How can I reserve the Town Parks for a family reunion or other special event?
Town Parks are available on a “first come first served” basis. However, for larger events such as car shows, concerts and family reunions of over 50, we recommend you contact us so that we can put your event on the calendar. This also allows us to make sure staff is assigned to cover maintenance.

Where can I have a picnic in Town?
Picnic areas are available on a “first come first served” basis in the Heritage Park (corner of Hwy 191 and Hwy 20) and Dunbar Park (by the West Gate). There are 6 improved picnic areas in Heritage Park. Each has a barbeque. One of the picnic areas is handicap van accessible.

Are your facilities handicap accessible?
Restrooms in Pioneer Park (also known as “City Park”) are handicap accessible as is one of the picnic areas as mentioned above. The restrooms in the Visitor Center are also handicap accessible.

What park facilities are available?
The Town has several park areas. The Pioneer Parks, at the corner of Hwy 191 and Hwy 20, is one block square. It includes accessible restrooms, picnic sites, a large open grassy play field, swings, tot lot, basketball hoop and a baseball field. Dunbar Park, located just outside the west gate to Yellowstone National Park near the Visitor Center, is a blend of native grasses and trees along with a landscaped lawn area. Dunbar Park features two accessible picnic sites and two other picnic tables. Interpretive signs in Dunbar Park describe reforestation efforts that took place after the 1988 fires in Yellowstone, the role of bear and wolves in the Yellowstone ecosystem, and the historic railroad monument located nearby. The Heritage Park area includes the Union pacific Depot (now the Museum of the Yellowstone), the Union Pacific Dining Lodge and support facilities built during the heyday of railroad tourism in Yellowstone. Basketball courts are located on Electric Street north of Gibbon. A pedestrian/bicycle path cut through the center of the Madison Addition residential subdivision and provides pedestrian and cyclist access from the subdivision to the school grounds nearby.

Can I donate trees or shrubs to the park either as a gift or a memorial?
The Town welcomes the donation of trees for both gift and memorial purposes. Department staff will work with donors to select trees appropriate to the area and to identify suitable locations for planting.

Can I make a bequest or monetary gift to the Parks Program in West Yellowstone?
Yes. The Town has a special fund for donated monies.

Can I donate equipment to the park?
New, or nearly new, equipment may be donated to the park either as an outright gift or in memoriam.

What is the Park Master Plan?
The Parks Master Plan describes specific development and maintenance for each designated park within the limits of the Town. The Parks Advisory Board recently revised the 1994 plan.

Does the Town have any trails?
During the summer of 2002, the first phase of the Town’s loop trail was constructed. The sidewalk connecting the trail from Electric Street to Hayden Street is scheduled for completion in 2004. When finished, the loop trail will connect the Riverside Trail in Yellowstone National Park with the Rendezvous Trail system in Gallatin National Forest. Trail maps, delineating the trail system in Town, are located at various points along Yellowstone Avenue.

What other facilities are available for use though the Parks Department?
The Parks Department handles reservations for events in the Union Pacific Dining Lodge. This structure was built in the late 1920’s by the Union Pacific Railroad and is one of the last remaining structures built by the railroad. It is a rustic facility that features native stone columns, a large open beam ceiling and a huge stone fireplace on one end which is large enough for people to stand in! The main dining hall is 6600 square feet. There is an attached kitchen with adequate facilities to serve 400 guests. A smaller attached room is 1650 square feet and features rest rooms, a wet bar, and a large fire place. The facility is available to rent from May 30 through October 15.

Does the Town offer recreation programs?
Recreation programs include a summer recreation program for young children as well as hiking and biking adventures for older children. The Summer Recreation program offers structured weeklong activities based on a different theme each week. In addition, there are Awesome Adventures to area attractions that are daylong events. Summer Recreation usually starts a week after the local schools are dismissed for the summer and end in early August. Other, structured programs for teens and senior citizens are organized throughout the year. You can obtain information on those by contacting the Recreation Coordinator at 406–640–1676.

Can I enroll my children the Summer Recreation Program while I attending a conference in West Yellowstone?
Yes. When our summer recreation program is in session, you can enroll your child in recreation programs. Keep in mind that space in these programs is limited. You may obtain information about program availability by contacting the Recreation Coordinator at 406–640–1676.

Is there a fee for the recreation programs?
Yes. Recreation fees are based on the cost of staff, transportation and supplies. For specific information about program costs, contact the Recreation Coordinator at 406–640–1676.

Where can I ice skate?
The Town maintains a skating rink on the Electric Street basketball courts (north of Gibbon). The rink is generally open for skating from Christmas through early March. It is typically groomed twice a week and for special occasions. There is no fee for use of the rink, but you will need to supply your own skates.