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Log Cabin On Historic Yellowstone Park Ranch on the McDonald Ranch

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A rustic log cabin with a covered porch, outdoor seating, and a scenic mountain backdrop.
A log cabin interior with a fireplace, leather armchairs, a wooden coffee table, and large windows.
A rustic kitchen with wooden cabinets, a white refrigerator, and a sink with a window above it.
A rustic wooden cabin with a metal roof, situated in a grassy field with mountains in the background.
A rustic wooden dining area with a large table and chairs, a kitchen area with a sink and counter, and a view of the outdoors through a window.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
Perched in the mountains, this 5-bedroom vacation home accommodates 12 guests with 2 bathrooms. It offers access to adventure activities like tubing and motorboating, ensuring excitement for families. Enjoy water views from the patio and deck while engaging in nearby golf and skiing. Explore attractions such as Yellowstone River and Yellowstone Hot Springs.

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Gallatin National Forest
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Patio
  • Onsite parking available
  • Toys
  • Internet
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Gardiner, MT
  • Place, Gallatin National Forest
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Yellowstone Hot Springs
    ‪52 min drive‬
  • Place, Cutler Lake
    ‪55 min drive‬
  • Airport, West Yellowstone, MT (WYS-Yellowstone)
    ‪162 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Log Cabin On Historic Yellowstone Park Ranch on the McDonald Ranch

Schoolhouse cabin is nicely restored for comfort and family get togethers. Authentic hand hewn logs, beautiful decor, with 5 Queen bedrooms, room for two more twin beds, big kitchen, 3 leather couches and chair, indoor/outdoor eating areas, big deck and yard. Barbecue grill, fire pits, on the creek. Animals all around tame and wild. TV/DVD/cable, wifi if wanted, beautiful view of meadows, mountains..other cabins and lodge on property. Big family re-unions to just couples accommodated (at reduced rates).
Our cabins have most all amenities ...

Get away from it all, relax, daytime walks.

Located in the mountains next to Yellowstone Park. Our road connects to Old Yellowstone trail at Yellowstone River, and takes 20 minutes or is 9 miles from the park line. Takes 20-30 minutes to reach Gardiner and park pay shack via hwy 89 or Old Yellowstone Trail, (14 miles total from Gardiner). 6 miles of dirt road and 8 miles of interstate highway.

Come enjoy the beauty and comforts of our unique ranch log cabins and Lodge while visiting our Yellowstone Park.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Furniture inside and out is not to be moved Cushions are not to be removed from furniture and placed elsewhere please. dishes need to be cleaned

Important information

You need to know

Property # 609521
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Gardiner

Located in Gardiner, this vacation home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Roosevelt Arch and Fort Yellowstone Historic District are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Yellowstone National Park North Entrance and Yellowstone National Park. Traveling with kids? Consider Parks' Fly Shop, or check out an event or a game at Rodeo Arena. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the sledding and snowmobiling.
View more Vacation Homes in GardinerOpens in a new window
Map
Gardiner, MT

What's nearby

  • Gallatin National Forest - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Yellowstone Hot Springs - 52 min drive - 13.2 km
  • Cutler Lake - 55 min drive - 13.9 km
  • Dome Mountain Wildlife Management Area - 56 min drive - 19.8 km
  • Rodeo Arena - 59 min drive - 25.6 km

Getting around

  • West Yellowstone, MT (WYS-Yellowstone) - 126 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Katie’s Coffee And Sandwich Shop - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Grizzly Grille - ‬24 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Log Cabin On Historic Yellowstone Park Ranch on the McDonald Ranch pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Log Cabin On Historic Yellowstone Park Ranch on the McDonald Ranch?

As of Sep 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Log Cabin On Historic Yellowstone Park Ranch on the McDonald Ranch on Oct 11, 2026 start from $322, 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?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Log Cabin On Historic Yellowstone Park Ranch on the McDonald Ranch?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Log Cabin On Historic Yellowstone Park Ranch on the McDonald Ranch?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Log Cabin On Historic Yellowstone Park Ranch on the McDonald Ranch located?

This family-friendly Gardiner vacation home is located in the mountains, steps from Gallatin National Forest, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Aldridge Lake and Yellowstone Hot Springs. Cutler Lake and Yellowstone River are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 64 out of 68 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 68 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 68 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 68 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 68 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent host and beautiful property! You couldn't want anything better for a quiet mountain stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Perfect place for a large group reunion with kids!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay! The cabin was perfect for our family and I hope to come back again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome place in a great location for your Yellowstone trip. We saw black bears and elk nearby which was cool. 10/10 recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was the perfect end to our Yellowstone vacation. A remote location but so beautiful. Exactly what we were looking for- no noise or light pollution and plenty of wild life. The cabin was well appointed. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great stay

What a beautiful place to stay. There were 6 adults and we were all comfortable. The host was great. It was a short drive to Yellowstone National Park where we spent the daytime hours!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Secluded Location

This property proved to be everything we were looking for: Seclusion, great scenery, clean, plenty of space for 2-3 families, relatively close to the park, and owners who were a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend staying at this place.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet place off the beaten path

Excellent property, great house with everything we needed
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely gorgeous location! Loved the cabin and the ranch! Beds were comfy. Kitchen had everything we needed. The drive was a little over 10 min off the road but once in the highway it was less than 5 into town. We will definitely be back!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent place

Quite, very large house with all the amenities, our crew was there working in the park. We stay in alot of places in a year and this house is by far the best yet
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved every minute

Excellent! Would recommend for sure!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The setting was beautiful. A hidden hem. !!Thanks for sharing your place with us
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome stay

The house was beautiful, spacious, and fit our group of ten perfectly. The property was a dream in October, with all the weathers you could imagine, and the kids loved seeing the horses and other wildlife nearby.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and peaceful land/scenery. Horses friendly who greet you every time you return to the cabin. They love carrots, apple slices and pets/attention. We saw a fox run across the land almost daily. Cabin is very clean and large with 5 bedrooms. Laundry detergent & dryer sheets were supplied. There are several cooking pots, pans, and a griddle, however. the surfaces are showing their ware/use of a multitude of use over the years. The cabin has several cans of bear spray hanging by the front door. Would highly recommend staying at the Schoolhouse cabin. Close enough to Gardiner/North entrance to Yellowstone National Park yet secluded in the mountains after traveling down a winding 6-7 mile gravel road next to a babbling, clear creek. The neighbor has a horse back riding service that our daughters took advantage of which was one of their most memorable activities. The adults enjoyed spending mornings on the front porch drinking coffee and evenings relaxing on while watching the wildlife. Very serene and beautiful.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Montana Adventure

We had a great time in the McDonald cabin. It was picturesque and secluded which we loved. Had all the vibes of a Montana retreat. The kids enjoyed being greeted by the friendly horses each day. Little off the beaten path but worth it when arriving
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful!

This was such a beautiful, calm & relaxing experience!! The property and its managers were exactly what we were looking for. This will definitely be a repeat vacation!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect 5 bedroom house

Our crew was here for work in the park. Nice cabin away from the hussel and bussel
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Out of all the VRBO properties we have stayed in through the years, this was the most amazing! The views were magnificent, the house was great! We were able to feed the horses and we were in heaven! Shai was super helpful and very kind. We enjoyed chatting with her as well!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful views

The stay was excellent! Good place to spend time with family. The only thing is the smell on the cyrtains. Other than that exxellwnt everything.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent getaway

This place is beautiful. Set in a mountain meadow. It is spacious and very secluded. And less than 30 minutes from the entrance to Yellowstone. Trip was magnificent.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic stay!

New Years family gathering of 6 adults and 5 children aged 10-15 (grandparents, parents, grandchildren) from Hawaii and Nevada.The cabin was better than expected! Very charming, well stocked, beautiful location for winter fun.Sledding and hot springs nearby, horses and snowman building. We definitely created some wonderful memories and would all love to return at some point.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great vacation house

My adult niece and nephew were with me and we were in town for the Wolves of the Rockies Yellowstone Wolf Summit. This house was perfect for us. The outdoors could be seen from all rooms in the house. We were gone most of the time we were there but the house was extremely comfortable and inviting.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
good house the only issue is the access road
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Cabin!

We had a fantastic stay at this charming house near Yellowstone! The property was clean and offered plenty of room for our family. Our young kids absolutely loved interacting with the horses, and the playroom kept them entertained for hours. The adults enjoyed relaxing on the lovely wrap-around porch, perfect for morning coffee and evening chats. The organized kitchen made cooking a breeze. Overall, a wonderful and charming place for a family getaway—highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Real life little house on the prairie

This place was amazing. The views were stunning from every window. We stayed in the schoolhouse cabin. It was stocked with all we needed and perfect for our family. The drive to it was a bit nerving coming from a state that is all flatlands, but man once you hit the ranch it’s worth it and you get used to the road after coming and going! We loved it and would absolutely stay again. If your trying to decide weather to book this place or not.. DO IT!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

About the host

Hosted by Shai McDonald

Host profile image
5th Generation family on the McDonald ranch.
Our kids go to Gardiner School and we work here on ranch.
Summers we travel Montana with the kids and horses rodeoing and working with our animals.

We like to share the beauty of our place, it is private, quiet and very special for all kinds of reasons.

Why they chose this property

Our place was homesteaded by great grandparents and cabins they built by hand, we restored for our guests to stay in. We have horses, some cows, cats and dogs that like to visit with everyone.

What makes this property unique

All cabins are nicely restored that show the detailed work our homestead family put into building them. Unique hand hewn logs inside and out, old family photos, unique antique decor with all the ammenities. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and animals with big yards and decks give everyone enough room to move about and enjoy nature right on the porch.
Fire pit for smores, creek flowing by, barbecue grill, indoor/outdoor furniture for everyone's comfort. The horses and dogs love attention and treats.

Languages:

English
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