Livingston

Location | Bozeman | Livingston | Emigrant | Getting Here

The town of Livingston, Montana is where the Absaroka Mountain range gives way to plains that stretch to the horizon. Originally named Clark City, after William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the town's name was later changed in recognition of the Northern Pacific Railway executive Crawford Livingston. The Shoshone, Bannock, Blackfoot and Crow Indians called the area "The Valley of the Flowers" and it was considered sacred territory used for hunting.

Established in 1882 the city initially functioned as a service center for the steam locomotives headed west over Bozeman Pass. Today, many of the town's original buildings can still be seen. The city has worked hard to preserve its Old West character, which is evident in its restored downtown area with it's original storefronts housing an eclectic blend of shops, museums, galleries and restaurants.

The Livingston Depot, which was the original 1902 train station, is now a railroad museum. The Yellowstone Gateway Museum is home to one of the oldest North American archeological sites and documents the history of Yellowstone and other parts of the western United States.

The Livingston area provides access to just about every form of outdoor activity. A fact recognized by the authors of “101 Best Outdoor Towns: Unspoiled Places to Visit, Live & Play” (The Countryman Press, 2007). When they rated it in the top ten cities in the U.S. An honor accorded it due to it's proximity to world-class hiking, camping, mountain climbing, cycling, wildlife watching, hunting, kayaking, river rafting and of course it's world renowned angling opportunities.

Now considered an artist haven, Livingston is home to some 13 art galleries, numerous restaurants, museums, attractions and accommodations. Located on US Highway 90, Livingston is approximately 30 miles east of Bozeman, and less than two hours from Yellowstone National Park.

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