Quake Lake – Just a few miles west of Parade Rest Ranch along Highway 287 begins the auto tour of the 1959 Quake Lake Earthquake disaster. Drive by Refugee Point, a ghost village, building destruction, the Duck Creek and the epicenter of the earthquake. The 1959 earthquake at Hebgen Lake, near West Yellowstone, is the largest in Montana's history. The resulting landslide and the lake it formed are still an impressive sight and a grim reminder of nature's awesome power. This earthquake caused 28 fatalities and about $11 million in damage to highways and timber.

The Visitors Center overlooks the slide area and lake. Educational exhibits with information about wildlife, earthquakes and other geographic phenomenon line the walls. Highlights include a working seismograph, authentic photographs of damage taken in the days shortly following the quake, and recollections from the survivors. An observation room, informational videos and outdoor boardwalk share the story of the slide. The visitors’ center is open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week from Memorial Day through mid-September. Fees are $3 per car, $15 per tour bus, and $1 for hikers/bikers. Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access passes are honored.

Hebgen Lake – Hebgen Lake is a short 10 miles northwest of West Yellowstone and draws much of its visitors in the summer months. Hebgen Lake has some of the best dry fly lake fishing in the state of Montana. Rainbow trout, lake trout, whitefish, pike and bass - Montana's lakes offer excellent fly fishing for a wide variety of species. And Hebgen Lake has some of the best dry fly lake fishing in the state of Montana. Neighboring the national forest and surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenes and beautiful pine trees, a trip to Hebgen Lake presents unforgettable fishing opportunities for both local and visiting fly fishermen. In 1959, the Hebgen Lake earthquake produced a shocking 7.5 magnitude quake, the strongest ever recorded in the Intermountain West and the Rockies.

Virginia City – Just 74 miles northwest of Parade Rest Ranch is a unique living history city. Founded in 1863 during the early gold rush days, Virginia City is the original capital of Montana. In 1946, the town began preserving and restoring many of its building. Today, Virginia City operates under the supervision of the Montana Historical Society. The buildings have been restored in most of the business district. The businesses are open and include gift shops, jewelry stores, a pub, hotel, and an ice cream shop that serves the BEST home-made ice cream you have ever tasted. You can also visit the Opera House, the Brewery Follies or take a tour and check out the antique fire engine, a stagecoach or a live steam train.