Located in a sweeping valley in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Rainbow Ranch Lodge’s history is as rich as the land it calls home.
Our proximity to Big Sky and Yellowstone National Park affords our guests endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration—world-class fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, whitewater rafting, and kayaking. Whether you choose an experienced local guide or venture out on your own, the breathtakingly rugged, natural beauty of southwest Montana will restore and rejuvenate your senses.
One of the top 10 winter destinations in North America, the Big Sky area offers downhill skiing at Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin, plus cross-country skiing at Lone Mountain Ranch. If your preferences lean toward comfort and warmth, our spa services and luxurious guest rooms provide the perfect alternative to a day spent outdoors.
Back in the day, traveling through Gallatin Canyon meant following a harrowing game trail along the Gallatin River. As described by the 1883 Avant Courier:
"A dizzy bridle path [that] leads along the side of the mountain. The range rises abruptly some 1,500 feet above the path. An equal distance below, flow the waters—boiling, seething—madly dashing in their course to the Gulf."
By the 1880s, the cattle industry was steadily growing, and cattlemen were herding their cows single file over the treacherous trail. Ranchers wanted a road through the canyon to get their beef into eastern markets and to increase their grazing land in summer.
One of the earliest homesteaders, Thomas Michener, lobbied hard for the road, collecting hundreds of names on a petition. Eventually, the road was built, connecting Bozeman to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
After marrying in 1898, Thomas Michener and Mary Elizabeth (Mamie) Lockhart set out on the newly constructed road for their homestead. They brought horses, a milk cow, winter supplies, a maple drop-leaf dining table, and a ten-volume set of the Ridpath World History.
"Mamie divided their one-room cabin into two rooms by hanging a curtain across a corner to make a bedroom. Dirt provided insulation for the tarpaper roof."
In 1919, the Micheners moved out of Gallatin Canyon, and a year later, the Lemons arrived in their fancy Hall automobile. The Lemons took up residency at Twin Cabins Creek and built a lodge called the Halfway Inn—a nod to its location being halfway between Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park.
The Lemons kept a few guests and a store for those traveling to the park.
In the 1930s, the Lemons added the Eat Here Café, and the ranch became a full working guest ranch with cabins, cattle, a restaurant, and a small gas station.
"Pearl had several cages of canaries who sang their cheery songs as the morning sun came through the multiple-paned windows. Pearl's bright red nail polish and lipstick were every bit as cheerful as her canaries."
Walter and Francis Cottrell bought the ranch in 1945 and renamed it Rainbow Ranch after the brightly colored, striped rainbow roof. It's been said that during this time, Francis baked ten pies a day!
Through the years, the ranch was sold a couple more times, eventually landing with brothers Tom and Dennis Davidson in 1995. They did extensive remodeling and added the Riverside Luxury rooms.
In 2004, a trio from Chicago purchased the ranch and added five new rooms, one suite, a trout pond, and an outdoor infinity hot tub next to a massive river rock fireplace.
Unfortunately, a devastating fire consumed the main lodge, restaurant, and wine cellar in 2008. The new lodge was rebuilt with beautiful views, a cozy seating area and bar, river rock fireplace, and expansive outdoor decks.
In 2011, Scott Gibson purchased Rainbow Ranch with the vision of it being the best wedding and event space in Montana. He has invested extensively in the property and is committed to preserving Rainbow Ranch for everyone to enjoy for years to come.
OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award 2018
Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2024
Montana Lodging & Hospitality Association 2017/2018
Wine Enthusiast America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants 2013
