Fishing Bridge - General Store — Local services in West Yellowstone

Ah, Fishing Bridge General Store, so we stopped at the Fishing Bridge General Store in Yellowstone, which is basically like if Cracker Barrel went to college and majored in “National Park Vibes.” It’s got everything—snacks, souvenirs, maps, and that one mug you’ll never use but will absolutely buy because it has a bear on it and you’re in bear country now.

The store itself is great. It’s got that old-school charm, like it’s been there since Teddy Roosevelt was just out here yelling at trees. The staff were friendly, the shelves were stocked, and the ice cream was cold—which is all you can ask for when you’re 200 miles from the nearest Costco.

But the real show was outside.

Right as we were leaving, we saw a red fox just chilling by the entrance like he was waiting for an Uber. Beautiful animal. Sleek, confident, and completely unimpressed by us. We were like, “Look! A fox!” and he was like, “Yeah, I know. I live here.” He gave us one glance that said, “You people get excited about squirrels too, huh?” and then trotted off like he had a dinner reservation.

Now, I grew up thinking Redd Foxx was the only fox worth knowing. You know, Sanford and Son, yelling “I’m comin’ Elizabeth!” every time he got worked up. But this red fox? He didn’t yell. He didn’t even blink. He just walked off like he had better things to do—which, honestly, he probably did. Like not being stared at by a bunch of tourists holding Pringles.

Anyway, five stars for the store, five stars for the fox, and five stars for the moment where nature reminded us we’re not the main character out here. Yellowstone’s got jokes, and this fox was the...

Cashier Larry was very rude. We got scolded just because we tried one hat before buying. He kept saying (original words): "Why did you try it!" "For the 150 years of park history no one ever tried before buying!" "I've never seen anyone do that in the many years I worked here!" I don't know if there's such a policy, but I didn't see any sign. Even if there was such a policy, he could have informed us in a more professional manner and we would happily follow. Maybe working in a store inside a national park makes you superior to your customers. If you were the pioneer who discovered Yellowstone, or the president who signed it to be a national park 150 years ago I guess you can be more proud, but I doubt it. All what you are doing is a shame. We didn't want to argue so just paid and left. Would definitely...

I would enter negative five stars if I could. The assistant manager that my wife and I dealt with, lacks the simple, basic people and customer service skills to run a portable toilet. Only after literally arguing for the Manager's name and number was this "asst. manager" willing to even think about looking and/or listening for a compromisable solution. He then twisted the reason for the credit return to hide the fact that someone in their company made, what I now can only hope, was an honest mistake. Worst experience I've ever had at a retail store, ever; and I've worked in retail and customer service for over 30 years. I love to go to Yellowstone Park and go as often as I can, but it will be a very cold day before I walk into one of these...