Exploring breweries on the way to Yellowstone National Park offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and craft beer excellence. From Livingston to West Yellowstone, beer enthusiasts can savor a variety of locally brewed ales and lagers. These breweries showcase Montana’s rich brewing tradition, using local ingredients and innovative techniques. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and special events while experiencing the stunning landscapes that lead to America’s first national park.
What Are the Must-Visit Breweries En Route to Yellowstone?
1. Katabatic Brewing Company
- Location: 117 W Park St, Livingston, MT 59047
- Signature Beers:
- Barn Dog Coffee Porter
- Strip Set (New England-style IPA)
- Bourbon Barrel Aged Elk Shed Imperial Stout
- Unique Feature: Collaborations with local businesses like Yellowstone Coffee Roasters
2. Madison River Brewing Company
- Location: 20900 I-90 Frontage Rd, Belgrade, MT 59714
- Known For: Wide variety of IPAs, stouts, and lagers
- Proximity to Yellowstone: Approximately 90 miles from the west entrance
3. Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company
- Location: 1445 N Broadway Ave, Red Lodge, MT 59068
- Brewing Method: Uses soft, glacial water and Montana-grown barley
- Sustainability: Utilizes a solar thermal array for heating
4. Yellowstone Beer Company
- Location: 121 Madison Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
- Popular Brews:
- OL’YELLER (New Zealand Style Pilsner)
- HEBGEN HAZY (Hazy IPA)
- OJO CALIENTE
- Special Offer: Daily happy hour with $5 draft pints
How Far Are These Breweries from Yellowstone’s Entrances?
| Brewery | Distance to Nearest Park Entrance | Approximate Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Katabatic Brewing Company | 100 miles (North Entrance) | 2 hours |
| Madison River Brewing Company | 90 miles (West Entrance) | 1.5 hours |
| Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company | 68 miles (Northeast Entrance) | 1.5 hours |
| Yellowstone Beer Company | At West Entrance | 5 minutes |
What’s the Best Itinerary for a Brewery Tour to Yellowstone?
- Day 1: Start in Livingston
- Visit Katabatic Brewing Company
- Drive to Bozeman (30 miles, 30-40 minutes)
-
Stop at Madison River Brewing Company
-
Day 2: Head to Red Lodge
- Drive from Bozeman to Red Lodge (180 miles, 3 hours)
-
Visit Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company
-
Day 3: Finish in West Yellowstone
- Drive to West Yellowstone (220 miles, 4 hours)
- End your journey at Yellowstone Beer Company
What Unique Features Do These Breweries Offer?
- Katabatic Brewing Company: Cozy taproom atmosphere with frequent Instagram updates on new beers and events
- Madison River Brewing Company: High-quality beers that embody the Montana experience
- Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company: Uses natural cooling methods and has a rich local brewing history
- Yellowstone Beer Company: Located in a historic schoolhouse building with daily happy hour specials
Are There Any Seasonal Considerations for Visiting These Breweries?
- Yellowstone Beer Company: Closed seasonally, reopening on December 20, 2024
- Other Breweries: Generally open year-round, but hours may vary seasonally
- Tip: Always check websites or call ahead for current hours and seasonal offerings
What Beer Styles Can Visitors Expect to Find?
- IPAs (including New England-style and Hazy varieties)
- Stouts (including Bourbon Barrel Aged options)
- Pilsners
- Porters
- Lagers
- Seasonal and experimental brews
How Can Visitors Enhance Their Brewery Experience?
- Join brewery tours when available
- Attend local beer festivals and events
- Try flight samplers to taste a variety of beers
- Engage with brewers to learn about the brewing process
- Pair beers with local cuisine for a complete Montana experience
What Are Some Tips for Responsible Brewery Hopping?
- Designate a sober driver
- Use local taxi or ride-sharing services
- Consider staying overnight near breweries
- Pace yourself and drink water between tastings
- Eat food while sampling beers
Are There Any Notable Local Beer Festivals Near Yellowstone?
- Several seasonal brew fests occur throughout Montana
- Check local event calendars for specific dates and locations
- Popular events often feature beers from multiple regional breweries
By exploring these breweries on the way to Yellowstone National Park, visitors can experience the best of Montana’s craft beer scene while enjoying the breathtaking journey to one of America’s most iconic natural wonders. Remember to drink responsibly and savor the unique flavors and atmospheres each brewery has to offer.
References:
1. Hop Culture – The Best Breweries to Visit Near National Parks
2. Visit Yellowstone Country – Breweries | Montana’s Yellowstone Country
3. Yellowstone Beer Company