Visiting Montana can feel similar to Texas or California. The state is so big that you could spend months just exploring half of it. But if you plan to visit Big Sky Country, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Bozeman.
It has breathtaking landscapes and so many amazing activities that you may want to plan your return trip before you leave. Let’s explore some of the top things to do in Bozeman so you can start your road trip!
Where is Bozeman?
Bozeman is just off Interstate 90 in southwest Montana, just 35 minutes west of Livingston and 90 minutes north of Gardiner.
The Rocky Mountains offer a beautiful backdrop and an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. About 53,000 residents live in the city, and the micropole area has been the number one fastest growing area in the country for five years.
What is Bozeman, Montana best known for?
Fly fishing, skiing, hiking and other outdoor adventures abound in Bozeman, Mont. This Big Sky Country is less than two hours from Yellowstone National Park’s Albright Visitor Center.
The thriving arts scene also attracts visitors interested in street fairs, farmers 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 travel destination, spring is the best time of year. Deep greens speckled with bright colors of blooming flowers set against snow-capped mountains provide a stunning backdrop to enjoy the cool spring air.
If you’re looking to relax in the winter, you’ll find plenty of top-notch ski resorts in the area, but you’ll face some serious cold weather if you come here in the winter.
The 10 Best Things to Do in Bozeman
If you are looking for an outdoor adventure or a cultural event, you will find it in Bozeman. Whether you are planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway with your spouse, you 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 $12, adults $18. You can also get student, senior, and military discounts.
Why you should visit: A Smithsonian affiliate, the Museum of the Rockies is one of the top history museums in the world. Famous fossil exhibits include a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton.
Enjoy a planetarium show, educational programs and shop in the museum shop. In the warmer months, tour the seasonal outdoor exhibit of a 1890’s Montana homestead.
2. The American Computer and Robotics Museum
Address: 2023 Stadium Drive Suite 1-A, Bozeman, MT, 59715
Cost: Children under the age of 9 have free admission. Admission is $5 for youth, seniors and students. Regular admission is $8.50 for adults.
Why you should visit: The American Computer & Robotics Museum is the oldest continuously operating museum housing important historical facts about the information age.
About 4,000 exhibits show the growth of innovation from cuneiform tablets to personal computers.
Professor Emeritus Dr. Harvard University’s Edward O. Wilson claims it is “inch for inch the finest museum in the world.”
3. Gallatin Regional Park
Address: 5000 Chache Ln, Bozeman, MT 59718
Cost: Enjoy this free park when you visit Bozeman.
Why you should visit: Gallatin Regional Park consists of 87 acres where visitors can enjoy hiking trails, two ponds and a dinosaur park. Dogs are welcome on the trails on a leash and can also enjoy an outdoor run park.
One of the ponds has a bathing beach. In winter there is a toboggan run for children to have fun in the snow.
4. The Ellen Theater
Address: 17 West Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715
Cost: Costs vary depending on the performance or event.
Why you should visit: Whether you like musicals, comedy or classic westerns, the Ellen Theater has a variety of performances year-round. The theater also hosts concerts and film premieres. Opened in 1919, the theater seeks to preserve the history of the area while looking to the future.
5. Montana Ale Works
Address: 611 E Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715
Cost: The visit is free, but see the menu for delicious food and drink prices.
Why you should visit: Montana Ale Works, an award-winning venue, has been serving the Bozeman community since 2000. Join us daily for 4-6pm Happy Hour, where you can enjoy $1 off draft beers, wines by the glass and fountain drinks can .
Montana Ale Works is also known for its sustainable food and beverage sourcing, working with over fifty farmers, ranchers and culinary artisans to provide quality, local foods for a true farm to fork experience.
Keep in mind: Montana has some of the most beautiful national parks in the country, so don’t waste your time visiting these Montana National Parks
6. Grizzly Encounter in Montana
Address: 80 Bozeman Hill Road, Bozeman, MT 59715
Cost: Prices range from $8 to $10, and children under 3 are admitted free.
Why you should visit: Support the team’s conservation efforts at the Montana Grizzly Encounter, where you can learn more about grizzlies.
These bears are not released back into the wild but have a permanent home here in the sanctuary. It is a beautiful area with a mountain backdrop, 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. Prices increase for full access to the facility and on weekends and public holidays.
Why you should visit: There’s something about soaking in hot springs in winter that rejuvenates the soul.
At Bozeman Hot Springs, guests have access to 12 pools ranging in temperature from 59 to 106 degrees. After a day of skiing, unwind at the Bridger Bowl or venture out to the fitness facility for an hour or so before soaking in the hot springs.
8. Bridger bowl
Address: 15795 Bridger Canyon Road, Bozeman, MT 59715
Cost: A day pass costs $30 to $85.
Why you should visit: Bridger Bowl Ski Mountain offers a variety of slopes for all levels of skiers. The trails, which are kept in great condition, are busy but less touristy than other options.
Get there early to make sure you get a spot and be on your way before anyone else. It also offers a “Playcare” center, ski lessons and rental.
Keep in mind: Would you like to bring your mobile home with you? How to plan an RV trip to Montana
9. Downtown Bozeman
Address: Bridger Park Garage is located 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 something to buy at the local shops and restaurants.
Why you should visit: Enjoy a diverse selection of dining and shopping options in downtown Bozeman.
From microbreweries to art galleries to outdoor gear shops, there’s something for everyone in this small, eclectic city. You can spend all day walking around or just a few hours.
10. Palisade Falls
Address: Fs 3165, Livingston, MT 59047
Cost: Palisade Falls is a great free activity near Bozeman.
Why you should visit: This 1.8 km round trip hike takes 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 239 feet of elevation gain.
You can hike here all year round, although winter will be a bit more challenging with hard snow. But at the end you see a frozen waterfall.
Is Bozeman worth visiting?
Bozeman, Mont. is the fastest growing area in the country for good reason. Not only is the country breathtaking, but the activities are endless.
In the same day, you can enjoy world-class skiing, soak in a relaxing hot spring, and laugh with a stand-up comedian. You don’t have to worry about keeping your kids entertained. And you don’t have to worry about finding the perfect dining room to celebrate your anniversary.
Whatever your reason for visiting Bozeman, it’s definitely worth adding to your Montana road trip itinerary.
Have you ever been to this beautiful city?