Cubs make their West Yellowstone Debut!

Grant and Roosevelt, two orphaned grizzly bear cubs made their debut this past week at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. Though the cubs have been reluctant to leave their dens, they are starting to explore around the Discovery Center.

The cubs have been doing very well, in part due to the fact that they have remained together. Losing a mother can be quite stressful on grizzly cubs and the Discovery Center is doing everything possible to keep these boys feeling secure and safe.

The cubs were named after US Presidents whose policies greatly influenced Yellowstone National Park. You can go by and visit them at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center!

'Tis the Season

Thanksgiving is over (as well as our food comas) and the Holidays are approaching quickly. The lights are strung, the snow is falling and we have plenty of fires to keep warm. All we need is a great event (or a few) to really kick off our winter spirit.

West Yellowstone winters tend to have lots of spirit and fun events to go around. This month there are a lot of great happenings for you to choose from. Check out our local Event Calendar on the Faithful Street Inn website for full December schedule. Here are a few that might pique your interest...

National Guard Biathlon Clinic
December 14-18
Think firearms and cross country skis don't make a good pairing? Think again - and learn all about biathlons at this winter clinic brought to you by the National Guard. At the Rendezvous Ski Trails and Biathlon Range.
West Yellowstone Christmas Stroll
December 15
The Parade of Lights kicks off this annual event with a range of activities for the young and the young at heart. Includes scavenger hunts, visits with Santa, shopping and visits with Dog Mushers.

Spam Cup Race #1
December 17
The Spam Cup Races are designed to be fun for everyone, with participants ranging in age from 5 to 75. Come join the fun - spectators are welcome and registration is always available the day of.

No matter what you holiday fun you seek, chances are you will find it in West Yellowstone! 'Tis the Season!

Where's the Snow?

October seemed to come and go quickly in West Yellowstone, dusting the valley with gold and gray tones and leaving a bit of the white stuff on its way out. Now that November is here and winter is closely calling we can't help but wonder, "Where's the snow?" We know it's on its way and we are anxious for all the winter activities awaiting us.

Have you spent time in West Yellowstone in the winter? It's a great time of year to visit our friendly community and the outdoor events are plentiful. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, Ranger lead walks, wildlife viewing, snowmobiling and tons of special events sprinkled across the season make for a wonderful winter in West Yellowstone. Won't you join us?

Faithful Street Inn still has cabins available for winter guests, but we encourage you to book fast as winter is a very popular time here. Just one visit will show you why!

Do you have a great Winter West Yellowstone story? We would love to hear it and add it to ours - post in the comments below!

A Piece of Yellowstone History

Since 2005 The Jammer Trust has held a yearly get together in West Yellowstone to celebrate a very unique piece of Yellowstone history - 1920's and 1930's Yellowstone Buses. These bright yellow buses once transported crowds of summer visitors through Yellowstone National Park. Many are now restored and were on full display at the recent stop for the Jammer holiday getaway.

Each bus has its own story and number. Their owners are very proud to own a piece of true Americana and are eager to tell the story of their model. Living in West Yellowstone, we are fortunate to have such great events take place in our town and encourage visitors to take part in learning about this era of Yellowstone.

Learn more about these buses and their history in Yellowstone National Park by visiting the West Yellowstone News. There are always many great things happening to inform you on the history around West Yellowstone. Let us know at Faithful Street Inn what you are interested in seeing on your trip to West Yellowstone, Montana and we can set you up with the perfect Western vacation!

Being Bear Aware

There are over 600 bears in the greater Yellowstone area, and lately they have been getting a lot of (bad) press. It's important to remember that bears are wild animals and that you can take some simple steps to keep yourself safe when in bear country. While you are planning your trip in West Yellowstone, we highly recommend you take in some of the lush scenery via hikes, so here are some safety tips on how to be "bear aware."

1- If you are hiking within the park, check with park officials/rangers for recent bear activity or trail warnings. Park officials will have the best information as to bear sitings in the area and can give you alternative places to visit if you want to avoid those areas.

2- Make noise! If bears are in the area it is important for them to be aware of you long before you enter their personal space. This is especially true when hiking through thick areas with low visibility. So talk within your group.

3- Travel with larger groups. Larger groups of people make more noise, already helping you with the last tip. Larger groups also appear more threatening to bears and are less likely to trigger an attack.

4- Learn the signs of black and grizzly bear activity such as droppings, feeding on berries and diggings. If you see any of these signs that appear fresh, it is best to leave the area.

5- Carry Bear Spray. Make sure your bear spray works and is easily accessible for emergency situations. You will only need to use bear spray if you have a close encounter with a bear and you should research more on how and when to use bear spray.

6- Most importantly - be alert! Remember you are in the wild west and animals are everywhere around you (not just bears). Most wild animals are not interested in causing you harm, but you should always stay alert and on the lookout. If you see a bear from a distance, use this to your advantage and steer clear!

Now go have fun and enjoy all the wildness Yellowstone has to offer. If you would like any advise on where to visit in the park, contact Faithful Street Inn and we would be happy to get you started on your day in Yellowstone.

Free Casting Clinic - Why Not?

Fly-fishing is big around these parts. This past winter was long and very snowy, which makes for a very slow start to summer fishing. But now the waters are starting to clear up and the fisherman are taking every chance they can get to take a day off and fish.

Many visitors to the west have never had the opportunity to fly-fish and we want to encourage them to give it a try. What better way to introduce yourself to one of the best pastimes of the west than with a FREE fly-casting clinic? That's right, every Sunday in West Yellowstone Jacklin's Fly Shop owner Bob Jacklin offers free casting clinics. The clinic starts at 7:30 and they will even set you up with a fly rod if you don't have your own.

Fly-fishing in Montana is a once in a lifetime experience, and who knows, you just may get hooked! If you are interested in a guided trip, please let us at Faithful Street Inn know, we can put together the perfect fly-fishing package for you.

So much fun for the 4th!

Are you ready for the 4th of July? West Yellowstone certainly is and there are tons of options for everyone this holiday weekend. Is music your thing? Bring the family, cooler and blankets for a free concert in the park, immediately following the 4th of July parade. Parade you say? Yes, West Yellowstone's own 4th parade will begin at 6 pm, and an outdoor bar-b-que will follow.

If you prefer a taste of the "west," there will also be a special Rodeo on the 4th, beginning at 8 pm. For those who can't resist good old fashioned fireworks for the 4th, fret not. Fireworks will begin at 10 pm.

Summer is officially upon us and the 4th marks a great weekend in West Yellowstone, Montana. If you are joining us for the weekend, we can't wait! You will be just a few short blocks from all of the fun 4th of July festivities. Looking for your summer lodging options? Take a peek at Faithful Street Inn and see if our modern, rustic cabins meet your vacation needs!