Living the High Life in Bozeman, Montana

Mike

Jul 18, 2023 • 5 min read

Bozeman, Montana

Lying in the southeastern corner of Montana's Gallatin Valley, Bozeman, the fourth largest city in the state, boasts a population of about fifty thousand people. The city has a metro population over one hundred thousand people and covers an area of about 21 square miles at an elevation of 4,817 feet. The city is famous for its high quality of life, a semi-arid climate marked by snowy winters and warm summers, and its status as the home of Montana State University. With the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains surrounding the city on three sides, residents and visitors alike can partake in an array of outdoor activities.

History

The Gallatin Valley, where Bozeman now stands, was originally part of the Crow people's territory. William Clark visited the area in 1806 during the famous Lewis and Clark expedition, describing what would eventually become Bozeman. John Bozeman, D. E. Rouse, and W. J. Beall founded the town in 1864 as a profit making enterprise. Bozeman's first hotel also made its debut that year. The railroad reached Bozeman in 1883, marking the end of the town's relative isolation. Montana State University was established in 1893, followed by the construction of the first federal building and Post Office in 1915. The Bridger Bowl Ski Area opened in 1955, and the Museum of the Rockies opened in 1957. The Gallatin Field Airport was expanded and renamed Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in 2009.

Location and Transportation

Bozeman is in the southeastern corner of the Gallatin Valley in southwestern Montana and is surrounded by mountains on three sides. The city is served by Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) which has direct flights to major hubs across the country.

I-90 runs northwest and southeast through the city. US 191 heads southwest towards Big Sky and West Yellowstone, while MT 86 heads northeast.

Transit is provided by Streamline. Bus service is free.

Things to do in and around Bozeman

Museum of the Rockies

Unearth the secrets of the past and the mysteries of the cosmos at the Museum of the Rockies. This Smithsonian Affiliate houses an exceptional array of dinosaur fossils, including the largest Tyrannosaurus skull ever discovered. The museum also has a state-of-the-art planetarium that offers visitors a chance to explore the universe.

American Computer & Robotics Museum

The American Computer & Robotics Museum is a small museum offering a journey through the evolution of technology.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is about 50 miles west of Bozeman, and is an easily accessible 50 minutes away. It has one of the largest known limestone caverns in the northwest with guided tours running from May to September. The park has 40 campsites with showers and RV dump facilities along with miles of hiking trails.

Hyalite Canyon Recreation Area

Situated within the boundaries of the Gallatin National Forest, a few minutes south of Bozeman, the Hyalite Canyon Recreation Area is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area has numerous activities, including miles of hiking trails, boating, and fishing. There are three campgrounds in the area: Langohr Campground, Chisholm Campground, and Hood Creek Campground.

Missouri Headwaters State Park

Missouri Headwaters State Park is about 30 miles (48km) northwest of Bozeman, where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers combine to form the Missouri River. This park also served as a stopover for Lewis and Clark during their 1805 expedition. The park offers 17 campsites and interpretive displays that offer a unique glimpse into the region's cultural and natural history.

Yellowstone National Park

Bozeman is located approximately 90 miles north of Yellowstone National Park, the first and one of the most iconic national parks in the United States. This proximity makes Bozeman a popular gateway for visitors to explore the park and enjoy its natural beauty.

Festivals

Sweet Pea Festival - The Sweet Pea Festival is an annual event held in Bozeman, Montana on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of August. The festival includes live performances by local and national musicians, dancers, and theater groups.
Rockin’ the Rivers - Rockin’ the Rivers is a music festival that celebrates rock music. It is held every August in Three Forks, Montana, near Bozeman.
Big Sky Country State Fair - The Big Sky Country State Fair is a family-friendly event that showcases Montana’s agriculture, heritage, and entertainment. There are carnival rides, games, exhibits, livestock shows, rodeo events, and live concerts. The fair is held in late July at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.
Montana Folk Festival - The Montana Folk Festival is a free outdoor event that celebrates the roots of American culture through music, dance, traditional arts, and food. The festival is held on the 2nd full weekend of July.
Bannack Days: Bannack Days is a historical reenactment that celebrates Montana’s first territorial capital. The event is held the third weekend in July in Bannack State Park.

Skiing

There are several good places to ski in and around Bozeman, depending on your preference and skill level. Here are some of the options:

Bridger Bowl Ski Area - This is the closest ski resort to Bozeman, only 17 miles or 30 minutes away by car. It offers 2,000 skiable acres.
Big Sky Resort - This is the largest ski area around, with more than 5,800 acres of skiable terrain. It is about 50 miles or an hour away by car from Bozeman.
Crosscut Mountain Sports Center - This is a nordic ski area that has 28 miles (45km) of trails for cross-country skiing.

Bozeman Hotels

Bozeman is a good sized city with a good selection of hotels. Here are a handful of suggestions: