visit bozeman montana

MONTANA TRIFECTA WEEKEND

Spartan race, yellowstone.

Bozeman is the western mountain town that’s got it all. Two world-class ski resorts within an hour. Hundreds of miles of trails and even more untouched backcountry. Views too incredible to be real.

But this mountain town is anything but sleepy. Stroll along Bozeman’s downtown Main Street to find a foodie’s paradise, concerts and local events every week. Matched with places to stay for every taste, you’ll find an unforgettable experience here in Bozeman.

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It's no surprise to anyone in Montana, Bozeman has seen a lot of growth and change over the last few years. With change comes new opportunities and new experiences. It may feel a little different, but there is still so much to love about Bozeman. Learn more about special lodging rate opportunities for Montana residents.

Finding a place to stay in Bozeman, Montana is easy, with options for every taste. Choose from family-friendly hotels, historic bed and breakfasts, rustic cabins, trendy motels, and everything in between. Start your lodging search here to find the perfect place to rest your head.

Bozeman’s restaurant scene is fit for a city three times its size, with exciting new places to eat and drink popping up nearly every month. World-renowned chefs are moving in, and Bozeman is coming alive with global flavors like classic French, smoked BBQ, fresh sushi and poke, and every ice cream flavor under the alpine sun. Start your tour of Montana’s foodie destination here.

Bozeman, Montana is nature’s playground no matter the season, whether you ski, snowboard, hike, fish or just want to take a scenic drive. Year-round festivals, concerts, museums and shopping will keep you busy in any weather, helping you make the most of the West’s best mountain town.

Bozeman is the perfect mountain setting for meetings and conferences, with everything your group needs to get business done by day and explore Montana when the work is done. From casual boardrooms to formal ballrooms and event venues, we have plenty of space and more than 1,800 hotel rooms to accommodate your guests.

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Bozeman is called “the most livable place” for good reason. Enjoy world-renowned fly fishing, dramatic mountains for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, hunting, and backcountry exploring, Yellowstone National Park, and impressive wildlife. When you are ready for a more city experience, dive into Bozeman’s thriving arts and culture communities, ranging from main street festivals, farmers markets, cultural centers and museums to symphonies, theaters, and art galleries.

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The Ultimate First Timer’s Guide to Bozeman, Montana

If you’re planning a trip to beautiful Bozeman, Montana, you’re probably wondering what to see and do, where to eat, and how to experience the city and its environs like a local. Here’s everything you need to know to have an exceptional first-timer’s visit. 

There are plenty of wonderful things to see and do in Bozeman, and we’d never be able to make a complete list. If you were our guest, however, there are a few things we’d be sure you didn’t miss. So while you’re here, we recommend you…

Experience the Outdoors

Bozeman is a Montana mecca for many things, and outdoor recreation is at the top of the list. Whether you’re a serious outdoors person or just someone who enjoys a walk in nature, there are a million ways to experience Montana’s natural beauty in and around Bozeman. Depending on the season, you might hike the College M, spend a morning cross-country skiing in town, or take a nice bike ride up at Hyalite Canyon.

Stroll Downtown

Downtown Bozeman is a happening, vibrant place where longtime local shops hold forth amid buzzy new businesses and where you can find pretty much any type of cuisine, entertainment, or fun that you seek. In downtown Bozeman, you’ll get to experience the charm of a true Western town and enjoy the best restaurants and retail this area has to offer.

Take a Day Trip

Driving is a way of life in Montana, and urban folk might be surprised to learn that for us, destinations that are 1-3 hours away are considered “close.” Even though you won’t make them all, we highly recommend taking a day or two to visit Virginia City, Helena, Butte, Livingston, or any of the surrounding towns, really. Each has its own unique character and offers another glimpse of what it means to live in Montana.

Soak In a Hot Spring

Summer or winter, it’s never the wrong temperature for a nice soak. The recently renovated Bozeman Hot Springs is where you’ll find many a local soaking away the stress of the workday on a weeknight, and Norris, White Sulfur Springs, Chico, and Boulder Hot Springs are just a short drive away. So grab your swimsuit and get ready to relax and recharge with one of Bozemanites’ favorite pastimes. 

Visit Yellowstone

Bozeman has recently gained some attention due to the hit show, “Yellowstone,” and we really are just a short drive from this world-class national park. Yellowstone offers pristine wilderness, wildlife viewing, geysers, and incredible natural beauty all year round, so don’t miss it. 

Mix With the Dinosaurs

The Museum of the Rockies is famous for its life-size T. Rex skeleton and an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils from around Montana. Be sure to take in a show at the planetarium, and don’t miss the awesome gift shop. 

Have a Coffee... and Then a Beer

We haven’t actually counted, but it’s possible that for every cozy coffee shop in Bozeman, there is an equally friendly, laid-back local brewery , and we, of course, recommend you visit them all. Start your day at Treeline, Daily Coffee, or Rockford (a few of our faves), then, when your adventures are done, finish it out with a nice tall one at Outlaw Brewing, Bozeman Brewing, or Mountains Walking Brewery.  

Of course, the perfect trip to Bozeman depends on your mood, your interests, your budget, and who you’re traveling with, but we hope this guide gives you a good place to start. For even more helpful info about visiting Bozeman, download our travel guide below. 

In our never-ending quest to keep up with all things new in Bozeman, we have been producing content for years and can't possibly update every blog when new businesses open or existing businesses close. Please reference the publish date and do your own due diligence when making plans.

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A biker rides through a field of wildflowers in Bozeman, Montana.

Discover the Best of Bozeman

Explore beautiful Bozeman, Montana, with these top 10 tips.

Called the gateway to Yellowstone, Bozeman draws outdoor enthusiasts like bees to honey, but it’s the easy, laid-back atmosphere and friendly populace that make it just the right place to cool your heels after an active holiday.

Head out to the mountains surrounding Bozeman and remember to bring bear spray. Anything from larger animals such as bear, moose, elk, and deer all the way down to smaller ones like fox, coyote, and skunk might be sighted. Sometimes wildlife can even be spotted on little treks around areas close to town.

Natural Wonder

Thirty miles west of Bozeman is a place called Missouri Headwaters State Park . This is where the Madison, Gallatin, and Jefferson Rivers meet to form the Missouri River. It may not sound all that exciting, but standing there where (arguably) the longest river in the U.S. starts—essentially in the middle of nowhere—is quite an awe-inspiring feeling.

National Park

Bozeman is relatively close to two of five Yellowstone entrances—Gardiner, the north entrance, and West Yellowstone, the west entrance. Yellowstone was the first to be established as a national park and its most famous attraction is the Old Faithful geyser that goes off every 45 to 125 minutes, discharging 14,000 to 32,000 liters of mineral-charged water up to 56 meters high. Besides that, the park is known for sightings of black and grizzly bears, bison, and bighorn sheep.

Best Day Trip

There are a lot of nice day drives: Bridger Canyon loop to White Sulphur Springs, where you can take a soak, or through the Gallatin Canyon toward West Yellowstone, where you can take a hike and look for bighorn sheep. For a really long day trip, zip down through Yellowstone and drive the Beartooth Highway (only open during summer)—often described as the best motorcycling road in the northwest and the most scenic road in America. It zigzags through 5,000 feet of elevation in just a few miles. Alpine tundra flanks the route that crests at the 10,940-foot-high Beartooth Pass that can have 18-foot-high snowbanks even in the middle of July.

Off the Beaten Path

Head to the base of Sacagawea Peak in the Bridger Range that is 28 miles north of Bozeman (the Fairy Lake Campground and Trailhead is where to go). The lake itself is a stunning glacial green but the prize is the trek to the Sacagawea Peak that is short yet steep and gains almost 2,000 feet in elevation. There can be snow even in the middle of summer since this is a popular backcountry ski area. Mountain goats are often sighted on the trail and the views of the Crazy Mountains, the Spanish Peaks, and the Tobacco Roots can be enjoyed from the summit of the peak.

Most Iconic Attraction

The Museum of the Rockies is a Smithsonian affiliate and houses one of the country's largest collections of North American dinosaur fossils consisting entirely of discoveries made in and around Montana in the form of permanent indoor and outdoor exhibits. Besides that there are changing exhibits from all over the world, planetarium shows, and insightful lectures.

Bozeman and Montana as a whole are not really very big on nightclubs, but Bozeman’s good old Main Street is the late-night hangout. There are lots of bars and restaurants. The vibe at most of these restaurants is a delightful mash of bohemian, cowboy, and athletic. And most places are loud and happy with hearty guffaws often rending through the air.

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Historic Site

The Madison Buffalo Jump State Park is about 40 miles west of Bozeman and within it is a high limestone cliff that was used by Native Americans for 2,000 years—until as recently as 200 years ago. Native people stampeded vast herds of bison off this massive semicircular cliff, using them for food, clothing, shelter, and provisions.

People-Watching Spot

Grab a drink right on historic downtown Main Street. The Rocking R Bar, Plonk Wine Bar, and Ted's Montana Grill all have outdoor seating in the summer—perfect to watch all the tourists and locals strolling up and down the street. For a bird's-eye view, head to the outdoor rooftop patio at the Crystal Bar .

The Bridger Bowl Ski Resort is 16 miles north of Bozeman and is a community-owned nonprofit enterprise. This means that the prices are unbeatable, and it is known for its light and fluffy powdery snow.

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12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Bozeman, MT

Written by Brad Lane Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Brad Lane lived in Montana for nearly three years, based out of Missoula.

Stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes surround Bozeman in southwest Montana, and it's a city best known for its access to the outdoors. Residents and tourists enjoy world-class fishing, hiking, hot springs, skiing, and other attractions depending on the time of year.

The city is also home to Montana State University , which gives the streets a charming academic appeal. The university offers other cultural and athletic attractions to explore, including the Museum of the Rockies and Bobcat football games.

Staying active is one of the easiest things to do in Bozeman. From hiking the "M" trail to diving into the surrounding Custer-Gallatin National Forest, Bozeman is nothing short of a postcard waiting to be explored.

It's also the community in Bozeman, best represented on Main Street, that makes this Rocky Mountain city a fun place to visit. Between smiling faces in local storefronts and friendly people you'll meet on hiking trails, Bozeman does well to represent the inviting nature of Montana.

Choose the best places to visit on your next trip to Montana with our list of the top things to do in Bozeman.

See also: Where to Stay in Bozeman

1. Hike the College "M" Hiking Trail

2. unearth history at the museum of the rockies, 3. stroll along main street, downtown bozeman, 4. hit the slopes at big sky resort & bridger bowl ski area, 5. dive into custer gallatin national forest, 6. american computer & robotics museum, 7. gallatin history museum, 8. catch the sunset at burke park (peets hill), 9. montana grizzly encounter, 10. bozeman hot springs, 11. picnic at glen lake rotary park, 12. visit yellowstone national park, where to stay in bozeman for sightseeing, bozeman, mt - climate chart.

In Bozeman, it's hard to miss the collegiate "M" posted high onto the ridgeline of Bridger Canyon . This 250-foot white-rock letter was built piece by piece by students at Montana State University in 1915 and has since served as a pride point for the University and a symbol for the city. This decorative door hanger at the mouth of Bridger Canyon is more than just aesthetically pleasing though.

Two short hiking trails near the base encourage visitors to hike up and enjoy the view . At the trailhead, the steeper half-mile trail forks to the right, and a 1.5-mile trail begins switchbacking to the left. Both trails gain approximately 800 feet to reach the "M" and strain the legs of most average hikers. Benches adjacent to the "M" help ease sore leg muscles.

The "M" is just an introduction to Bozeman's hiking experiences. The Gallatin Valley Land Trust oversees a large network of in-town hikes. And just across Highway 86 from the College "M" Trail, Drinking Horse Mountain is another popular trail that's a part of their Main Street to the Mountains trail system.

And the surrounding Custer Gallatin National Forest comprises several of the other best hikes near Bozeman . Within an hour's drive in almost every direction, surreal alpine landscapes host bigger Montana adventures. Bridger Canyon, Gallatin Canyon, and Hyalite Canyon are just a few adventure avenues stemming from the city.

Read More: Top-Rated Hiking Trails in Montana

The world-renowned Museum of the Rockies (MOR) unearths a wide range of scientific insight on the Rocky Mountain region. The museum is near the Montana State University campus on the south side of town and is affiliated with Montana State University and the Smithsonian Institute . It's best known for an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils but also features insight into the continuing evolution of Yellowstone Country.

One of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever recovered is within the museum's Siebel Dinosaur Complex and aptly named Hall of Giants . Several other fossils from the region are also on display, as well as informative plaques detailing Montana's role in paleontology.

Other permanent exhibits include the Paugh History Hall; the Martin Children's Discovery Center; and the Welcome to Yellowstone Country exhibit, which gives a glimpse into the lives of native cultures of the region. The museum is also home to the Taylor Planetarium , featuring three shows each day included with the price of admission.

The museum also offers teen summer camps, adult lecture series. The museum is open every day of the year except major holidays, with extended hours between May and September. All admission tickets to the museum are good for a two-day span.

Address: 600 W Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, Montana

With shops, boutiques, eateries, and art to explore, downtown Main Street exemplifies the Bozeman culture. It's not just the storefronts that keep the sidewalks busy; it's also the college culture and emphasis on local businesses that make Main Street fun to explore. Several facades on both sides of the street have an undeniable Western feel.

Among the many recommended places to eat in Bozeman , the Nova Cafe serves up some of the best breakfasts in town, only rivaled by the nearby Main Street Overeasy. A few recommended full menus to check out for lunch and dinner include Jam!, Dave's Sushi-Off Main, and Blackbird Kitchen. For pizza connoisseurs, the Mackenzie River Pizza Company serves up specialty pizzas that warrant a visit or two.

For unique, local specialty shops on Main Street, places like The Last Wind-Up offer new and vintage timepieces. And the homegrown Montana Honey Bee Company provides locally sourced sweetness and beekeeping supplies. Live events also often take over the street, including the popular " Music on Main " every Thursday during the summer.

Winter alpine pursuits are a big part of the Bozeman culture, many thanks to the proximity of two powder-infused winter resorts. These two acclaimed downhill destinations are Bridger Bowl and Big Sky.

Located just an hour south of Bozeman, Big Sky Resort offers internationally acclaimed downhill skiing and snowboarding spread across four mountains. As one of the biggest resorts in the country, Big Sky encompasses nearly 6,000 acres of rideable terrain. With consistent snowfall throughout the long winter, and plenty of cold-weather events to celebrate the season, Big Sky ranks high as one of the best ski resorts in Montana .

For a more local flavor, Bridger Bowl Ski Area is within a shorter commute to the north. This grassroots ski area grew from community-driven beginnings and today provides over 2,000 skiable acres for everyone from beginners to experts. It features eight chair lifts and two lodges that provide hot meals. As the place where locals go to ride, expect to share the lifts with a host of Montana State University students and Bozeman community members.

Big Sky Resort

• Address: 50 Big Sky Resort Road, Big Sky, Montana

Bridger Bowl Ski Area

• Address: 15795 Bridger Canyon Road, Bozeman, Montana

The seven different ranger districts of the Custer Gallatin National Forest surround the city of Bozeman. Together, they provide over three million acres of forest to explore throughout the year. This ease of access to the big wilderness defines the city and the people that like to call it home.

Whether it's backpacking, fly-fishing , day hiking, ski touring, or simply enjoying a scenic drive, the national forest delivers backdoor adventures. Remote areas within Custer Gallatin, like the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, are a favorite to explore. Other areas of interest include Bridger Canyon to the north and Gallatin Canyon to the south.

For a quintessential hike close to Bozeman, Storm Castle Peak delivers on big views with a 40-minute drive. And the Palisades Falls Picnic Area is another great spot for a day trip. The forest also connects easily with another national treasure, Yellowstone National Park , whose North Entrance and Roosevelt Arch are just over an hour's drive south from Bozeman.

Read More: Best National Forests in Montana

Spanning from the first clay tablet created by chisel to the future of artificial consciousness, the American Computer & Robotics Museum has a wide range of displays detailing the evolution of technology.

Near Montana State University's Bobcat Stadium, the museum is divided between multiple rooms and distinct eras of applied science. Each room contains elaborate and informational displays alongside significant artifacts. Some of the artifacts on display include Alan Turing papers, a Gutenberg Press, and an original Apple 1 Computer signed by Steve Wozniak.

Great for the scientifically inclined and interested observer alike, the American Computer & Robotics Museum offers free admission . Donations are encouraged when visiting. The museum is open seven days a week in the summer and is only closed on Mondays throughout the winter.

Address: 2023 Stadium Drive #1A, Bozeman, Montana

Housed in a historic and long-since renovated county jail building, the Gallatin History Museum brings the region's pioneer history to the forefront of Main Street . Featuring permanent and rotating exhibits, the Gallatin History Museum provides the clearest picture of southwest Montana's rugged past.

Permanent exhibits at the Gallatin History Museum include American Indian artifacts and a model of the 1867-established Fort Ellis. And throughout the museum are artifacts, information panels, and an impressive archive of historical images.

Guided tours, family passes, and special events are also available. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday throughout the year. Accompanied children receive free admission to the museum.

Address: 317 W. Main Street, Bozeman, Montana

Burke Park is part of the Main Street to the Mountains trail system and offers a signature hike at the city center. And with a high vantage point over downtown, it provides a stunning spot to catch the sunset. The park is also known as "Peets Hill," and it begins just south of Main Street and the Bozeman Public Library.

A parking area is on South Church and Story Street. Users can also park at the back end of the library parking lot and walk through the Bozeman Sculpture Park first. Burke Park encompasses roughly 41 acres and is easy to navigate. Generally, the first direction to head is up, until reaching the ridgeline that parallels Church Avenue for less than a mile.

The route also parallels Sunset Hills Cemetery to the east, and a 360-degree view expands from the top of the park. Several mountains are in view from here on clear days, including Hyalite Peak, the Bridgers, and Mount Ellis. And come sundown, the park is often filled with people catching the changing color of the day.

Address: South Church Ave at East Story Street

Montana Grizzly Encounter adopts bears who were born into captivity, or who would not survive the wild, and provides a safe habitat to grow happy and healthy.

Montana Grizzly Encounter first began in 2002, when Casey Anderson, National Geographic Wildlife Naturalist, adopted Brutus from an overcrowded wildlife park. At the time, Brutus was a grizzly bear cub the size of a squirrel. Fast forward 15 years and 900 pounds later, and Brutus stands at seven feet tall, with six other grizzly bears adopted into the park besides him.

Besides maintaining a quality of the life for its bears, Montana Grizzly Encounter also strives to provide public education about cohabitating with Montana's resident wildlife. Through demonstrations, education, and an ability to view the sanctuary's denizens up close with no bars or constructions, Montana Grizzly Encounter encourages a respect for the grizzly bear's role in wildlife systems.

Montana Grizzly Encounter is free to all school groups who call ahead. Admission tickets are reasonably priced for the general public. This Grizzly Bear Rescue and Education Sanctuary operates daily throughout much of the year, with limited hours during the winter (November 1 st through May 1 st ).

Address: 80 Bozeman Hill Road, Bozeman, Montana

Near Four Corners on the west side of the city, Bozeman Hot Springs is a public resort and one of the best hot springs in Montana . And the facility offers several reasons to visit, including 12 different pools to soak in, a full fitness facility, and a campground.

Bozeman Hot Springs is family friendly and perfect for large group events. The pools are home to special events throughout the year, including live music, group fitness classes, and community charity drives. The pools range from 59 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit.

For the ultimate hot springs experience, as well as quick access to the surrounding adventurous environments, Bozeman Hot Springs also maintains a campground within its facilities. This provides an excellent overnight option to your soaking experience. Every overnight guest at the campground receives unlimited entry into the adjacent pools.

Address: 81123 Gallatin Road, Bozeman, Montana

Glen Lake Rotary Park , formerly East Gallatin Recreation Area , is an inviting public space on the city's north side, opposite Interstate-90 from downtown. Glen Lake is a beacon of the park, with multi-colored kayaks and paddleboards often dotting the surface. A large sandy beach on the lake also attracts a crowd that enjoys sand volleyball, laying out, and picnicking by the water.

The Gallatin Valley Land Trust maintains three miles of trails extending from the lake. These trails meander next to the banks of the East Gallatin River and connect to other scenic hiking areas like Cherry River. One branch of the trail also circles the lake. Picnics tables and pavilions are available at the beach and along the lakeside trail.

Address: 830 Manley Road, Bozeman, Montana

Read More: Best Lakes in Montana

The first designated national park in the United States, and one of the largest, Yellowstone National Park is an 80-mile drive from Bozeman . Visitors from across the world fly in to Bozeman to experience the spectacles of Yellowstone, including the several hydrothermal features that are incredibly dense and unique in the region.

Iconic spots like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring comprise only a fraction of the best places to visit in Yellowstone . The entire park spans an incredible 2.2 million acres, lending to a surplus of roadside attractions, wildlife encounters, and hiking trails. Some of the best hiking trails in Yellowstone are just short walks and are suitable for anyone.

The closest access point to Yellowstone from Bozeman is the park's North Entrance. This entrance near the Gardiner River offers easy access to the Mammoth Hot Springs region of the park. Alongside one of the best campgrounds in Yellowstone , Mammoth Hot Springs features eye-catching travertine terraces and the popular Boiling River roadside attraction.

Yellowstone can be enjoyed on a day trip from Bozeman. It is highly recommended, however, to mark a week off the calendar to fully explore the nation's first national park. You can visit the park at any time of year but some seasons are better than others.

Read More: Best National & State Parks in Montana

Luxury Hotels:

• Bozeman's most luxe hotel is the new Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman . This 4-star boutique property is in an Art Deco building in the heart of downtown that once served as the National Guard Armory. Rooms and suites are modern, mountain elegant in design, with rich earthy-color tones. Kimpton is one of the most pet-friendly brands around and never charges fees for canine guests.
• Element Bozeman is one of the best hotels in town. It features modern décor with spacious rooms and suites in the heart of the city. It is also pet-friendly.
• Further north and on the outskirts of Bozeman, the Gallatin River Lodge provides luxurious accommodations with a lakeside view, and a romance package for a special occasion.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• RSVP Hotel is one of the most unique spots to sleep in Bozeman. Located in Midtown, it is a fully renovated motel that has a hip modern vibe. The décor is inspired by its owners' world travels. If you are visiting Bozeman to ski, this is actually a great choice as the drive-up motel set-up means less hauling bags into elevators and down hallways. There is a swimming pool, bike rental, and kids stay free.
• Located nine miles up the road, the Hilton Garden Inn Bozeman provides an upscale experience alongside an attached restaurant, indoor pool, and cozy rooms and suites.
• North of downtown, the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson also provides a comfortable hotel option with a complimentary breakfast buffet.
• The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bozeman West, an IHG Hotel is another solid mid-range choice. A complimentary hot breakfast is served. Amenities include a swimming pool and a workout room. The hotel is convenient for accessing I-90 and is also pet-friendly.

Budget Hotels:

• To stretch your vacation dollars elsewhere in Bozeman, the Super 8 Bozeman provides unbeatable rates alongside a long reputation of well-maintained rooms and facilities.
• Just a few blocks from the Super 8, a few minutes north of downtown Bozeman, the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bozeman provides stellar value with clean and cozy rooms.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Other Cities in Montana : For another university city to explore in Montana, the city of Missoula is home to the University of Montana and is surrounded by seven national forests to explore. North of Missoula and near the entrance of Glacier National Park, the resort city of Whitefish also provides endless adventure throughout the year. The state capital of Montana, Helena also provides its own unique slice of culture and historic appeal.

More on Montana

Local’s Guide: Best Things to Do in Bozeman, Montana

Top Tips for Visiting Bozeman: All the Things You Can’t Miss Doing and Seeing

Bozeman is one of the best places to visit in Montana for good reason. Beautiful Bozeman has a ton to do within its city limits, plus it’s a day trip away from one of the best things to do in Montana: Yellowstone National Park.

We are fortunate that one of our Travel Montana Now team members, Jackie, lives in Bozeman. She is sharing the top things to do in Bozeman whether you’re planning a whole vacation around the city or just want to know what to pick to see and do when driving through it on a Montana road trip.

Outdoor Recreation

Let’s start with one of the main draws of Bozeman: easy access to outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for skiing, hiking, river rafting, fishing…Bozeman has it nearby.

Read on for some of the best places to get out into the great outdoors.

River Activities by Bozeman

The Gallatin River flows by the eastern end of Bozeman. The road between Bozeman and Big Sky run parallel to the Gallatin River for much of the drive. Along the way on a warm day, you’ll no doubt see buses with rafts on them and fly fisherman wading out into the river.

We especially love the Gallatin River for rafting. Check out our top tips and outfitters for Gallatin River here .

Another popular place to go fly fishing is the Madison River, which flows north from Yellowstone. It’s one of the best places in the United States for fly fisherman to try their hand at catching blue-ribbon trout fishing.

New to fly fishing? Montana Anglers in downtown Bozeman can get you outfitted and even added to a guided fishing excursion.

And let’s not forget about the wondrous Yellowstone river, which flows through Livingston , just a short drive east of Bozeman. Fly fishing, rafting, kayaking, and more await you on the Yellowstone.

Ski Resorts Close to Bozeman

Bozeman is one of the best places to go in Montana if you’re looking to do some skiing while visiting the state. 

Big Sky Mountain

The preeminent ski resort in Montana is Big Sky Resort and it is located just 30 miles south of Bozeman. Big Sky Resort is a massive place to ski, from the towering peaks of the runs to the breathtaking views you can see from the chairlift down across the Gallatin Valley below. 

Big Sky Resort is also home to a cute little village where you can do some craft brewery tastings or grab a bite to eat. 

Bridger Bowl Ski Area

Bridger Bowl Ski Area is a local favorite for those who live in Bozeman. It doesn’t have the international clout quite like Big Sky Resort does, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an excellent place to hit the slopes. 

At Bridger Bowl you’ll find fewer crowds. The runs are ideal for both skiers and snowboarders.

Hyalite Canyon 

Downhill skiing isn’t all there is to do in Bozeman when it comes to outdoor fun. There are also great recreation areas in the region, one of which is found at Hyalite Canyon Recreation Area.

Located a short 25-minute drive south of Boston, Hyalite Canyon Recreation Area is home to a myriad of trails that are perfect for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter and amazing by foot or mountain bike in the summer months.

Bozeman Hot Springs

Montana is home to many relaxing hot springs , one of which is Bozeman Hot Springs.

The pools of the facility are warmed by natural hot springs. The hot springs have been in operation for over a century. While there used to be just one pool, today you’ll find twelve, all heated to various degrees that range between 59 to 106 degrees.

Bozeman Hot Springs is a family-friendly place that’s also a great spot to go after a day of skiing or snowboarding.

Museums in Bozeman

Bozeman has a number of world-class museums. We’ll start with the most famous of them all, Museum of the Rockies, and then highlight a few others we think you should check out.

Museum of the Rockies

One of the best museums in Montana and by far one of the best dinosaur museums in the world is Museum of the Rockies, located right within the Bozeman city limits. 

At Museum of the Rockies, you’ll find incredible dinosaur fossils including a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton and a Triceratops skeleton, plus plenty of dinosaur bones and other things left over from the Cretaceous period, many of which were found right in Montana. 

In addition to dinosaur bones there is an exhibit on Native American culture and history in Montana. There’s also an exhibit on the original western frontier history of the state. 

This museum is so terrific that we have an entire post dedicated to it. Click here to read our comprehensive guide to visiting the museum of the Rockies in Bozeman . 

Living History Museum

If you’re visiting the Museum of Rockies between Memorial Day and Labor Day, be sure to check out the Living History Museum. Located across the road from the Museum of the Rockies, the Living History Museum is a place where the past becomes alive again.

The focal point is an old house that once belonged to the Tinsley Family who built the home after moving from Missouri to Montana and homesteading in Willow Creek, MT. The home was moved from that small town to this spot in Bozeman. The museum has been created in and around the house so it feels like a real working ranch from the turn of the 19th century.

Actors dress up in period costume from the late 1800s and interact with guests and perform daily tasks that would have been done in the homesteading era.

You can watch a blacksmith at work, see volunteers tending the onsite garden and using the vegetables to prepare meals, and other tasks around the farm that would have been done in the 1880s and 1890s.

American Computer and Robotics Museum

This small museum is big on computers…seriously, the computers on display will seem huge! Take a walk down the past (and maybe your school memories) with a look at some vintage computer desktops and monitors.

At the the American Computer and Robotics Museum, you can also learn more about where the future is headed with some interesting displays about robotics technology, artificial intelligence, and even quantum computing.

Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture

The Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture, typically referred to as just “the Emerson,” is located in a historic building in downtown Bozeman. It aims to bring the community together through art and cultural exhibits as well as a number of activities.

Visitors can walk through the three onsite exhibits or even partake in a class, such as art or yoga.

Gallatin History Museum

The Gallatin History Museum in downtown Bozeman is a fascinating and informative destination for history buffs of all ages.

The museum is housed in a historic building that was once the county jail. One of the highlights of the Gallatin History Museum is the recreated cellblock, which gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like for inmates at the old jail.

Other exhibits at the museum cover a wide range of topics related to the history of the Gallatin Valley, including early settlement, Native American culture, mining, agriculture, and transportation.

Visitors can explore the museum’s extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents to gain a deeper understanding of the people and events that have shaped this region of Montana.

Bozeman Breweries

Montana is rapidly gaining traction in the international brewing community and it’s easy to get a taste of the craft brewery scene while in Bozeman. Here’s a short list of the most acclaimed breweries in Bozeman that you should check out if you are a beer lover:

• MAP Brewing Company (Top Pick for Atmosphere)
• Mountains Walking Brewery and Pub (Top Pick for Beer)
• Bozeman Brewing Company (locally known as the “Bozone” and the oldest craft brewery in Bozeman)
• Union Hall Brewery
• Bridger Brewing (Has great ginger beer, gluten free beer, and awesome pizza)
• Mountains Walking Brewery (gorgeous views from long floor to ceiling windows)

Can’t decide? Head to Montana Ale Works , a popular brewpub that has over 40 beers on tap. Order some of the eatery’s gourmet, handcrafted comfort food to go along with your pint.

Another delicious option is Nordic Brew Works on Bozeman’s west end that has a number of draft beers ready to be poured plus an impressive cocktail menu. Also on the menu are gastropub fare favorites. Try the dirty potatoes!

Distilleries in Bozeman

And why stop at craft beer? You can also check out a couple of the craft distilleries in Bozeman such as Wildrye Distilling and Bozeman Spirits Distillery.

The Cannery

The Cannery is an up and coming neighborhood in Bozeman that intermixes new business with historic architecture. You’ll find several eateries, a distillery, a Patagonia shop, and other shopping boutiques interspersed among local business offices for architecture, real estate, and yoga.

The Cannery is located just a mile and a half from Main Street, where bustling downtown Bozeman lies.

Downtown Bozeman

Bozeman is known for all of the outdoor activity surrounding it, but it also has a fun city scene in its downtown area, especially for foodies. Head to downtown Bozeman and you’ll find a stretch of delicious eateries and rocking bars, some of which have live music.

Art Galleries

Downtown Bozeman is also home to some interesting art galleries. Check out Altitude Gallery for contemporary art. Montana Trails Gallery is a great place to go to see western fine art on display by local artists.

Ellen Theatre

Located right along Main Street in downtown Bozeman is one of the best places to catch a live theatrical performance in Bozeman: the Ellen Theatre.

This historic theater has been remodeled and revitalized without losing any of its gilded vintage charm.

After the show, walk to one of downtown Bozeman’s many places to eat, such as…

Best Places to Dine and Drink in Downtown Bozeman

Ted’s.

Ted’s (as in Ted Turner) is now a national chain, but it began in Montana, where Turner has a ranch. Many of the beef and bison cuts you’ll find on the menu are from Turner’s ranch. A fun item on the menu to order is the beef and bison slider plate — do a side by side comparison to see which one you like best!

A small menu equals big tastes at Blackbird, a small Italian eatery on Main Street. With an open kitchen highlighted by a woodfired pizza oven, decadent pizza and gourmet pasta with savory ingredients are on the menu each night. The atmosphere is casual yet sophisticated.

Backcountry Burger Bar

If you’re more in the mood for a laidback burger joint, it’s hard to go wrong with Backcountry Burger Bar. It’s all about the local flair with Montana raised beef and bison on making up its burger patties. Even the potatoes are sourced locally, which you can get with curry or poutine-style. Wine and local beer are also served.

Souvenir and Gift Shops

Downtown Bozeman has several shops featuring “Made in Montana” items.

Right on Main Street is the Montana Gift Corral, which is a local chain throughout Montana that has many locally made homewares, jewelry, food items, and more. Heydey on Main Street is another great option for unique gifts to remember your trip by.

A Sweet Souvenir

Whenever my sister is in town, she like to stop in at Montana Gift Corral to get one of our favorite Montana candy items: the Bozeman-based Bequet Caramels. Insider Tip: They also often have a big bag of Bequet Caramels for sale at the Bozeman Costco!

Read More: Must-Try Food and Drinks in Montana

More to Do Around Bozeman

Bozeman’s annual sweet pea festival.

Jackie has one more tip for your time in Bozeman, If you’re there in summer, one of the top things to do in Bozeman is attend the Sweet Pea Festival.

The Sweet Pea Festival is a 3-day arts festival that features Shakespeare performances, a parade, live music, family-friendly activities, dance troupes, art workshops, and a beer and wine garden.

Day Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Last, but certainly not least, a stay in Bozeman puts you in driving distance for a day trip (or longer) to Yellowstone National Park . It’s about the same distance (roughly 90 minute drive) to both the north entrance in Gardiner and the west entrance in West Yellowstone, though it’s a bit faster to Gardiner.

Read More: Top Things to See in Yellowstone National Park

Side note: Remember that in winter, the only entrance open to Yellowstone National Park is the north one in Gardiner.

To find out where to spend the night while in Bozeman, read our comprehensive guide to Bozeman hotels and accommodations here .

Looking for more to do during your time inBozeman? Read about our favorite day trips from Bozeman .

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13 Fun Things to Do in Bozeman, Montana (With Tours & Free Activities)

By Mark Barnett

Bozeman is one of the most interesting cities in Montana with Hollywood stars, yoga studios, hip restaurants, coffee bars, breweries, farmers, ranchers, and everyday people looking for a simpler way of life.

Table of Contents

Today, Bozeman is a vibrant community and boasts both becoming a tech hub and a booming tourist attraction. Many flocks to the town thanks to plenty of outdoor attractions, recreational activities, and an art and cultural scene that can’t be beaten.

In this article, we will take a look at the many activities in and around the Bozeman area so you can plan for the best visit possible.

 The 10 Best Things to Do in Bozeman

1. bozeman hot springs.

Montana has its fair share of relaxing and rejuvenating hot springs, and Bozeman is home to its own. Some of the pools have been used for a century or more, and are warmed by the natural hot springs. Here you’ll find as many as twelve pools, and they are heated to various degrees somewhere between 59 to 106 degrees.

The Bozeman Hot Springs can be found along Highway 191 on route to Big Sky Resort. Here you’ll find a large indoor pool, hot tubs, and even a cold tub for recovery. There is an outdoor pool if you fancy a soak in the fresh Montana air , and there is sometimes live music on the outside stage.

2. Museum of the Rockies

Here you’ll find not only one of the best Montana museums but also one of the best dinosaur museums in the world. It is located within the Bozeman city limits, and contains some impressive dinosaur fossils and skeletons.

It also houses a fair few other items from the Cretaceous period, which were found in the Montana region. There is a Native American culture and history exhibition as Montana was also an original historical western frontier.

3. Take a Day Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Bozeman is within driving distance for at least a day trip to Yellowstone National Park. It’s about a 90-minute drive to both the north and west entrances in Gardiner and West Yellowstone.

If you are interested in checking out a few dormant supervolcanoes along with sky-high geysers, multi-hued hot springs, and wildlife like bison and bears – you’ll love this place. Yellowstone was actually the first national park in the US and it has been enthralling visitors from around the world for more than a century.

4. Visit the Local Breweries and Distilleries

As is the case in many of the towns in Montana, it’s not too difficult to get a taste of the craft brewery scene while in Bozeman. You’ll find a great list of acclaimed breweries in Bozeman that you should definitely check out if you are a beer lover.

There’s the MAP Brewing Company, the Mountains Walking Brewery and Pub, and the Bozeman Brewing Company, which is actually the oldest craft brewery in Bozeman. There are plenty more craft beer breweries in Bozeman to check out if that doesn’t satisfy you, or you might consider checking out a couple of the craft distilleries in Bozeman.

There’s Wildrye Distilling and Bozeman Spirits Distillery for starters, along with a more recent addition, The Cannery, which is located just a mile and a half from bustling downtown Bozeman.

5. Big Sky Resort

Bozeman is certainly high on the list if you’re looking to do a spot of skiing, and one of the prime ski resorts in Montana is Big Sky. This huge resort is around 30 miles south of Bozeman, and comprises towering peaks and breath-taking views from the chairlift, right down across the Paradise Valley.

You can also find a small village with its own craft brewery within the resort, along with a few decent eateries. The list of activities here includes zip-lining, snowshoe tours, a giant swing, a bungee trampoline, climbing walls, dog sledding and sleigh rides, Nordic skiing, and all kinds of coach tours.

6. Visit the Emerson Center of Arts and Culture

The Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture can be found in one of downtown Bozeman’s historic buildings. The purpose of the center is to bring the community together through art and cultural exhibits as well as a number of other activities. Visitors can check out the three exhibitions or get involved in an art or yoga class.

7. Go to Hyalite Canyon

Some of the best recreation areas in the region can be found at Hyalite Canyon Recreation Area. You can find this amazing stretch of natural outdoor scenery with a short, 25-minute drive south. If it’s winter then Hyalite Canyon Recreation Area has a myriad of ideal trails for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, while in the summer months it is perfect for hiking and mountain biking.

8. Go Horseback Riding

There are plenty of operators offering a fairly wide variety of horseback riding options in Bozeman, Montana. This is absolutely one of the most ideal parts of the world to try a spot of horse-riding, and you can find anything from hourly, half-day, or full-day rides, right up to multi-day trips that are often combined with other outdoor activities like fishing, photography, and cattle drives.

9. American Computer and Robotics Museum

The American Computer and Robotics Museum is the place to find out all about the history of modern-day communications, computers, artificial intelligence, and even robotics. The museum is host to some fascinating exhibits related to what we call technological progress and the information age.

You find items such as old office equipment like typewriters, and some of the early 1970s computers that take up a whole room. You will also find a collection of documents from prominent contributors to the Information Age like Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Graham Bell, and Samuel Morse along with some of the first PCs like the IBM and the Apple I.

10. Go on a Bozeman Grizzly Encounter

Bozeman is also one of the places where you can get close and personal with some of the legendary grizzlies of the region. This is actually a Grizzly Bear Rescue & Education Sanctuary that serves as a natural home for rescued grizzlies.

It also gives visitors the opportunity to witness and learn about these majestic animals, many of which were rescued. The bears live their lives in an environment close to the one that is natural to them, with no bars or cages. This allows visitors the chance to see them acting as close to nature as possible.

Free Things to Do in Bozeman

11. take a wander around downtown bozeman.

Downtown Bozeman is a great place to check out coffee shops, bistros, craft breweries, sports shops. There are also a good few locally made items, and it’s a very walkable and bike-friendly stretch.

12. Visit Bozeman Beach

Glen Lake Rotary Park is the actual name of this area, but it is also known as Bozeman Beach . It is just 2 miles north of downtown Bozeman, and comprises a 4-acre lake, with fishing & diving docks, and its own sandy beach. There are picnic shelters and a pavilion as well as volleyball courts, climbing rocks, and grassy areas. You can also access some local biking & hiking trails from here.

13. Drive to Palisade Falls

Palisade Falls is an area at the base of Palisade Mountain near Hyalite Canyon, with an 80-foot drop of rugged vertical rock with falls. The falls are accessible by a short drive from Bozeman through Hyalite Canyon and have some good hikes suitable for families with children.

10 Best Tours in Bozeman

• Horseback Riding • You can do anything from a 1-hour to an all-day ride from Bozeman up to the Yellowstone National Park. With experienced, professional guides and horses that take it all in their stride, you can experience the outstanding natural beauty of the area in traditional style with this tour.
• River Tubing Adventure • Ideal for the warmer seasons, on this tour you get to float along the waters of the Madison River. There are a variety of tubing and rafting trips, and the tubes, life jackets, and straps to connect groups are all provided. Enjoy a relaxing and fun day on the water, with a shuttle back to the starting point included. Ideal for anyone including families, and the minimum age is 3 years old.
• Guided Kayak Tour • Taking a guided kayak trip along the Madison River is another great way to take in the natural scenery and wildlife habitat of the Bozeman area. With experienced, local tour guides and great kayaks, you might also encounter Montana wildlife like beavers, deer, and even eagles as you navigate and flow downstream. The guides will provide insights on the geography and history of the area.
• Zip Line Tour • The Gallatin River Zip Line is not too far away between Bozeman and Big Sky along Highway 191. You’ll get to experience some pretty dramatic scenery including pine forest, rivers, and cliffs on any of these tours. There are 2 tours – the Classic and the Super – both of which begin with the ascension of a sky bridge to a 50-ft high tree platform. The zip lines cross the Gallatin River, and the Super Zip has a few more challenging features than the Classic that will test both your balance and nerve.
• Guided Safari Tour from Bozeman • This tour will give you some insights into local wildlife habits in relation to the landscape. You get to ride in comfortable vehicles with an experienced guide who will plan various walking, viewing, picnicking, and wilderness activities according to your requirements. The professional guides are a mix of former wildlife specialists and rangers who will do their best to provide you with information and experiences to enhance your trip.
• Wilderness Picnic Llama Hike • How about having a llama as your hiking companion as you take a wilderness picnic?  This hike takes in beautiful wildflowers, native plants, and clean cool mountain streams, all with accompanying llamas. A ranch visit with the mama llamas and their babies is included before heading to select the llamas and venturing off.
• Mountain Biking Tour • A great way to take in the outdoor natural beauty of Bozeman is by joining a biking tour. Take it easy or ride hard on a tour to fit your fitness level. You can take to the streets in the city with its rich history or head for the miles of gravel trails that wind through the sloping hills of the surrounding countryside. Or, if you fancy a bit more rugged terrain, with mountain vistas and lakes, you can follow the trails in the nearby mountain ranges.
• Fly Fishing Tour • With locations in the mountains of southwest Montana, not too far from Yellowstone National Park, this trip is any fly fisherman’s dream. Tours cover one day or more depending on your requirements and take in areas such as the Gallatin River, the Yellowstone River, the Madison River, Yellowstone National Park, and private spring creeks.
• Bozeman Paragliding Tour • If you have a head for heights and fancy the idea of a specialty guided paragliding tour – then this is one for you. Tandem flights, instruction and guide service are all available.
• Molte Yoga Retreat • Molte specialty tours and yoga retreats combine active outdoor activities with mindful sessions on the yoga mat. Take the opportunity to connect with the power of nature by joining a high mountain retreat in scenic southwest Montana .

About The Author

Mark Barnett

Mark Philip is a writer and lifestyle enthusiast from the Midlands in the U.K. With a background in martial arts and fitness, Mark headed out to Bangkok, Thailand where he now lives and works. Mark has authored e-books, articles, and blogs across a wide range of topics for commercial, educational, factual, lifestyle and leisure-based purposes.

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How Bozeman, Montana Became One of America's Coolest Towns

Montana may be best known for its natural wonders, but in the city of Bozeman, and nearby Livingston, you don’t have to travel far to find a great meal, an artfully designed hotel, or a collective of young creatives.

It would make for a pretty lame T-shirt: "I went to Bozeman, and didn't once set foot on a hiking trail ." On a recent visit, I avoided this mortifying distinction by scrambling up Drinking Horse Mountain Trail, a two-mile loop that starts in town. But there is so much going on in the paved parts of this idyllic town that you could easily go days without finding time to take in the natural splendor that surrounds it, which includes a half-dozen mountain ranges and a little park called Yellowstone .

I wanted to go to Bozeman because I'd spent a decade falling in love with—and dreaming of relocating to— Big Sky Country , as it's known. I had recently been hired to teach writing at the University of Montana in Missoula, the state's laid-back alternative to what Missoulians see as Bozeman's glitz.

But I felt like I'd ended up with the wrong partner. Despite having nearly twice Bozeman's population, Missoula seemed to vibrate with half the energy. Many Montanans prefer that. But I was moving from New York City, and it was Bozeman that offered the singular satisfaction of enjoying a world-class meal on the way from one barren rock face to another.

Winter comes early to Bozeman, which sits at an elevation of nearly a mile, and my visit in October coincided with the area's final week of fall. It was a pageant: the paper birches and Ohio buckeyes blazed with such fire against the tawny humps of the Bridger Mountains, a subrange of the Rockies, that I had to shield my eyes. Bozeman is all of 20 square miles, and wherever you look, you see peaks.

But I was headed downtown: 15 blocks with hardly a chain store in sight. Bozeman has never lacked lodging with personality. Several years ago, the Element by Westin, near Main Street, had been good enough not only for my wife, but the members of Kiss. (You haven't lived until you've chatted up Kiss over continental breakfast.)

On this trip, I was staying at the newly opened Kimpton Armory Hote l, a nine-story reinvention of a National Guard regiment's headquarters that started almost a decade ago, when the head of a Bozeman-based adventure-travel company saved the structure from the wrecking ball.

Bozeman offered the singular satisfaction of enjoying a world-class meal on the way from one barren rock face to another.

The Armory is the latest marker of Bozeman's transition from "sleepy cow town" to a budding city with sashimi bars and cocktail lounges that could hold their own against San Francisco's and Seattle's. My Bozeman acquaintances maintain that this hasn't changed the soul of the place: people still say hello on the street, they insist, and businesses funnel profits back into the community.

Nonetheless, I wondered whether the arrival of another global hospitality brand —not to mention all the transplants who relocated here during the pandemic—could enrich Bozeman without changing the best things about it.

Here's a test for whether a place has gotten too big too quickly: Do they honk at you if you're going down Main Street at 10 miles an hour?

I was riding along with Jasmine Lilly , a self-described "creative hummingbird" who had offered to give me a tour of a town she's called home for 27 years. She was being generous with her time: later that morning, she had her very first appointment in the bridal shop she had just opened on the east side of downtown as the natural extension of her wedding-planning business.

Over the past decade, passionate locals have revitalized Bozeman's commercial districts, and to drive around town with Lilly is to realize that many of the most passionate are millennials. In the Mill District, in northeast Bozeman, Lilly's friend Shaw Thompson has transformed an old grain mill into the Misco Mill Gallery, a furniture workshop, art gallery, and vacation-rental apartment.

More trip ideas : This Luxury Montana Resort Has Cattle Drives, ATV Rides, and Multicourse Tasting Menus

A block away, her friend Thompson Limanek runs Green Seam Designs, a furniture maker and high-end upholsterer that takes eco-consciousness very seriously and design very playfully (think 20-foot-wide sheepskin headboards). Lilly had a pivotal role in the transformation: in 2015, she cofounded the Bozeman Flea, which became an incubator for start-ups.

"It's a very entrepreneurial community," she said, adding that this quality may be a reflection of the times in which her generation grew up. "There weren't jobs lined up for us." But even as rents have risen steeply, for Lilly there is no question of going elsewhere. "I've invested my life here," she said.

Lilly had to leave for her appointment, but not before she pointed out the Ugly Onion , a mobile wood-fired pizza pop-up that had scored perhaps the most prized gastronomic real estate in all of Bozeman, between Wild Crumb , a bakery, and Treeline Coffee Roasters , which serve the town's best pastries and coffee, respectively. "The Onion's pizza is as good as Blackbird's," Lilly said, "so you know that's saying something." Blackbird is the Chez Panisse of Bozeman's reinvention. Since 2009, it has been serving flawless Italian-inflected American food on Main Street.

Like any small town, Bozeman is a place of serendipities. Like few small towns, there is sometimes too much to do to be able to take advantage of all of them.

Blackbird shows no age, but Bozeman's evolution means that you can now find a high-quality meal in more than one restaurant in town. Later, I made my way to the most persuasive contender for Blackbird's mantle: Little Star Diner , opened a block off Main Street (just across from Lilly's bridal shop) in 2017 by husband-and-wife team Charley Graham and Lauren Reich. Graham cooked at Blackbird for five years, but in subtle ways he was heading in his own direction: Kamut noodles with Bolognese sauce, parsley, and aged sheep-milk cheese; fried green tomatoes with spicy grilled peppers, chimichurri mayo, feta, and cilantro. The latter, followed by a Kamut-noodle soup and rutabaga ravioli in butter sauce, set this traveler right on what had turned into a rainy day.

Kamut, otherwise known as khorasan wheat, is a Montana mainstay, thanks to a pioneering family that seized on the grain's health benefits 30 years ago and now farms 85,000 acres of it organically. Its ubiquity on Graham's menu tells you how comprehensively locavore he aims to be in his sourcing. Reich grows almost all the restaurant's summer vegetables on an 11-acre plot in the Gallatin Valley—no small achievement at 4,800 feet above sea level.

"It's fun to anticipate how flavor works," Graham said. "But more and more I'm interested in limiting my cooking to ingredients that are from here. There are enough to make food that's unique."

Like any small town , Bozeman is a place of serendipities. Like few small towns, there is sometimes too much to do to be able to take advantage of all of them. One afternoon, I looked in on the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture , a former elementary school that has been converted into artists' studios and performance spaces. In the first room I walked into, I chatted with the painter LeeAnn Ramey, who asked whether I wanted to join her at a happy hour upstairs, where a musician with the improbable name Thomas Thomas was going to rehearse a Brahms concerto while his supporters from other Emerson studios availed themselves of shrimp and champagne. Ramey's friend Carrie Lawrence was going to join, too. Lawrence, it turned out, is one of the owners of the Kimpton Armory.

Related : The Top 15 Resort Hotels in the West

I was eager to meet her, not least because the hotel had quickly become a sanctuary as I dashed from one place in town to the next. The Armory is spiffy and new, but novelty is just gloss if it lacks the Armory's subtlety and restraint.

In addition to being a welcome upscale lodging proposition in Montana—a four-to-five-star hotel in a state of three-stars and resorts—it felt like a place for grown-ups, with works by 13 local artists hanging around the hotel, including a massive painting depicting the Montana State University band (which used to practice in the basement of the Armory) by the painter Hannah Uhde, a sixth-generation Montanan. It's prominently displayed in the hotel's music hall.

But I was due at Map Brewing , on the north edge of town. I was craving a Märzen, the fizzier, crisper German version of an American Oktoberfest beer, and I wanted to meet Dash Rodman, a co-owner. There are nine breweries in Bozeman alone. In the five years since opening, Map has become the state's largest self-distributing brewery and one of its busiest taprooms. It was easy to spot Rodman—he stopped shaving his beard when he stopped working for someone else, and its length today is a testament to Map's success.

Rodman told me that Map ended up throwing a community fundraiser on its first day as a business. "But it pays dividends," he said, cradling an IPA. "Over 20 years in town, I've built relationships. We just had a raffle because of the wildfires—we raised $28,000 in a week. I called people and said: 'Twenty-nine houses were lost, people's lives were turned upside down.' And people were sending me $10,000 worth of product to raffle off. There's so much of that."

He went on: "When I got here in 1998, it was all Carhartts and fleece. Now you've got Audis and Porsches cruising down Main Street, and construction all over the place." But Rodman is unfazed by the influx. "The underlying community feeling is strong. I think people are moving here because of what it is, not because of something they want to turn it into."

He added: "The backcountry is ours. The trailhead may be busy, but one mile in, you're not seeing anyone." Even that trailhead is hardly tame country—I saw a black bear cavorting in Bridger Creek, at the base of Drinking Horse Mountain, when I came down.

What Map does is also representative of other businesses in town. Two days a week, Feast Raw Bar sends 10 percent of its sales to local nonprofits. The design collective Biome Slow Craft hosts free clothes-mending and repair workshops for kids in the Big Sky Youth Empowerment program. Fork & Spoon , Montana's first pay-what-you-wish restaurant, brings in chefs to serve things like local-beef stew over cheddar grits. By some counts, Bozeman has the largest number of nonprofits per capita in the country.

"It's a hard place to leave," Lilly had said when we were standing in her shop, eating pears from a tree in her backyard. "There's so much going on, but what keeps people here is community."

Some Bozemanites do leave—to have dinner in Livingston, 25 miles away. Livingston (population 8,000) is to Bozeman as Bozeman is to the rest of the world: the most unexpected of oases. "As we say sometimes, the best restaurants in Bozeman are in Livingston," one local acquaintance told me, perhaps being a little unfair to a town where I had just had kimchi fritters and bison carpaccio.

But there's another reason people go to Livingston. The beauty of Paradise Valley, which lies south of the town, transports visitors to a different spiritual plane. The first time I went, it took me nearly an hour to drive 10 miles because I kept stopping and trying to fit what I was seeing into the viewfinder of a camera: the Gallatin range on one side; the Absaroka range on the other; the Yellowstone River, one of the world's great fishing destinations, tracing the valley.

That trip was a pilgrimage. Livingston is home to as many writers as ranchers, all living in generally peaceful coexistence. It was one of those writers—the novelist, poet, and gourmand Jim Harrison—whose books had made me want to become a writer myself. Having crossed paths briefly in 2003, when I was working at The New Yorker, I wrote him in 2008, during a disoriented moment in my writing life, asking what I should do.

That question ended with me driving across the country to drink vodka with Harrison at the bar of the Murray Hotel , which is as iconic as it is synonymous with Livingston. (Film director Sam Peckinpah lived there in the late 1970s and, as the story goes, would occasionally fire bullets into the ceiling of his suite.) Harrison and I became acquaintances after that—he brought this kind of light and hope to the lives of many young writers.

Harrison died in 2016, and for some years I couldn't quite bring myself to set foot in Livingston, as I didn't know if it would make sense without him. But, due to urban flight, tech money, and the possibility of remote work, things are changing rapidly here—listings in the real estate office windows now often start at seven figures. I decided to take a measure of the place before it became unfamiliar.

Wanting to talk to someone who'd seen all of it, I stopped in at Mustang Fresh Food. Carole Sullivan, the restaurant's proprietor, got her start in Livingston fine dining 25 years earlier. The painter Russell Chatham, known as the godfather of Livingston food and a friend of Harrison's, sent Sullivan three $100 bills to pay her airfare from Minnesota to come interview for a job at his Livingston Bar & Grille, which is still going strong.

More trip ideas : America's Best Dude Ranches

I asked Sullivan what she thought of the many young faces, many clearly transplants from elsewhere, wandering the streets. Were they violating the spirit of the place in some way? I had been to a brewery slash sushi pub, with a color scheme that crossed a Greek taverna with a millennial Brooklyn boutique, and thought I'd felt the ground move a little as Harrison turned in his grave.

Sullivan gently set me straight. "The sense of community is as strong as ever, if not more so," she said. "These young people care about where they live, and they don't mind paying taxes for the things they believe in. Almost one hundred percent of the reason they came here is the land. And this area needs protection." (Sullivan's faith in the next generation is such that in July, after many years of running Mustang, she sold it to new owners. She now advises the county on healthier dining options for schoolchildren.)

Across the street I found perhaps the most meaningful example, in the dining category, of what Sullivan was referring to: Campione , a new Roman-style restaurant opened by three young friends who had converged in Livingston from New York, Australia, and Taiwan. Unfortunately, it wouldn't open for dinner for two hours, and I had to get back to Missoula. In the restaurant's window, they had posted an interview that Jeff Galli, one of the owners, had given to a local newspaper.

He said he and his partners, Anthony Sferra and Josh Adams, had decided to stake the restaurant's reputation on the meatballs—"We felt that if we can't make meatballs right, then we really shouldn't open an Italian restaurant."

One did not have to get inside to tell they had succeeded—the staff must have been prepping them then, because the scent was so rich that it was wafting out into the street. I consoled myself by inhaling as much as I could and remembering a saying that Jim Harrison, who was also a dedicated wanderer, bequeathed to me: unlike an eater, the wise traveler always leaves something on his plate.

The Best of Bozeman and Livingston

Where to stay.

Kimpton Armory Hotel : This 122-room property has redefined luxury lodging in Bozeman.; Doubles from $430.

Murray Hotel : A Livingston institution with perhaps the best restaurant in town, the Second Street Bistro. Doubles from $160.

RSVP Hotel : A former Bozeman motel transformed into a boutique temple of distinctive design. Doubles from $160.

Where to Eat & Drink

Blackbird : Casually elegant New American food with an Italian accent, in Bozeman. Entrées $14–$28.

Campione : Roman-inspired dishes in Livingston. Entrées $15–$26.

Devil's Toboggan : An upscale Bozeman bar with classic cocktails and small bites.

Feast Raw Bar & Bistro : A festive, seafood focused alternative to Bozeman's downtown dining scene. Entrées $15–$50.

Little Star Diner : This superb Bozeman spot is scrupulous about using only local ingredients. Entrées $16–$28.

Map Brewing : This Bozeman establishment has a postcard view, a beer selection that ventures far beyond IPAs, and a strong community spirit.

Treeline Coffee Roasters : There is lots of good coffee in Bozeman. This is the best.

Ugly Onion : Wood-fired pizza from a Vermont transplant to Bozeman. Pizza $18–$22.

Wild Crumb : This Bozeman bakery's breads, pies, and pastries justify rising early and braving the line.

Bozeman Symphony : With a new, rising-star music director, Norman Huynh, the symphony specializes in eclectic programs.

Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture : A former Bozeman elementary school reincarnated as a complex of artists' studios, galleries, and businesses.

Where to Shop

Biome Slow Craft : Jewelry, textiles, and crafts from Bozeman-area artisans.

Jasmine Lilly Bridal : Affordable yet elegant bridal dresses by indie designers.

A version of this story first appeared in the October 2021 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline Moving Mountains .

Things to Do in Bozeman Montana: Tourism Attractions

Bozeman Montana

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Photo © Jean Conover - Museum of the Rockies

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• Yellowstone Park
• History & Museums
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• Lakes, Rivers & Waterfalls
• Hot Springs
• Scenic Drives
• Ski Resorts

Bozeman, Montana has grown to be one of the leading destinations for a western Rocky Mountain vacation, featuring attractions like museums, mountain ranges and wilderness areas, collegiate athletics, unique & historic district, and Yellowstone National Park.

Bozeman, Montana has become one of the leading destinations for a Western Rocky Mountain vacation, featuring attractions such as Yellowstone Park, Hot Springs, mountains ranges, rivers, canyons, caverns, and museums. Here is just a sampling of attractions that you can find in Bozeman.

Yellowstone National Park

The lure of Yellowstone Park is a large source of Bozeman Montana tourism. It is known for its wildlife and geothermal activity. Hike the boardwalk trail around Mammoth Hot Springs, enjoy the boiling river, or catch an eruption of the majestic Old Faithful.

• Located 90 miles South of Bozeman.
• Seasons: Open all year around, but all entrances are closed off to vehicles between December and March, except for the North and Northeast entrances. Once in the park, internal roads are available to over-snow transportation.
• Activities: Hiking, camping, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, hot springs, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and photograhpy.

Chico Hot Springs

Relax and soak at Chico Hot Springs, a beautiful location nestled in the foothills of the Absaroka Mountain Range. Chico offers spacious lodging, two natural hot spring pools, exceptional dining, and live entertainment.

• Located roughly 60 miles Southeast of Bozeman.
• Seasons: Open all year around.
• Activities: Soak, swim, spa, lodging, dining, live music, and dancing.
• Additional Bozeman Hot Springs include Bozeman Hot Springs & Norris Hot Springs.

Hyalite Canyon

A popular recreational area snug in the Gallatin National Forest is Hyalite Canyon , which draws in a fair amount of Bozeman tourism and keeps the locals coming back. Miles of hiking trails weave through the forests, showcasing pristine waterfalls, wildlife, and fresh mountain air.

• Located 15 miles South of Bozeman.
• Seasons: Accessible to the public all year around, but closed from March to May to vehicles in order to prevent damage to soft bed roads.
• Activities: Hiking, biking, camping, fishing, ice climbing, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing.
• Additional Bozeman attractions include Bear Canyon, Beartrap Canyon, & Gallatin Canyon.

Lewis & Clark Caverns

Take a tour at the Lewis & Clark Caverns , overlooking over 50 miles of the Lewis and Clark Expedition trail. Wind yourself through miles of underground limestone, exploring cave chambers that are filled with stalagmites and stalactites.

• Located 45 miles West of Bozeman.
• Activities: Caving, biking, hiking, bird-watching, camping, canoeing, fishing, picnicking, and photography.
• Additional historic Bozeman Montana attractions include the Buffalo Jump, Virginia City, and Museum of the Rockies.

Questions & Answers

Is bozeman worth visiting.

Yes. Bozeman is worth visiting. Aside from being a gateway city to world-class skiing and Yellowstone National Park, Bozeman has a vibrant night life. You can easily enjoy a night on the town after a day exploring the mountains either in summer or apres-ski. Bozeman's rustic feel allows you to unwind anywhere, and you'll never feel out of place in Chacos and denim whether hitting the theater, strolling downtown art galleries or exploring the backcountry. Bozeman is also home to many restuarants and craft breweries. After hitting the slopes or a tiring day on the trails, deciding just which restaurant or brewery to enjoy at night might be a tough call. With so many options, you'll find yourself wanting to extend your stay. With all Bozeman has to offer, there's a reason people keep coming back for more.

What is Bozeman Montana known for?

Bozeman, Montana is a mecca for outdoor recreation in the Rockies. Its within short driving distance of Big Sky Resort and Yellowstone National Park. It's also home to world-class fly fishing and backcountry escapes. Bozeman touts a Mainstreet to Mountains program that offers 80 miles of trails accessible from town. Aside from its rich mountain cutlure, Bozeman boasts a thriving arts district. If you take time to explore downtown, you'll discover art galleries, museums, top-notch restuarants, and theaters. After a day in the mountains, you can easily stroll through an art gallery or enjoy a performance at the Ellen Theatre in the evening.

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Regional area attractions, yellowstone attractions, west yellowstone attractions, big sky attractions, red lodge attractions, missoula attractions.

Escape to a Perfect Cabin Getaway in North Yellowstone, MT

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25 Best Things to Do in Bozeman, Montana

Last Updated By VI on March 10, 2024 in Montana

Palisade Falls

Museum of the rockies, american computer and robotics museum, bridger bowl ski area.

• Complete List & Map

The main trail leads via Hyalite Canyon Road, past the scenic Hyalite Reservoir. The trail, which is about 1.2 miles round trip, is completely paved and pleasantly shaded, with a few nice views of the mountain peaks through the trees. There is a nice picnic area at the base of the falls, where the water mist creates pleasant, cool air.

600 W Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, MT 59717, 406-994-2251

2023 Stadium Dr #1A, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-582-1288

15795 Bridger Canyon Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-587-2111

Montana Grizzly Encounter

80 W Bozeman Hill Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-586-8893

Bozeman Symphony

1001 West Oak Street, Suite 110, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-585-9774

Gallatin River

More ideas: Montana Camping

Gallatin History Museum

317 West Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-522-8122

Emerson Cultural Center

111 South Grand Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-587-9797

Yellowstone Safari Company

1404 Gold Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-586-1155

Bozeman Sculpture Park (Gallatin Art Crossing)

Bozeman Sculpture Park, 626 E. Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406 582 2290

The Ellen Theatre

17 West Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-585-5885

Montana Angler Fly Fishing

435 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-522-9854

Gallatin Valley Mall

2825 West Main, Bozeman, MT 59718, 406-586-4565

Montana Science Center

2744 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59718, 406-522-9087

Crosscut Mountain Sport Center

Crosscut Mountain Sport Center, 16621 Bridger Canyon Road, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406 586 9690

Big Sky Resort on Andesite Mountain

50 Big Sky Resort Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716, 800-548-4486

Greater Yellowstone Guides

From waterfalls or wildlife to hiking or the Grand Canyon, what visitor’s prefer is what the tour will focus on. Visitors get a much richer experience with an interpretive and experienced guide who is motivated to make sure they discover the breathtaking beauty of Yellowstone Park.

Madison River Tubing

Multiple trips are made daily and include tube rental and a shuttle to and from the Madison River. There are additional items visitors can rent including paddle boards, floating coolers, waterproof Bluetooth speakers and life jackets. Visitors who are traveling in a group can also float as a group; up to 8 tubes can be connected to float together for an exciting day on the water.

Fresco Cafe

317 E Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-586-6826

Western Cafe

443 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-587-0436

La Chatelaine Chocolat Co.

110 S. Rouse Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-522-5440

Roost Fried Chicken

1520 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-404-1475

Bozeman Spirits Distillery

Bozeman Spirits Distillery, 121 W. Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406 577 2155

Montana Alpine Guides

This group of experienced professionals include the owner and Chief Guide, Sam Magro, who has been professionally guiding since 2004. Visitors can embrace their passion for climbing, build their skills and have an all-around good time! The Montana Alpine Guides give visitors a vertical exploration of Montana that can’t be found anywhere else.

• 1. Palisade Falls
• 2. Museum of the Rockies
• 3. American Computer and Robotics Museum
• 4. Bridger Bowl Ski Area
• 5. Montana Grizzly Encounter
• 6. Bozeman Symphony
• 7. Gallatin River
• 8. Gallatin History Museum
• 9. Emerson Cultural Center
• 10. Yellowstone Safari Company
• 11. Bozeman Sculpture Park (Gallatin Art Crossing)
• 12. The Ellen Theatre
• 13. Montana Angler Fly Fishing
• 14. Gallatin Valley Mall
• 15. Montana Science Center
• 16. Crosscut Mountain Sport Center
• 17. Big Sky Resort on Andesite Mountain
• 18. Greater Yellowstone Guides
• 19. Madison River Tubing
• 20. Fresco Cafe
• 21. Western Cafe
• 22. La Chatelaine Chocolat Co.
• 23. Roost Fried Chicken
• 24. Bozeman Spirits Distillery
• 25. Montana Alpine Guides

With more than 300 sunny days a year, Bozeman, Montana , is a four-season tourist destination for visitors of all ages. With Yellowstone Park just a short drive away, miles of hiking and biking trails through Gallatin National Forest, rivers and streams full of fish, fabulous skiing in the winter, great museums, its own symphony orchestra, theatre, opera and ballet, Bozeman is a city that is very easy to fall in love with on a weekend getaway .

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The best time to visit Bozeman is entirely up to you

Nov 17, 2021 • 5 min read

Bozeman is the gateway to year-round outdoor fun © Jordan Siemens / Getty Images

The best time to visit Bozeman depends squarely on your interests. Summer is the obvious time for backpacking trips, fly fishing or camping en route to family fun in Yellowstone National Park , but these activities are also fantastic in fall, when campgrounds and trails are noticeably quieter. Winter sees fewer cultural events but offers heavenly skiing and snowmobiling.

There's no bad season for visiting Bozeman, you just have to pack the right equipment and clothing. Here's a guide to the best times to come.

Low Season: November to March

Best for skiers and snowboarders

Winters can be long and brutal in Montana , with temperatures dropping to an average low of 12°F (-11°C) in December and a foot of snow falling. This is the low season for hikers, bikers and road trippers put off by the hairy winter driving conditions.

Skiers of course see things quite differently. December to March is the prime ski season in Big Sky and Bridger Bowl , but there's also plenty of fantastic cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog sledding and more.

Shoulder Season: April to May, September to October

Best time for wildflowers and crowd-free hiking

Fall is a great time to visit Bozeman. The crowds thin out after Labor Day, as school and Montana State University students return to class. Fall colors and crisp days make for perfect backpacking, and the national forests echo with the sounds of elk bugling. In the town itself, many of the popular summer activities, farmers markets and open-air events start to wind down.

Spring is more of a mixed bag. The temperatures are comfortable but many of the hiking trails and access roads are still under snow at higher altitudes, and mud can be a problem on the trails. Cyclists will be thrilled to hear that Yellowstone National Park opens its roads to non-motorized transport only during the first two weeks of April.

High Season: June to August

Best time for outdoor fun and camping

Bozeman's brief summer months are all about the great outdoors. The warm days and cool nights offer perfect camping weather and these are also the best months for hitting the mountain trails. This is prime road trip season in Montana, especially for those headed south towards Yellowstone National Park.

You'll need to book summer accommodations well in advance, even campsites. Summer 2021 was Bozeman's busiest ever season, with hotels booked solid across town, and the city's post-pandemic popularity only looks set to rise.

The mercury hits a low point, with average daytime highs a teeth-chattering 31°F (-1°C). Snow boots and down jackets are de rigueur, but the cross-country skiing is excellent and winter wildlife-watching in Yellowstone National Park is a highlight. Key events: New Year

Temperatures rarely rise above freezing, but low humidity and blue skies cheer things up and the perfect ski conditions continue. Keep an eye on the blue light above the Hotel Baxter 's rooftop sign downtown; when it flashes there is fresh snow at nearby Bridger Bowl ski resort. Key Events: Big Sky Big Grass Music Festival

March still feels like winter in Bozeman but the first shoots of spring are appearing. The winter season comes to a close at Yellowstone National Park. A cultural highlight is the MSU's annual Native American powwow , with dancing, drumming, food and crafts. Key events: Annual Powwow

An in-between month. Ski season wraps up in Big Sky and Bridger Bowl, but parts of Yellowstone National Park start to reopen at the end of the month. Key events: National park reopening

Daytime temperatures are now above 60°F (16°C), making for good lower elevation hiking through meadows of Rocky Mountain wildflowers. However, higher valleys are still snowbound. Key events: Bozeman Craft Beer Week

The weather starts warming up in earnest in June, but this is also one of the rainiest months of the year (along with May). Weekly farmers' markets herald the beginning of summer's bounty and run until September, offering locally-sourced produce, crafts and food. Expect some lingering snow in higher basins and on north-facing slopes. Key events: Bozeman Farmers Market, Gallatin Valley Farmers' Market

July is statistically the hottest month of the year, with highs above 80°F (27°C) – or occasionally above 90°F (32°C). Head to the mountains or cool off on a tube floating down the Madison River. Downtown kicks off a season of weekly live music and food stalls that lasts until mid-August. Key events: State Fair, Music on Main

Warm, dry days bring perfect outdoors weather but also the year's biggest cultural events. Give the kids a face-painting makeover at the Sweet Pea Festival , Bozeman's largest arts event. Foodies can sample local culinary highlights during the Bite of Bozeman event, and this is the month to try Montana's delicious flathead cherries and huckleberries. Key events: Sweet Pea Festival, Bite of Bozeman, Shakespeare in the Parks, Rockin' the Rivers, Bozeman Stampede

The summer tourism madness quietens down dramatically after Labor Day, making this the optimal time for a kids-free camping trip. The days are warm, evenings are crisp and summer's pesky mosquitoes are finally gone. Forest and park service campgrounds start to close in mid-September. Key events: Bozeman Marathon, Bozeman International Film Festival

Idyllic Indian summers often bring warmth in October, with temperatures above 70°F (21°C). Or it can snow! Hunting season starts across Montana, so wear bright colors if hiking in remote areas. Key events: Bridger Raptor Festival, Fresh Hops Beer Festival, Made Fair

Average temperatures are back around freezing, with highs not far above 40°F (4.5°C). Bozeman gets ready for winter, Yellowstone National Park closes most of its roads and facilities in the second week of November, and Big Sky is at its quietest, until formally reopening on Thanksgiving. Key events: Big Sky Resort Opening Day

Early ski season finally kicks in, with good deals on discounted ski passes and accommodation at Big Sky, especially during the first 10 days when snow is less reliable. Don't expect temperatures to rise above freezing in Bozeman; even the bears are hibernating. Key events: Christmas Stroll, Bozeman Ice Festival

You may also like: The best hikes in Bozeman for outdoor splendor Big Sky skiing: the best ski resorts in Montana Your guide to Montana's most spectacular road trips

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Bozeman MT Vacation Guide

Plan Your Bozeman Vacation

Interested in visiting the Bozeman area of Montana? We have all you need in one place to start planning the ultimate vacation. Browse our resources to get started! If you need additional assistance please contact Stay Montana, we are happy to assist you.

Reasons to Visit

Things to Do

Places to Stay

Things to do in bozeman.

Interested in visiting the Bozeman area of Montana? We have all you need in one place to start planning the ultimate vacation. Browse our resources to get started! If you need additional assistance please contact Stay Montana , we are happy to assist you.

Bozeman is a premier travel destination for any season. In the warmer, summer months get out on the trails for a day hike or backpacking trip in the Gallatin or Bridger mountains, enjoy some of the West’s best fly-fishing on the Madison River, or raft the Gallatin River. In the snowy months, hit the slopes at Bridger Bowl to ski the cold smoke, or take the short drive to Big Sky.

There are so many things to do , see and explore in and around Bozeman! Any time of year, relax in historic downtown Bozeman, taking in the local culture: grab dinner at Open Range, coffee at Wild Joe’s, or simply walk Main Street, wandering the local bookstores and shops. For a good burger and great, local beer, stop in Bacchus Pub beneath the historic Hotel Baxter. For a night out, the Ellen Theatre in downtown Bozeman is the perfect spot to catch the latest independent film or documentary.

When to Visit Bozeman

Bozeman is hoppin’ in the summer! With numerous events and festivals taking place like the Sweet Pea Festival and MSU Graduation, unless you are attending one of these events there are other less busy times of year to visit like fall. Fall is an ideal time to visit the Bozeman as area temperatures are milder than summer and the crowds have died down.

Come wintertime, be ready for snow! The area can experience early snow and it can get deep fast which is great news for skiers, boarders and winter sports enthusiasts!

There are many options when traveling to Bozeman. From regional airports to ground transportation, you’ll get exactly where you need to go. If you need assistance arranging transportation be sure to contact our office for guidance.

Getting to Bozeman

Bozeman is at the confluence of many geographical features. The Bridger Mountains, Tobacco Root Mountains, Big Belt Mountains, Horseshoe Hills and much more all surround this beautiful area.

With warm summers and typically cold, snowy winters Bozeman gives way to lush vegetation. Day to night temperature changes can be significant.

Below find our most frequently asked questions about Bozeman.

There are over 15 direct flights to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport . Carriers include Delta, American Airlines, Alaska, United/United Express, Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Airlines.

Driving Options

If you are considering driving be sure you have your vacation rentals exact address, contact us for more information. Or visit at our Bozeman office !

Ground Transportation

Airport Shuttle, Uber, and rental car options are available from Bozeman Airport. Rental cars are recommended. Or check out our local shuttle service, Streamline Bus.

Explore Rentals is our preferred partner for car rentals, camping gear rentals, and raft rentals in the Bozeman area. They are conveniently located just 5 minutes from the Bozeman airport. Explore Rentals is the only car rental company offering snow tires which is so important during Montana winters! Explore Rentals offers a 5% discount for Stay Montana guests. Email  [email protected]  or text 406-391-1371 to get the discount code!

We have also partnered with Lone Mountain Limo which offers guests 30% off with promo code STAYMT! Book your  Lone Mountain Limo here  or call 406.580.8122 and mention the promo code to book.

Bozeman's economy is one of the strongest in the State of Montana with tourism and the high-tech industry making a big splash in the area. One in every 10 new businesses formed in Montana come from Gallatin County, making us first in business growth in the state. Home to Montana State University, Bozeman’s high quality of living attracts and retains excellent employees who enjoy our area's unique recreational opportunities, a nationally-recognized public school system and cultural amenities that exceed cities twice our size. There’s simply no better place to live, work, and play.

Bozeman Area Chamber Partnerships

Chamber of Commerce and TBID Work Towards Urban Camping Solutions

Post date: oct 17, 2023.

As many Bozeman residents know, the topics of housing, homelessness, and urban camping have been the center of discussion during many public conversations, such as City Commission meetings. Along with...

Find a Montana Autumn Getaway at Gallatin River Lodge

Post date: oct 10, 2023.

Looking for a Bozeman Autumn getaway? Look no further than Gallatin River Lodge. Gallatin River Lodge is now offering fall specials to make your visit unique. Each season in Montana comes with a one-o...

New Chamber Position Working to Capitalize on Tourism

Post date: aug 21, 2023.

As many Bozeman residents know, Bozeman’s beautiful scenery, proximity to Yellowstone National Park, vast selection of outdoor activities, and friendly atmosphere draw tourists to Montana from all aro...

join the chamber

'Urban camping' in this Montana city has spiked 200% as priced-out locals move into cars and RVs

• People living in RVs or cars has surged in Bozeman, Montana, as housing costs have spiked.
• "Urban camping" has made the city's unhoused population more visible.
• Bozeman has the highest rents of any city in Montana, which is dealing with rising housing costs across the state.

So-called urban camping — when people live in RVs or vehicles parked on city streets — has risen rapidly in Bozeman, Montana , where locals are getting priced out by rising housing costs that are impacting many communities in the West .

Bozeman , located in the Rocky Mountains about 80 miles north of Yellowstone National Park, has a population of around 56,000 people. City officials say the number of Bozeman residents living in their RVs or cars spiked by 200% in two years, according to Montana PBS , which cited the city. Since 2020, the overall unhoused population has grown by 50%.

The rise in residents experiencing homelessness comes as housing costs have spiked. The median listing price for a home has gone from $669,000 at the start of 2020 to $1.2 million in 2024, according to city data . Meanwhile, rental costs in Gallatin County , where Bozeman is located, increased nearly 19% from 2019 to 2022 and continued to rise, leaving the county with the highest rents in the state .

"Homelessness has always been on the radar," Bozeman Mayor Terry Cunningham told PBS. "This — with urban camping, RVs, more cars — This is a recent phenomenon."

Though homelessness in the city has been rising since the pandemic, the increase in RVs and campers on city streets made the problem more visible, resulting in tensions over how to address it.

"First, these folks are our residents too," the city website says when discussing how it's addressing urban camping. "Many contribute to the workforce, send their kids to our local schools, and may not appear 'homeless' when you see them at their jobs and in the area."

Bozeman residents are divided over whether the city has been too lenient in addressing the issue. In some locations, the city has installed dumpsters and trash cans near areas with campers to prevent litter and provide the unhoused with a place to dispose of their garbage.

A group of local business owners sued Bozeman last fall, arguing the city was not doing enough to enforce existing laws that would prevent people from camping on public streets. Business owners say they have dealt with theft, vandalism, and instances of harassment.

Residents have also complained that some people living in their cars are not doing so out of necessity but just to save money on rent, pointing to the presence of new cars and generators on the some of the campers, PBS reported.

Mayor Cunningham told the outlet part of the issue is that the city cannot easily determine why individuals are living in their cars or RVs, and people are not required to disclose that information.

In November, the city implemented an ordinance aimed at limiting urban camping. It prohibits camping at the same location for more than 30 days without getting an extension and also prohibits camping in front of certain places, like businesses and schools.

The result has been like playing musical chairs, people living in their campers told the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, which reported the city has hired three roles to enforce the ordinance.

"They're making it harder to be homeless. It's already hard enough," Steven Ankney, who lives in an RV with family, told the outlet. "I understand they don't want us on the street, but it's going to happen until they get livable places for us, or affordable houses for us, or places that we can live."

The city says it is working on bringing more affordable housing to Bozeman and is working with the nonprofit Human Resource Development Council to build a 24/7 shelter.

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