Howdy Neighbor Unleashed: Exploring Episode Five

Day 1

Breakfast at Brooks Lake Lodge

Dubois, Wyoming

Every morning, the chefs at the establishment diligently prepare a delectable array of hearty breakfast choices. Customers are encouraged to set their sights on something new each day, as the menu is rotated to include a variety of options such as eggs, fruits, breakfast meats, omelets, cereal, pancakes, waffles and more.

Ice Fishing at Brooks Lake Lodge

Dubois, Wyoming

Beneath a sheet of ice two feet thick, Brooks Lake comes alive with trout. Guests setting out on a crisp winter morning can immerse themselves in a contemplative day of fishing for dinner. The expert staff at the facility ensures a seamless experience by providing all necessary equipment, including fishing rods, lures, bait, ice huts, as well as hot coffee and snacks. Visitors have the option to engage in catch-and-release or bring their prized catch home. For those opting to take their catch with them, the master chefs on-site are ready to skillfully prepare it for an exquisite evening meal. All these amenities are included with the stay, making it a comprehensive and enjoyable winter fishing experience.

Snowshoeing at Brooks Lake Lodge

Dubois, Wyoming

Nestled within a breathtaking landscape adorned with six feet of powdery snow, snowshoeing at Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa promises an invigorating workout. Complimentary with your stay, an expert guide will lead you on a wintery nature walk through the Shoshone National Forest, surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery. During the excursion, the guide will highlight natural landmarks and point out foraging wildlife, such as bighorn sheep, birds, and weasels nestled beneath the spruce and fir.This unforgettable experience is part of your all-inclusive Brooks Lake Lodge adventure, which includes a snowshoe rental featuring adjustable bindings and aluminum crampons. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the winter landscape as you explore the pristine surroundings in a truly memorable way.

Half Day Snowmobiling at Brooks Lake Lodge

Dubois, Wyoming

Embark on a winter vacation filled with the exhilaration of carving through deep snow and embracing the challenge of uphill climbs. Guests at Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa can indulge in the thrill of snowmobiling in the scenic backcountry, an experience suitable for both seasoned professionals and novices. At this all-inclusive resort, every necessity is thoughtfully provided. Visitors can choose between half- or full-day adventures, exploring snowmobile trails through Shoshone National Forest on high-performance Polaris RMKs. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, guests are taken to exclusive and secluded locations, where they can tailor their experience to enjoy a leisurely ride or satisfy their need for blazing speed. The lodge offers a fleet of Polaris and Ski-Doo mountain sled snowmobiles, all ready and waiting to provide an unforgettable winter adventure.

Dinner at Brooks Lake Lodge

Dubois, Wyoming

Settle in for a fine dining experience that guests won’t soon forget. The Great Hall offers a delectable array of options, including tasty appetizers, tender meats, decadent desserts and delicious vegetarian alternatives. Each evening, patrons can choose from a selection of premium seafood, beef, game and poultry entrees. For those with specific dietary preferences or requirements, the establishment is pleased to offer specially prepared low salt, sugar-free and gluten-free options upon request. This commitment to accommodating diverse dietary needs ensures that every diner can enjoy a personalized and memorable dining experience.

Spa at Brooks Lake Lodge

Dubois, Wyoming

Indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the serene beauty of the Rocky Mountains at this luxury resort near Yellowstone National Park. Guests are invited to unwind and recharge with complimentary access to the spa facilities. The resort’s spa offers a tranquil escape, allowing all guests to enjoy the therapeutic waters of the hot tub, engage in a quick treadmill workout at the fitness center or experience the warmth of the dry sauna. These amenities come at no additional charge, providing a seamless and inclusive opportunity for guests to enhance their overall well-being while surrounded by the breathtaking mountain landscape.

Lodging at Brooks Lake Lodge

Dubois, Wyoming

Established in 1922 along the Continental Divide, this high-end guest ranch offers a range of accommodations, including lodge rooms and private cabins. Guests can indulge in gourmet cuisine, with all meals and the majority of ranch activities included in the per-person, per-night room rate.

Day 2

Breakfast at Brooks Lake Lodge

Dubois, Wyoming

Every morning, the chefs at the establishment diligently prepare a delectable array of hearty breakfast choices. Customers are encouraged to set their sights on something new each day, as the menu is rotated to include a variety of options such as eggs, fruits, breakfast meats, omelets, cereal, pancakes, waffles and more.

Snowcoach From Flag Ranch to Old Faithful Snow Lodge

Moran, Wyoming

For guests needing transportation to and from The Snow Lodge at Old Faithful, daily shuttles are available from Yellowstone (Flagg Ranch) directly to The Snow Lodge. During the journey, passengers may have the opportunity to hear local stories about the area from their driver, adding a unique and informative touch to their experience.

Old Faithful Visitor and Education Center

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Explore the Old Faithful Virtual Visitor Center. The new center boasts four interactive exhibits explaining the science behind Old Faithful Geyser and other geothermal features. The Young Scientist Program engages children and teenagers in hands-on learning, while visitors of all ages can enjoy the multimedia theater, bookstore, and resource room. The 26,000-square-foot environmentally friendly facility, with its huge windows providing front-row seats to Old Faithful’s eruptions, is expected to enhance the Yellowstone experience for 2.6 million visitors annually.

Old Faithful

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Erupting approximately 20 times each day, the reliable Old Faithful Geyser’s frequency can be forecasted with a remarkable 90 percent accuracy, typically within a window of about 10 minutes.

Happy Hour at Happy Hour at Old Faithful Snow Lodge Firehole Lounge

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Limited appetizers are served starting at 11:30 am, with the full appetizer menu available from 5:00 pm onward. Guests can enjoy a selection of beer, a full bar, and various drinks in the bar, observation corridor, and lobby throughout the day.

Ice Skating

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The park boasts two ice rinks, one at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and the other at Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Both locations provide excellent opportunities to embrace the outdoors, engage in physical activity and create enduring memories that will linger long after the experience.

Dinner at Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining Room

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The Obsidian Dining Room is adorned with exquisite custom chandeliers, adding to its beauty. In the evening, guests can unwind and share reflections on the day with friends and family at the Firehole Lounge, conveniently situated just off the Obsidian Dining Room. For a cozy experience, consider securing one of the comfortable chairs positioned in front of the large fireplace.

Lodging at Old Faithful Snow Lodge

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Guests can reach secluded winter cabins near Old Faithful by booking a snow coach shuttle through Yellowstone’s snow-covered landscapes. Upon arrival, families can gather in the lobby, which provides puzzles, space for board games and serves as a meeting place before exploring various facilities. Old Faithful Snow Lodge offers wildlife tours, shuttles to ski and snowshoe areas, and scenic tours. Accommodations include rooms in the main lodge, duplex-style cabins, and four-plex-style cabins, providing ideal arrangements for a Yellowstone winter family vacation.

Day 3

Breakfast at Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining Room

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The Obsidian Dining Room is adorned with exquisite custom chandeliers, adding to its beauty. In the evening, guests can unwind and share reflections on the day with friends and family at the Firehole Lounge, conveniently situated just off the Obsidian Dining Room. For a cozy experience, consider securing one of the comfortable chairs positioned in front of the large fireplace.

Old Faithful Area Guided Snowshoe Tour

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

For those who enjoy outdoor adventures, this highly interpretive tour, lasting up to 3 hours, explores the backcountry of Yellowstone. The trail avoids the upper geyser basin, offering a slow pace for ample time to ask questions, capture photos, and relish the outdoors. The journey takes you through various forests, providing opportunities to spot animal signs. Snowshoeing along the Firehole River allows for scenic views of thermal basins. The mostly flat terrain, interspersed with a few short hills, is suitable for beginners with no prior snowshoeing experience, as expert guides assist in getting comfortable with the gear.

Upper Geyser Basin Hike

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Encompassing approximately 2 miles of the park’s terrain, The Upper Geyser Basin stands as the epicenter for the renowned Old Faithful and an impressive collection of 250 other geysers, solidifying its status as one of the most extensive geyser formations globally.

Snowcoach to Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel at 1:45pm

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

In winter, the park’s interior is accessible only by commercial over-snow transportation, and Yellowstone’s snowcoaches are essentially the ultimate 21st-century (heated) sleigh. These fascinating vehicles travel over groomed snow-covered roads, the same roads you’d drive yourself in the summer. The snowcoaches are driven by our seasoned guides, so every mile, regardless of destination, is a guided tour of Yellowstone’s extraordinary winter scenery. Over-snow transportation is required TO AND FROM Old Faithful Snow Lodge during the winter season. Snowcoach transportation is available daily between Mammoth to Old Faithful Snow Lodge and can be reserved online or by calling 307-344-7311 (reservations are required each direction).

Dinner at Mammoth Hotel Dining Room

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The Mammoth Hotel Dining Room serves dinner only during the summer season and breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the winter season. Reservations are required for dinner during the winter season.

Lodging at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins—named after nearby springs—offers a warm welcome to winter visitors.

Day 4

Breakfast at Mammoth Hotel Dining Room

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The Mammoth Hotel Dining Room serves dinner only during the summer season and breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the winter season. Reservations are required for dinner during the winter season.

Lamar Valley Wildlife Tour

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone’s winter scenery is breathtaking, offering a unique and unparalleled experience. For many, the main attraction lies in the abundant wildlife against the pristine white backdrop, showcasing the creatures inhabiting this winter wonderland. Guides prioritize networking to ensure optimal wildlife sightings during tours.The tour includes a morning muffin and juice, along with a deli lunch.