The Best Things to Do in Red Lodge Besides Skiing
February 23, 2026
The Best Things to Do in Red Lodge Besides Skiing
If you’re not a skier or on the off chance there is little snow, Red Lodge is still an amazing place to visit! Red Lodge’s unique Victorian charm and western vibe opens up a different kind of winter experience: quieter trails, dramatic frozen landscapes, cozy indoor spots, shopping treasures, and cold-weather adventures you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re visiting and wondering what to do during a low-snow winter, here’s how to make the most of it.
Winter Hiking & Frozen Waterfall Hunting
One of the best-kept secrets of winter in Red Lodge is hiking—especially when snow levels are low. Cold temperatures turn creeks and cascades into stunning frozen waterfalls, creating an otherworldly landscape you won’t see in summer.
Popular winter hikes near town offer:
Fewer crowds
Clear trails when snowpack is light
Incredible ice formations and wildlife sightings
Traction cleats and layers are usually all you need, making this a perfect half-day adventure.
Backcountry Skiing (At Higher Elevations)
Even when town stays snow-light, higher elevations in the Beartooth Mountains often hold excellent conditions. Guided backcountry skiing allows you to access snow safely while learning about terrain, weather, and avalanche awareness.
A local guide can take you where the snow is, not just where the roads go—making this one of the most reliable winter activities regardless of conditions.
Ice Climbing with a Guide
Cold temps + frozen waterfalls = prime ice climbing season. Red Lodge is known nationally for ice climbing, and guided trips make it accessible even if you’re new.
You’ll learn:
Basic ice climbing technique
Rope systems and safety
How to move confidently on frozen terrain
It’s adventurous, empowering, and surprisingly beginner-friendly with the right guide.
Ice Skating at Lion’s Park
When temperatures stay cold, the outdoor rink at Lion’s Park becomes a community hub. It’s classic small-town winter fun—bring skates, bundle up, and enjoy an afternoon outside. Availability depends on weather, but when it’s open, it’s a favorite for families.
Cozy Tastings & Local Flavor
When outdoor adventures wrap up, Red Lodge’s tasting rooms shine.
Wine tasting at Babcock & Miles offers a relaxed, intimate winter stop
Beer tasting at Sam’s Tap Room brings local brews and a welcoming atmosphere
Both are perfect for warming up and slowing down after a cold day outside.
Wild Bill Lake: Fire, Ice & Cold Plunges
Wild Bill Lake is a winter playground even without snow:
Gather around the fire pit as the sun sets
Try ice fishing when conditions allow
Take a bold cold plunge for a true Montana experience
It’s peaceful, beautiful, and unforgettable in winter.
Culture, Art & Unexpected Finds
Low-snow winters are ideal for exploring town:
Visit the Red Lodge Museum for local history
Stop by the Red Lodge Art Guild to see regional artists
Check out the skate park on milder days—yes, even in winter
You can also visit a nearby animal sanctuary, a great option for families and animal lovers year-round.
Winter in Red Lodge, Reimagined
A snowy winter is beautiful—but a low-snow winter in Red Lodge offers something different: flexibility, space, and variety. From frozen waterfalls and ice climbing to wine tastings and lakeside fires, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season.
Staying with AAA Red Lodge Rentals puts you close to it all—with room to warm up, relax, and make the most of every winter day, snow or not.
A home like this comes on the market once in a decade. It’s spacious, fully renovated and designed to the highest standards.
It’s been a rough ride for homebuyers lately, as prices have hit the roof with little respite. All of that looks to change soon.
We’re pleased to announce the addition of a real estate veteran to our team. Andrew Stevens joins us in our main office after 10 years in our northern branch.
