Great news! The finest of Bozeman and beyond can be experienced without draining your bank account. Options are truly limitless in terms of exploring our city and all the treasures it holds, while on a budget. Strap on your gear and come explore our beautiful Bozeman paradise. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Full Day Suggestions
Hiking
The mountains surrounding Bozeman are decorated in a vast network of trails that offer fresh pine-scented air, bustling wildlife, and spectacular scenery. One of my favorites is the hike to the ‘M' which sits Northeast of Bozeman. It is a sweet jaunt that provides views of the entire Gallatin Valley. If you are interested in a heftier hike, keep following the trail another 3 hours to Mount Baldy, one of the peaks of Bridger Range.
Find additional hiking trails here.
Main Street to the Mountains
Allowing locals and visitors alike to connect with Bozeman and beyond, definitely take some time out to explore the 50 miles of trails that wind through our city and mountains. Start downtown at the public library, follow the trail and expect to pass through multiple parks, find unparalleled views of Bozeman, and even find yourself atop scenic ridgelines. This is a great way to meet locals as well!
Fly fishing
The Gallatin, Jefferson, Madison, Yellowstone, and Missouri Rivers are easily accessible and considered the crème de la crème of fly fishing destinations.
Hire a Fishing Guide
Yellowstone National Park
This is a must, especially if you haven't been to the park before! The scenery and wildlife are truly remarkable, with bears, wolves, and buffalo meandering through traffic regularly. Bring a suit and experience the hot and cold currents of the boiling river, one of my favorite parts of the park.
$35 Entrance Fee - the pass is good for 7 days.
Half Day Suggestions
Floating
A popular way to cool off from the summer heat is to float the rivers here. A local favorite is the Madison River, known for its slow-paced stretches of water. Put in at Warm Springs turnout, float down the river for 3 hours or so, and take out at Blacksford.
Rent a boat or join a float trip.
Climbing
Bozeman is home to world-class climbers, who have really popularized rock climbing in the area. With the Absaroka, Gallatin, and Crazy Mountain Ranges, Bozeman is an excellent source for any person who loves to climb! We have 4 rock climbing structures that have been built around town as well, which cater to all age groups as well as all skill levels.
Find Climbing Outfitters and Guides
Biking
There are miles of bike trails in and around Bozeman to choose from. One of my favorites which is also new to the area is the Bangtail Divide Trail, located about 15 miles Northeast of Bozeman, past Bridger turnoff. A technically easy 23 miles of sweet single track awaits you.
Hot Springs
Looking for a win-win situation? Drive 33 miles west of Bozeman and try out Norris Hot Springs. $7 to soak plus $2 gets you hours of live music played right by the hot pool every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!
More Info on Norris Hot Springs
More Info on Chico Hot Springs
Museum of the Rockies
The museum showcases an extensive paleontology collection as well as a world-class planetarium, however the new Children's Discovery Center has been the highlight for families. Come check out the exhibits! Adult $14.50, children $9.50, open 7 days a week.
Visit www.museumoftherockies.org for more information.
Events
Music on Main
Every Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 for the majority of the summer, free concerts are held in Historic Downtown Bozeman. Streets are closed off, food vendors are out, and the dancing shoes come on.
More Info on Music on Main
Sweet Pea Festival
Promoting and cultivating the arts is Sweet Pea's primary focus. Find parades, art & crafts, musicians, fabulous refreshments, and so much more. This is a great opportunity for visitors to experience first hand how appreciated and celebrated our community is to us.
More Info on the Sweet Pea Festival
Farmers Markets
In an effort to support local businesses, our markets provide locally grown produce, diverse arts & crafts, as well as musical performances from local artists. Find these savory markets throughout the summer at two locations; Bogert Park on Tuesday's and the Gallatin County Fairgrounds on Saturday's.
- Gallatin Valley Farmer's Market: Saturdays from late-June to early-September at the Haynes Pavilion at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.
- Bogert Farmer's Market: Tuesdays from 5-8pm from early-June to late-September at the Bogert City Park.
ArtWalk
If you have an appreciation for art, you will enjoy Bozeman's Downtown ArtWalk. Main Street opens it's sidewalks and doors to display art in many shapes, colors, and sizes. You may find anything from local graffiti to brush work from China. This event happens on the 2nd Friday of every month from 6 – 8 PM.
If you are interested in additional Bozeman events and summer activities, definitely check out Local Tips and Advice on what Bozeman brings to the table.
Evening Entertainment
Dining
Bozeman has a laundry list jammed full of restaurants. Come sample one of our local brews at the Bozeman Brewing Company downtown! The outdoor seating, great prices, and amazing rolls at Dave's Sushi always lures me back for another bite.
Browse all Bozeman Restaurants
Nightlife
What you seek, you shall find here. Montana Ale Works is a favorite of mine, where you can find a bustling atmosphere, friendly staff, and some of the best prices for top of the line dining!
Take a look at Bozeman's Nightlife
Emerson Center for the Arts
The Emerson Center for Arts & Culture has a variety of reasonably priced films and workshops daily and nightly. They also provide various exhibits which showcase local artwork as well as artwork from around the world. Stop in and check out the calendar of events while you are in town!
Check out the Emerson Calendar of Events
Reservations
Transportation
Car rentals are available at the Gallatin Field Airport in Bozeman as well as in town. Several options for taxi and limo services are available, as well as a town bus service which offers free transportation in and around Bozeman on a regular basis.
Car Rentals
Bozeman's Free Bus
Lodging
As bustling as Bozeman is in the summer time, it is always a wise idea to book in advance.
Bozeman Lodging Options
Camping & Cabins
Nestled into every nook and cranny of our ranges, you'll find camping spots. Camp by Hyalite Creek at Langohr Campground and do some fishing in the creek or the nearby reservoir! Bozeman and Livingston have one of the largest selections of National Service cabins that are great for affordable and rustic lodging. Camping is the most affordable lodging option during the summer months.
