Each year, millions of visitors make their way to Yellowstone National Park in pursuit of sensational experiences in nature. From wildlife watching and geyser hopping to tantalizing trails to hike, there’s no shortage of options for adventure at every turn when you choose to head this way on a one-of-a-kind vacation any time of year. West Yellowstone sits right at the edge of Yellowstone National Park and works as a pristine gateway for those who are looking for in-town activities to enjoy with easy access to the park every day of their stay. If you’re lucky enough to book a stay in West Yellowstone over Halloween, you’ll find it’s a time of year when you can embrace the spooky and the sweeter things in life as you enjoy a getaway with family and friends at your side. The following activities are just a few of the many you can add to your holiday itinerary when travel plans bring you this way at the end of October.
Take a Spooky Hike to Ghost Village
If you’re a traveler heading to West Yellowstone over Halloween who has a passion for all things spooky rivaled only by your love for history and the great outdoors, it’s the perfect time of year to take a hike to nearby Ghost Village. Gather your traveling crew, lace up your hiking boots, and enjoy this walk along the Madison River at the end of October when you can admire the changing colors of the season. The riverbank is dotted with aspens transitioning from green to yellow, while area willows change to red and gold at the same time. The trail is accessible just 30 minutes from the center of West Yellowstone and can be reached by following US 191 North for about 8 miles before linking up with US 287 and continuing 13 miles to Ghost Village Road.
Once you arrive, you’ll be treated to an amazing geologic and historic destination this Halloween which was rocked by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake back in 1959. The quake caused a landslide at the valley’s east end causing a natural dam on the Madison River that eventually led to the creation of Earthquake Lake. Cabins that once sat on dry land began to float and as water receded, they were buried in the terrain where they landed. Today, visitors on the Ghost Village Trail can still see portions of the cabin remains buried in the earth, making for an eerie scene. You can take this trail at your own pace and really relish the moment when you want to elevate the spook factor of your Halloween stay in Yellowstone.
Enjoy Trunk or Treating with the Kids
Travelers who are heading to West Yellowstone with the kids in tow and are looking for a safe and convenient way to include trick or treat on the itinerary during their stay will love the fact that places like the local Povah Community Center typically host a trunk or treat experience for all ages in their parking lot on Halloween. The event often kicks off in the late afternoon and runs until 5:30 pm so you don’t have to worry about heading out after dark or trying to collect candy in town well after designated bedtimes. Drop by in costume and with buckets in hand to collect candy from the participating cars on-site that are covered in festive décor! The event is free to enjoy and set up for family-friendly fun at 10 Geyser Street in West Yellowstone.
Participate in a Halloween-Themed Storytime
Yet another great place to find yourself in West Yellowstone over Halloween when you’re visiting with young children is the West Yellowstone Public Library. This time of year, the event calendar at the library often hosts a few designated dates set aside for Halloween Preschool story time. Guests are invited to gather at the library around 11:00 am to enjoy a Halloween tale and some tasty treats too. Costumes are always encouraged, and the library is conveniently located at 23 Dunraven Street in West Yellowstone.
Take a Ghost Tour
When travel plans bring you to West Yellowstone with friends over Halloween and you’re looking to connect with the paranormal, booking an area ghost tour is the way to go. The team over at Globe Trekkers Tour Company offers private VIP Montana ghost tours upon request. These evening excursions give participants an overview of the spooky stories that are linked to West Yellowstone locations, with the opportunity to explore stops like Earthquake Lake and the Museum of Yellowstone in depth as you look to connect with the other worldly.
Book Your Yellowstone Adventure in Style Today
There’s never been a better time to head to West Yellowstone and when you do, make sure you have ideal accommodations to match the moment by booking through Sweet Home Montana. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting Halloween rental options available and to get started!