Rack and Reel is a hidden gem. I was looking into going to Montana as a surprise trip (from New…read moreYork) for my husband and didn't know where to start - I googled many "dude ranch" type facilities but they seemed very commercial and strict with scheduling (arriving and leaving on specific days, scheduled activities on specific days). A friend of mine recommended Rack and Reel and after speaking with Ryan over the phone it seemed like a unicorn of trip - he was kind, flexible, open to whatever we wanted to do. We ended up booking and chose 4 different activities: Visiting Yellowstone, Horseback riding/cowboy experience, Mountain Lakes tour, Private luxury cabin trip in the mountains. We aren't hunting or fishing people and these were PERFECT trips for people like us, who wanted to get to know the area and do some adventuring! Here's the best part- We had a guide (Mitchell was amazing, and his wife Jen!) with us each day (so no googling "best places to see in Yellowstone"), had a personal chef (shoutout to Sam who LITERALLY made every single thing from scratch) at the lodge who listened to all our dietary preferences and needs (and was EXCELLENT)....and this was ALL INCLUSIVE (including packed lunches when we went on our trips!). We didn't have to take our wallets out throughout the week and it was fantastic. We even got to experience the local brewery in town one night! I absolutely recommend this trip and Rack & Reel whether it's for a couples getaway, girls or guys trip, you name it! 5+++ stars! Thank you to Michell, Jen, Sam, Ryan, and all who made it an amazing week for us! PS. If you go, make sure you spend the night at the private cabin - it's a luxury cabin that is beyond beautiful, super comfortable and feels very safe! It was an unforgettable experience!

Right across from the fairgrounds and the park includes a boat launch,rest stop,walking trail along…read morestream,picnic tables and much more if your traveling past it's worth stopping.

This is a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course near Big Sky Montana with expansive mountain views and…read morelots of elevation changes. It's built on the side of the mountain so there are deep drops from many tee boxes and long holes. It's also at high elevation so the ball flies farther. My favorite might be the 17th which is 777 yards from the tips. You might need a 777 to fly the ball to the hole. Friendly staff, good food and a nice clubhouse made this a fun experience.

If you want to fly fish the Madison River, Jimmy is your guy. He was very knowledgable not only…read moreabout fly fishing, but was able to tell us all about the Big Sky area and the wildlife in it. He was born and raised in Montana and has lived in Ennis for over 15 years. He has more than 10 years experience guiding folks on the river. My wife had never fished a day in her life, and I had never fly fished before. Jim was exceptionally patient with both of us for all 8 hours of our fantastic experience. We fished in late August when the fishing isn't the best, but we still caught 10 fish, and of course there were several that got away. My wife landed 6 and I got 4. Not only is the fishing fun, but the scenery is beautiful. We saw bald eagles in flight, ospreys diving for fish, and a couple of deer getting a drink on the river bank. Jimmy supplied all of the fishing gear, water, soda, and a delicious lunch. If we are ever back through these parts again, Jim will be our guide. Jim is a one man operation and does not have a web site, so just give him a call on the phone and he will get you squared away.

I have fished with Mike Green for 20 years. Mike has time and time again put us on the fish. He…read moreknows the water better than most guides because he has fished in Montana his whole life. It does not matter how much experience you have. Mike always helps you find the fish.

My wife and I have fished with Mike Green for over 20 years. We have used other guides on other…read morerivers and I have to say Mike is the best, most knowledgeable, and professional guide we have ever used. Mike has helped me arrange trips where we have brought several other couples. This is never simple and Mike has always made it happen for us. Mike is a straight shooter and ALWAYS does exactly what is has committed to do and keeps you informed is conditions are such that floating is too dangerous (which does occur at times). I recommend Mike without hesitation. Byron MdBride, Billings, MT

This is a little outdoor ice skating rink in Town Center mall. On a plus side, it's one of the few…read moreinexpensive activities to do in Big Sky (either free or $5 donation, depending on the day). You can bring your own skates, or rent right at the mall from Grizzly Outfitters, across the Square, or from East Slope Outdoors, right across the parking lot, for $5 (our option, since we had a great experience renting skis from them the day before). They have an open skate every day: Sun 12-6; Mon. 12;4:30, Tue. 12-5; Wed. 12-11; Thur. 12-4:30, and Fri. -Sat. 12-11 pm. We showed up today with 5 of us -- 2 adults and 3 kids. Unfortunately, did not have a great experience. It was windy and dumping snow, and not really any shelter; had to put on our skates on a cold, icy bench. Then, the ice really was terrible. I'm not too picky, but it was bumpy, uneven and covered w/ snow. All in all, we only lasted about 10 minutes. Just FYI, we are not weather wimps -- we all skiied all day the day before at Big Sky when it was snowing and blowing all day, w/ only a couple lifts open due to wind and weather, but this ice skating was just not fun. But, if the conditions were different, I'm sure it could be a good time!

I haven't been on skates for a couple of years due to injuries, but I saw this outdoor rink and…read morecouldn't resist! I rented hockey skates right in town across from the rink at Grizzly's and hit the ice, and it felt great to skate again! I even got to borrow a stick from someone else at the rink and take shots at the goal. I had a blast! Definitely going back later today and tomorrow. It's only a $5 donation and it's the honors system, so be kind, donate, and give more than $5 to keep this public rink going!

I am so glad we signed up for ski lessons because without them, skiing would have been futile. We…read morehad a great time learning the classic style of cross country skiing from our instructor. They were patient and explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. Their guidance made me feel confident going both uphill and downhill. I also liked that I could ask many questions, and their explanations helped me understand and appreciate the sport more. And, the two hour lesson was worth the cost. Lessons include rentals, from boots to skis, which made everything convenient. I did not need to wear snow pants or anything else besides sunglasses, since the sun reflects off the snow and can be blinding. After we finished the lessons, we continued to ski on our own until closing. We went on different trails with beautiful mountains surrounding us. One tip, you warm up quickly when skiing, so I recommend taking a layer off, but up to you. Inside, they offer complimentary soup and hot chocolate, both of which were delicious, and there is a restroom available. There is also an area where you can store your belongings. I wish we remembered to relax and chill at their patio with the fire pit. Next time, we will!

We have been fishing with Jim Allison for over 50 years and you will not find a more accomplished…read moreguide anywhere. If you want a truely great fishing experience, Jim Allison is the guy to go to