Bozeman, Montana is an incredible place to visit and highlights some of the best of what
Montana has to offer.
It’s full of incredible outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and much more.
Join Viewcation, as we present: The Best Things to Do in Bozeman, Montana
The Museum of the Rockies If you’re a history buff, a dinosaur enthusiast,
or both, the Museum of the Rockies will be a perfect spot for you.
It's a world-renowned museum in Bozeman.
Founded in 1957, the museum is part of Montana State University and is known for its extensive
collection of artifacts related to the natural and cultural history and heritage of the majestic
Rocky Mountains and the surrounding regions.
The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including the geology of the Rocky
Mountains, the region's indigenous cultures, and the history of the area's mining and logging
industries.
One of the museum's most popular exhibits is the Siebel Dinosaur Complex, which features
a stunning collection of dinosaur fossils, including several complete skeletons.
The Museum also hosts a range of temporary exhibits and special events throughout the
year.
These events often focus on specific topics or themes, such as the history of Montana's
railroads or the role of women in the West.
It’s also home to the Taylor Planetarium, which offers a range of educational programs
and immersive shows that explore topics such as astronomy, meteorology, and space travel.
The planetarium features a state-of-the-art digital projector and a 40-foot dome, providing
a truly immersive viewing experience.
With its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits, as well as its range of educational
programs and special events, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history
and diverse culture of this area of the U.S.
Hike the M Trail If you’re looking for some hiking with incredible
views, you probably won’t be surprised to find exactly that in a place like Bozeman.
The M trail is a popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
The trail begins at the base of Mount Baldy and climbs to the top of the mountain, where
a large white "M" has been placed as a symbol of Montana State University.
The hike up to the M is relatively short, at just under a mile, but it is steep and
can be challenging for some hikers.
However, the views from the top are well worth the effort, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding
mountains and the town of Bozeman below.
Along the way, hikers will pass through a mix of pine forest and open grassy slopes,
with occasional views of the surrounding peaks.
The trail is well-maintained and marked, making it easy to follow, and there are several benches
and rest areas along the way for those who need to take a break.
The M trail is a popular destination, and as a result, it can be busy during peak hiking
season.
But the trailhead has ample parking and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the
surrounding area, including nearby Gallatin National Forest and the Hyalite Canyon Recreation
Area.
Bozeman Hot Springs Looking for a dip in a naturally occurring
hot tub?
Then hit up Bozeman Hot Springs.
The hot springs complex offers a range of indoor and outdoor pools, as well as several
saunas and steam rooms, making it a great place to relax and unwind.
The hot springs themselves are fed by natural geothermal water that is rich in minerals
and believed to have healing properties.
The water temperature in the pools ranges from 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, providing
a soothing and therapeutic soak for tired muscles and stressed-out minds.
The indoor pool area features several different pools, including a large lap pool and several
smaller soaking pools of varying temperatures.
There are also several saunas and steam rooms, as well as a hot tub and a cold plunge pool.
Outside, the hot springs complex features several outdoor pools, including a large swimming
pool, a hot tub, and several smaller soaking pools.
The outdoor pools are surrounded by beautiful landscaping and offer stunning views of the
surrounding mountains.
Bozeman Hot Springs also offers a range of services, including massage therapy, yoga
classes, and acupuncture.
The complex also hosts regular events and live music performances, making it a lively
and fun place to visit.
Bridger Bowl Ready to hit the slopes?
Bridger Bowl Ski Resort is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts and
is only 16 miles away from downtown Bozeman.
The ski resort is located in the Bridger Mountain Range and offers a range of slopes and terrain
for all skill levels.
Bridger Bowl has a total of 2,000 skiable acres, with 75 named runs and an elevation
of 8,700 feet at the summit.
The ski resort is known for its challenging terrain, with steep chutes, deep powder, and
plenty of tree skiing opportunities.
However, there are also plenty of groomed runs for beginners and intermediate skiers.
Bridger Bowl also offers other winter activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and
backcountry skiing.
There are some excellent dining options at the resort, including a cafeteria-style restaurant
and a pub.
One of the cool features of Bridger Bowl is its community-driven approach.
The ski resort is owned and operated by a nonprofit organization, and many of the employees
and volunteers are local residents.
The resort also has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship, with initiatives
in place to reduce energy use and waste.
With its challenging terrain, stunning views, and community-focused approach, it is a must-visit
spot for any skiing or snowboarding enthusiast.
Montana Grizzly Encounter Montana Grizzly Encounter is a wildlife sanctuary
and education center.
It’s home to several rescued grizzly bears, providing them with a safe and natural environment
to live in.
You’ll be able to take can take a guided tour of the sanctuary to learn about the bears
and their habitat.
During the tour, you’ll observe the bears up close and learn about their behavior, biology,
and conservation efforts.
The sanctuary also offers educational programs for schools and groups.
The bears at Montana Grizzly Encounter were all rescued from different situations, including
orphaned cubs, nuisance bears, and bears that were raised in captivity.
The sanctuary provides them with a large and natural habitat, complete with trees, rocks,
and pools, giving them the opportunity to live as close to their natural environment
as possible.
Montana Grizzly Encounter also has a strong focus on conservation and education.
The sanctuary works to promote grizzly bear conservation efforts and educate the public
about the importance of protecting these iconic animals and their habitat.
Stroll Downtown Bozeman Not everything in Bozeman is about hiking,
skiing, and hitting up hot springs.
Downtown Bozeman is a vibrant and historic district that’s perfect for exploring.
With a slew of great shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, it is a must-visit destination.
Historic Main Street is lined with historic buildings and unique shops, it offers a glimpse
into the area's past while also providing a modern and vibrant atmosphere.
You’ll check out antique stores, boutiques, and art galleries, or stop for a meal at one
of the many restaurants or cafes.
Another popular attraction in downtown Bozeman is the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture.
This historic building houses several art galleries, performance spaces, and educational
programs, showcasing the best of local and regional art and culture.
And while you probably WILL end up spending more time in the great outdoors – this IS
Montana after all – downtown Bozeman certainly has a lot to offer.
Yellowstone National Park You might associate Yellowstone with Wyoming,
but it’s also a great option for when you’re visiting Bozeman, as it extends into Montana
as well.
Yellowstone National Park is known for its stunning natural beauty, geothermal features,
and diverse wildlife.
The park is home to several famous geothermal features, including Old Faithful, a geyser
that erupts approximately every 90 minutes, as well as hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles.
These features are caused by the park's location on top of a massive caldera, which creates
a hotspot of geothermal activity.
Yellowstone is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves,
bison, elk, and moose.
The park's wildlife is protected and visitors are urged to keep a safe distance from them.
There are a ton of hiking options in Yellowstone, with trails that allow visitors to explore
the park's natural beauty up close.
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is a popular hiking destination, featuring stunning waterfalls
and colorful rock formations.
Yellowstone is open year-round, although the park experiences heavy snowfall in the winter
months, making it more difficult to access some areas of the park.
During the summer months, visitors can take guided tours, go camping, or stay in lodges
within the park.
Palisade Falls Palisade Falls is a popular waterfall located
in Hyalite Canyon near Bozeman.
It is easily accessible and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The waterfall is approximately 80 feet tall and is situated within a rocky canyon.
The water cascades down the rocks and into a small pool at the bottom, creating a picturesque
scene.
You’ll be able to get close to the waterfall by hiking along a short and easy trail that
is less than a mile long.
The trail to Palisade Falls is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it a great
option for families or anyone looking for a quick and easy hike.
Along the way, visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and forest.
The waterfall is particularly beautiful in the spring and early summer when the snow
is melting, creating a higher flow of water.
During the winter months, the waterfall can freeze over, creating an icy wonderland for
adventurous hikers.
Plus, the Hyalite Canyon area offers several other hiking trails and outdoor activities,
including fishing, camping, and rock climbing.
The area is also known for its stunning fall foliage, making it a popular destination for
leaf peeping in the autumn months.
Now it’s time to hear from you!
Have you ever been to Bozeman?
Do you think you’ll ever get there?
Let us know in the comments section below!