Things to Do in Laurel, Montana: Your Hometown Guide

Laurel, Montana, sits along the Yellowstone River at a comfortable pace, with a growing downtown and the kind of small-town energy that makes visitors feel welcome right away. It’s a place where neighbors know each other, local businesses anchor Main Street, and the outdoors is never far away.

This guide highlights some of the best things to do in Laurel, from parks and river access to local dining and easy overnight stays. Locals, road-trippers passing through on I-90, and travelers using Laurel as a base for exploring southern Montana will all find plenty of reasons to slow down and spend some time here.

Laurel at a Glance: With a population of about 7,300, Laurel keeps that genuine small-town feel while still offering enough restaurants, breweries, and outdoor access to keep visitors busy. It has a community-focused vibe built around its downtown, parks, and the Yellowstone River. 

Where River Town Charm Meets Montana Adventure

Laurel might be small, but it’s far from quiet. A thriving Main Street, easy river access, and a handful of local restaurants and breweries give the town its personality. Add in its convenient location at the intersection of I-90 and Highway 212, and Laurel naturally becomes a starting point for bigger adventures in southern Montana.

Spend a little time here, and you’ll join the small-town rhythm: mornings at a local café, afternoons near the river, and evenings shared with neighbors at one of the downtown eateries. Here are a few local favorites.

Hotels and Motels: Places to Stay In and Around Laurel

A short list of reliable hotels and motels makes overnight stays in Laurel easy to plan. Many sit close to I-90, which makes the town a convenient stopping point for travelers crossing southern Montana.

Fairfield by Marriott Laurel

One of the highest-rated hotels in Laurel, this is a popular option for visitors seeking a modern, reliable stay. The Fairfield by Marriott is close to the highway and offers clean rooms, a complimentary breakfast, and a comfortable atmosphere for travelers just checking in after a long drive. If you’re planning to explore nearby areas like Red Lodge or the Beartooth Highway, this is an excellent stay.

Motels Along I-90

There are several locally run motels near Laurel that reflect the town’s practical, traveler-friendly character. Spend the night at the Locomotive Inn, or head to the Best Western Yellowstone Crossing for easy overnight accommodations and quick access to the interstate. 

Yellowstone River Lodge

For something more memorable than a roadside motel, Yellowstone River Lodge offers upscale cabins and B&B rooms right on the banks of the Yellowstone River, about two hours from the Yellowstone National Park entrance.

Cabins include a queen bed and sofa sleeper, Jacuzzi tub, kitchenette, wood burning stove, and a fully equipped covered deck where you can barbecue and watch the sunset. Nearby activities include horseback riding, hiking, fishing, river rafting, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. It’s located just outside Columbus, about 20 minutes west of Laurel on I-90, and worth the short detour if you’re looking for a quieter, more immersive Montana stay.

After a day on the road or an afternoon exploring town, these stays offer an easy place to rest and recharge.

Sink Your Teeth Into Local Eats & Craft Beer

Laurel’s dining scene has grown steadily over the years, especially around downtown. A few locally owned spots like these give our town a welcoming energy and a community-first presence:

The Pelican Cafe

Ranked #1 in Laurel by Tripadvisor, The Pelican Cafe is the kind of place that earns that spot the old-fashioned way: with generous portions, affordable prices, and the kind of friendly service that makes you feel like a regular on your first visit. Signature dishes include the Triple Meat Omelette, fluffy golden pancakes, chicken fried steak skillet, and the Bubba Burger. 

They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day, with pies, cakes, and Wilcoxson’s ice cream rounding things out. A classic Main Street stop before a morning on the river or a long drive south.

Carlton Depot Eatery & Alehouse

Carlton Depot offers elevated comfort food, Montana-made craft beers, and a welcoming atmosphere inside a space that nods to Laurel’s railroad history. Reviewers consistently call it one of the best restaurants in the area, and it’s easy to see why: the food punches well above what you’d expect from a small Montana town. A great dinner stop after a day spent exploring.

Looking for something else? Get a taste of Redneck Pizza or Burnin the Bone Smokehouse. Together, all these spots capture the relaxed, welcoming feel that defines dining in Laurel, so pull up a chair and enjoy a good meal.

Parks, River Access & Outdoor Recreation

Life in town is closely tied to the Yellowstone River and the surrounding landscape. Between riverside parks, quiet trails, and open views of the countryside, Laurel offers plenty of space to slow down and enjoy the outdoors. Plan a quiet walk, cast a fishing line, or just enjoy the view at one of these hot spots:

Sundance Lodge Recreation Area

Just north of town sits Sundance Lodge Recreation Area, a peaceful spot with historical significance connected to the Nez Perce people. Find scenic views, interpretive signage, and quiet trails. It’s a good place to slow down and take in the landscape while learning about the deeper history of Laurel and beyond.

Riverside Park

One of Laurel’s most well-loved outdoor spaces. Riverside Park is located along the Yellowstone River, offering picnic areas, walking paths, and open green space. It also includes camping areas, making it one of the more convenient campgrounds in Laurel if you’re searching for somewhere to stay both close to town and the river.

Yellowstone River Recreation

The Yellowstone River sits just outside town and plays a big role in daily life around Laurel. Fishing, floating, and quiet afternoons along the shoreline draw both locals and visitors when the weather warms. Spending time near the water is one of the easiest ways to experience the area.

Looking for more things to do along the river? Head to our guide to uncover more Yellowstone River adventures. 

Stop by Seed of Life Dispensary on Main Street

Seed of Life Labs started the way many Montana cannabis cultivation stories do: with grit, a little borrowed space, and two guys who believed in what they were growing. What began as a small Billings operation run by a couple of appliance salesmen with a passion for quality genetics has grown into one of Montana’s most recognized cannabis brands, with locations stretching across the state.

Laurel sits right in that home territory. Just 15 miles from where Seed of Life Labs got its start, our Laurel shop is embedded in the everyday rhythm of the community: not a highway pit stop, but a neighborhood staple.

It’s also a smart place to stock up if you’re heading south. Once you leave Laurel toward Red Lodge, the Beartooth Highway, or Yellowstone, dispensary access gets limited fast. Our team is happy to help you find something that fits your plans, and if it’s your first time shopping in Montana, they’re a great resource for navigating the menu.

Open daily 9:00 a.m. to 7:50 p.m. with convenient parking and an on-site ATM. Heading further across Montana? Find your nearest Seed of Life Labs location along the way.

Cannabis in Laurel: Laws, Travel Tips & What to Know

If you’re visiting Laurel, it helps to know a few basics about buying cannabis in Montana. Here’s a quick breakdown: 

1. Valid ID required. Adults 21 and older can purchase cannabis with any government-issued ID.
2. Purchase limits apply. Montana allows up to 1 ounce of flower, 8 grams of concentrate, or 800mg of THC in edibles per transaction.
3. Plan ahead if heading south. Laurel is a convenient stop before heading toward Red Lodge, the Beartooth Highway, or Yellowstone. Dispensary access gets limited once you leave town.
4. Bring cash. Many Montana dispensaries operate cash-only. There’s an on-site ATM, but coming prepared saves time.
5. Driving impaired is never okay. This goes double on mountain highways, so plan accordingly.
6. Keep cannabis secured during transport. Products should remain sealed and out of reach while traveling.
7. Public consumption is not permitted. Cannabis must be used on private property where the owner allows it.
8. Federal lands follow federal law. National parks, national forests, and some other public lands prohibit cannabis possession and use regardless of state law.

Since Laurel is a smaller town, shopping for cannabis here feels relaxed and easy. It’s also a convenient place to stop if you’re heading south toward Red Lodge, the Beartooth Highway, or Yellowstone National Park, where dispensary access becomes more limited. 

Your Laurel Adventures Await: See You Soon!

Laurel is where southern Montana opens up. Head east and you’re back on I-90 with open range stretching to the horizon. Head south and the landscape shifts fast: the Beartooth Highway climbs into some of the most dramatic scenery in the state, with Red Lodge just 45 miles away and Yellowstone a little further beyond that.

Whether you’re spending a day here or using Laurel as a jumping-off point for bigger adventures, it’s a good town to leave well-rested, well-fed, and well-stocked. Our Seed of Life Laurel team is here to help with that last part. And if your road trip continues across Montana, we’ve got locations along the way.