Being from a rural area outside of the Dallas-Ft.Worth Texas area, I’m always on the lookout for a great place to travel.  West Yellowstone, Montana is one of my favorites.  I love the town.  It feels like I’m home while there.  Although my home town and West Yellowstone have few similarities, I do feel it is laid back with a quiet familiarity between the townspeople, and until the crowds start pouring in for the summer season, the streets are quiet and easy to walk about while admiring the many different fly shops, curios, and tee-shirt shops, not to mention the jewelry stores where you can purchase sterling silver, turquoise, or have a specialty piece made which you can treasure for a lifetime.

If you are wanting to RV at West Yellowstone, I recommend Wagon Wheel RV and Campground.   For the past two years our crew has enjoyed staying in either the full hook-up RV campsites or in one of the cabins.  Ken Herman, owner/proprietor and general handyman told us about Cabin One.   Besides being a two bedroom, fully furnished kitchen, with fireplace and loft, Cabin One has a unique history.   Back in the 20th century, journalist Jim Carrier was given an assignment to report on the political and environmental issues plaguing the Yellowstone National Park.  While spending one summer gathering facts on his assignment, Jim stayed in Cabin One.  In his book, later written, he mentions the cabin and its charm.  “Letters from Yellowstone” by Jim Carrier will warm your heart and enlighten you on the issues Yellowstone has and still struggles with today in the 21st century.  Today in Cabin One, you’ll find a copy of Jim Carrier’s book and a guest book with heartwarming entries from all who have stayed through the years.

Wagon Wheel RV Park and Campground has a long history in West Yellowstone.  The Herman family has long stood by the belief that the customer is first.  Having had more than 50 years of service to the public, now which befalls Ken Herman , this RV park has become well known for its cleanliness, outstanding facilities, and prompt service.  Several people I had talked with have been coming back to these facilities for over 20 years!  One reason for this is the hospitality you feel when making reservations.  Dorit – seen in photo below – just

exudes the  friendliness of West Yellowstone.  Upon making our reservations, we received prompt emails with our confirmation numbers and explanation of our facilities.

While visiting West Yellowstone, here are a few tips to make your stay more enjoyable.  Pizza from Wild West Pizzaria can’t be beat.    It’s the best!  Best general place to eat and get a mega ice cream cone is Buckaroo Bill’s.  Best fly shops for fishing:  all of them – while they may carry much of the same items, each store has its own unique individuality. Best show in town is at the IMAX with features such as “The Lewis and Clark Expedition,” “Bears,”  “Grand Canyon,” and “Yellowstone.”  These are running during the 2006 vacation season.  If you need more entertainment options, there is the dinner theater with live performances, shopping, and local rodeo, not to mention you are just minutes away from the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

If you haven’t yet made the journey to West Yellowstone, start up the RV and head this way.    Happy Traveling!

(photography by Rhonda Pipkin – copyright 2006)