Recreation in Sweet Grass County
Annual River Boat Float

     The annual Yellowstone River Boat Float is a fun three day event where participants enjoy viewing Montana countryside drift by at a relaxing pace while meeting new people. The float marked its 36th anniversary in 1999. The event starts in the second week of July after the fourth in Livingston. There is a kick off party on the first day to "launch" the event and for all of the participants to gather. Launching into the water happens at Mayor's Landing in Livingston on the following day. The first night's stop is in Big Timber, and then  Saturday morning the fleet will take off for Reed Point, where the second night's stay is planned. On Sunday the Float continues on to Laurel where it ends. No motorized vehicles are allowed in the Float and all craft must meet safety guidelines. All participants are required to wear life jackets and the river will be patrolled by local law enforcement agencies, Fish and Game personnel and search and rescue organizations. Boatmen on jet skis and in jet boats will also aid rafters. Participants come from all over the country, including Washington, Las Vegas, Seattle,  New Mexico, and Wyoming. 

     Safety on the float is important. Boaters should stay in the middle, keep with the main flow and they should not try to take shortcuts through diversions. Floaters are particularly cautioned not to try and float through the diversion dam one and a quarter miles upstream from Springdale.