This would be cool…

Well, instead of creating some kind of fantasy. I am only going to put places that may be attainable to visit within the coming year. Those who don’t know already, I have 5 kids. So, I would like to include them with the cities I visit. Likely, the visits will have to be more state-local focused. Rather than some far away places. I would like to see more places in Montana. What else does Montana have to offer?

We once went to a place in Livingston, MT, where there were bears on display. It would be cool to see that again. I believe the name of the place was “Bear Country Montana.” To say the least, it offered an experience for us to see live bears on display. It’s actually pretty cool and offered a gift shop. Where we ended up buying a couple of teddy bears for the kids and a few memorable items to look back at the trip. I think if we go looking for bears again, I would like them to be in the wild. And I hope, that we can get some great photos of them.

Other places in that were notable are places like Bozeman. Where we could hike on trails or drive around the hillsides. Which, my main goals are to find great viewpoints and get some family photos. If the kiddos cooperate. It’s always difficult trying to get the little ones to all cooperate to get a good family photo. However, some days we can capture great photos. Unfortunately, it’s not often. Usually, one of us has to hold the camera. I am looking to change that soon.

I want to visit Livingston, Montana’s skatepark. And, if we do that, we will need to go places more suitable for my kids. Some places, sound appealing. It would be nice to go to a museum. Getting my kids excited for one would be the best approach. But, if I want to see it, that’s part of the experience of being a dad. Getting the kids pumped up to do the things that we also want to do. I have been searching around. And from the looks of things, mostly trails to viewpoints. Maybe there are other things to do in Livingston?

This skatepark looks amazing and I would want to skate the whole park, multiple times even. The first trip, would be for me to get used to the park. And, the second trip, might be to attempt a gap or big air trick. Hopefully, I could actually get some photos of me doing it. But, this has to be one of the coolest skateparks I have seen (online) in Montana. The next step is to skate it.

Another place I would like to take my family is Sacajawea Park. Which is also in Livingston, MT. And, I mostly want to go there due to heritage. But, maybe there are parks nearby to take the kids. It would be really cool to do all that in a day. Here’s a picture of Sacajawea Park. Which is in, or near, Livingston, MT, as well.

Upon reading about it, there is a playground to take the kids. But, if we were to drive all the way to Livingston, we would need other things to do there. There are a few museums. Which could be fun! And the skatepark. I also invited my dad to go with us when we visit this park. It would be nice to get some photos with him before he gets to the end of his rope. He might live forever in my mind, but unfortunately, life ends with death. Where are some other viewpoints to take the kids to see? Maybe, my dad would like to go to some of the other viewpoints? He is on oxygen tanks. So, I will have to plan accordingly.

I decided to search up “Viewpoints near Livingston, MT” and based on the provided search results, here are some notable viewpoints near Livingston, Montana:

1. Pine Creek Falls: Located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, this viewpoint offers stunning views of the falls and surrounding pine forest. The trailhead is accessible via Luccock Park Road, and camping is available nearby at Pine Creek Campground. A campground? Maybe something to do in the summer when the kids are out of school and Shay can build up some PTO. Then, we might be able to go camping for a bit.
2. Pine Creek Lake: This viewpoint provides breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding Absaroka Mountains. The trail begins near Pine Creek Campground and offers a moderate 2.5-mile hike through pine forest. A lake does sound fun. Again, something for the spring or summer. But, either way, hiking trails are usually pretty neat. No matter what time of year it is!
3. Livingston Peak Trail: This viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Paradise Valley and surrounding mountains. The trail is located in the Gallatin National Forest and is accessible via Luccock Park Road. This one, another trail. I would like to go hiking! But, will my kids like to do the same? I will have to ask them. Then, depending on the answer, plan to do it in the warmer months. Rather than in winter. Even though, I wouldn’t mind a trail loaded with snow, my kids would likely be complaining the whole hike.
4. Suce Creek West Trail: This viewpoint provides scenic views of the Absaroka Mountains and surrounding meadows. The trail is located in the Gallatin National Forest and is accessible via Luccock Park Road. Viewpoints are ideal. That’s what the search was intended for. The more viewpoints the better. Stuff like Beartooth Pass has always fascinated me. And it has some of the most mesmerizing views a person could ask for.
5. Passage Falls: This viewpoint features a lush forested area and a beautiful waterfall. The trail follows the creek and offers stunning views of the surrounding meadows. The pictures of the waterfall is something I would like to see in real time. The place looks amazing! Late summer months (May-October) for optimal wildflower viewing and comfortable hiking conditions

Some of the hikes, may not be ideal to take my father with due to his oxygen tanks. But, maybe I can do a few searches and see if there are places in Livingston to take him. I want to create lasting memories for me and my children with both of their grandparents. Even though they aren’t together, I think I could plan to arrange different plans for both of them. That way, our kids and even I, have great memories of my parents. I am hoping that things will work out over the coming year. I want my dad to get his health under control. And to do so, he needs to get out more. If you have recommendations from far away, to close, comment and let me know. We may consider them and make plans accordingly. My dad is on a breathing machine and that also needs to be considered. We won’t take him everywhere though. So, comment the most beautiful places you recommend in the USA. We will plan to see them, eventually.

Additional Recommendations

• Myers River View Trail: This 2-mile trail offers scenic views of the Yellowstone River and surrounding mountains. It’s located near the town of Livingston and is a great spot for a leisurely walk or bike ride. This one might be short enough to take the family to. Considering it isn’t too far. 2 miles doesn’t sound that far, but, it also depends on the terrain.
• Langohr Offshoot: This viewpoint provides scenic views of the Hyalite Canyon and surrounding mountains. The trail is located in the Gallatin National Forest and is accessible via Langohr Road. One that is available via road? I will need to do a bit more research on places like this one. The reason being, is due to the vehicle required to make it to some of these viewpoints. We have gotten stuck in snow in the past exploring Montana. It might be a little more difficult now that we don’t have a 4WD vehicle. But, our SUV might not get stuck as easily.

Tips and Reminders

• Always check trail conditions and difficulty levels before heading out.
• Bring proper footwear, hiking poles, and water to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Respect private property and follow any posted signs or regulations.
• Enjoy the stunning views and take time to appreciate the natural beauty of the area!

I posted the search results and added a few tidbits at the end to clarify if I would do it or not. Some of the trails might be too long for my kids at their current ages. Maybe someday in the future. My youngest child is 2. It could be a few years, yet. But, someday, we will hike them if we are in Montana.

Thanks for reading my post. These are just a few areas in Montana, we will likely see in the next few months to few years. Depending on which we aim to do first. Livingston will likely be a destination we visit this year. Whether it is cold or warm, we will find places to go. Most being kid friendly, of course.

We could always go to places more local. We are from the Billings area. So, it is quite possible there are things to do around here we haven’t done yet. Most of the time, it is shopping. Personally, I would like to use some of our shopping money for visiting viewpoints, parks, and other attractions we haven’t seen yet. Pompey’s Pillar? That might be a great place to take them in the coming weeks. We shall see?