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Visiting Montana can feel similar to Texas or California. The state is so big that you could spend months exploring just half of it. But if you plan to visit Big Sky Country, you’ll find many things to do in Bozeman.
It has stunning landscapes and so many amazing activities that you may want to plan your return trip before you even leave. Let’s learn about some of the best things to do in Bozeman, so you can start your road trip!
Where Is Bozeman?
Bozeman sits right off Interstate 90 in southwest Montana, only about 35 minutes west of Livingston and 90 minutes north of Gardiner.
The Rocky Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop and an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. About 53,000 residents live in the city, and the micropolitan area has ranked number one for the fastest-growing area in the country for the last five years.
What Is Bozeman, Montana, Most Known For?
Fly fishing, skiing, hiking, and other outdoor adventures are plentiful in Bozeman, Mont. This Big Sky Country is less than two hours from the Albright Visitor Center of Yellowstone National Park.
The thriving arts scene also lures visitors interested in street festivals, farmer’s markets, cultural centers, museums, symphonies, theaters, and art galleries. You certainly won’t run out of things to do in Bozeman.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Bozeman, Montana?
Although Bozeman, Mont., is a year-round destination, spring is the most beautiful time of year. Deep greens with bright speckled colors of blooming flowers against the snow-capped mountains offer a breathtaking setting to enjoy the cool air of spring.
If you want winter recreation, you’ll find plenty of top-notch ski resorts in the area, but you’ll battle serious cold weather if you visit during the winter.
10 Best Things to Do in Bozeman
If you want an outdoor adventure or a cultural event, you’ll find it in Bozeman. Whether you’re planning a vacation for the family or a romantic getaway with your spouse, you’ll have an endless list of activities and adventures for the whole family. Here are our top 10.
1. Museum of the Rockies
Address: 600 W. Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, MT 59717
Cost: Youth can get in for $12 and adults for $18. You can also get discounts for students, seniors, and military members.
Why You Should Visit: As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Museum of the Rockies is one of the finest history museums in the world. Its renowned fossil displays include a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.
Enjoy a planetarium show, education programs, and shop at the museum store. During the warmer months, tour the seasonal outdoor exhibit of an 1890s Montana homestead.
2. The American Computer & Robotics Museum
Address: 2023 Stadium Drive Suite 1-A, Bozeman, MT, 59715
Cost: Kids under 9 get in free. Admission costs $5 for youth, seniors, and students. Regular admission costs $8.50 for adults.
Why You Should Visit: The American Computer & Robotics Museum is the oldest continuously operating museum that houses important historical facts about the Information Age.
Approximately 4,000 exhibits showcase the growth of innovation from cuneiform tablets to personal computers.
Professor Emeritus Dr. Edward O. Wilson of Harvard University claims it’s “inch for inch, the best museum in the world.”
3. Gallatin Regional Park
Address: 5000 Tschache Ln, Bozeman, MT 59718
Cost: Enjoy this free park when visiting Bozeman.
Why You Should Visit: The Gallatin Regional Park consists of 87 acres where visitors can enjoy trails, two ponds, and a dinosaur park. Dogs are welcome on a leash on the trails and can enjoy an off-leash park as well.
One of the ponds has a swimming beach area. In the winter, it has a sledding hill for kids to enjoy fun in the snow.
4. The Ellen Theatre
Address: 17 West Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715
Cost: The cost varies based on the performance or event.
Why You Should Visit: Whether you like musicals, comedies, or classic westerns, the Ellen Theatre has numerous performances throughout the year. Additionally, the theatre hosts concerts and movie premieres. Opened in 1919, the theatre seeks to preserve the area’s history while stepping into the future.
5. Montana Ale Works
Address: 611 E Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715
Cost: You can visit for free, but check the menu for prices on the delicious food and drinks.
Why You Should Visit: An award-winning venue, Montana Ale Works has served the Bozeman community since 2000. Visit during Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. daily, where you can enjoy $1 off draft brews, wines by the glass, and well drinks.
Also known for its sustainable food and beverage sourcing, Montana Ale Works partners with over fifty farmers, ranchers, and culinary artisans to bring top-quality, local foods for a true Farm to Fork experience.
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6. Montana Grizzly Encounter
Address: 80 Bozeman Hill Road, Bozeman, MT 59715
Cost: Prices range from $8 to $10, and kids under 3 get in free.
Why You Should Visit: Support the conservation efforts of the team at the Montana Grizzly Encounter, where you can learn more about grizzlies.
These bears won’t be released back into the wild but have a permanent home here in the sanctuary. It’s a beautiful area in a mountain setting, the perfect place to see these majestic animals up close.
7. Bozeman Hot Springs
Address: 81123 Gallatin Road, Bozeman, MT 59718
Cost: Prices range from $8 for kids to $17 for adults for the pool only. Rates increase for full facility access and on weekends and holidays.
Why You Should Visit: There’s something about soaking in hot springs in winter that rejuvenates the soul.
At Bozeman Hot Springs, guests enjoy access to 12 pools ranging from 59 to 106 degrees. Relax after a day of skiing at Bridger Bowl or venture over to the full fitness facility for an hour or so of exercise before soaking in the hot springs.
8. Bridger Bowl
Address: 15795 Bridger Canyon Road, Bozeman, MT 59715
Cost: A day lift ticket costs $30 to $85.
Why You Should Visit: The Bridger Bowl ski mountain offers many different trails for all levels of skiers. The trails, kept in great condition, are busy but less touristy than other options.
Get there early to ensure you get a parking spot and hit the trails before anyone else. It also provides a “Playcare” center, ski lessons, and rentals.
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9. Downtown Bozeman
Address: Bridger Park Garage lies between Tracy and Black Avenues along Mendenhall Street in downtown Bozeman.
Cost: Walking around downtown Bozeman won’t cost you anything, but you’ll likely find things to buy in the local shops and restaurants.
Why You Should Visit: Enjoy a diverse selection of dining and shopping opportunities in downtown Bozeman.
From microbreweries to art galleries to outdoor gear shops, there’s something for everyone in this small, eclectic town. You could spend all day walking around or just a couple of hours.
10. Palisade Falls
Address: Fs 3165, Livingston, MT 59047
Cost: Palisade Falls makes a great free activity near Bozeman.
Why You Should Visit: This 1.1-mile out-and-back hike will take you to a beautiful waterfall near Bozeman. Dogs are welcome on a leash. The trail is considered easy and suitable for almost all abilities, with only a 239-foot elevation gain.
You can hike here all year, though the winter will be a bit more challenging on packed snow. But you’ll see a frozen waterfall at the end.
Is Bozeman Worth Visiting?
Bozeman, Mont., is the fastest-growing area in the country for a reason. Not only is the land breathtaking, but the activities are endless.
On the same day, you can enjoy top-notch skiing, soak in a relaxing hot spring, and laugh with a stand-up comedian. You won’t have to worry about keeping your kids entertained. And you won’t have to worry about finding the perfect dining venue to celebrate your anniversary.
No matter the reason for your visit to Bozeman, it’s absolutely worth adding to your Montana road trip itinerary.
Have you ever visited this beautiful city?
