Maybe you’ve been having some stressful days or months at work or in your business, and you decide to take some time off.
You realize home will be boring, and you feel you need a place you can have fun-filled and unforgettable moments until you resume work. Why not try Bozeman, Montana?
There are so many fun things to do in Bozeman, including visiting the Palisade Falls, Museum of the Rockies, Bridger Bowl Ski Area, and Western Café, amongst others.
There are so many entertaining things you can do while in Bozeman, MT, and that is what this article is all about!
Where is Bozeman, Montana?
Bozeman, Montana, located in the Rocky Mountains, is a beautiful city even though it is not as populated as some areas in the United States.
It is a college town that is always considered the gateway to Yellowstone National Park or a dropping-off zone if you’re heading to Glacier National Park.
Montana is a city where guests from far and near fly in, lease their vehicles, and start their epic vacation.
The city is a big city situated by a valley with looming Rockies around it and is gearing up to become Montana’s 4th most significant metropolis.
It is regarded as the beginning or end point for a Montana or Yellowstone holiday period.
Most people in the city are youths, as the city is where the famous Montana State University dwells.
It features a growing arts scene and is only a brief drive away from one of the most famous national parks in the United States. It earned the name BozAngeles because of the number of Californians flocking into the city.
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Fun Things to Do In Bozeman, MT
1. Palisade Falls
If you’re looking for something fun to do in Bozeman, MT, consider visiting the Palisade Falls, a magnificent attraction that measures over 80 feet and drops off a rough vertical rock wall underneath the Palisade Mountain.
It is situated not too far from Bozeman when you follow Hyalite Canyon.
It is undoubtedly among the most famous hikes for families that have kids. Its main trail, approximately two 1.2 miles trip, will take you through Hyalite Canyon Road, past the scenic Hyalite Reservoir.
It is fully paved and nicely shaded, featuring some good views of the mountain heights via the trees.
The Palisade Falls features an excellent picnic venue around its base, where the water mist produces some nice, fresh breeze. These falls should not be missing from your list of fun things to do in Bozeman, MT.
Address: Hyalite Canyon Rd, Bozeman, MT, United States
2. Museum of the Rockies
If you haven’t seen a real Tyrannosaurus skull and are looking to see one, you must visit the Museum of the Rockies.
It is a venue where the Tyrannosaurus skull, the thigh bone of a Tyrannosaurus rex with little fossilized flesh, is preserved.
The museum also preserves the most extensive collection of dinosaur bones in the United States.
It connects with Montana State University and is the center of work for Dr. Jack Horner, the scientist responsible for the creatures in Jurassic Park.
Even though the dinosaur bones are significantly the reasons visitors frequent the museum from every part of the world, the museum primarily focuses on the cultural and physical history of the Rocky Mountains.
Not just the Rocky Mountains but also the animals and people have lived around the place for the past 500 million years.
Another exciting feature of the Museum of the Rockies, apart from the dinosaur fossils in the Siebel Dinosaur Complex, includes;
- Enduring Peoples, which is about American Indians from the Northern Plains
- History of the Northern Rocky Mountain Region, about the frontier days in the region and the populates living through them.
Address: 600 W Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States
3. American Computer & Robotics Museum
The American Computer & Robotics Museum is a venue where you can learn more about the history of communications, computing, artificial intelligence, and robotics via incredible exhibits that display the continuous development leading to the modern information age.
The exhibits feature the likes of old office tools, which you can still remember using, like typewriters, adding machines, and the original 1970s computers that are large enough to cover a whole room.
The museum also features the original Apollo Moon Mission Guidance Computer and one copy of an actual book by the famous Sir Isaac Newton, known as Principia, which is regarded as the foundation of physics.
You can explore a series of documents from people that played crucial roles in the development of the Information age like Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Graham Bell, and Samuel Morse; amongst a component of the ENIAC computer, the first private computers like the Altair, the I.B.M. P.C., the Apple I and others.
Address: 2023 Stadium Dr #1A, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
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4. Bridger Bowl Ski Area
Situated in the northern parts of Bozeman at the very center of the Gallatin National Forest, along the slope of the scenic Bridger Range, a sub-range of the Rockies, lies the Bridger Bowl Ski Area.
It is a locally owned and non-profit and a popular ski area stretching for about two miles from the mountain ridgeline to the base of the bowl at around 6,000 feet.
It features about 75 trails, both marked and unmarked. The ski terrain is perfect for every skill level and features a gradual progression from inexperienced slopes at the base of the bowl to a skilled landscape at the pinnacle of the ridge.
Bridger Bowl’s Ridge Terrain features every run beginning from the Schlasman chair lift and is a challenging location for skiing and snowboarding. It has rock cliffs, steep chutes, and several snowfields.
Here, every skier must be equipped with an avalanche transceiver, have a partner, and be a highly-skilled skier or snowboarder.
Address: 15795 Bridger Canyon Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
5. Montana Grizzly Encounter
Located along Bozeman Hill Road, the Montana Grizzly Encounter is a center that draws you nearer to relate with legendary grizzlies. It is a Grizzly Bear Rescue & Education Sanctuary, a natural depot for rescued grizzlies.
Here, you can grab the chance to know more about these incredible animals, their conservation, and threats.
Every bear you will get to see here was born in captivity and was freed from usually cruel and wicked circumstances. You cannot release them into the wild.
The Grizzlies live free from any bar or cage, in a habitat that almost imitates their natural environment, in the attractive mountain setting, surrounded by ridges and fields, and features numerous flowers and small ponds.
Address: 80 W Bozeman Hill Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
6. Bozeman Symphony
Bozeman Symphony is a cultural icon and a society that has been bringing symphonic music to life since 1968.
Here, guests are encouraged to be a part of the increasing number of students, individuals, and musicians who willingly unite to preserve musical excellence.
It also helps numerous communities through outreach programs and gives out tickets to non-profits in a bid to extend their love of music to all.
The symphony also encourages young upcoming musicians through scholarships and several other opportunities.
You can witness the artistic performances of musicians of every age via the numerous scheduled events and programs.
Address: 1001 West Oak Street, Suite 110, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
7. Gallatin River
Gallatin River, named after U.S. Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin, sits about 120 miles long. It is also a part of the three rivers that make up the Missouri River.
It is among the top whitewater rafting runs in the Yellowstone area, where visitors from far and near come to challenge.
The river flows through mountainous meadows and falls into the Gallatin Canyon. Meanwhile, the Gallatin River is a renowned home for fly fishing, a place that accommodates mountain whitefish, brown trout, and rainbow trout.
Visitors are encouraged to take a tour around and explore while zip-lining, kayaking, or camping in traditional Native American teepee style on the numerous campsites around the river.
It is a fun-filled adventure that will make you yearn for more holiday time.
Address: Yellowstone arena, Gallatin River Rd, Bozeman, MT, United States
8. Gallatin History Museum
Another top attraction in Bozeman is the Gallatin History Museum, which preserves the history of Gallatin County and Southwest Montana.
You can take a step back and learn more about the country’s rich history and heritage via several features and artifacts.
The museum features renowned jail cells, hanging gallows, a model of old Fort Ellis, a renovated log cabin, the notorious Big Horn Gun, Bozeman’s first steam-powered fire machine, and personal items owned by several people that have taken solace in Bozeman, Montana.
The Gallatin History houses a permanent facility devoted to the history of Native American tribes that resided in Gallatin Valley.
The museum features a photo archive of more than 18,000 historical pictures and a book store with historic, difficult-to-find merchandise for guests to return home.
Address: 317 West Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
9. Emerson Cultural Center
Emerson Cultural Center is an art & culture for working artists and musicians to display their skills.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the center has allowed everyone to enjoy its numerous exhibitions, retail shops, music, and movies in its theater.
Opened in 1993, the Emerson Cultural Center hosts several events for you to participate in apart from the designated exhibitions.
You can partake in the dance studio, pottery studio, the Galleria Hall, and the Jessie Wilbur Gallery, allowing kids to participate in an art project.
The center features some popular unique events like an open house and art walk, lunch on the lawn featuring live music and food vendors, a football competition, and a garden tour displaying unique horticulture.
Address: 111 South Grand Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States.
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10. Yellowstone Safari Company
Yellowstone Safari Company has offered you a lifetime opportunity to experience Yellowstone National Park wildlands and wildlife in an informative and fun environment since 1991.
They pay attention to quality and details and feature exhibits like Yellowstone safaris, Llama walks, hiking,river safaris, backpacking, a winter safari, or a personal guided tour.
You are free to embark on a special tour of your interest concerning photography, the Lewis & Clark adventure, Indian country, or Montana’s ghost cities.
It also offers a unique experience in the colder season with several winter adventures, including wolf watching and winter camping.
Address: 1404 Gold Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
11. Bozeman Sculpture Park (Gallatin Art Crossing)
The Bozeman Sculpture Park features Gallatin Art Crossing, which aims at sourcing and placing a wide variety of artworks or installations all through the public spaces in Bozeman.
You are free to buy the art installations or sculptures in the sculpture park, and a minimum of one of the sculptures is often purchased to permanently add to the park.
You can welcome to witness the different sculptures and many other art installations around the town.
The perfect way to completely appreciate the sculpture park and the A.R.K. street art is by taking part in a guided tour for an affordable fee of $5.
Address: Bozeman Sculpture Park, 626 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
12. The Ellen Theater
The famous Ellen Theater, designed by the popular architect Fred Wilson was constructed by a founding Bozeman household in dedication to their mother, Ellen Trent.
The theatre was named her and featured sweetheart and Sunday family concerts every Friday night.
During the early 1900s, palatial playhouses often hosted live theater, variety shows, silent movies, school dramas, operas, and band shows in cities such as Bozeman inclusive.
Then, during the ’20s, Ellen was seen by many as the preferred center on the vaudeville circuit and features several stars passing through.
One such star includes Vivian Vance, popularly called Ethel from “I Love Lucy.” After years of being despised, with television and VHS becoming the order of the day, the Ellen Theatre was rejuvenated to bring theater back to its community.
You can now enjoy the rejuvenated beauty of its glided carvings and fixtures, including life events and shows.
Address: 17 West Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
13. Montana Angler Fly Fishing
The Montana Angler is a family-operated business renowned for its enjoyable fly fishing daily adventures.
You are free to select from expeditions to any of Montana’s 20 rivers or several other private water, spring creeks, and lakes. Fly fishing adventure is one of the best ways to spend your holidays in Montana.
You will be asked to float fish, wad, or combine riding and fishing here. The experienced guides blend their education and skills to ensure visitors enjoy a fantastic experience.
The waters flow with trout, and the passionate professionals at Montana Angler know where to take visitors and ensure they have unforgettable experiences.
Address: 435 E Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
14. Gallatin Valley Mall
Since its establishment in 1980, Gallatin Valley Mall has often been the favorite shopping center in southwest Montana for visitors both far and near.
It features more than 65 stores dealing with many different items like clothes, shoes, electronics, and others, to give its customers the shopping experience they desire.
Many major retailers, like Macy’s, JC Penney, Barnes & Noble, Sears, and Petco, have taken part in the Valley Mall family.
Apart from the extensive collections of retail outlets, you will also see many parking and several eateries in and around the area.
The malls present many events throughout the year, like Easter fun in the spring and the North Pole during the holiday season.
Address: 2825 West Main, Bozeman, MT 59718, United States
15. Montana Science Center
Two Bozeman locals saw the need for experiential learning opportunities in 2001 for kids to grow.
They took up the challenge of creating interactive mobile exhibits that they offered to the farmer’s markets, parades, and community events started awareness and kicked off appeal-raising efforts.
The Montana Science Center subsequently developed and is presently a new facility with interactive features, classrooms, a play yard, and a garden.
The center offers a secured, educational venue for educational programs throughout the year.
Another exciting thing about this science center is that it features one of the most appealing exhibitions, otherwise known as ‘Make it in Minecraft,’ which allows kids to virtually create in Minecraft and make it real with 3D printers.
Address: 2744 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59718, United States
16. Crosscut Mountain Sport Center
Crosscut Mountain Sports Center is on the Bridger Range, just next door to the Bridger Bowl and the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It offers one or two things from which all family members can benefit every season.
For instance, it offers walking, hiking, cycling, and picnicking during the summer, surrounded by spectacular mountain views.
During the winter season, when snow covers the landscape is when the fun itself begins. The 45km trail systems are perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat-biking, etc.
The Crosscut Mountain Sports Center also hosts lessons for visitors of every skill-set and rents equipment.
You can enjoy the summer activities free of charge, and several daily and seasonal passes are available for the winter season.
Address: 16621 Bridger Canyon Road, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
17. Big Sky Resort on Andesite Mountain
The Big Sky Resort on Andesite Mountain was created to ensure every visitor experiences the beauty of Bozeman, Yellowstone, Montana, and all the surrounding attractions of the place. It offers many avenues for you to enjoy your time in Montana.
Its features include zip lining, snowshoe adventures, high ropes, a giant swing, a bungee trampoline, a climbing wall, dog sledding, sleigh rides, snowmobile adventures, Nordic skiing, and snow coach adventures.
You can also partake in several mountain sports, learn a few things, enjoy live music, shop or eat in one of the delicious eateries available.
Address: 50 Big Sky Resort Rd, Bozeman, MT 59716, United States
18. Greater Yellowstone Guides
Greater Yellowstone Guides is ideal if you want to know more about the Yellowstone National Park’s 2.2 million acres at your speed.
You have the opportunity to discover Montana with a private tour group directed by a highly skilled and experienced guide.
You are free to customize your day based on your interest. The tour primarily focuses on visitors’ preferences, waterfalls, wildlife, hiking, or the Grand Canyon.
You will achieve more excellent experiences with an interpretive and highly skilled guide who ensures they find the incredible beauty of Yellowstone Park.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, Bozeman, Montana, United States
19. Fresco Café
Another entertaining attraction in Bozeman, Montana, is Fresco Café. The café will delight you with its imaginative, delicious Italian meal and give you a hospitable, cozy environment.
It doesn’t matter your caliber or status in society; making everyone feel comfortable.
Located in the heart of Bozeman, on the shores of Bozeman Creek, the Fresco Café offers a great outdoor patio, another reason for its popularity.
It serves dishes handmade using fresh, local ingredients, and significant courses even feature wine suggestions.
The eatery offers fantastic Seafood Arrabiata, and fresh seafood is sautéed in garlic shallot, chipotle, and purple cabbage, tossed with Roma tomatoes and roasted peppers, and served with local fettucine.
It offers incredible wine collections and a rotating choice of local drinks.
Address: 317 E Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
20. Western Café
Anytime you find a group of locals perching on the high, round chairs along the long counter, is when you will know you just arrived at the right place for a proper, hearty breakfast or lunch.
Situated on Main Street in Bozeman, the western Café is a center that features warm, no-gimmicks décor, a friendly environment, and a delicious homemade meal.
It boasts of getting every one of its ingredients locally and cooperating with neighborhood farms, bakers, ice cream producers, and other food-producing friends.
Western Café does not also deal in fake foods, but initially, well-prepared dishes while you wait on great old favorites.
You will find a fantastic menu of burgers, sandwiches, homemade soup, and fried chicken. Therefore, your biggest challenge should be what to choose from its excellent menu.
Address: 443 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States.
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21. La Chatelaine Chocolate Co.
If you love chocolates, this La Chatelaine Chocolate Co. is for you. However, you have to be wary, as the place can make you forget that you have other things to do and will tempt you to stay longer than expected.
It features culinary concoctions that Wlady Grochowski and Shannin Growchowski make, trainees of the famous pastry chefs Pierre Prevost and Sebastien Gaudard in Paris.
The Chatelaine Chocolate Co. offers not just great artworks but also carefully and lovely creations.
It includes several choices like the Montana Mint, a mint infusion wrapped in dark chocolate and added with candied mint, or the Port Wine, a tawny port inside a dark chocolate ganache and with a touch of cocoa powder.
Address: 110 S. Rouse Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States.
When is The Best Time to Visit Bozeman MT?
You can visit Bozeman any time of the year, it all depends on your plans.
But the best and most beautiful time to visit Bozeman, Montana is in the spring because the valley will be blessed with lots of green plants, with blooming wildflowers. The mountains are also usually still snow-capped at this time.
However, winter is the best time to visit Bozeman for outdoor activities, such as snowboarding, snowmobiling, and skiing.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit Bozeman Montana?
On average, “a 7-day trip to Bozeman will cost $1,735 for a solo traveler, $3,116 for a couple, and $5,842 for a family of 4,” according to Champion Traveler.
Bozeman hotels costs between $63 and $288/night with an average of $90, while most vacation rentals will cost about $260 to $600/night for the entire home.
Worldwide flight to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) will cost an average of $1,773 to $3,044 per person for first class, and $565 to $970 for economy flights.
Champion Traveler recommends budgeting anywhere from $48 to $92 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants, depending on activities.