Red Lodge (pop 2000) is a sleepy western town located smack on the eastern edge of the Beartooth Mountains, the highest and, some say, the most magnificent mountains in the state of Montana. Red Lodge began existance as a mining town and the downtown area is a great example of late 19th century western architecture. Today, however, the town is better known now for its location at the head of the Beartooth Highway, a 67 mile, federally designated scenic byway and considered by many as the best scenic section of roadway in the state. The mountains surrounding Red Lodge afford many recreational opportunities and are a refreshing break for visitors tired of the hustle and bustle of summertime in Yellowstone National Park and those who yearn for a true Montana town experience.
Red Lodge is accessed from the north via state highway 212, from I-90 through Laurel. To the south, the Beartooth highway connects Red Lodge to Cooke City, Wyoming and the Silver Gate entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The Beartooth is only open during the summer months, generally from mid-June to early-October, snow and weather conditions permitting. Red Lodge caters to visitors well and there are a good number of accommodation and dining options available.
