Trip Planner
Twenty miles northeast of Bozeman, is the quaint and quiet town of Wilsall, set in the Shields Valley of the Bridger Mountain Range on land traditionally occupied by the Crow People. The Shields River is one of Montana’s prime trout streams and the Crazy Mountains offer up a hardy helping of outdoor rec. Plus, Bridger Bowl Ski Resort—where the legends of freestyle made their mark—is just 30 minutes down the road.
Wilsall’s a year-round destination for its outdoor recreation alone. In addition to legendary downhill skiing winter warriors come for the Nordic skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling. In the warmer months, hop on the trails for mountain biking, horseback riding and guided backpacking trips. Fishing, golfing and hunting? You’ll find those here, too.
Every June, Wilsall saddles up for annual Wilsall Rodeo, a two-day, small-town rodeo that draws thousands for Northern Rodeo Association sanctioned events and family fun, like a Fireman’s Breakfast and a parade. In August, cowboys and cowgirls from ranches the region over come to compete in the Wilsall Ranch Rodeo, and it’s wildly fun to watch.
“Wilsall” is a mashup of the names William and Sally, the son and daughter in law of prominent citizen and land owner Walter B. Jordan, who platted the town.
Grab a bite to eat at the local bank. That’s right…what was historically the local bank of Wilsall is now the Bank Bar and Vault Restaurant, and you’ll find 1/3-pound burgers made with 100% locally sourced beef from Muddy Creek Ranch, which is literally only 2 miles down the road. (Now that’s fresh.) If you’re a fan of jalapeños, opt for the Wilsall Zinger or the Thunder Jack, and side your burger with a local beer. Take it from Howard R. of Redondo Beach California who said on Yelp “…you need to go to the Bank Bar. Stop reading this. Go to Google maps. Get in your car and drive to Wilsall, Montana. It's simply the best most friendly and awesome bar anywhere.” Howard’s not wrong.
Don’t start your adventure without a sandwich at Val’s Deli. For an unforgettable overnight, stay in a teepee, complete with a fire ring, at Fort Wilsall—a campground located within the Fort’s 15-foot-high barricade walls.
