• Fishing
• Hunting
• Wildlife & Bird Watching
• Horseback Riding

• Hiking
• Mountian Biking
• Swimming
• Yellowstone National Park

• Shopping, Fine Dining,
Art Galleries, Rodeo and
Local Culture

Fishing: The Vermillion Ranch is located in the heart of Montana’s finest trout country. With its frontage on the Yellowstone River (including a private boat ramp), numerous riffles, eddies and pools provide a myriad of fly-fishing opportunities. Along the property, trout average 16 inches with 20+ inch fish caught on a regular basis. The Yellowstone River is a wonderful dry fly river with great mayfly and caddis hatches in April and July, and exceptional terrestrial fishing with hoppers in August and September.

In addition to the Yellowstone, guests at the Ranch are a short drive from the Boulder River, the Stillwater River, and the Spring Creeks of Paradise Valley, as well as an endless collection of mountain streams and lakes.

The Vermillion Ranch also has two ponds on the property stocked with trout, bass, and sunfish. The trout run as large as eight pounds, but most of them average around 18 inches. These ponds also make for great summertime swimming.

For visitors interested in some guided fishing during their stay, guiding services are provided by Sweetwater Travel, a local business owned and operated by the Vermillion brothers (our three sons). They have guided and fished on the local waters since the 1970’s. Most guests like to hire a Sweetwater guide at the beginning of their stay as it results in a better fishing experience thereafter. Not only are the guys at Sweetwater excellent, experienced guides, but they are all fun and enjoyable companions for a day on the river. For additional information on guiding services, please contact Sweetwater Travel at 888-347-4286.

Hunting: The Vermillion Ranch is a state licensed shooting preserve, so visitors may hunt pheasants from September 1 to March 1. Additionally, the Vermillion Ranch is home to a remarkable population of deer. Hunts are offered during the archery season for the month of September and rifle season in October/November. All hunts are guided. For rates and additional information please call Sweetwater Travel at 888-347-4286.

Wildlife & Bird Watching: The Ranch is also home to a remarkable variety of wildlife. Grouse, pheasant, deer, and antelope all live on the ranch and visitors can spend evenings sitting in our wildlife blinds and watch the animals as they feed on grass and alfalfa. For the bird watchers in the family, the area is home to pheasants, ducks, geese, eagles, owls, herons, various songbirds and a resident population of Sandhill Cranes during the summer.

Horseback Riding: A nearby ranch leads half day or full day horseback rides in the mountains. Shorter rides can also be arranged and will be charged by the hour. Travel along the historic Bozeman Trail on horseback as many native people, settlers and soldiers did in centuries past.

Hiking: For the hikers in the group, the Vermillion Ranch is a wonderful place to walk. Additionally, the Ranch is a short drive from miles of trails in the surrounding mountains with hikes ranging from easy to advanced. Each house has maps of surrounding trails to help you decide where to walk. For advice on local trails or to arrange for a guided hike, contact our personal hiking consultant, Felicia Ennis at Bella Treks, (406) 223-2595.

Mountain Biking: Bikes can be rented in Billings, Bozeman, or Livingston.

Swimming: Cool off in the river or the Ranch’s pond, stocked with inner tubes, various watercraft and swings for summertime fun.

Spend a Night in our Mongolian Ger: Our Mongolian ger (similar to a yurt) arrived recently from Mongolia, and we have equipped it with 2 single beds and a table and chairs for those who want to have a new experience at the Vermillion Ranch. The ger has a silk lining hanging from the round walls, felt wool around the entire surface for insulation, a hard wood floor, and an opening on the top for stargazing and ventilation. Lanterns are provided for your night out, but of course, there is no bathroom. It is peaceful, safe and very comfortable. This unique overnight is only for those of you who want a bit more adventure here. Please ask us if you're curious to know more about the ger. No need to decide until you arrive and have a look!

Yellowstone National Park: America’s first national park is an easy drive from the Vermillion Ranch. The Park is filled with North America’s last great populations of elk, buffalo and grizzly bears. From the Ranch, a popular Yellowstone excursion is to drive down Paradise Valley, through Yellowstone Park, over the Beartooth Highway, and through the quaint mountain town of Red Lodge before meandering back up the Yellowstone Valley to the Ranch for dinner.

Shopping, Fine Dining, Art Galleries, Rodeo and Local Culture:
For those who prefer to explore civilization over the great outdoors, the Vermillion Ranch is an ideal location from which to experience some of Montana’s most charming communities. The cow town of Big Timber is home to some of Montana’s oldest cattle families and offers a unique combination of restaurants and western stores. Livingston is one of Montana’s most prolific art communities and is home to a number of art galleries, clothing stores, and restaurants. And the larger cities of Bozeman and Billings offer fantastic live arts, museums, shopping, and dining. Summertime brings a variety of activities throughout the region, including rodeos, festivals, and county fairs.

Join us for your next Montana vacation.
Whether it’s adventure or solace you seek,
the Vermillion Ranch is the perfect setting.

For more information on happenings near the Vermillion Ranch
and throughout our great state, please call Margaret Vermillion at 406.932.6516.