Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Bozeman, MT

  • Published 2022/05/03

Bozeman, Montana is accessible all year round.

A place that provides sunny weather for more than 300 days of the year, Bozeman has some of the best sceneries.

The Gallatin Valley and the Gallatin River will give some of the best pictures for your social media feed.

Bozeman has some fantastic skiing spots, too.

Visit once, and you are bound to fall for this mesmerizing city.

Here are the best things to do in Bozeman, Montana:

Gaze at the Beauty of Palisade Falls

Daytime view of Palisade Falls

Ll Cook / Shutterstock.com

Palisade Falls, one of the most famous sights to see in Bozeman, particularly attracts families.

There are a lot of hiking trails for you to try out here if you are looking for some adventure to take part in with your family.

When you are on your way to Palisade Falls, which lies a couple of miles outside Bozeman, you will pass through the magnificent Hyalite Canyon.

Direction sign of Palisade Falls

Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock.com

Having the Palisade Mountains as its background, the falls are too beautiful.

If you hike through the canyon to reach the falls, you’ll witness some scenic sights of the Hyalite Reservoir.

There is also a picnic area where you can sit down for a pleasant picnic with great views.

View from the bottom of Palisade Falls

Sue Smith / Shutterstock.com

Explore the Miraculous Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park

David Persson / Shutterstock.com

You’ve probably already heard of the famous Yellowstone National Park, but did you know that Bozeman also happens to be the gateway to this national park?

Just 80 miles away from Bozeman, Yellowstone National Park proudly draws millions of visitors every year.

If you are going from Bozeman, you should be entering through the north gates, such as the gates of the Gardiner River.

River at Yellowstone National Park

Brian A Smith / Shutterstock.com

There are a few unique features near those gates, like the iconic Mammoth Hot Springs.

You can visit Yellowstone National Park on a day trip.

Alternatively, there are some hotels you can book near and inside if you want to spend some time in the wilderness.

Hot steam at Yellowstone National Park

Jason Maehl / Shutterstock.com

Check Out the Gallatin History Museum

Front exterior of Gallatin History Museum

Tim Evanson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Are you looking forward to digging up some of Bozeman’s past?

There is no better place to do that than at the famous Gallatin History Museum.

Walking through the museum is like flipping through the pages of a history book centered on Montana.

There is everything about the past of Montana that made it how it is today.

Interesting displays, like the replicas of Big Horn Gun, Fort Ellis, and Bozeman’s first steam-powered fire engine, can be found here.

Visit Museum of the Rockies

Dinosaur skeleton exhibit in Museum of the Rockies

Hugh K Telleria / Shutterstock.com

One of the most popular sights in Montana, Museum of the Rockies, attracts many tourists all year round.

Most of them are interested in seeing the museum’s contents as it houses some intriguing items.

Exterior of the Museum of the Rockies

EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

You can see a real tyrannosaurus skull and some of its other bones.

There are also a lot of fossils displayed in the museum.

No other museum in the US has as many dinosaur bones as Museum of the Rockies.

A mounted dinosaur skeleton in Museum of the Rockies

Edgloris Marys / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy Winter Activities at Bridger Bowl Ski Area

Snow-covered Bridger Bowl Ski Area

Richard Barley, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you make your way up to the Gallatin National Forest, you shall find yourself amid one of the best skiing areas in Montana.

Bridger Bowl Ski Area is the top destination for skiing in Bozeman.

It draws many tourists during the winter when white powdery snow covers up the area.

Did you know there are almost 75 trails here just for you to ski?

Some of these trails are not even marked on the maps.

If you haven’t tried out your hand at skiing, don’t worry—these slopes are for everyone, beginners included.

However, if you are looking for something to challenge your skills, try out the trails that start from Bridger Bowl’s Ridge Terrain.

Be Amazed at Montana Grizzly Encounter

A lone bear during Montana Grizzly Encounter

Tami Freed / Shutterstock.com

Montana Grizzly Encounter is one of the top places for all kinds of wildlife lovers.

Weak bears, which have been captured and tortured, are rescued and taken care of here.

They do this because the bears will not live long if they are left alone.

Head over to the Montana Grizzly Encounter and see how these lovely bears behave.

A bear enjoying a bath at Montana Grizzly Encounter

Tami Freed / Shutterstock.com

All of this began in 2002 with the adoption of a weak bear named Brutus.

Now, you can see several other grizzly bears who receive love and affection here.

They are all about the preservation of this endangered species.

Additionally, they provide several educational tours where they show you different facts about the bears that have been adopted here.

Learn New Things at the American Computer & Robotics Museum

American Computer and Robotics Museum in Montana State University

EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Are you a tech person?

Want a better understanding of the history behind computers and other tech-related stuff?

Heading to the American Computer & Robotics Museum.

Know all about the history, developments, and shaping of the AI industry.

Side exterior of American Computer & Robotics Museum

Sesamehoneytart, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are a lot of exhibits that show how the old things used to be and how offices used to work with those not-so-modern pieces of equipment.

You can also see the intermediate gadgets and what they are now.

The museum offers the full package and will teach you about different technological inventions and their developments.

Take Snaps of the Gallatin River

View of the Gallatin River in winter

Brian A Smith / Shutterstock.com

The Gallatin River is one of the best sights to see in Bozeman.

It also happens to be one of the three rivers that form Missouri’s beautiful main river.

Want to try out white water rafting?

Autumn view of Gallatin River

goodluz / Shutterstock.com

The Gallatin River is one of the best places to try that.

Providing some of the best views of the stunning Gallatin Canyon, the river is a fantastic place to experience the natural wonder’s scenic beauty.

You can go mountain fishing, zip lining, or kayaking here.

Take a Trip to the Custer Gallatin National Forest

Beautiful nature view at Gallatin National Forest

Flashon Studio / Shutterstock.com

The beautiful city of Bozeman is covered in the Custer Gallatin National Forest’s shades of green.

You’ll find yourself amid 3 million acres of nothing but lush greenery.

The Custer Gallatin National Forest is also a haven for all kinds of activities.

Hills of Custer Gallatin National Forest

Nikki Yancey / Shutterstock.com

Be it skiing, hiking, fishing, or any kind of adventure, the Custer Gallatin National Forest is applicable for every bit of action.

Storm Castle Peak is one of the most frequented hikes in this area.

Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is another adventure spot where people love to go for a day and explore the places around.

If you want to have a picnic, Palisades Falls Picnic Area is just the place for you.

Winter view of Custer Gallatin National Forest

Kevin Shalkowsky / Shutterstock.com

Stay at Big Sky Resort

Big Sky Resort

Jim from Lexington, KY, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you are looking for more of the local flavor and some options for downhill skiing, Big Sky Resort is your number one option.

It consistently gets a lot of snowfall during the winter, making it one of the easiest places to ski.

A person skiing downhill at Big Sky Resort

alexfe / Shutterstock.com

There is an area of more than 4,000 acres for you to ski here.

With more than just mountain slopes, Big Sky Resort is ideal for skiers of all levels of expertise.

Snowboarders at Big Sky Resort

Robert Vincelli / Shutterstock.com

Take a Walk around Downtown

Daytime at Downtown Bozeman

EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Make your way to one of the liveliest areas in Bozeman: Main Street in the Downtown area.

With the amalgamation of the Western culture and the modern vibes that come from the college folks, Main Street is one of the best places to head over to if you are looking for a pleasant place to hang out.

Shops along Bozeman downtown

aceshot1 / Shutterstock.com

If you are hungry, check out one of the many restaurants or food chains lined up on both sides of the road.

There are a few pizza shops that are supposedly the best ones in Montana.

Cafes and bakeries line up on either side, too.

On Thursdays, you can hear live music playing in the downtown area.

Night scene at Bozeman downtown

Adam Reck / Shutterstock.com

Hike along the College “M” Hiking Trail

The College “M” Hiking Trail is one of the most popular trails in Bozeman.

Tourists and locals frequently access this trail.

You shall find yourself on this trail if you make your way along the Bridger Canyon.

The “M,” which was constructed by students of Montana State University, is 250 feet tall and made entirely of white rocks.

Two trails go along the two sides of the canyon and meet at the latter point.

It is not so ideal for amateurs as the hike can prove to be quite tedious midway.

If you already have minimal hiking experience, you can have a go at this trail.

Treat Your Sweet Tooth at La Châtelaine Chocolat Co.

If you have a sweet tooth or go crazy for chocolates, this place will feel like paradise to you.

La Châtelaine Chocolat Co. is where chocolate lovers step in and find it quite a struggle to come out.

Wlady Grochowski and Shannin Grochowski are the two owners of this company, and they whip up some of the best and most luxurious chocolates in the world.

Since they were trained by world-famous pastry chefs, they make chocolates like those found in French bakeries.

Have a Meal in the Western Café

When you walk through the downtown area and go through Main Street, you might see the Western Café.

One of the top places in Bozeman to have a good meal, this cafe is the place to go if you are starving.

The moment you enter the store, you’ll be greeted with an alluring aroma of baked goods.

Some of the other well-known menu items at this cafe are their fried chicken, burgers, and greasy fries.

The cafe also serves ice cream.

All the ingredients for their dishes are locally sourced, and most of them are organic and homemade.

Enjoy Bozeman Hot Springs

If you are looking for some relaxation or rejuvenation after a long day of sightseeing, head to Bozeman Hot Springs, one of the city’s hidden gems.

It also ranks among the top hot springs in Montana.

Bozeman Hot Springs hosts some of the most lively events and festivals.

There are nice camping grounds, so you can set up camp and spend a night or two here.

Listen to the Stunning Performance by the Bozeman Symphony

Founded in 1968, the Bozeman Symphony Society is a cultural institution in Montana.

To preserve musical quality, visitors are asked to join the rising number of students, people, and musicians that gather together.

As part of their mission to spread the joy of music to as many people as possible, the symphony orchestra distributes concert tickets to deserving charities.

Scholarships and other opportunities for young musicians are available.

The various programs and initiatives that are arranged allow visitors to experience the creative influences of artists of all ages.

Catch a Performance at The Ellen Theatre

Exterior of The Ellen Theatre

Tim Evanson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There were beautiful playhouses in many cities in the early 1900s packed with live theater, variety acts, silent pictures, and school plays.

Bozeman was no exception.

Fred Willson’s design for The Ellen Theatre, erected by Bozeman’s founding family in honor of their mother, Ellen Trent, is well recognized.

Family concerts on Sundays and late evenings on Fridays were the norms.

Name sign of The Ellen Theatre

aceshot1 / Shutterstock.com

The Ellen was a popular venue for vaudeville acts in the 1920s.

It featured numerous performers, including Vivian Vance, better known as Ethel from the television show I Love Lucy during this period.

The Ellen Theatre was resurrected to bring theater back to the town after a long period of neglect.

The theater’s golden carvings and fittings have been restored to their former glory, and visitors may now enjoy one of the numerous acts and events there.

Participate in Art Classes at the Emerson Cultural Center

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture provides a place for working artists and musicians to express themselves.

Since its inception in 1993, the center has welcomed visitors to take advantage of its many exhibits, shopping outlets, and on-site theater.

Visitors may participate in a dance studio and pottery workshop at the Galleria Hall.

Meanwhile, kids may participate in an art project in addition to the devoted exhibits at the Jessie Wilbur Gallery.

In addition to open houses and art walks, they often host lunch on the lawn with food and live performances, a foosball tourney, and a garden tour highlighting the property’s distinctive horticulture.

Take Photos of the Installations at the Gallatin Art Crossing Sculpture Park

Bozeman’s Gallatin Art Crossing seeks for and places a diverse range of public art in the city’s general settings.

Most of the sculptures displayed at the park may be purchased while there.

It is customary for one of the statues to remain in the park permanently.

Sculptures and other works of art may be seen all across town, and the public is encouraged to stop by and take them in.

Take a guided tour to get the most out of the A.R.T. street art and sculpture park.

Final Thoughts

With its vibrant arts and cultural scene, historical landmarks, and scientific museums that appeal to visitors of all ages, Bozeman, Montana is a traveler’s haven.

There are several natural treasures to be discovered in the area, too.

Experience Montana’s charming city of Bozeman as your next vacation destination!

Discover More of Gallatin County, MT

Best Things to Do in Belgrade, MT

Best Things to Do in Big Sky, MT

© All rights reserved.