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Gardiner
Last Updated: January 2026
Overview
About This Town
Gardiner sits at the North Entrance to Yellowstone with a compact, Western vibe. It swells with visitors in summer but remains a practical basecamp for exploring the park; lodging tends to fill months in advance.
The Vibe
A working hub with rough-and-tumble Western charm. You need a car to roam beyond town, but downtown is walkable for eats and gifts. Budget-friendly stays beat the flashy resort vibe any day.
Stock Up Here
This is your last chance for fair prices before the park. Hit Sinclair (375 US Hwy 89) for fuel before the park; gas is cheaper here than inside Yellowstone. The Gardiner Market (01 Scott Street) has full groceries, liquor, and bear spray; bear spray is essential for any park-bound hike. Gear and camping supplies are available here; stock up on tents, lanterns, and other basics before you roll into the park.
Late Night Intel
Most kitchens close by 9–9:30 PM. The Antler Pub & Grill and Iron Horse Bar & Grille offer solid late options, but plan ahead; food trucks and some bars may stay open later in peak season. Avoid chains; ask locals for the best late bites in town.
Town at a Glance
Town Type
Tourist Trap / Working Town
Population
833
Distance to Park
0 miles
Highlights
Known For
Gateway to Yellowstone; buffalo burgers at The Corral; views of Electric Peak; Yellowstone River scenery around Iron Horse Bar & Grille.
Main Attractions
Yellowstone North Entrance, buffalo burgers at The Corral, Electric Peak views, Yellowstone River scenery
What Makes It Special
Wild West charm meets park access: a small-town heartbeat, river views, and the thrill of being right at the door to Yellowstone.
Seasonal Planning
Peak Season
June–August
Shoulder Season
Late spring and early fall
Winter
4-season gateway; not shut down in winter; car access year-round; small-town quiet with occasional snow
Best Time to Visit
Shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall) are calmer; summer brings heavy crowds.
Tips & Advice
- Gas up at Sinclair (375 US Hwy 89) or Conoco Town Station (401 Scott St) before you head into Yellowstone.
- The Gardiner Market (01 Scott Street) is your one-stop for groceries, bear spray, and camping gear.
- Kitchens often close around 9pm; verify hours to avoid disappointment.
- Park behind the fire station or downtown lots when possible—parking is scarce in peak season.
ℹ️ Data Sources
worldpopulationreview.com montana-demographics.com wikipedia.org travelmt.com visityellowstonecountry.com niche.com visitgardinermt.com sinclairoil.com conoco.com napaonline.com gardinervacations.com salary.com areavibes.com booking.com kayak.com hotelscombined.com rome2rio.com glaciermt.com guidestar.org datausa.io hotels.com expedia.com cozycozy.com trivago.com hotelplanner.com bozemannet.com broadbandnow.com broadbandsearch.net linearair.com wikivoyage.org 76.com gardinergifts.com YourNPGuide Editorial
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