Red Lodge Montana Covered Wagon Trips, Rides

The present-day state of Montana made up part of the Oregon Territory. Americans began moving west to the Oregon Territory in the mid-1800s. The only way to make the move from the east to the west, was to ride on horseback or travel in a covered wagon. Many families who moved west traveled in groups of covered wagons, called a wagon train.

A covered wagon was a wagon with a white canvas cloth covering its top. The top was stretched over big wooden hoops to give the wagon a round shape. The canvas top was rubbed with oil to make it waterproof, and the canvas could be closed at both ends with drawstrings to keep out the rain or wind, or it could be rolled up to get a breeze. There was a wooden board in the front of the wagon where people sat. Hooks were inside the wagon to hang milk cans, guns, bonnets, spoons, dolls, jackets and other items. There was also a hook between the back wheels to carry a bucket of grease used on the wheels for a smoother turn. Families packed their wagons with only the items necessary for the five or six month journey.

Today, Montana celebrates its history of the wagon train offering covered wagon rides and trips to guests interested in a tour of Montana's landscape. Many horseback riding outfitters, along with guest ranches have authentic wagons to carry guests on a scenic tour, with meals often included. There are also several outfitters who offer overnight and multi-day trips into the backcountry by use of the covered wagons for a genuine western experience.

Beartooth Wagon & Sleigh Rides offers family fun, year-round. Spring, summer and fall feature wagon rides, while sleigh rides are offered during the winter. There are also chuckwagon rides during the spring through fall season.

Beartooth Wagon and Sleigh Rides
(406) 446-2179
PO Box 63
Red Lodge, MT 59068