Bozeman, Montana is known for its captivating blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural charm. This complete Bozeman travel guide includes all the best things to do in Bozeman and so much more to help you plan an epic trip.
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Bozeman entices visitors with its stunning landscapes, including majestic peaks, pristine rivers, and sprawling valleys. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the area’s abundant recreational opportunities. There’s amazing hiking and skiing in the nearby Bridger Range and some of the best fly-fishing in the world-renowned Gallatin River.
Bozeman also boasts a vibrant downtown scene, where you can explore local boutiques and eat delicious farm-to-table cuisine. With its blend of outdoor splendor and small-town charm, Bozeman is a destination that offers something special for every traveler.
This local Bozeman travel guide is a bit special. I usually interview locals in communities and write up their thoughts on popular attractions in their communities while also getting tips on hidden gems, where to eat and where to stay. This one, on the other hand, is more personal.
We lived in Bozeman for many years, so instead of learning from someone else, we are the expert locals that will help you plan an incredible trip to Bozeman.
Some of the links on this post are affiliate links. When clicking on the links and booking travel, I receive a small commission with no extra costs for you. Please note, I only recommend brands I actually use and trust. Please see full disclosure here.
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Meet Our Local Bozeman Travel Guide Experts – Mike And Amanda Smith
Yes that’s us!!
While on a vacation to Yellowstone National Park in 2016, we stopped for a few nights to visit Bozeman and instantly fell in love with its charm. We loved the cute, intimate downtown, how close we were to many recreational activities, and the food scene was really good for a city of its size.
After that short visit, we packed up our belongings in Denver, and moved to Bozeman. We called it home from 2016 to 2022.
While living there Mike was a realtor and I worked at the university, Montana State. I quit my job when we started traveling full-time in South America in 2022. This is when Restless Pursuits was born.
When To Visit Bozeman, Montana
Peak Season (July-August & December-March)
Bozeman is can be visited most of the year. In the summer, there are more activities to do and the temperatures are at their best. This is also the busiest and most expensive time of year.
Winter can seem daunting because we can get very cold temperatures, but there are also many fun attractions and the skiing is epic with two nearby ski resorts to choose from.
The sun is usually out in full force too, which makes colder temperatures much more manageable. So if you are okay with colder climates and you like skiing, it’s a fantastic option. The crowds of people are manageable in town, but the prices are high because of the ski crowd.
Shoulder Season (June & September)
Two months that are in the middle of the seasons are June and September. June is okay to visit with the temperatures rising. Unfortunately it is the end of, what we call, the muddy season.
Outdoor activities can be much harder due to snow melt. This varies from year to year, so you could see stunning wildflowers on your hike or you could be battling the mud in some areas.
So, if I had to choose a shoulder-season month to visit Bozeman, I would pick September. The snow hasn’t quite arrived yet, the temperatures are still warm and you can still do all the outdoor activities. It’s the perfect time to come.
Off Season (April-May & October-November)
The worst time for a Bozeman vacation is April and May. The weather makes it intolerable. It seems like it can’t make up its mind. You might have a sunny day and the next few hours it could snow. I actually had to go to Bozeman last April and was reminded of why you don’t visit Bozeman during the spring. It was interesting to see the airport was deserted though!
October and November are better options for visiting in the off season in my opinion, but be prepared for snow. It isn’t always snowing during this time, but there’s a chance. Of the 5 Halloweens my kids celebrated in Bozeman, I can remember only one when there was no snow on the ground.
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Top 8 Things To Do In Bozeman, Montana
Like all my local travel guides, I researched multiple blogs and found what are said to be the best things to do in Bozeman. Below are the 8 most popular attractions with our ratings and tips.
Yellowstone National Park
If you plan a trip and don’t include Yellowstone National Park in your Bozeman itinerary, you are missing out. Yellowstone is the reason most tourists visit Bozeman. The first national park is a special one.
Don’t expect jagged peaks or majestic views, but imagine a North American safari, where you can experience a high concentration of wild animals instead. Other prominent features are the abundance of geysers and colorful geysers throughout the park.
What to expect: Yellowstone is a huge park and in the summer it can get really crowded. Best time to visit is in the spring to see the baby animals or in the fall when the crowds have thinned and all the roads are still open.
You will need a car to explore Yellowstone. Expect to be in your car most of the day if on a day trip. Break up your day with stops along the loop or short hikes. Stay for a few nights to really be able to experience it.
Local insight: If you can visit during the shoulder season (before Memorial Day (May) and after Labor Day (September)) you will avoid many of the crowds. This is when we like to visit most!
If visiting in the summer, plan to drive over Beartooth Highway. It is a road you won’t soon forget.
Pro tip: Many of the roads are closed in the winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the park. It is a magical time to visit.
Here are some things to do about winter in Yellowstone:
- The road between Mammoth Hot Springs and the Northeast Entrance is still open to vehicles.
- You can visit other parts of the park (like Old Faithful or the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone) through guided snowmobile or snow coach tours. You can find the list of authorized tour companies on Yellowstone’s website.
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Palisade Falls
Palisade falls is an easy trail with an impressive waterfall at the end.
What to expect: The drive into Hyalite Canyon in itself will wow you with its beauty. The parking lot and trail are very well maintained. The trail to Palisade is paved all the way to the waterfall, so it is nice for families with young kids. You can easily use a stroller to read this magnificent waterfall.
Local insight: Palisade can get a little crowded in the summer because it is such a popular. It is best to visit in the early mornings or early evening.
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Hike The M Trail
On the northeast side of Bozeman, you will find a large M made of white painted rocks on the side of the mountain. There is a path to this M and is a really great hike to do in Bozeman.
What to expect: The M hike is super close to town which makes it easy to get to, but that also means it is really busy! The M Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Bozeman for locals and tourists alike.
One of things I like about this trail is that there are different ways to reach the top. Climbing with small children? Take the longer, easier route to the top. Want a good workout? Climb the steep, half-mile route straight up the mountain!
Local insight: The parking lot is small. If you can’t find parking there, you can park at the Drinking Horse Trailhead across the street. There’s a safe path under the road through a tunnel to reach the M trailhead.
To see these beautiful yellow wildflowers, hike the M in the late spring around May to June.
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Shopping Downtown
Walking Main Street in Bozeman is very enjoyable and one of the best things to do in Bozeman. It isn’t very big, but there are some great places to shop.
Local Insight: Below are some of our favorite stops on Main Street in Bozeman.
The best boutique shops downtown.
- Heyday (Great for gifts!)
- Evrgreen (Women’s clothing)
- Revolvr (Men’s clothing)
- Jonah and Sage & Damselfly (Clothing stores)
- The Montana Scene (Montana themed gifts and souvenirs)
- Rare Bird Vintage (Vintage clothing and goods)
Grab a cup of coffee at Rockford (my favorite coffee shop)!
Want something stronger? Stop into the Bozeman Distillery for a yummy beverage. I recommend trying a cocktail with their huckleberry vodka.
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Museum Of The Rockies
Museum of the Rockies is a very good museum in the city of Bozeman and is one of the best things to do in Bozeman on a rainy day or with small kids.
What to expect: There are a variety of exhibits that you can explore in the Museum of the Rockies. The best is the expansive dinosaur exhibit.
Outside the museum you can see the bronze statue of “Big Mike.” This T. rex replica is a life-size replica of one of the most complete set of bones ever discovered of a T. rex.
Some other sections of the museum are an exhibit on local history, the northern pacific railroad, a planetarium and a showcase on the Dr. Jane Goodall.
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Soak In One Of The Nearby Hot Springs
There are a few different hot springs in the Bozeman area. Each of them are great in their own way. Top hot springs in the Bozeman area:
- Bozeman Hot Springs
- Closest to town
- It has live music on Sundays and Thursdays.
- It does not serve or allow alcohol.
- You can bring in your own food.
- Norris Hot Springs
- Open Thursday to Monday to the public
- They serve food and drinks.
- It is a smaller pool, but very clean and well kept.
- You can book private soaks for groups on Wednesdays.
- Chico Hot Springs
- It is open from 8am – 11pm everyday.
- You can stay at the lodge at the hot springs.
- There are a few different options for food and beverages.
- There are two pools. One is an adult pool with a walk-up outside bar. The other one is larger and for everyone!
Local insight: Visiting a hot spring is best done when it is a cooler outside or in the summer evenings.
Visit Bozeman Hot Springs if you want something nearby. Chico is the best for young kids. Norris is our favorite and a chill place to relax.
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Fly Fishing
Mike and I don’t fly fish, but people from all over come to Montana to do it here because it is one of the absolute best places in the world for this activity!
There are many companies in the area that provide lessons and guide trips for all skill levels.
American Computer And Robotics Museum
So many blogs I read put the American Computer and Robotics Museum on the list of best things to do in Bozeman. I don’t know how to rate this one because I’ve never been, and honestly I don’t know of anyone that has ever been there. I guess only tourists are going, but this is not the reason you came to Bozeman.
Family-Friendly Activities – Best Things To Do In Bozeman With Kids
Since we travel with our kids, we know how important it is to find family-friendly activities while on vacation. Here are some amazing things to do in Bozeman with kids to check out that are barely mentioned in other blogs!
Story Mill Park Playground
One of the newest and best playgrounds in Bozeman is Story Mill Park. It has equipment for all ages and a few pavilions where you can have lunch. I also really like that it has a few walking trails around the area and paved trails for kids to ride their bikes and scooters.
It is a great place to take the kids! You could easily combine a visit with a hike as it is located right down the road from the Drinking Horse Mountain and the M trailheads.
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Day Trip To Virginia City
About an hour and half away from Bozeman is the historic town of Virginia City. This mining town is known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and vibrant Wild West atmosphere. It offers visitors a glimpse into the Gold Rush era with its charming streets, historic landmarks, and immersive living history experiences.
Local insights: A visit to Virginia City is always fun. There are so many things to do to keep you and the kids entertained.
Here’s how I would spend the day.
Start by taking the train from Virginia City to Nevada City. Nevada City is where you can go to the living history museum. If the star bakery is open, grab a sweet treat!
A short walk from the museum, pan for gold. It is a fun and popular activity for the kids.
Return by train to Virginia City. In Virginia city you have a couple of different options. You can simply walk around the town and see the preserved shops and imagine how life was like back then.
Another option would be to take a tour. I would recommend this as you learn so much fascinating history through the tours.
These tours include a ride in a horse and carriage or taking an old fire truck around the town. We liked the carriage best!
Our kids’ favorite part is visiting the candy shop in town for some treats! It is filled with old school candy that you can’t find in regular stores anymore. It will be a trip down memory lane for you as well.
Note: The activities in Virginia City only run in the summer between late-May and early-September.
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Hyalite Reservoir
If you opted to hike to Palisade Falls, you should stop by the Hyalite Reservoir for the day or better yet, get a campsite and stay the night.
This reservoir is tucked into the mountains and is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing or just taking in the stunning mountains.
There are plenty of hiking trails in this area as well.
Best Hikes Near Hyalite Reservoir
- Easy hikes (Good for young kids)
- Grotto Falls (2.4 miles round-trip)
- Palisade Falls (1.1 miles round-trip)
- The trail next to the reservoir
- Moderate hikes (Older kids can do this one!)
- Blackmore Lake (4.3 miles round-trip)
- Hard hikes (Teens can do these!)
- Blackmore Mountain (12.9 miles round-trip)
- Emerald Lake and Heather Lake (10.5 miles round-trip) (Our kids hiked this when they were 5 and 7, but we did it as a backpacking trip. It can be long for kids to do round trip in one day, that’s why I put it as hard.)
- Hyalite Peak (14.5 miles round-trip)
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Unique Things To Do In Bozeman MT
After living in Bozeman for years, we found some really fun and unique things to do. We think they are some of the best things to do in Bozeman and should definitely be added to any Bozeman vacation.
Tube The Madison River
On a hot day, tubing the Madison River is a fun and relaxing activity. The river is calm and large, so even on busy days you have plenty of space to spread out.
You can arrange a tour with Madison River Tubing or rent a tube or paddleboard from them.
Local Insight: One of our favorite times to float the Madison is on the Fourth of July. So many folks go camping in Bozeman on Independence Day that the river is actually pretty empty.
Warning: Getting out at the end can be a little crazy with many college students and others enjoying a beer or two or seven, so just be prepared for this.
Visit Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky Resort is the biggest and best ski resort in the Bozeman area… maybe even the US. The other ski resort, Bridger Bowl, is nice and frequented by locals the most. It can get a bit crowded for our taste, so we prefer Big Sky. Big Sky is much larger and the terrain is top notch!
Big Sky resort in the summer is also fun! You can take a lift up and hike around or take your mountain bike up and ride down. There are usually games and other activities at the base too.
Big Sky Town Center is a great place to grab a bite to eat. They also have Music in the Mountains on Thursday evenings throughout the summer which is a free concert series held in the park in the middle of town.
Our favorite place to visit in Big Sky is Horn & Cantle at Lone Mountain Ranch. This can be a pricey dinner, but oh is it worth it. The atmosphere alone is so cozy and inviting, I could stay all day.
If you are interested in dinner, you will need to make a reservation. Depending on the season, you might be able to walk in and sit on the large porch or in the Saloon, but I would recommend calling in advance.
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Fairy Lake And Sacagawea Peak
Fairy Lake is a beautiful alpine lake that is accessible by vehicle from early July to Mid-September, weather dependent. We recommend making sure you have a decent amount of clearance on your vehicle since the road is not maintained well.
There is a parking lot 2 miles from the trailhead where you can hike on the road to get to the lake if you prefer not driving around the potholes.
Sacagawea Peak is the tallest peak in the Bridgers mountain range and from Fairy Lake is a moderate climb to the top. This 4.5 mile round-trip hike is well worth it for the beautiful views. There is also a good chance to see mountain goats up there!
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Wade And Cliff Lakes
A bit of a drive away from Bozeman (about 2 hours), you will find Wade and Cliff Lake. It is a far distance to go to spend the day at lake, but in my opinion, they are so worth it.
Both of the lakes are so beautiful. The crystal clear waters will make you think that you are on the ocean instead of an alpine lake.
You can rent canoes, paddleboards, motor boats and kayaks near Wade Lake at Wade Lake Cabins. You will need to bring your own boat to Cliff Lake.
There is also a campground on Wade Lake if you would like to plan an overnight stay.
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Bozeman Restaurant Recommendations
If you are searching for where to eat in Bozeman, check out this list of incredible restaurants. Bozeman has a surprising amount of quality restaurants for a city with only 60,000 residents. Here are some of our favorites.
Incredible Sunset And Remarkable View
Sage Lodge – Located in Paradise Valley, between Livingston and Yellowstone National Park, Sage Lodge is worth the drive. It is in a beautiful setting, and has tasty drinks and delicious food!
Sky Shed – Best views in Bozeman and amazing cocktails! Grab a cocktail here before going out to dinner.
Delicious Local Cuisine
Genuine Ice Cream– Huckleberries are the other popular food in Montana. Try Genuine’s huckleberry ice cream or get them in a shake!
Backcountry Burger Bar – Want to try Bison? That seems to be what most people are looking to try on a Montana vacation. If so, I highly recommend trying Backcountry Burger Bar’s bison burger. It’s delicious!
Top Breakfast Joints
Granny’s Gourmet Donuts – If you are looking for the best donuts in Montana, you need to visit Granny’s Donuts! Granny’s is a bit old school and isn’t always open, so check their hours. Also donuts are still cheap. $1 a donut or $10 for a dozen. Cash only!
Wild Crumb – For one of the best bakeries in Bozeman go to Wild Crumb. Their pastries are so delicious!
Aurore Bakery – For a little taste of France, visit Aurore Bakery. They have two locations now! One in the historic Baxter Hotel and another one a little outside of town. So yummy!
Best Lunch
Hugkan – A more recent addition to the Bozeman restaurant scene is Hugkan. I went with a friend last April and really enjoyed the fresh sushi. They have great lunch specials!
Bourbon – The best bbq restaurant in town with a fun atmosphere. Also great for dinner!
Yo Poke Fusion – For some fresh yummy poke, visit Yo Poke! You can dine in or take it to go!
Notable Dinner Spots
Shan – Delicious Asian food! Definitely will need a reservation if you are looking to dine here. Get the dumplings if they aren’t sold out yet!
Blackbird – One of our favorite restaurants in Bozeman. Get a reservation, they fill up quickly. They open their reservations 2 weeks in advance.
Tanglewood – Great happy hour and yummy food! Reservations recommended. Get the Elk Hunter cocktail. So good!
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Best Place To Grab A Pint
Bridger Brewing – Bridger Brewing is not only a great brewery in town, but also has great pizza. If you want to get something cheap, grab one of their slices. They are huge!
Mountains Walking – Amazing beer and they even have alcoholic slushies or hard seltzer if you prefer! I would also recommend their tachos (That is tater tot nachos if you are wondering. 😳).
Hop Lounge – Fun spot to grab a pint in an old refurbished barn. They have such a great list of 50 beers to choose from, so you will definitely be able to find something you enjoy. They have a nice patio for warm days too. The trivia night is awesome there as well, but you’ll have to arrive early on Tuesdays to grab a seat! Starts at 6:30pm.
Best Bozeman Hotels
Downtown – The Lark – Beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of downtown on Main Street with very cute rooms with a community outdoor patio complete with a cozy wood-burning fireplace. Best bang for your buck!
Downtown – Kimpton Armory Hotel – A more luxury stay in the heart of Bozeman, Montana set in the historic Armory building. You will find a relaxed, contemporary refinement. Also the pool has the best view in the city!
Outside of town – Gallatin River Lodge – A peaceful, stunning lodge with Western vibes. You will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere but really only a short drive from some of the best things to do in Bozeman.
Unique Experience – Howlers Inn B&B and Wolf Sanctuary – For a special experience, choose Howlers Inn B&B and Wolf Sanctuary. Sitting on 42 acres, you are immersed in the wild of Montana. The wolves that can’t be released into the wild are cared for by the Inn and can only be viewed by guests of the hotel.
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