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Log Cabin On Historic Yellowstone Park Ranch on the McDonald Ranch

Photo gallery for Log Cabin On Historic Yellowstone Park Ranch on the McDonald Ranch

entrance to cabins, schoolhouse and creek with other old buildings for storage
Golf
Exterior
Bathroom
Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 122000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Rooms & beds

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

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space
Mountain view

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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

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

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

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. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Vacation Homes in GardinerOpens in a new window
Map
Gardiner, MT

What's nearby

  • Yellowstone Hot Springs - 19 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Cutler Lake - 22 min drive - 13.3 km
  • Parks' Fly Shop - 28 min drive - 25.7 km
  • Roosevelt Arch - 28 min drive - 25.7 km
  • Yellowstone National Park North Entrance - 29 min drive - 26.4 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪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 Mar 26, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Log Cabin On Historic Yellowstone Park Ranch on the McDonald Ranch on Apr 28, 2026 start from $375, 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. 59 out of 63 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 63 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 63 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 63 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 63 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann T.

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

10/10 Excellent

The P.

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

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer H.

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

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca W.

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

10/10 Excellent

Doug C.

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

10/10 Excellent

Tammy R.

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

10/10 Excellent

Peggy K.

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

Loved every minute

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

10/10 Excellent

Trent R.

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

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth C.

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

10/10 Excellent

kristin l.

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

10/10 Excellent

Aaron D.

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

10/10 Excellent

Aaron D.

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

10/10 Excellent

William B.

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

8/10 Good

Jahara M.

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

10/10 Excellent

Aimee M.

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

10/10 Excellent

Aaron D.

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

10/10 Excellent

Lorin G.

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

10/10 Excellent

John W.

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

8/10 Good

Neil B.

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

10/10 Excellent

Sarah S.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anita M.

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

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan T.

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

10/10 Excellent

Deborah O.

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

Family vacation

Enjoyed being on beautiful property. Might want to add curtains to bedrooms upstairs that receive morning light for sleeping later.. privacy not an issue. Truly had a good time.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jess W.

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

Peaceful, secluded family vacation

We had a wonderful stay at the Schoolhouse Cabin. The views from the porch were stunning, we enjoyed walking around the property and visiting the horses. We saw lots of wildlife including elk, moose, deer, and eagles. 12 of us across 4 generations stayed here and we had plenty of room. The kids enjoyed the playroom and we liked having the big table to sit and enjoy family meals together. We loved the proximity to Yellowstone for adventures, and also really appreciated being able to retreat to this peaceful, quiet cabin away from it all.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teresa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What can I say other than our vacation stay at this property was truly amazing. From the amazing communication with the host to the amazing property itself. We stayed in the School House rental which had more that enough room for the 8 of us. The house itself made us feel like we were at home and had everything we needed. The property surrounding the home was nothing short of gorgeous. When not out exploring the area, we spent our time on the property enjoying the views, the horses and the ability to just sit out on the large porch drinking coffee in the morning and barbequing in the evenings. If you are looking to get away from crowds and be in the mountains, this is the place for you. Gardiner and Yellowstone National Park are just a short drive away which makes it even better.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 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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