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Livingston, Montana: Literary tourism on the doorstep of Yellowstone

By Ian Goodwillie

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WY - JUNE 01: A group of cow bison and their newly born calves walk on the road as Montana gates to Yellowstone National Park opened for day trips on June 1, 2020 in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The park's Montana entrances opened as the state enters phase 2 of lifting lockdown measures imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by William Campbell/Getty Images)
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WY - JUNE 01: A group of cow bison and their newly born calves walk on the road as Montana gates to Yellowstone National Park opened for day trips on June 1, 2020 in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The park's Montana entrances opened as the state enters phase 2 of lifting lockdown measures imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by William Campbell/Getty Images) /
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It should come as no surprise that a city known to many as the Gateway to Yellowstone National Park has inspired hundreds of writers over the years. In fact, Livingston, Montana reputedly has more writers per capita than much larger centers like New York City. If you’re someone who is into books and fancies themselves a literary tourist, then Livingston is a natural vacation spot.

On the doorsteps of Yellowstone

Incorporated in 1882, Livingston got its start as community devoted to ranching and the railroad. In many ways, neither of those things have changed. Those important roots can be seen in the classic architecture throughout the city, particularly in Downtown.

LIVINGSTON, MT – AUGUST: Cowboys round up their herd of cows during the filming of “The Horse Whisperer” in 1997. (Photo by John Kelly/Getty Images)
LIVINGSTON, MT – AUGUST: Cowboys round up their herd of cows during the filming of “The Horse Whisperer” in 1997. (Photo by John Kelly/Getty Images) /

Given its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and other key natural landmarks, its no surprise that this city has developed a thriving tourism trade. Describing the region and the city as gorgeous does not do it justice to say the least.

Livingston is flanked by two mountain ranges, the Crazy Mountains and the Absaroka Mountains. It also rests on the banks of the Yellowstone River. All of that being said, the natural environment isn’t all wine and roses.

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The winters in this area can be tough, filled with extreme cold, winds and a lot of snow. But the interesting part about it is that kind of weather can really push writers to hone their craft. The overall environment is why Livingston has produced so many writers.

A literary paradise

The list of writers from Livingston, or currently living in the city, is absurdly long. To many people, it seems impossible that so many writers could be associated with a place that has a population that’s under 8,000.

Writers like Tim Cahill, Thomas McGuane, Richard S. Wheeler and Alston Chase all call Livingston home. That doesn’t even take into account all the journalists, screenwriters and nature writers who live there, as well.

WEST GLACIER, MONTANA – SEPTEMBER 16: New pine trees grow up from the forest floor among the gray skeletons of trees killed by the 2003 Robert Complex fire that burned the mountain sides along the North Fork of the Flathead River on the western boundary of Glacier National Park September 16, 2019 near West Glacier, Montana. According to the 2017 Montana Climate Assessment, the annual average temperatures in the state has increased 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit since 1950 and is projected to increase by approximately 3.0 to 7.0 degrees by midcentury. As climate change makes summers hotter and drier in the Northern Rockies, the annual forest fire season has nearly tripled since the mid-1970s, from 49 to 135 days. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
WEST GLACIER, MONTANA – SEPTEMBER 16: New pine trees grow up from the forest floor among the gray skeletons of trees killed by the 2003 Robert Complex fire that burned the mountain sides along the North Fork of the Flathead River on the western boundary of Glacier National Park September 16, 2019 near West Glacier, Montana. According to the 2017 Montana Climate Assessment, the annual average temperatures in the state has increased 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit since 1950 and is projected to increase by approximately 3.0 to 7.0 degrees by midcentury. As climate change makes summers hotter and drier in the Northern Rockies, the annual forest fire season has nearly tripled since the mid-1970s, from 49 to 135 days. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) /

On top of that, Livingston has three incredible independent bookstores, each providing a unique and thorough book buying experience. They are mixed in among a litany of quaint shops and wonderful restaurants and bistros.

If planning a literary trip to Livingston, keep an eye on the events schedule. While there might not be many in play at the moment, that will eventually change. Try to time your trip with one of the many arts and literature events happening around town.

Natural Livingston

Being an hour outside of Yellowstone National Park makes Livingston an easy stop when visiting the region. If you’re not looking to stay in the park, this city is easily drivable from it on a daily basis. Plus, it offers a completely different taste of what Montana offers.

It’s an old school cowboy town that found its voice thanks to the written word. From the mountains to the river to the more than century old architecture, Livingston has a feel to it that can be found anywhere else.

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Taking in the natural beauty that surrounds the city makes it easy to understand why it has inspired generations of poets, novelists and journalists. It’s the kind of place that makes you wonder why you live anywhere else. Well, at least until winter hits.

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