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A century of outdoor pursuits in Big Sky
Published
8 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Anne Marie Mistretta EBS Contributor
Ultimately, it was the railroad that changed the face of the Gallatin Canyon forever, as Northern Pacific’s hunger for railroad tie timber spawned a widened path along the Gallatin River.
Once the railroad rumbled through Bozeman, its thirst for passengers launched a campaign to transport visitors to the newly established Yellowstone National Park. The upgraded river road served to move logs north and tourists south.
As early as 1906, ranchers along the Gallatin supplemented their finances by enticing Yellowstone visitors to extend their vacation at a “dude ranch.” Tom Michener, who ranched near the current Conoco gas station, and Sam Wilson, owner of the Buffalo Horn Ranch (now the 320 Guest Ranch), collaborated to regulate rates.
For $12 a week—plus $6 a week for a horse—vacationers could escape urban stress by renting a cabin and perhaps donning chaps and tackling ranch chores.
Many of the area’s current resorts opened their doors to tourists in the early 1900s. The Dew Drop Inn became the Half Way Inn in 1919 and is now Rainbow Ranch. Lone Mountain Ranch, previously known as the B Bar K, started as a retreat in 1926.
The area’s natural resources and unique geological features lured residents and visitors alike into streams and onto trails, and they still do. The overnight pack trip into the wilderness, often the highlight of a “dude’s” vacation, remains popular today.
Whether fishing the pristine Gallatin River or hiking and riding in the remote forests, tourists could return to their families and colleagues with stories about their vacation in Montana.
The Historic Crail Ranch Photo Archives provide a glimpse of tourism over a century ago. Today, through a 100-year lens, we find that Big Sky’s attractiveness remains much the same and we continue to rediscover satisfaction in combining physical exertion with an invigorating environment.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
october, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
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Sports
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
August 12 (Monday) 6:00 pm - October 21 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description information. Please wear layers, bring water and snacks. Bear spray recommended.
Time
August 19 (Monday) 9:00 am - October 21 (Monday) 12:00 pm
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
August 19 (Monday) 6:00 pm - October 28 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be
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Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be taught by a variety of teachers from Santosha and BASE. This summer all proceeds will go to Big Sky Band-Aid, aside from the first one on the 26th that is happening during Pride week- all funds donated for that class will go to Big Sky OUT. A delicious lunch will also be served by Gourmet Gals following our practice each Wednesday (included in donation). You are welcome to donate with cash at the event or you can Venmo @Santoshabigsky and make a note for Community Yoga. Hope to see you in the Park!
Time
August 21 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm - October 21 (Monday) 1:00 pm
Location
Len Hill Park