Sidney Travel Guide

Explore the best of Sidney, Montana with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, hiking/biking routes, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Sidney

Located in Montana’s Missouri River Country, in the Rocky Mountains of the United States, Sidney offers visitors an authentic Western experience. Known for its rich heritage, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure opportunities, Sidney is a hidden gem that’s worth exploring. From cultural and historical attractions to scenic hiking/biking trails, local cuisine, and warm hospitality, there’s something for everyone in Sidney.

List of Places to Visit in Sidney

Looking for places to explore in Sidney? Check out our list below.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • MonDak Heritage Center
  • Frontier Gateway Museum
  • Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

Natural Attractions of Sidney: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Yellowstone River
  • Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge
  • Lewis and Clark Trail

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sidney

Sidney offers numerous hiking and biking trails suitable for all levels of enthusiasts. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • Kestrel Trail (2.5 miles)
  • Sidney Nature Trail (1 mile)
  • Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge Trail (4 miles)

Best Things to Do in Sidney: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re looking for fun-filled activities or fascinating tours, Sidney has it all. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Fishing at Yellowstone River
  • Bird watching at Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge
  • Sidney Richland Municipal Golf Course

Week-Long Itinerary for Sidney

If you’re planning to spend a week in Sidney, here’s a suggested itinerary that covers the best of Sidney:

Day 1: Visit the MonDak Heritage Center and the Frontier Gateway Museum. Day 2: Explore the Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge and go bird watching. Day 3: Spend the day hiking the Kestrel Trail. Day 4: Go fishing at Yellowstone River. Day 5: Enjoy a round of golf at Sidney Richland Municipal Golf Course. Day 6: Visit the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. Day 7: Walk around the Sidney Nature Trail and end your day with a great meal and drinks at one of the local restaurants.

Food and Drink Scene of Sidney

Sidney has a diverse food and drink scene featuring local and international cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bison burger at The Depot
  • Montana steak at The Long X
  • Cinnamon rolls at The Bake Shop

Local Beverages

  • Red Chair Ale at Meadowlark Brewing
  • Hefeweizen Wheat Beer at Busted Knuckle Brewery
  • Montana Cowboy Coffee

Where to Stay in Sidney: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sidney offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of the best places to stay in Sidney:

  • Lone Tree Inn
  • Richland Inn & Suites
  • Microtel by Wyndham Sidney

What to Buy in Sidney: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Sidney is known for its authentic Western-style products and souvenirs. Here are some of the best things to buy:

  • Cowboy hats
  • Boots and belts
  • Bison meat

Local Culture and Customs of Sidney

Sidney is a close-knit community that values traditional Western culture, hospitality, and respect. Visitors are encouraged to be polite, friendly, and aware of local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Sidney

The best time to visit Sidney is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is warm and dry. However, spring and fall are also great times to visit for outdoor activities and colorful foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sidney

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Explore the outdoors and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Try local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the local wildlife and environment.
  • Be disrespectful to locals and their beliefs.
  • Litter or damage the natural surroundings.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sidney

Sidney is a relatively safe place to visit; however, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and avoid going to isolated areas alone. Always lock your doors and windows when leaving your accommodation.

Health in Sidney

Before coming to Sidney, visitors are recommended to check with their healthcare provider for any necessary vaccinations or precautions. Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen while exploring the outdoors.

Getting to Sidney: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some of the most convenient ways to get to Sidney:

Airports Near Sidney

  • Sidney–Richland Municipal Airport (SDY)
  • Williston Basin International Airport (XWA)

Bus Stations Near Sidney

  • Greyhound Bus Lines
  • Jefferson Lines

Other Options

  • Car rental
  • Shuttle services

How to Get Around in Sidney

Getting around Sidney is easy via rental car or public transportation. Here are some of the options:

  • Car rental
  • Public transportation
  • Taxi services

Where to Go Next from Sidney: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Montana, here are some nearby destinations and excursions you can enjoy:

  • Glacier National Park
  • Billings
  • Bozeman

Conclusion

Sidney is a remarkable destination that offers visitors an authentic Western experience. With fantastic natural beauty, outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, local cuisine, and warm hospitality, there’s something for everyone here. We hope this comprehensive guide has inspired you to pack your bags and visit Sidney soon.