Seniors Discover Cooke City and Smile

Cooke City, Montana (population 75 – Wikipedia says 140).  Would senior travelers consider taking a side trip to that town, city, village, wide spot in the road?  Well, Budget Travel did and found out that it rated to be called one of the Coolest Small Towns they could find!  So please join me seniors, for a visit to Cooke City and let’s find out what’s so cool about this quaint little town positioned in the great Beartooth Mountains, near Yellowstone National Park. It’s kinda like sneaking into MT from Wyoming, but that’s okay too.

These scenic mountains are dotted with many lakes and are noted for their excellent hiking trails, snowmobiling and skiing.  Pretty gutsy drivers here. Just stay out of the way here or you might get run over. These guys seem to be full of “no fear”.

Don’t Turn Back

Right next door to Cooke City, senior travelers can visit Froze-to-Death Lake or take a bouncy ride up Hellroaring  Plateau.  Don’t let that deter you,  this town has a friendly, welcome atmosphere. The pace is slow. Maybe journey up the Beaten Path…loved that name too.  Cooke City’s summer population is made up of young folks from all over the country who descend on this small mountain town to provide services to the tourists.

Be On the Lookout Seniors

This area has one of the highest concentration of grizzly bears and wolves in the lower 48 states.  Shoot your photos out the window and roll it back up again quickly and then be on your way. Roy Wilson, owner of the Cooke City Store, notes that Cooke City is…”The last place I know in the West that still the West.”

When I saw the sign “Buns and Beds”  I had to find out about that site. Well here it is with a Deli, BBQ and Cabins just for you seniors. Leo and Jan are waiting for your arrival.

Wow, Two Things for Seniors To Do in Cooke City!

So here they are folks…”Two Things To Do In Cooke City.”…both of them. I searched and found a resource with THREE THINGS to do, so that you can extend your visit. Don’t overlook the Beartooth Cafe, the Bearclaw Bakery and Miners Saloon. They make the place shine. Looks pretty “folksy” to me.

I loved it when I discovered that the town’s trash and recycling station doubles as a the local library and art museum filled with books, painting, and even cuckoo clocks rescued from the ‘rescues bins’. There can be only ONE Cooke City.

This is one of those places that I am putting in my back pocket and if ever my wife and I find ourselves near Cooke City, we will take the time for a side trip visit.   jeb