Gallatin Gateway Montana & Big Sky Vacations

Gallatin Gateway, population 2,500, lies south of Bozeman and Belgrade along Highway 191. Originally called Salesville, after the two Sales brothers who operated a mill there in the 1860s, Gallatin Gateway was most famous for its dude ranches. A major gateway into Yellowstone National Park, it later became fittingly named Gallatin Gateway.

A significant local attraction is the historic Gallatin Gateway Inn. In the mid 1920s, the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway decided to capitalize on its electrified route through Montana, and built a spur line to carry the adventurous traveler to Yellowstone National Park. The Gallatin Gateway Inn was built to serve and refresh weary travelers. In an astonishing four months, crews of as many as 500 men completed the 42,000 square foot Spanish-style building.

It is impossible to tell if the tally of opening day visitors was really 20,000, as claimed by the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, but it was unquestionably the event of the year in the greater Gallatin Valley. Opening celebrations dominated Montana headlines on June 17, 1927, overshadowing even the flight of Lindbergh.

Today, the stunningly restored railroad hotel boasts its ability to take you away from all the hustle and bustle of the post-modern world and return you to the romantic days of the Old West. The Gallatin Gateway Inn even has the original railroad clock ticking in its lobby!

The historic Gallatin Gateway Inn opening overshadowed even the flight of Lindbergh.

GALLATIN GATEWAY, TOURISTS, AND YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Tourists from all over the world find themselves enjoying the conveniently located town of Gallatin Gateway on their way in and out of Yellowstone. The park attracts over three million visitors each year. Indeed, by some estimates, one-third of the U.S. population will visit Yellowstone National Park in their lifetime. They come to experience a rare hot spot in the earth's surface, for Yellowstone remains among the most geologically active lands on the planet, with steam-spewing geysers, gurgling fumaroles, and frequent earthquakes. They come to see wildlife like grizzlies, bison, elk, gray wolves, and herds of buffalo sprawled over 2.2 million acres. And they come to fish Yellowstone's legendary blue ribbon trout streams.

One-third of the U.S. population will visit Yellowstone National Park in their lifetime.

So, when visiting Gallatin Gateway, be sure to bring your boots, bike, and fishing rod. For it offers the best in nearby hiking, biking fishing, and skiing, all amidst spectacular scenery. And know that you will be leaving with a memory of Gallatin Gateway that you'll cherish forever.

Gallatin Gateway offers the best in nearby hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing.