Cooke City

Cooke City-Silver Gate is a census-designated place (CDP) in Park County, Montana, it is located at the north east entrance to Yellowstone National Park and is a convenient stop when visiting the area. During the winter months highway 212 east bound is closed to traffic and Cooke City becomes a popular area for snowmobiles. In 2020, 77 people lived there.

Get in

You must have a car to reach Cooke City. The nearest airport is in Billings.

Get around

Cooke City is small enough that it can all be reached on foot and several trail heads into the surrounding wilderness start near town.

See

Cooke City is at the west end of the Beartooth Highway that has been called "the most beautiful drive in America," by late CBS correspondent Charles Kuralt. Because of heavy snowfall at the top, the pass is usually open each year only from mid May through mid October, weather conditions permitting. Located within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of the last remaining large, nearly intact ecosystems in the northern temperate zone of the Earth and serves as a small outpost when exploring the surrounding area.

Do

Cooke City is at the center of many outdoor sports for every season. Backpacking, biking, kayaking, camping, cross country skiing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding,snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and wildlife viewing.

Buy

45.01973-109.932341 Cooke City Exxon & Polaris Ski-Doo, 204 Main St, ☏ +1 406 838-2244. being at the end of the road during the winters makes Cooke City an excellent place to launch off on a snowmobile adventure. Many trails for advanced and beginner riders means snowmobiling can be a thrilling experience or just a way to tour the area in the winter.

Eat

45.02078-109.93071 Bearclaw Bakery, 309 E Main St, ☏ +1 406 838-2040. this busy Cooke City bakery is another great place to start the day with a tasty treat and some good coffee.
45.006508-109.9900492 Log Cabin Cafe, 106 US Hwy 212 W, ☏ +1 (406) 838-2367, toll-free: +1-800-863-0807, logcabincafe@gmail.com. May–Oct, daily 5:30AM–10PM. Rustic breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Trout, pancakes, burgers, steaks, salads. Locally owned and operated, known for their big portions. This is a great place to fuel up in the morning before heading into the park. The pumpkin cake is to die for. Vegetarian options available. Breakfast $10. (updated Sep 2017)

Drink

45.01943-109.93371 Miners Saloon, 208 Main St, ☏ +1 406 838-2214. Rub elbows with the locals in this little bar that also serves a nice variety of food.

Sleep

45.00717-109.990181 Silvergate Cabins, 107 US Highway 212 W, Silver Gate, ☏ +1 406 838-2371. Rustic cabins near everything that makes the area great. Great place for families.

Connect

45.01914-109.936971 Chamber of Commerce, 206 W. Main St, ☏ +1 406 838-2495, info@cookecitychamber.org. Cooke City is large enough to have its own chamber of commerce and its worth checking in with them to see what new events are happening in town.

Stay safe

Though many of the animals in the park area are used to seeing humans, the wildlife is nonetheless wild and should not be fed or disturbed. Stay at least 100 m away from bears and 25 m from all other wild animals! No matter how docile they may look, bison, elk, moose, bears, and nearly all large animals can attack, and every year dozens of visitors are injured because they didn't keep a proper distance. These animals are large, wild, and potentially dangerous, so give them their space.

The weather can change rapidly and with little warning. A sunny, warm summer day can quickly become a cold, rainy or even snowy experience. Hypothermia can be a concern. Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions by bringing along appropriate clothing. Lightning can and does injure and kill people in the park area, so watch the sky and take shelter in a building if you hear thunder. Be aware of snow conditions before heading out in winter, check online at www.mtavalanche.com

Finally, with so many people visiting the park each year petty crimes are something to be vigilant against. Lock your car doors and exercise sensible precautions with valuables.

Go next

Greenough Lake: this small lake is 13 miles west of Red Lodge. There are a few campgrounds along the road. You will need to park in the Greenough Lake campground then take a ¼ mile walk to access the lake.

Routes through Cooke City

END ← Yellowstone N.P. ←

W

E

→ Red Lodge → Billings

This city travel guide to Cooke City is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.