Nestled in Cinnabar Basin, the 1916 Schoolhouse is a historic retreat where you can unplug and unwind amidst mountain views. With horseback rides, zip lining, whitewater rafting nearby and hiking/cross-country skiing right from your doorstep.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire cabin
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Barbecue
Fireplace
Mountain view
Add dates for prices
About this property
1916 Schoolhouse near Yellowstone-horse rides,zip lining, rafting, hiking
Take a step back in time and delve into the rich history of the area. Our 1916 Schoolhouse is located on the historic Stermitz Ranch in beautiful Cinnabar Basin, Gardiner, Montana. This is the original location of the school, which provided a much needed learning place for the children in this rural area - many of whose families immigrated to the area to work in coal mines.
In 2009-2010, the schoolhouse was completely renovated to preserve the structure and maintain the historic integrity of the building. Many of the original items are on display for all to enjoy.
From the moment you drive to the schoolhouse on the hill, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views. Once you set foot inside, you are in for a relaxing vacation. The schoolhouse boasts several tall windows, each with spectacular mountain views - aspen trees and wildlife abound. Watch deer, elk, and the occasional moose graze in the meadow out the front door. Bears, wolves, and coyotes are sometimes spotted on nearby hills and fields.
Experience what life is like on a western ranch. We raise American Quarter Horses, and generally have at least one new foal every summer. Last summer our cabin guests were fortunate enough to witness the birth! The ranch is also home to chickens,pigs,cows,dogs, and cats.
A highlight of the Schoolhouse features: *Unplug! The cabin does not have wifi or cell service, but there is a land line. Activities typically run from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If we have enough help, we can sometimes extend horseback rides into the fall. Please check with us first. *Horseback rides and zip lining available on property. (Summer season) *Whitewater rafting on the nearby Yellowstone River. (Summer season) *Hiking/cross-country skiing from the front door. *King size bed with luxurious linens. *Mountain views from every window. *Beautiful location on the historic Stermitz Ranch. *A scenic 20-25 minute drive to Yellowstone National Park. *2 twin camping mats (with bedding)are perfect for kids. *Cozy seating area with a charming propane fireplace. *Carefully appointed details such as a tin ceiling, original wood floors, old school desks and books, a chalkboard, etc. *Heated slate floor in the bathroom. *Kitchen with a full size range. *Opportunities for children to interact with animals. *Western ranch experience.
Do you have a larger group, or planning a family re-union? Ask about our other cabin rentals on the ranch!
*Please note the strict cancellation policy. In order to further protect your trip outside of the 60 day cancellation policy, purchasing trip insurance is highly recommended.
I look forward to meeting you. Your host, Stacy Stermitz
Keywords: Studio, cottage, school house, cabin
Property amenities
Ski
Cross-country skiing nearby
Ski lift privileges
Snowboarding nearby
Parking and transport
Car required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Hair dryer
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Fireplace
Entertainment
Books
Games
Music library
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Deck/patio
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundromat nearby
Comfort
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Cobblestone flooring in public areas
Hardwood flooring in public areas
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Phone
Location highlights
In a rural location
In the mountains
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Near an outlet shopping centre
Near the marina
Things to do
Ski lift privileges
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Ice skating nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rafting nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sledding nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Spelunking nearby
Swimming nearby
Theme park nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Gardiner, this cabin is in a rural area and near theme parks. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Yellowstone National Park and Yellowstone National Park North Entrance. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the ice skating and sledging. Visit our Gardiner travel guide
Is 1916 Schoolhouse near Yellowstone-horse rides,zip lining, rafting, hiking pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at 1916 Schoolhouse near Yellowstone-horse rides,zip lining, rafting, hiking?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at 1916 Schoolhouse near Yellowstone-horse rides,zip lining, rafting, hiking?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 1916 Schoolhouse near Yellowstone-horse rides,zip lining, rafting, hiking?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is 1916 Schoolhouse near Yellowstone-horse rides,zip lining, rafting, hiking located?
Situated in the mountains, this cabin is steps from Gallatin National Forest and within 3 mi (5 km) of Aldridge Lake and Yellowstone River. Yellowstone Hot Springs and Cutler Lake are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
1916 Schoolhouse near Yellowstone-horse rides,zip lining, rafting, hiking Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We love staying at the school house. This was our fourth year staying here. Place is spotlessly clean, scenery is spectacular and the hostess is amazing. We will be back next year!
The property is where you go to disconnect but connect with nature… absolutely beautiful ! The schoolhouse is perfect for a couple quaint. Montana is heavenly!
We loved out stay at the Schoolhouse. It is an outstanding property in a beautiful setting. The cabin is so charming with everything you could want. It is a peaceful getaway and step back in time. Stacy is a wonderful host - warm and available. If you like beautiful scenery in a remote area, this is the place for you! Highly recommend it !!
We loved everything about the schoolhouse cabin and the property! It was clean, beautiful, and the property is spectacular with gorgeous views and plenty of privacy. Would absolutely stay on the Stermitz ranch again in a heartbeat! (And we loved Harper, the dog!!!)
If you want to disconnect, this is the place.. exactly what we expected and more. Close to the entrance of Yellowstone. Lots of shops and restaurants.
Thank you for allowing us to enjoy your schoolhouse.
We loved the schoolhouse! The location was beautiful and convenient for exploring Yellowstone. My son and I loved reading the book regarding the history of the location. I enjoyed unplugging from the world. Our family loved the horseback riding trip. Our guide were great and we will always remember our time riding DD, Mr. Chet and Lucy!
Great place, very clean. Great view, right in the valley. Very relaxing. Stacy is very responsive to messages and email. I have not done the horse riding with Stacy, it was already booked in Yellowstone, but highly recommend doing it with Stacy. Will visit again.
Thank you.
The schoolhouse was perfect for my daughter and I to escape the world and connect with one another, Mother Nature, and the essence of time. The puzzle and board games were a great touch for something to do without cell service in the evening after dinner. We also booked a horseback trip on the Ranch while we were there and the Propety and Wrangler was both amazing. I really enjoyed our trip to Gardiner and the host was accommodating and helpful. Thank you for a wonderful “unplugged” week away!
Fantastic property with horse back riding and beautiful sunsets. Loved that there was no service so we read and did a puzzle. Make sure to pack allergy medicine bc it is an old property that sheds dust and the bugs around Yellowstone come out around 10am so pack lots of bug spray. They have literally everything like a grill and cooler that we wish we utilized but will the next time we stay! Perfect for a couple, any more than 2 adults will have to set up the mattress on the floor or sleep on the couch like me. But worth it for the amazing experience Stacy and Montana has to offer
Great getaway for our 40th anniversary. Amazing views to drink coffee in the early morning and a drink in the evening after a long day seeing Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons
We had an amazing stay! It was nice and cozy inside and plenty of open space to enjoy the outdoors. Loved the rocking chairs on the front porch! Very comfortable bed, and the place was well-stocked with everything we needed!
Erin V.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Lisa W.
4 Aug 2025
the property is cute if you're looking for an "off the grid" experience.
Beautiful views and a great location, close to the north Yellowstone entrance and the town of Gardiner. The kitchen was small but had everything you could need and the property manager was great.
The renovated schoolhouse was a dream stay for this retired teacher! I loved all the history and added touches with the decor. Our stay was peaceful and relaxing! The proximity to Yellowstone plus the remote feel of the cabin set on the ranch gave us everything you could want in a vacation. We saw a bear cub along the road to the cabin on 3 separate occasions. Harper’s visits to our front porch were the best!
We 100%enjoyed our stay here. It was convenient to Gardiner and Yellowstone but far enough away from the main roads to feel remote. No WiFi or cell service can be a good thing! The schoolhouse was well appointed and very clean. We enjoyed learning about the history of the school! My husband commented several times about how he would definitely stay here again. I agree!
Very clean, modernized yet still rustic/historic looking cabin might have a smaller footprint, and the owners have utilized every square foot perfectly. Our plans to back country camp in Yellowstone changed due to the weather, and we were extremely fortunate to find the 1916 Schoolhouse available. Our host was very responsive and communicated everything perfectly. The cabin is close to Gardiner which has most everything you would need, yet it is tucked away between two mountains. It feels like you are hours away from something.