By Memorial Day weekend, temps begin to warm here in southwest Montana. Mix that warmer weather with a community of folks with pretty bad cabin fever, and they’ll tell you it’s time to trade in the ski boots for hiking and riding boots. So, just for the heck of it, we’ve come up with three fun things to do at and around 320 Guest Ranch over the upcoming three-day weekend. We’ve also got great recommendations for some delicious eats which’ll pair fantastically with a fun time.
Recommendation #1: Work off that winter weight…or don’t!
Oh, the joy of delicious comfort food. Cold nights make it impossible to get through southwest Montana winters without 
craving wholesome, homemade meals. However, wholesome and homemade too often equal a discovery, come spring, that it’s yet again time to work off some winter pounds. So, take that first step towards getting in summer season shape, and take a hike! By Memorial Day weekend, weather in southwest Montana usually reaches a point of mild temps and heavy snowmelt. This makes it a great time of year (and a less busy time) to hike trails like the Buffalo Horn Creek Trail. This trail sits almost literally right at our doorstep, and if you and yours are planning a stay at 320 Ranch this Memorial Day, a Buffalo Horn Creek hike makes a great way to memorialize the weekend. To get a good look at other trails open in the area, check out the Gallatin National Forest website’s Hiking page.
Now, if you’re a little less interested in hiking, and a bit more interested in the good eatin’ afterthe hiking, look no further than our restaurant and saloon, McGill’s. Memorial Day weekend is opening weekend (after spring shoulder season closure) not only for 320 Ranch, but for McGill’s too. So after a great day of hiking (or relaxing – you choose!), awake those hibernating taste buds with a bite of Brask Burger. The Brask Burger is a double SMASHburger made from local Montana Wagyu beef. Drooling yet?
Recommendation #2: For the less advanced white water rafters & the more advanced Reuben eaters:
Late May is a great time for less experienced or inexperienced river rafters and kayakers. Whether you’re one who prefers sticking to the lower levels of the rapids class scale (~1-3), or looking for an introduction to river sports, spring season makes a perfect window for either. Outfitters not far from 320 Ranch can help get you set up for your adventures upon the Gallatin. If unsure what outfitter to select, call us up for some assistance in determining best options to meet your needs. Now, if you wish the river to be running a tad higher and faster, the remaining weeks of spring rain and snow melt make mid to late June a better window for you. Further up-to-date details on river stats can be found on the USGS’ website or on Kayak Addicts. No matter which window entices you most, replenish those arm muscles after a day of hard paddling with a meaty Bison Reuben. Our bison meat is cured for a week and smothered in homemade sauce. Now, if that ain’t a level 5 on the Reuben class scale, we’re not sure what is.
Recommendation #3: A fine time to get out on the equines & get a true taste of Montana!
If you’re a horse lover like all of us here at 320 Ranch, you know this time of year is fabulous for those first rides of the
season. And, if you’ve never ridden before, but are looking to give it a shot, trust us, your inner cowboy/girl is sure to surface as soon as you step foot in Big Sky country. Out here, it’s easy to become a lover of many things; horseback riding is certainly at the top of the list. Remember, reliable trail stats can be found via the Gallatin National Forest link under Recommendation #1. Now, a day spent sightseeing from the back of a horse is one true taste of Montana which should be properly topped off by another. And there is no truer taste of this beautiful state than our Wild Game and Mushroom Appetizer. This dish is a long-time guest favorite with rabbit, elk, and Wagyu ox-tail served in a cast iron skillet and accompanied with bone marrow and warm bread.
End the holiday weekend with a finale that’ll top off all the good things that came in threes; on the eve of Memorial Day, from 6:30-8:30pm come to the first of our summer country music series and dance your little heart out! Between the fun, the dancing, and delicious food, there ain’t much to lose. And if we haven’t convinced you yet, keep in mind that we’re only 45 minutes away from Yellowstone National Park, 45 minutes away from Bozeman’s lively and historic downtown, and around an hour to two hour’s drive to unimaginably beautiful lakes, other cool historical places, and…well, need we go on? Nah, probably not.
We hope to see you soon for some springtime fun time!