Pick Your Path to Paradise – History

Traveling through Paradise Valley, from Livingston to Gardiner experience the historic gateway, and only year-round access, to the world’s first national park – Yellowstone. In addition to drawing visitors from around the world since the park’s founding in 1872, these communities have been historic ranching, hunting, mining, and entertainment hubs. Gardiner, the park’s original entrance, is home to the historic Roosevelt Arch, and boasts a colorful history sprinkled with trappers, mountain men, and well-known characters like Jim Bridger and Henry Washburn. Livingston was founded in 1882 as the division headquarters of the Northern Pacific Railway, with the railroad running to Gardiner through the 1940’s. Livingston was once home to Calamity Jane, with rowdy cowboys, miners, railroad workers, visiting royalty, movie stars and artists adding to its legendary history.

Immerse yourself in history by starting in Gardiner for photos at the Roosevelt Arch. Then book a guided tour, hike, or bike into Yellowstone National Park, the historic stagecoach route from Gardiner into Mammoth is expected to be open to full vehicle traffic by mid-October. Learn more about Yellowstone Park’s history as we celebrate the 150th Anniversary and visit Gardiner’s historic Park Street dating back to the late 1800’s with vibrant shopping, dining, a range of lodging and hospitality businesses, and the Gardiner Visitor Information Center’s photo history hall. Then head over to the Yellowstone Heritage Research Center where millions of park archives – ranging from written documents to Native American artifacts – are secured together and rotating exhibits can be seen, before visiting check to see if you can reserve space on a tour (offered seasonally).

Drive Hwy 89 north into Paradise Valley, with stops at Devil’s Slide, Yankee Jim Canyon, and historic markers. Visit historic Chico Hot Springs then drive down the Valley to view working ranches and one-room school houses on East River Road. Enjoy dining and lodging in the Pray/Emigrant area of Paradise Valley.

Explore historic Livingston including the Livingston Depot Center and Museum, built by the same architect firm that designed New York City’s Grand Central Station, learn about area history at the interactive Yellowstone Gateway Museum, and there are seasonal guided historic walking tours. Tour the historic Downtown Livingston building ghost signs and vintage neon, stop into the lobby of the Murray Hotel to learn about its storied history, and enjoy Livingston’s diverse shopping, dining and lodging; both historic and contemporary!