Ride Day 10 (Day 11) of 2025 Epic Motorcycle Trip: Great Falls, Montana to Red Lodge, Montana (270 miles)

July 23, 2025

Ride Day 10 (Day 11) of 2025 Epic Motorcycle Trip: Great Falls, Montana to Red Lodge, Montana (270 miles) - Big Sunny Skies!

Big Sky Montana

Today we woke up feeling much better than Going to the Sun Road to Great Falls Day. It’s not windy at the hotel (at least the flags aren’t blowing). Load up the bike and head to Big Sky Harley Davidson (www.bigskyharley.com , 4258 10^th Avenue South, Great Falls, MT). Pick up a poker chip on our way to Red Lodge through big sky country.

Big Sky Harley Davidson, in Great Falls, Montana

Take 87 to 191 to Interstate 90 (only about 38 miles of interstate) to head over to Red Lodge. It’s not super windy and we have the road to ourselves quite a bit of the time. It’s a nice straight time and big skies are better without big wind! We do stop on the side of 191 for a little way because there was a big storm (everything is big in Montana it seems) to go past.

Eddie's Corner has gas (and pie) at the corner of 87 and 191

We gas up at Eddies Corner before getting on 191 (Eddie's Corner has been in business since 1951. And has gas, a convenience store, restaurant (with pie), casino, lounge, coin operated laundry and showers). Being around nothingness in Montana has us gassing up more frequently: “when you see gas, get gas” is a good motto around here.

Big Storm moving fast. We stop and watch.

Wind turbines in the background.

More big sky

It’s a pretty nice ride day of nothingness, but pretty (and not windy) nothingness.

We get into Red Lodge, a touristy downtown, with a Harley T-shirt shop before the Yodeler Motel (601 Broadway Avenue South, Red Lodge, https://www.yodelermotel.com/ ), the historic motel we’re staying in before going to Beartooth Pass, Chief Joseph and Cody tomorrow (maybe into Yellowstone). The Yodeler is a kitchzie (I can’t spell this), vintage motel. Our room has a front and back door, and a steam sauna in the bathroom. And a motorcycle wash station. We’re staying in the “Honeymoon Suite.”

Historic Register Yodeler Motel

My paper map directions to the Yodeler Motel

Vintage room (with front and back doors)

In-room steam bath (but no "magic fingers" in the bed)

More information on the Yodeler (the back is filled tonight with bikes): Nestled in the heart of Red Lodge, the Yodeler Motel was built in 1909 by Daniel O’Shea, the property began as apartments for hardworking European immigrant miners who worked in the nearby East Bench Mine. Later, these same residents helped construct the iconic Beartooth Highway, paving the way for Red Lodge to become a gateway to Yellowstone and beyond. In 1961, the building transformed into Red Lodge’s first and only Bavarian-themed motel, thanks to local contractor Al Sloulin. With its chalet-style entrance, intricate woodwork, and southern German motifs, the Yodeler quickly became a favorite for travelers seeking charm and character. Today, it remains a symbol of Red Lodge’s rich heritage and welcoming spirit. The Yodeler is just minutes from downtown Red Lodge and the scenic Beartooth Highway (and just 68 miles from the northeast entrance of Yellowstone). Our room has high-speed Wi-Fi, TV, mini-fridge, in-room steam sauna and a front porch to sit, motorcycle bike wash station, hot tub and parking (including for trailers).

Then, off to the Harley T-shirt shop Davidson (retail, 105 S. Broadway, Red Lodge) and an early dinner (or late lunch) at Bogarts, for (https://www.bogarts.fun/ ) Huckleberry Margaritas and enchiladas (yes, we’re in Dallas, but people said it was good).

Beartooth Harley Davidson (retail shop)

Bogarts for Mexican and Huckleberry Margaritas

Huckleberry Marg at Bogarts

The Huckleberry Margarita wasn’t as good as the one at the Belton Chalet, but it was good.

I got Huckleberry ice cream down the street. I’m wearing a T-shirt today that says “Ride Motorcycles, Eat Ice Cream” so I had to have ice cream). An early night at the Yodeler and then Beartooth.