Things to do / Travel Guide
In peak season, the crowds and commotion of the Yellowstone area's major attractions can get overwhelming for even the most experienced tourist. Everyone in the family will enjoy a relaxing break at one of the city's public recreational parks, where slides, skates, and sandwiches are prime pickings.
Public Park Recreation in Jackson, Wyoming
The famous town square is actually one of Jackson's most popular town parks, where wild west reenactments and a variety of festivals and events take place year round. The town has at least seven other parks in the area. Miller park is the largest, extending a city block at Deloney and Gill streets. It has tennis and basketball courts, a playground, and a picnic shelter. Powderhorn Park over on the west side of town has similar amenities. Near Snow King, Mike Yokel Jr. Park features a sand volleyball court, playground, and horseshoe pits. Owen Bircher Park in Wilson includes an area used as a roping arena in the summer months, which becomes an ice skating rink in the winter. The park also features a soccer field, volleyball court, and picnic tables.
Public Park Recreation in West Yellowstone, Idaho
The town of West Yellowstone boasts a total of nine areas designated as parks. The most prominent of these is Pioneer Park, often referred to as “City Park,” located between Canyon and Dunraven Streets. With a playground, basketball court, baseball diamonds and large grassy area, the kids may never want to leave. Heritage Park, also known as the Oregon Short Line Terminus Historic District, houses historic Union Pacific buildings and the nearby Museum of the Yellowstone where visitors can take self-guided tours. West Yellowstone's other parks host walking and biking trails.
Bozeman (not Bozman!), Montana City Parks
Bozeman can certainly be proud when it comes to their recreational offerings. The town hosts 10 community parks, 10 neighborhood parks, 5 sports parks, 16 playgrounds, 2 swimming pools, 2 lakes with beaches, a dog park and beach, and more than 200 acres of natural parkland, all within city limits. Depending on your taste, recreational activities at the parks include hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, skateboarding, festivals, soccer, baseball, football, hockey, volleyball, ice skating, tennis, and more. Pets can run free at Burke Park, the Canine Beach, as well as at the Dog Park. Some other highlights: Bozeman Pond is a popular spot for swimming, Bell Park has an ice skating rink, and Kirk Park is great for sports enthusiasts – including skateboarders.
Public Helena, Montana Parks
Helena's Memorial Park, located along the historic Last Chance Gulch, is home to facilities that go beyond your average swing set. A 50 meter heated outdoor swimming pool is one of the highlights, in addition to the band shell and outdoor stage, outdoor skating rink and warming house, playground, picnic tables, basketball court and plenty of wide open spaces. The city also hosts several recreational sports parks, including Batch Park with its 4 softball fields and Siebel Fields for soccer. In total, Helena has more than 30 parks which feature biking and walking trails, pools, a golf course, tennis courts, a skateboard park, four ice skating rinks, and more.
Billings Parks
As the largest city in Montana, it should come as no surprise that public parks – perfect for a bit of picnicking, playing, and relaxation – are abundant in Billings. With 47 developed parks, totaling almost 600 acres, the family will have plenty of choices of where to get their playground fix. Parks like Rose Park on 21st street, host jogging trails, pools, horseshoe courts, sports fields or even historical sites. Unofficial disc golf courses are located in Pioneer Park and at Phipps Diamond X Ranch Park.
Red Lodge Parks
The breathtaking views that define a visit to Red Lodge make the city's public parks more than just a break from the hustle and bustle of Yellowstone attractions, but rather a destination unto themselves. Lion's Club Park, on Hauser between 5th and 8th streets, features a playground, picnic facilities, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, sand volleyball, and even a skating rink during the winter months. City Park has more modest offerings of barbeque grills and picnic tables. A skateboard park on 10th and Hauser will give the sports enthusiasts in the family a chance to try out their moves. A city swimming pool and Frisbee Golf course are also in town.
Cody, Wyoming Recreational Parks
Enjoy rollerblading with a lakeside view? Or how about jogging along the Shoshone river? With over 20 developed parks and almost nine miles of developed trails and pathways, Cody provides plenty of picturesque opportunities for rest and recreation. Mentock Park is one of the largest, with playgrounds, sports playing fields, picnic shelters and a large barbeque for cook outs. A 7,000 sq. foot skate park for all skill levels is another highlight, and the park often hosts tournaments and festivals. Cody's City Park, located at 908 Sheridan street, has play equipment, barbecue grills, picnic areas, a miniature golf course, tennis court, monuments and even a band shell for concert events during the summer.
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