Visit Bozeman: 14 Popular Attractions To Visit and Things To Do In Bozeman, Montana (2024)
Located in Southwest Montana, city of Bozeman is popular for its indoor and outdoor fun. Once you have arrived here, you can enjoy an array of fun and engaging activities. Undoubtedly, Bozeman is also known as the “most liveable place.” City of Bozeman features a thriving art and culture scene via its museums, art galleries and uncountable monthly and annual events. Besides that, it offers opportunities for dramatic mountains hiking, biking, climbing, along with fly fishing, hunting, skiing, wildlife viewing etc.
Bozeman is a chilled-out college town with its proximity to Big Sky Ski Resort and Yellowstone National Park. It attracts millions of visitors every year in the form of students, travelers, and tourists. Instead of just passing through the city, visitors often plan to stay and spend some time for an exciting holiday here. And over that, when Bozeman experiences nearly 300 Sunny days a year, nothing here can actually trouble your holiday. So why wait? Have a look at places to visit and things to do when in Bozeman.
Visit Bozeman: 14 Popular Attractions To Visit and Things To Do In Bozeman, Montana
1. Visit the Museum of Rockies
A world-renowned attraction, the Museum of Rockies is the first and must-visit place in Bozeman. Located inside the Montana State University Campus, this museum is home to the United States’ largest collection of dinosaur remains. Of the very few Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons, a complete one can be found in this museum’s display. Besides that, their collection has several other fossils, information about creatures who lived here 500 million years ago and Montana’s role in paleontology. You can easily go through their range of permanent and rotating exhibits, spending 2 to 3 hours simply on them. During summers, their outdoor Living History exhibitis worth exploring. Or the museum also offers adult lecture series, summer camps and other engaging programs. You can visit here throughout the year except on major holidays.
2. Go Rock Climbing With The Montana Alpine Guides
Montana Alpine Guides are the ultimate recreational buddies who take participants in the most adventurous ride of Bozeman and its surrounding landscapes. It is a group of experienced professionals who provides for rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain climbing, backcountry skiing and more. Even if you are completely new to the adventure, the professionals here will teach you all the skills, tricks, and basics and motivate you to do your best. Later they take you on Montana’s vertical exploration that isn’t easily available anywhere else. Montana Alpine Guides has been offering their services since 2004, and they are indeed the best in it. It is an ideal adventure venue for kids to adults for them all.
3. Plan a Holiday Only For Big Sky Resort & Bridger Bowl Ski Area
If you are a winter animal and have ever been to Bozeman, you cannot just avoid enjoying its skiing opportunities. Surrounding the city, there are two downhill skiing destinations, the Big Sky Resort and the Bridger Bowl Ski Area. The former is an hour south of Bozeman, while the latter is half an hour north. The Big sky resort offers ultimate downhill skiing opportunities across four mountain ranges. It has 6,000 acres of rideable terrain with consistent snowfall throughout the winter season. At the same time, the Bridger Bowl Ski Area is home to 2,000 skiable acres in the heart of the Gallatin National Forest. It is a scenic region with 75 marked and many unmarked trails. From beginners to intermediates and experts, everyone can have their fair share of adventure and fun here. Along with skiing, both of the regions also offer snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, sleigh rides, and more such opportunities.
Big Sky Resort & Bridger Bowl Ski Area aren’t just winter wonderland, but summers are equal fun. Activities here are in abundance, from climbing walls to ziplining, bungee jumping, giant swinging and whatnot.
4. Stroll in the Downtown Bozeman
Downtown Bozeman is a delightful section of the city, offering a captivating mix of contemporary city vibes with cowboy charm. It isn’t just your next storefront area but has so much more to offer. While you walk on the streets of downtown, you will observe an undeniable Western feel, college culture, historic brick buildings, plenty of public art installations and murals all within a lively environment. Despite having this section of Bozeman in your itinerary, you will land into this place on its own. You can hop into bars, go eat like crazy with endless choices, and of course, shop until your wallet gets empty. Though all the days at downtown are equal fun, Thursdays here are a notch better with the popular “Music on Main.” Even if you try to find it, nothing here will ever disappoint you. And the best part is, you can have the fun of your life, without spending a penny (or some if you want to).
5. Learn About History in the Gallatin History Museum
Located in the forefront of Main Street, the Gallatin History Museum preserves the history of Southwest Montana Gallatin County. The museum is housed inside the historic country jail building, housing multiple exhibits. There is a model of old Fort Ellis, hanging gallows, several jail cells, Bozeman’s first steam-powered fire engine, the infamous Big Horn Gun, and so much more to observe. Upon walking further inside, you will come across over 18,000 historical images, history of Native American tribes, hard-to-find merchandise, and a book store with old books. The Gallatin History Museum operates throughout the year from Tuesday through Saturday. While admissions for adults are paid, accompanying kids can visit for free.
6. Spend a Few Hours in the American Computer & Robotics Museum
The American Computer & Robotics Museum is a free-to-visit place in Bozeman. It is settled in the south of the city and is home to a huge display that details the evolution of technology. Upon walking inside the museum, you will find several display rooms and a dedicated area for distinct eras of applied science. The collection here has significant artifacts along with an elaborative and informative display. You can spot an original Apple 1 Computer signed by Steve Wozniak, a Gutenberg Press, Alan Turing papers etc. Besides that, their collection also includes documents from Alexander Graham Bell, Samuel Morse, Thomas Jefferson and other contributors for the progress of the information age. Anyone interested in knowing about computers is one of the best places to visit in North America.
7. Relax and Rejuvenate at the Bozeman Hot Springs
The Bozeman Hot Springs is a place of ultimate relaxation and Rejuvenation in the city. It is located eight miles west of downtown and has been one of the prominent attractions of Montana for decades now. Bozeman Hot Springs is a public resort with 12 soaking pools, a campground, and a fitness facility. The soaking spring pools have water temperatures ranging from 59 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit. While everyone can visit here for the day, one has to access the campgrounds for overnight staying and soaking. Throughout the year, the destination hosts several special events, including charity-driven functions, group fitness classes, and live music. The Bozeman Hot Springs is a great place to visit after having a strenuous wilderness visit.
8. Get into the Wilderness of Custer Gallatin National Forest.
Surrounding the city of Bozeman is the Custer Gallatin National Forest, a natural wonderland. Spread over 3 million acres, the forest is home to several recreational opportunities, wild and wilderness. It receives millions of tourists throughout the year for fly-fishing, day hiking, ski touring, backpacking, wildlife viewing or enjoying the most scenic drive. Some of the amazing day trips from Bozeman can lead you to Storm Castle Peak and the Palisades Falls Picnic Area. Other notable regions within the forest include the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, the Gallatin Canyon and the Bridger Canyon. The Custer Gallatin National Forest also connects to the Yellowstone National Forest.
9. Encounter Bears in the Montana Grizzly Encounter
The Montana Grizzly Encounter is a bear sanctuary located in Bozeman. It is a rescue and educational center that rescues bear from cruel and inhumane situations. They live here free from a cage; in an environment similar to the wild; however, they aren’t fit enough to survive in the real wild environment. The rescue center has created a forest-like environment with flower fields, small ponds, lively creeks, ridges and natural mountain settings all around. The center was established in 2002 by a naturalist who rescued Brutus from an overcrowded wildlife park the size of a squirrel. However, today the same bear is 900 pounds later, even feet tall and 20 years old. Besides him, the sanctuary has several other grizzly bears whom visitors can observe from close yet a safer distance. You can observe them bathing in the creek, having a man-to-man fight with other beers and more. You can visit here throughout the year though winter has limited visiting hours.
10. Hike up to the Palisade Falls
Palisade Falls are flowing in the base of the Palisade Mountains, nearly 45 minutes drive south of Bozeman. To reach the waterfall, one has to hike through the main trail leads via Hyalite Canyon Road. It is a 1.2 miles round trail with shaded areas, paved and endless scenic views on the way. As soon as you reach the fall’s base, you will notice a huge 25 meters waterfall flowing down the remains of a prehistoric lava flow. There is a picnic area at the base where one can rest, eat, and have their day. The fall water mist creates pleasant cool air around to sit down, even on sunny days. Anyone can explore this path leading to Palisade Falls with complete ease, from beginners to experts.
Other Popular Things To Do In Bozeman
Explore the Grant Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone is America’s most prized possession, and you can visit it via an 80-mile drive from Bozeman. Take at least a week from the calendar and have experiences for life here.
Get Into Water Sports In The Gallatin River: Just 34 minutes outside Bozeman, the Gallatin River is an exciting place for enjoying an outdoor adventure. From kayaking to canoeing, fly-fishing it has so much to offer.
Hike the M Trail: The magnificent M Trail lies on the outskirts of Bozeman and is popular for its hiking opportunities. It is also known for its picnic fun and watching the sunset over the valley.
Go Brewery and Distillery Hopping: Some of the most acclaimed places include Mountains Walking Brewery and Pub, Bozeman Brewing Company, Union Hall Brewery, and Bridger Brewing.
