Explore Lovell

Outdoor Adventure & Wildlife
Lovell sits just west of the majestic Bighorn Mountains and serves as a prime entry to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Launch boats from local marinas to fish Bighorn Lake—70 miles of serene water peppered with trophy trout, walleye, and perch—or fly-fish along the canyon’s wildriver stretches. More spirited anglers can tackle ice fishing along the frozen lake in winter.

Hiking, Boating & Scenic Drives
Explore dramatic canyon overlooks like Devil’s and Sullivan’s Knob trails, where cliff views soar over 1,000 feet above the water. Boating, kayaking, swimming, and wildlife-watching—including bighorn sheep, wild horses, eagles, and herds of elk—are available throughout Bighorn Canyon.

Campgrounds & Ice Climbing
The South District around Lovell offers Horseshoe Bend and Trail Creek campgrounds with open lakeside and cliffside sites. Winter sports enthusiasts can hire guides for world-class ice climbing in nearby Bighorn canyons.

Rich History & Culture
Founded in 1887 by cattlemen Henry Clay Lovell and Anthony Mason, the town grew from the sprawling ML Ranch empire and later blossomed into “The Rose Town” thanks to abundant irrigation and community pride. History comes alive at several nearby ML Ranch historic sites in the Canyon and through community events.

Local Flavor & Community
With about 2,200 residents, Lovell features delightful small‑town charm: catch a movie at the restored Hyart Theater, dine under rose-lit streets, and enjoy local art galleries, cafés, and festivals. The Medicine Wheel landmark on Medicine Mountain offers a spiritual, cultural link to Native American traditions.

Strategic Basecamp
Lovell’s location makes it a perfect launchpad—not only to Bighorn Canyon but also to Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, Yellowstone’s East entrance, and even Mount Rushmore in South Dakota