1916 Schoolhouse near Yellowstone-horse rides,zip lining, rafting, hiking
Take a step back in time and delve into the rich history of the area. Our 1916 Schoolhouse is located on the historic Stermitz Ranch in beautiful Cinnabar Basin, Gardiner, Montana. This is the original location of the school, which provided a much needed learning place for the children in this rural area - many of whose families immigrated to the area to work in coal mines.
In 2009-2010, the schoolhouse was completely renovated to preserve the structure and maintain the historic integrity of the building. Many of the original items are on display for all to enjoy.
From the moment you drive to the schoolhouse on the hill, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views. Once you set foot inside, you are in for a relaxing vacation. The schoolhouse boasts several tall windows, each with spectacular mountain views - aspen trees and wildlife abound. Watch deer, elk, and the occasional moose graze in the meadow out the front door. Bears, wolves, and coyotes are sometimes spotted on nearby hills and fields.
Experience what life is like on a western ranch. We raise American Quarter Horses, and generally have at least one new foal every summer. Last summer our cabin guests were fortunate enough to witness the birth! The ranch is also home to chickens,pigs,cows,dogs, and cats.
A highlight of the Schoolhouse features: *Unplug! The cabin does not have wifi or cell service, but there is a land line. Activities typically run from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If we have enough help, we can sometimes extend horseback rides into the fall. Please check with us first. *Horseback rides and zip lining available on property. (Summer season) *Whitewater rafting on the nearby Yellowstone River. (Summer season) *Hiking/cross-country skiing from the front door. *King size bed with luxurious linens. *Mountain views from every window. *Beautiful location on the historic Stermitz Ranch. *A scenic 20-25 minute drive to Yellowstone National Park. *2 twin camping mats (with bedding)are perfect for kids. *Cozy seating area with a charming propane fireplace. *Carefully appointed details such as a tin ceiling, original wood floors, old school desks and books, a chalkboard, etc. *Heated slate floor in the bathroom. *Kitchen with a full size range. *Opportunities for children to interact with animals. *Western ranch experience.
Do you have a larger group, or planning a family re-union? Ask about our other cabin rentals on the ranch!
*Please note the strict cancellation policy. In order to further protect your trip outside of the 60 day cancellation policy, purchasing trip insurance is highly recommended.
I look forward to meeting you. Your host, Stacy Stermitz
Keywords: Studio, cottage, school house, cabin
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Gardiner
Located in Gardiner, this cabin is in a rural area and near theme parks. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Yellowstone National Park and Yellowstone National Park North Entrance. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the sledging and snowmobiling.
Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center - 21 min drive - 21.2 km
Roosevelt Arch - 21 min drive - 21.5 km
Yellowstone National Park North Entrance - 22 min drive - 22.2 km
Getting around
Bozeman, MT (BZN-Bozeman Yellowstone Intl.) - 90 min drive
Restaurants
Grizzly Grille - 17 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is 1916 Schoolhouse near Yellowstone-horse rides,zip lining, rafting, hiking pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at 1916 Schoolhouse near Yellowstone-horse rides,zip lining, rafting, hiking?
As of 15 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 1916 Schoolhouse near Yellowstone-horse rides,zip lining, rafting, hiking on 1 May 2026 start from £147, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at 1916 Schoolhouse near Yellowstone-horse rides,zip lining, rafting, hiking?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at 1916 Schoolhouse near Yellowstone-horse rides,zip lining, rafting, hiking?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 1916 Schoolhouse near Yellowstone-horse rides,zip lining, rafting, hiking?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is 1916 Schoolhouse near Yellowstone-horse rides,zip lining, rafting, hiking located?
Situated in the mountains, this cabin is steps from Gallatin National Forest and within 3 mi (5 km) of Aldridge Lake and Yellowstone River. Yellowstone Hot Springs and Cutler Lake are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great getaway for our 40th anniversary. Amazing views to drink coffee in the early morning and a drink in the evening after a long day seeing Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons
We had an amazing stay! It was nice and cozy inside and plenty of open space to enjoy the outdoors. Loved the rocking chairs on the front porch! Very comfortable bed, and the place was well-stocked with everything we needed!
The renovated schoolhouse was a dream stay for this retired teacher! I loved all the history and added touches with the decor. Our stay was peaceful and relaxing! The proximity to Yellowstone plus the remote feel of the cabin set on the ranch gave us everything you could want in a vacation. We saw a bear cub along the road to the cabin on 3 separate occasions. Harper’s visits to our front porch were the best!
Beautiful views and a great location, close to the north Yellowstone entrance and the town of Gardiner. The kitchen was small but had everything you could need and the property manager was great.
We 100%enjoyed our stay here. It was convenient to Gardiner and Yellowstone but far enough away from the main roads to feel remote. No WiFi or cell service can be a good thing! The schoolhouse was well appointed and very clean. We enjoyed learning about the history of the school! My husband commented several times about how he would definitely stay here again. I agree!
Very clean, modernized yet still rustic/historic looking cabin might have a smaller footprint, and the owners have utilized every square foot perfectly. Our plans to back country camp in Yellowstone changed due to the weather, and we were extremely fortunate to find the 1916 Schoolhouse available. Our host was very responsive and communicated everything perfectly. The cabin is close to Gardiner which has most everything you would need, yet it is tucked away between two mountains. It feels like you are hours away from something.
A quiet back country retreat. A place to relax and be tech. free. The school house is a great place to spend with your person.
Joanna S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Timothy H.
3 Oct 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Cabin was very cozy but a little too much emphasis on the history of the schoolhouse. Akin to staying in a museum with all of the pieces which didn’t leave any room to hang or put away clothing, etc. Forced to place suitcases on sofa and literally live out of them every day.
We love staying at the school house. This was our fourth year staying here. Place is spotlessly clean, scenery is spectacular and the hostess is amazing. We will be back next year!
Susan O.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
Debbie L.
19 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Location
The “schoolhouse” was cute and clean. The drive to the cabin was a 6 mile drive on a dirt road with no lights. We felt this was unsafe and should be been described in detail.
The 1916 schoolhouse cabin has been perfectly remodeled to give you everything you need to get away from a hectic life, while preseving the character and history of the schoolhouse. Sits atop a small hill, surrounded by the mountains.
The property is where you go to disconnect but connect with nature… absolutely beautiful ! The schoolhouse is perfect for a couple quaint. Montana is heavenly!
We loved out stay at the Schoolhouse. It is an outstanding property in a beautiful setting. The cabin is so charming with everything you could want. It is a peaceful getaway and step back in time. Stacy is a wonderful host - warm and available. If you like beautiful scenery in a remote area, this is the place for you! Highly recommend it !!
If you want to disconnect, this is the place.. exactly what we expected and more. Close to the entrance of Yellowstone. Lots of shops and restaurants.
Thank you for allowing us to enjoy your schoolhouse.
We loved everything about the schoolhouse cabin and the property! It was clean, beautiful, and the property is spectacular with gorgeous views and plenty of privacy. Would absolutely stay on the Stermitz ranch again in a heartbeat! (And we loved Harper, the dog!!!)
Christy B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
About the host
Hosted by Stacy Stermitz
I feel extremely blessed to live in such an amazing place. My late husband and I were fortunate to raise our 4 sons, who are the 5th generation, here on the historic Stermitz Ranch. Rob worked full time as a Landscape Architect in Yellowstone. Stacy is a full time mom and manages the vacation rental properties and the horseback rides. We enjoyed working on renovation projects together, generally on the weekends as time allowed. The schoolhouse is our third complete renovation on the aging ranch buildings. The next project will be the original homestead house built in 1910. We have enjoyed the challenges that each building brings, and look forward to the day when all of the original structures have been restored and preserved!
Why they chose this property
After Rob and I both graduated from college and got married, we decided that this was the ideal place to raise our kids. We both shared a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the history of the area, and the proximity to Yellowstone Park makes it ideal. We just love the story of how his family came to be here. Rob's great grandfather, Joseph, was born in Slovenia, Austria in 1862 and worked in the coal mines from the age of 9. He later immigrated here from Slovenia with his wife and two children in 1892, following the promise of work in coal mines in Montana. When they arrived he found that no work was to be found. Joseph used his last $10 to buy a gun so that he could hunt in order to feed his family. While here, a fire broke out in the Cokedale mines. Joe helped put out the fires and was noticed by the mine boss who asked 'who is that good worker?' Someone explained that it was an immigrant who couldn't find work. The mine boss then said 'Put that man to work. Anyone who works that hard for no pay should get a job.' The family, along with the addition of three more children, moved to the ranch in Cinnabar Basin in 1900. They purchased the original homestead of Bob Dixon. Their house consisted of a dirt roofed dugout built by Dixon. Later, when the mine closed in 1910, the lumber was brought from the hospital building in Aldrige to construct a log and lumber house. Rob's grandfather was born here in 1910. He later attended this school. In 1935, Rob's grandfather married Gladys Elliott, who was one of the teachers at this schoolhouse. Their son, Jim, also attended school here and continued to live here on the ranch with his wife Lorayne.
What makes this property unique
The ranch is ideally located in the remote mountains of the Gallatin National Forest, while still being a close drive to the many wonders of Yellowstone National Park. We enjoy watching the abundant wildlife, hiking and skiing from our back door, and taking a horseback ride up the scenic mountain trails that the ranch has to offer. Being in the great outdoors is what this property is all about! Experience what life is like on a western ranch. We hope that you will enjoy it as much as we do.
Languages:
English
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