it is now in its second century. The rodeo offers a distinct event to center your visit around, alongside the museums and recreational activities. As the program may change, check the dates for your travel period.
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