Be a part of this historic trail!
The Yellowstone Shortline Trail begins with you. Each donation, large or small, contributes to the trail in a meaningful way.
The trail will revive the historic railroad route which follows the South Fork of the Madison River, winding through Custer Gallatin National Forest, offering breathtaking views of landscape. The trail will provide the community with a sustainable and healthy way to experience the region’s unique environment and history and will provide opportunities to boost the economy and increase the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Shortline Supporters
Golden Spike Supporter - $100,000
Sole nameplate on one of three bridges
Great Outdoor Supporter - $15,000
Sole nameplate on one interpretive sign along the trail
Two-Wheeler Supporter - $10,000
Sole nameplate on one of the trail's bike repair stations
First-Class Cabin Supporter - $5,000 - SOLD OUT!
Sole nameplate on a bench along the trail
Caboose Supporter $2,500
Custom brick paver at trailhead with business logo
Rider - $1,000
Custom 8" by 8" brick paver at trailhead with up to 80 characters
Jogger - $500
Custom 8" by 4" brick paver at trailhead with up to 48 characters
Trekker - $250
One of 600 name- plates on trail bridge
Walker - $100
Ways to Donate
PayPal
Donate through PayPal using the “Donate” button above.
BY Mail
Checks can be made out to “Yellowstone Shortline Trail” and mailed to:
Yellowstone Historic Center, PO Box 1299, West Yellowstone, MT, 59758.
In Person
Stop by the offices at 220 Yellowstone Avenue in West Yellowstone, MT. We accept credit card, check, and cash donations.
Over the Phone
Call 1-406-646-7461 to make a donation by credit card over the phone.
How will my donation contribute to the success and completion of the Yellowstone Shortline Trail?
Design and Packaging: The first step will be hiring professionals to produce a comprehensive design detailing the process of constructing the trail from the beginning to the end. After the design is ready to go, work can begin with an engineer & contracting officer to oversee the construction of the trail.
Construction: The bulk of the costs associated with this project fall under construction. While the path of the old railroad is still distinguishable, there are many obstacles preventing users from utilizing the path. Construction includes brush and tree removal to clear a 10-foot-wide path, grading, surfacing the entirety of the trail, rerouting a section of the trail to mitigate wetland concerns, and installation of three trail bridges. Construction began in 2022 and will resume in the summer of 2023.
Additional Amenities - The above construction will ensure the trail is suitable for hiking and biking. Additional construction will add desired and necessary amenities to make the trail more enjoyable and user friendly. Additional construction includes: procurement & installation of pavilions, benches, interpretive signage, and restrooms.
Maintenance: The Yellowstone Shortline Trail will require upkeep and maintenance costs to ensure the trail remains in a condition that provides users with a safe and enjoyable experience for years to come.
ADA Construction: The project aims to pave the trail in order to make the trail ADA-friendly. This would allow even more people to take advantage of the trail. The more funds raised, the more accessible the trail will be.
How will my donation be processed?
The Yellowstone Historic Center (YHC) is the fiscal sponsor for the Yellowstone Shortline Trail (YST) Project. All donations to the trail will be processed through the YHC and earmarked specifically for the YST. Funds for the YST Project are set aside to assure all donations will be used as intended by the donor.
The YHC is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, so all or part of your cash or in-kind donation may be tax deductible, depending on the purpose and type of your donation.
Please support our fiscal sponsor by becoming a member of the YHC at: https://museumoftheyellowstone.org/memberships
