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Log Lodge, Family friendly, near Yellowstone Park on our private ranch

Photo gallery for Log Lodge, Family friendly, near Yellowstone Park on our private ranch

lodge front with deck, yard, fire pit area
lodge, rear area carport and parking area, rock steps, griz bear entry door
Lodge front deck and barbecue area off kitchen and great room area, great views
Hand carved elk doors downstairs near rec open area leading out to deck and yard
Private kitchen

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 16603.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Hot tub
  • Parking available
  • Gym
  • Washer
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View map
Gardiner, MT
  • Yellowstone Hot Springs
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Yellowstone National Park North Entrance
    ‪35 min drive‬
  • Mammoth Hot Springs
    ‪50 min drive‬
  • West Yellowstone, MT (WYS-Yellowstone)
    ‪152 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 16)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 6

1 Single Bed

Bedroom 7

1 Queen Bed

4 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Log Lodge, Family friendly, near Yellowstone Park on our private ranch

This property is the original 'McDonald family homestead', 20 minutes from Yellowstone Park line, 25-30 minutes to pay shack in Gardiner. 6 miles of dirt road and 8 miles of interstate highway.
* It consists of a log lodge on the hill, 3 log cabins down by the creek
* private from each other
* the lodge-- 6 Bedroom / 4 Bathroom home that sleeps 12, more if needed at extra cost; 6500 square feet.

King Master suite with walk in rock shower, big jacuzzi tub with beautiful mountain/meadow views, double sink, walk in closet, and upper balcony deck. 2nd floor.

3 Queen bedrooms with a bath/shower tp share, double sinks,
* twin bed in 1 of the queen bedrooms with 16' climbing wall and rope.
2nd floor

*Antique queen bedroom with bath attached, very comfy/cozy. 2nd floor.

*Twin bed in loft Workout area. 2nd floor. Close to Antique queen room.

*Downstairs main ground floor is 1 queen bed in rec room area. 1 bathroom downstairs.
*Downstairs is main floor area with kitchen, great room, walk out to decks, yard, parking, etc.

*Large kitchen with multiple stations, all equipped with everything, 2 sinks, 2 refrigerators, double oven, lots of sitting in area. Opens to dining room with 6 chairs at table.

*Open great room with large couches, leather recliner chair and big rock fireplace. There are 72 windows in lodge, the views are beautiful and plentiful.

Laundry room with LG front load washer/dryer.
Lodge made with logs up to 40 inches in diameter.

Big deck out front opens to nice green yard with automatic sprinklers, a fire pit, more land to stretch out on, & a very large quality trampoline with safety net.

Views of Yellowstone Park mountains, meadows, wildlife, forests, and the company of our ranch's friendly horses, cats, dogs, cows.

We like to think you are coming to get away from it all & hoping you don't get too tempted with the cable and wifi. Let us know if you need it disconnected. Families claim to bond more when not so tempted. Cell service is not the best in Montana or Wyoming area of the park, & Verizon is the best coverage. NO cell service in the mountains at ranch.

We do have a log barn and attached indoor arena above the lodge higher on the hill for private use only. Many guests come watch the ranch girls ride and rope in the arena when they happen to be between rodeos, visit the cats in the hay, and the miniature cows in the pens. The smaller animals are penned by the barn and arena for their protection from the wildlife.

We have a resident elk herd of a few hundred. They have their babies throughout the basin, as well as in and around the cabins, lodge, & along the road. Howl for the wolves at night, enjoy no city lights up here and many a bright stars and beautiful big sky!

We are open year around. The beauty never stops!

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Gym

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Very family orientated
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Events

No events allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outdoor space for smoking, no cigs on ground plz
* Cushions are not to be removed from any furniture inside or outside. * Please do not move any furniture inside or outside or from original rooms.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Gardiner

Located in Gardiner, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Roosevelt Arch and Fort Yellowstone Historic District are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Yellowstone National Park North Entrance and Yellowstone National Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Parks' Fly Shop, or check out an event or a game at Rodeo Arena. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Gardiner, MT

What's nearby

  • Yellowstone Hot Springs - 23 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Cutler Lake - 27 min drive - 13.3 km
  • Roosevelt Arch - 34 min drive - 25.7 km
  • Yellowstone National Park North Entrance - 35 min drive - 26.4 km
  • Mammoth Hot Springs - 50 min drive - 35.0 km

Getting around

  • West Yellowstone, MT (WYS-Yellowstone) - 126 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Paradise Perk Espresso - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Lighthouse Restaurant - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Follow Yer Nose Smoke Wagon - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Grizzly Grille - ‬24 min drive

Frequently asked questions

What time is check-in at Log Lodge, Family friendly, near Yellowstone Park on our private ranch?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Log Lodge, Family friendly, near Yellowstone Park on our private ranch?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Log Lodge, Family friendly, near Yellowstone Park on our private ranch located?

This family-friendly Gardiner holiday home is located in the mountains, steps from Gallatin National Forest and within 6 mi (10 km) of Aldridge Lake and Yellowstone Hot Springs. Cutler Lake and Yellowstone River are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 76 out of 85 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 85 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 85 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 85 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 85 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Shane M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place. Great view. Family enjoyed every minute of our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Britney P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great week!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darlene H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

DO WE REALLY HAVE TO LEAVE???

Everything and i mean EVERYTHING was incredible!! There were actual tears when we had to leave. It substantially exceeded all our expectaions. The views, the animals, the Virginia neighbors, the porch, the HOUSE all of it was perfect. Thank you for sharing such a gorgeous venue. This trip has been epic.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

William F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun

Loved the area
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nora J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Peace full clean great home great hostess
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Kellie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful view! Way out there!

My family enjoyed this beautiful lodge and the views did not disappoint. Overall the beds were comfortable and there was an abundance of seating. We liked the puzzles and basketball game as well. The only drawback was that you could not see the creek from the house and it was 6.5 miles off the main road on a dirt road. We loved how close it was to the entrance of Yellowstone.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanne W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Reunion

We had a wonderful time at the McDonald family lodge. The views were breathtaking and the lodge had everything that we needed for our family. The kids enjoyed the trampoline, rock climbing wall, and indoor basketball hoops. We took walks down to the horses and enjoyed the creek running through the property. The drive to Yellowstone was about 30 minutes and the road to the house was as stated in the description. We would highly recommend the lodge and we hope to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family trip to Yellowstone

Our family traveled from all over to meet for 1 week and enjoy Yellowstone. The pictures of the house looked great but when we arrived we were amazed. What a truly amazing house inside and out. The road in is a little rough but well worth it. The beds were comfortable and the heated floor in the master bath was special. Wonderful family trip. Also the extra play equipment for the kids made everyone happy
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeannette S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Breathtaking

Lodge offered everything we needed for our stay. Beautiful inside. Beautiful biews!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This place is a dream come true

We couldn’t have booked a better place, I have never stayed in a more gorgeous cabin! Property manager was the absolute best. House was so clean and cozy, and the view is absolutely stunning.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Yellowstone Paradise

Incredible house, views, wildlife, & location that allowed us to experience the national treasure of Yellowstone in a relaxing environment! We had an amazing vacation. Thank you!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Beautiful peaceful mountain top retreat

A beautiful wooden lodge that gives you a wonderful break to unplug and be in nature with all the comforts of home! Beautiful setting to get away from it all! Highly recommend
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular Mountain Lodge

Fabulous setting close to Yellowstone, the log lodge is an architectural masterpiece in a beautiful and peaceful setting. Comfortable and extremely well equipped for a memorable family trip. It was hard to leave at the end of our stay.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael J., Friendswood

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gardiner House Rental

Loved the property and our group had a great time.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ken M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

yelowstone trip

The lodge was awesome as were the views. Our family had a fantastic time and were sorry to have to come home Ken.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tasha W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful lodge!

We enjoyed staying in this lodge with our whole family of 14! The house had plenty of room, beautiful views and plenty of things for the kids to do both inside and out!! We loved staying here and that it was private and although off the beaten path, still close to things to do! This lodge has all the things though, so you don’t feel like you have to leave!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brandon W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Birthday trip

We planned our trip for my husband’s birthday. We have rented many homes on VRBO over the years. This was the most beautiful well maintained welcoming home we have ever stayed in. Watching the animals was so enjoyed by all of us. I can’t say enough how wonderful this home is. Thank you
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tina b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing experience

It was amazing. The cabin was awesome and had plenty of space for 8 people. Close to Yellowstone and Gardiner. And the view was great. Got to see and hear elk which was awesome. Also seen some mule deer and big horn sheep. Overall would stay here again. Loved everything about it
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linnea Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cabin in the Mountains

Beautiful cabin. We would say again!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Catherine W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Phenomenal Vacation

Nine adults/two families = great vacation to Yellowstone. The house had everything we needed and more. Hosts were attentive and quick to respond to any questions we had and the scenery couldn’t be beat.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sara R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

If you want to get away from it all and surround yourself in natural beauty this is your place. Gorgeous property, fully stocked kitchen, beautiful grounds. Definitely gave us the Montana experience we were searching for and we WILL be back!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful getaway

This cabin is stunning! It is exactly what you think of when you think of a mountain lodge in Yellowstone. It is remote and peaceful. Drinking coffee in the living room looking out of the massive windows at the mountain was my favorite part. There were so many features that were kid friendly that my 3 year old had a blast from the moment we walked in. She immediately found the indoor trampoline, the rock climbing wall and the toy horses. Overall it was a wonderful stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Montana

Awesome experience!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karl S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!

The Lodge was simply amazing. My family including children and grandchildren enjoyed an incredible getaway to beautiful Yellowstone! The property and home were gorgeous and we watched Elk in the back yard and a mountain goat on a sheer face from the back window! Beautifully appointed rustic lodge with outstanding kitchen and plenty of sleeping quarters! Shai was wonderful to work with! This will not disappoint!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kacey W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Log dream home

It was amazing! There was so much for young kids to do! The kitchen was stocked with Tupperware and seasonings and all cooking essentials. The views will forever be in my dreams! Definitely a perfect place for the family to stay🥰
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

About the host

Hosted by Shai McDonald

Host profile image
McDonald family homesteaded this basin in the 1800's on their way to visit Yellowstone Park. They bought the other homesteaders out, living in seclusion working hard, cutting lumber from the forests, clearing fields for hay, working cattle, filling their bellies with local elk, deer, moose, wild strawberries, and even kept ice in a little mini log ice house on the side of the mountain.
They had a keen eye to keep safe from the numerous grizzly bears and many a story to tell of that. Great Grandma McDonald still holds the record for harvest of Montana's largest grizzly when this griz decided to see what was in the storeroom while Great Grpa was in town getting supplies.

Our kid's grpa, Jack McDonald worked for the national park service for 43 years, while enjoying raising his family on the ranch, along with many pet moose.

Riding horses and hunting indian arrowheads and special rocks was a favorite hobby of the family.

We are now the 5th generation McDonald family preserving the original homestead cabins, sharing the beauty. We spend the summers competing in rodeos with our 3 kids all over Montana and checking in on our guests and ranch animals. Winters are spent sledding, snowmobiling, skiing, roping inside the indoor arena, basketball, football parties & keeping warm by the fireplace.

Why they chose this property

We are content settling on our family ranch raising kids, cows, horses, logging & fencing.
We just recently built the lodge with massive logs and over 72 windows to help accommodate multi-family gatherings.

We enjoy sharing the beauty with others and our animals sure love the extra attention.

Depending on season, the wildlife of mountain sheep, mountain goats, antelope, elk, deer, bear, buffalo/bison, coyote, fox, wolves, badgers, gophers, eagles, hawks, other birds are the most prevalent animals seen on the ranch and driving to/from.

What makes this property unique

Getting away from it all, yet still close enough to all the activities. Animals all about in a private, quiet and very beautiful setting while enjoying the comfortable log lodgings.

20 minutes from Yellowstone Park line
25-30 minutes from Yellowstone Park Entrance Station other side of Gardiner.
1-1.5 hours from Old Faithful
4 hours one way to Jackson Hole, WY

Gardiner entrance is the original entrance to Yellowstone Park, and the only one open year around.

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