Whats in Island Park?

We are planning a trip this summer to the area. We are trying to decide which town to stay in. (Island Park, West Yellowstone, Gardnier) We are planning to spend a day or two at YNP.

For those that live in this town or has been to this town we would like to know whats there? Restaurants? shops? (local owned and chain type) Other things to do in the area? Any information would be apperciated! Thanks!

Whats in Island Park?

The answer to ';What%26#39;s in Island Park?'; is ';Not very much!';

There are some resorts, a couple of stores and a couple of restaurants. It%26#39;s a center for fly fishing. Beautiful area, but not much in the way of entertainment.

I%26#39;ve never been to Gardiner so I can%26#39;t give any advice.

I%26#39;ve stayed in West Yellowstone and will stay there again while visiting the park. Many cosy shops and restaurants, the Grizzly Discovery Center and Imax theater, and it%26#39;s right by the west entrance of the park. There are a good number of motels, both locally owned and national chains. If you know your dates, make your reservations NOW -- they fill up fast!

Have a great trip!

Pug

Whats in Island Park?

How far is Island Park from West Yellowstone? YNP?

We will be renting a vacation home, 7 total including 3 small kids. Thats why we are asking about these 3 towns. We have a ';favorite'; picked out in each town and which ever town looks like the better of the 3 is probably the one we will go with.

Few more questions; the road that goes from Island Park to West Yellowstone, how is it? Traveling wise? Mountain road? 2 lane or 4 lane? Is it a isolated road? Mid to late June whats the weather usually like for that area? (sorry for the questions but we%26#39;ve never been there) Thanks!

It%26#39;s about 30 miles from Island Park to Yellowstone National Park (and to West Yellowstone, which is right at the park entrance). The road is a good 2-lane with passing lanes, some hills, no switchbacks. Your weather should be beautiful then but it may still be cold at night. One note of caution is that you need to watch for animals on the road around dawn and dusk.

I love the Island Park area as a peaceful getaway. West Yellowstone has more stores, restaurants, and shops, and is that much closer to the attractions in Yellowstone.

If you can manage three days for Yellowstone, that%26#39;s what I%26#39;d recommend. The speed limit in the park is 45 MPH and traffic moves slower than that sometimes, and even stops, depending what kind of critters are on or near the road. You have to get out and walk to see the best sights in the park, and you%26#39;ll want to take it easy because of the altitude.

I could go on all day about Yellowstone, but I%26#39;ll let you go to the Yellowstone forum and read the great advice over there!

Pug

Pug, thanks for the great advise!