33 Epic Things to Do in Bozeman, MT (Summer + Winter)

Overwhelmed by choices for things to do in Bozeman, MT? We’re covering the very best attractions so you can make the most of your Bozeman vacation!

For most first-time visitors, Bozeman serves as the gateway to Montana. It’s the state’s most accessible town by far, with direct flights from 24 destinations during the summer, from as distant as Boston and NYC. 

Within an hour’s drive of Bozeman is everything you could dream of in a Montana vacation: world-class skiing, a massive network of hiking trails, horseback riding and fly fishing opportunities, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. That’s to say nothing of the incredible restaurants and cultural attractions scattered throughout the Gallatin Valley. 

With all those amenities, Bozeman has exploded in popularity over the past decade, becoming a mecca for both transplants and summer tourists, who come from all over the country to experience the joys of small-town life in one of the most picturesque settings in the world. 

I went to college in Bozeman in the mid-’00s, and every time we go back, it’s changed a little more, with residents being priced out of their homes and long-standing institutions shuttering as outside interests gobble up the valley’s limited real estate. So in sharing the best things to do in Bozeman, we’d like to direct visitors to as many small, independently-owned places as we can, in the hope of supporting the local economy and keeping the Bozeman I knew during my college days alive. 

One more thing: please forget everything you learned about Bozeman from the show Yellowstone. Rip and Beth won’t be setting off a brawl that engulfs an entire dive bar, there’s no “train station” anywhere nearby (yet), and you don’t need a cowboy outfit for your trip. 

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Best Things to Do in Bozeman, Montana (Year-Round)

With tourists arriving throughout the year and a large student population that’s always looking for new experiences, many of the top activities in Bozeman are things you can do year-round.

Take a shopping trip in downtown Bozeman.

Wandering Main Street is the best way to get yourself acquainted with the town, and this particularly walkable section of Bozeman is only a mile long, so it won’t take all that long – that is, if you’re not too distracted with window shopping. 

Downtown Bozeman is where you’ll find most of the area’s best galleries and shops (as well as bars and restaurants). Some of our favorite places to browse include the Country Bookshelf, Montana Gift Corral, The Montana Scene, Rocky Mountain Toy Company, the Round House, and Le Chatelaine Chocolate. Check out our custom map of Bozeman to get a feel for where everything is. 

Parking is tight downtown, so consider leaving your car in the garage at the corner of Mendenhall St. and Tracey Ave. – it’s free for two hours. 

Hang with a T-Rex at the Museum of the Rockies.

Bozeman has, unquestionably, one of Montana’s best museums in the Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of the Rockies. It’s got everything from pioneer history and local culture to a planetarium where you can ponder the mysteries of the cosmos. 

What it’s most famous for, though, is the Siebel Dinosaur Complex, home to one of the most extensive fossil collections anywhere, and the Tyrant King exhibit, perhaps the world’s most complete T-Rex skeletons. Today, the museum is the crown jewel of the Montana Dinosaur Trail, a collection of 14 paleontology museums across the state.

The Museum of the Rockies was founded by MSU paleontologist Jack Horner, who was the inspiration for the character Alan Grant in Jurassic Park and served a technical consultant on the films. 

Embrace your inner nerd at the American Computer Museum.

While Montana’s rugged mountains and crystal-clear lakes might make computers the last thing on your mind, Bozeman is also home to Montana State University, a STEM powerhouse that has fostered a wealth of tech firms in the area. So, it’s no surprise that Bozeman boasts one of the country’s best computer museums.

The American Computer and Robotics Museum features exhibits on loan from the Smithsonian and even an original Apple computer signed by co-founder Steve Wozniak, along with dozens of other fascinating displays from throughout the history of computing – dating back millennia to the first spreadsheets on clay tablets. It’s easily one of the most unique things to see in Bozeman, so don’t skip it!

Go for a sunrise hike at the M.

Bozeman is a true hiking town. If you’re in the bars on a Friday night, there’s a good chance folks are chatting about which trails they’ll tackle the next morning (or afternoon, depending on how the night unfolds). Dozens of stunning paths wind through the Bridger, Gallatin, and Madison mountain ranges, all within a half-hour drive. But if there’s one iconic Bozeman hike you must do, it’s the College M Trail.

The white M painted on a hillside above town stands for Montana State University and has been maintained by students since 1915. Hiking the M is a rite of passage for incoming freshmen and ranks as the most accessible trail in Bozeman. 

The trailhead sits just five miles from downtown, and the round-trip hike takes about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on your route. You’ll tackle around 850 feet of elevation gain over a mile, or you can cram the same elevation gain into half the distance on the steeper path. It’s enough to get your heart pumping while rewarding you with sweeping views of the Gallatin Valley.

Dive deep into Bozeman history.

The Gallatin History Museum doesn’t get nearly the attention as its flashier neighbor, the Museum of the Rockies; I lived in Bozeman for eight years and never once stepped inside. Big mistake, as the Gallatin Valley’s past is genuinely fascinating.

Built in 1911 as the county jail, the handsome brick building was converted into a museum in the early ‘80s. Today, it holds thousands of historic photographs of early Bozeman, a massive cannon, a full-size pioneer cabin you can walk through, and a rich collection of artifacts from its decades as a working jail – cells, gallows, and all.

Wander the farmers’ markets (year-round here).

Over 100 farmers’ markets take place in Montana, happening all summer in every town across the state, regardless of size. But in Bozeman, demand for farm-fresh produce and homemade goods is so strong that locals enjoy year-round farmers’ markets; growing season be damned. 

The city hosts two weekly markets during summer: Saturday mornings at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds and Tuesday evenings at Lindley Park. Come fall, the Saturday market shifts indoors at the fairgrounds, for a more intimate set-up featuring craft vendors, prepared foods, and hardy root vegetables.

Catch a show at the historic Ellen Theater.

Speaking of history, just down the road from the Gallatin History Museum is the Ellen Theater, one of the last vestiges of Bozeman’s early days. Built just a few years after that original county jail, it’s been the center of culture in Bozeman for over a hundred years. 

Today, it hosts all manner of events from stand-up comedy to classic movie screenings to live theater performances. Shows are only every week or two, so check their calendar to see what’s happening during your Bozeman trip.

Pet some alpacas.

If you’re an animal lover like we are, you definitely won’t want to miss the farm tour at Alpacas of Montana. Located 10 minutes southeast of downtown Bozeman, this hands-on experience lets you meet their funny, fluffy creatures, along with the guard dogs that protect them, plus a few chickens and seasonal horses for good measure. 

Visitors can feed, walk, and even hold some of the smaller alpacas. Afterward, stop by their gift shop to browse their selection of premium alpaca wool products. Jen loves the extremely soft socks and ridiculously warm blanket we picked up from them.

See Bozeman from 10,000 Feet.

The mountains surrounding Bozeman form one of Montana’s most picturesque backdrops, and we highly recommend exploring those peaks to soak in the spectacular views.

Hiking thousands of feet up a mountain isn’t for everyone, though. If you still crave a bird’s-eye view of the Gallatin Valley, opt for a flightseeing tour instead. You’ll reach those heights in minutes rather than hours, and for over 90 minutes, you’ll soar above Bozeman, Hyalite Reservoir, the Bridger Range, and even Big Sky Resort. The photos you’ll capture? Absolutely phenomenal.

Things to Do in Bozeman, MT: Food and Drink Edition

No other town in Montana can match the diversity and quality of the restaurants in Bozeman, so it would be impossible to cover every place to eat. What we can do is share a few of our personal favorite tips, from finding the best coffee to eating on a budget in this rapidly gentrifying town.

Sip some of Montana’s finest coffee at Treeline.

The Bozeman coffee scene is unmatched, but if you only have time for only one great cup of jo’e, make it one at Treeline Coffee Roasters.

Treeline operates on another level entirely: single-origin beans, obsessive roasting precision, and flavor profiles so vivid you’ll swear you’ve never tasted real coffee before. Yes, it’s the priciest spot in town, but one sip and you’ll understand why the line is often out the door.

As a bonus, Treeline is the one place in Bozeman where you’ll find Daisy Donuts – Montana’s only cider donut maker. Their donuts are downright addictive and pair perfectly with Treeline’s delectable coffee.

Savor the pastries at one of Montana’s best bakeries.

If the cider donuts at Treeline weren’t enough, one of Montana’s very best bakeries, Wild Crumb, is just a few minutes away. This James Beard-nominated gem is famous for its exquisite French-inspired pastries and the near-constant line spilling out the door.

The biggest challenge? Narrowing down the choices while a dozen eager customers wait behind you. When in doubt, the almond croissant is a safe bet, and anything featuring huckleberry is guaranteed to be extraordinary.

Enjoy a quick breakfast at Bagelworks.

I never liked bagels growing up. An overly chewy piece of bread with a hole in the middle? Not for me. My outlook changed when I was in college at MSU, and that’s almost completely attributable to Bagelworks. Their bagels – crisp exterior, airy interior, all those nooks and crannies to hold their jalapeno cream cheese – started my love affair with bagels that continues to this day. 

Like most bagel shops, they open early, so they’re a good spot to pick up breakfast if you’re heading out on a long day trip. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly places to get breakfast in Bozeman, and you can grab a pack of their day-olds, which go for less than $0.50/bagel.

Get a taste of the old Bozeman at Western Cafe.

Don’t judge the Western Cafe by its unassuming exterior. This century-old diner is a local staple, and they’ve stayed in business all these years by keeping things simple. The interior is nothing but basic tables and chairs, complemented only by the wood-paneled walls and animal mounts behind the counter. 

What makes the Western Cafe one of the most beloved restaurants in Bozeman is their generous portions of fluffy pancakes, overstuffed breakfast burritos, chicken fried steaks slathered in sausage gravy, and the beloved “Bobcat Breakfast” – cinnamon-roll French toast with a side of bacon and eggs. This place is packed on the weekends, thanks to loyal Bozemanites and a crowd of recent transplants hoping to gain a little local cred.

Order more sandwich than you can handle at the Pickle Barrel.

Bozeman has undergone many changes over the past decade, leading to the loss of several storied culinary institutions. Fortunately, the Pickle Barrel sandwich shop wasn’t one of them.

This local legend has been standing strong since 1974 – when Jen’s dad, then an MSU student, ordered a sandwich on their opening day! It’s still in the same squat cinderblock building, complete with a notoriously creaky door and barely enough space to stand while waiting for your order.

The Pickle Barrel’s sandwiches are fantastic and comically oversized. These beasts measure a foot and a half long, though halves are available for the less ambitious (I would strongly recommend getting only the half). They’re also a steal for the portion size, making them a godsend for hungry students and budget travelers in a town that’s only getting pricier. If you opt for a cold sandwich, it’s an ideal grab-and-go for picnicking in the surrounding mountains.

Discover Bozeman’s best pizza at Sidewall.

Like most college towns, Bozeman has a vibrant pizza scene. Yes, cities have pizza scenes. If you don’t think they do, your city has a bad one. 

Some locals would argue that Blackbird has the best pizza in Bozeman, and they’re excellent, although you might need a reservation there. My favorite pizza place in town is Sidewall Pizza, serving unfussy pies with fresh toppings, cooked to perfection along with a decent selection of local beers.

There’s also a “winter patio,” which is definitely the most Bozeman of things to have – the outdoors are to be enjoyed no matter the weather! The patio consists of three canvas tents with string lights and a heater. I have to say the pizza tastes just a little bit better in them, so be sure to reserve one for your meal.

Try every cuisine at the food truck park on North 7th.

One of my favorite places to eat in Bozeman – and one of the last spots to dine on a budget – this gravel lot on North 7th has become a favorite of students and anyone who thinks $20 for a burger is absurd. 

Choose from La Vaca Mariposa, Ramires, Shawarma Bus, Taco Bus El Viejon, and Cholms Burger with everything from arepas and tacos to kebab wraps and burgers. If the weather isn’t great, you’ll be eating in your car or taking it with you. But when the sun is shining, there’s nothing better than sitting at a plastic picnic table while eating cheap, delicious, authentic food, before you head into the mountains.

Grab dessert at Bozeman’s homegrown ice cream shop.

Every town deserves a standout local scoop shop, and in Bozeman, that’s Genuine Ice Cream. Seven flagship flavors are always on the menu, including the iconic huckleberry and the beloved honey lavender. 

The real draw, the one that consistently creates lines out the door, is the dozen or so inventive rotating flavors introduced each week. Think strawberry Pop-Tart, maple pumpkin cake, and other creative gems, all handmade right in Bozeman.

End the night by grabbing a pint (or a few).

No Bozeman trip would be complete without sampling the local brews, and there are just way too many to choose from. If you’re a beer aficionado, make sure you read our Bozeman breweries guide, where we reviewed every brewery in town. 

Otherwise, make your way to Mountains Walking. Their taplist is huge, the pizza is delicious, and if you want to try multiple breweries, Bozeman Brewing is just across the street. Just be aware that, due to Montana brewery laws, many of the breweries in Bozeman close at 8:00pm and limit patrons to three drinks.

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What to Do in Bozeman, MT, in Summer

Bozeman may be a ski town, but it’s also an absolute mecca for summer tourism and recreation. Four million visitors came through last year (that’s 25% more than visited Glacier National Park), and the vast majority arrived between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

If you love to play outside in the sun, this is the best time to visit Bozeman (although if you love your bank account, it’s the absolute worst). There are more fun things to do in Bozeman in the summer than you’ll ever fit into one trip, but these are some of the can’t-miss activities!

Float the Madison River.

A lazy day of tubing the Madison is a cherished pastime for MSU’s undergrads and one of the most quintessential Bozeman activities – plenty of sun, crystal clear waters, a cooler full of beers, and not a care in the world. But no need to let the students have all the fun, and you don’t even need your own gear to float this one. 

Madison River Tubing rents out tubes and provides shuttles between the put-in and take-out points so you can easily do it with one vehicle. Better yet, catch the shuttle from Bozeman; no car, or designated driver, required.

Experience white-knuckle rafting on the Gallatin River.

For a completely different river experience, and one more appealing to the adrenaline junky crowd, head to up Gallatin Canyon for whitewater rafting. This is one of the most intense sections of river in Montana, with up to class IV rapids in the early summer runoff. 

It’s a thrilling ride, but don’t worry, no whitewater experience is required to book a trip. The guide does all the steering, while you and the rest of your compatriots just paddle whenever you’re told to, and it’s even kid-friendly.

Explore the nearby mountains on horseback.

If there is one commonality amongst first time visitors to Montana, it’s that they want to ride a horse. Whether it’s thanks to Yellowstone, The Horse Whisperer, or Legends of the Fall, horseback riding is an integral part of the Montana vibe. 

Fortunately, Bozeman has some of the most spectacular scenery to experience on horseback and plenty of guides that can teach even the greenest of riders how to navigate a trail atop their new equine pal. 

Catch a free concert at Music on Main.

Every Thursday evening in July and early August, Bozeman shuts down two blocks on Main Street for a lively summer block party. These events feature live music, food trucks, and local craft beers, drawing crowds to dance and party in the street. 

It’s also the perfect opportunity to explore the shops and restaurants in downtown Bozeman, or let the kids enjoy the dedicated family area with games and activities.

Keep in mind that since Main Street, the primary artery through downtown, is shut down for the festivities, Thursday evenings can be tricky for getting around. Parking is also a challenge; use the Bridger Park garage on Mendenhall. 

See homesteading in action at the Living History Farm.

The Museum of the Rockies features outstanding exhibits year-round, but one experience you’ll have to save for summer is their Living History Farm. 

Featuring the carefully preserved Tinsley House, an original 1890s homestead just steps from the museum’s main entrance, the farm brings the past to life and highlights period chores such as cooking, farming, blacksmithing, and quilting. Admission is included with your museum ticket.

Learn the art of fly fishing.

Anyone who’s watched A River Runs Through It (the Brad Pitt film that was largely shot around Bozeman, though the book is set in Missoula) has likely dreamed of trying the meditative art of fly fishing. But what if you’ve never tied a fly and have no idea what a backcast is? No problem, Bozeman is packed with patient, world-class guides ready to help.

Widely regarded as the fly-fishing capital of Montana, Bozeman sits within easy reach of legendary blue-ribbon rivers including the Gallatin, Madison, Jefferson, and Yellowstone. Every year, celebrities, hedge-fund managers, and politicians flock here hoping to capture even a hint of the contemplative grace Brad Pitt’s character displayed on screen. 

Mastery may take a lifetime, but with a good guide and a few hours of instruction, even a complete novice can land a trout on their first day.

Float through the skies above Bozeman.

A flightseeing tour offers stunning aerial views of Bozeman, but engine noise and the somewhat obstructed perspective from inside a small plane make it less than ideal for truly soaking in the Gallatin Valley’s majesty. In the summer, there’s a far more graceful alternative, and it’s one of the most romantic things to do in Bozeman: a hot-air balloon ride.

Once you reach cruising altitude, the burner fires only occasionally, leaving you in near silence, punctuated by nothing but the whispers of the wind and the delighted “oohs” and “wows” from your fellow passengers. You’re at the mercy of the breeze, so exact launch and landing spots aren’t decided until just before takeoff.

Take a two-wheeled tour of the city.

Like most Montana towns, Bozeman isn’t exactly cyclist-friendly. With four to six months of snow, few locals commute by bike, and dedicated lanes are scarce -which is a shame, because exploring a new city on two wheels is pure magic.

The good news? Pedaling with a pack makes everything safer and infinitely more fun. So check out the Experience Bozeman Tour from Bozeman Bike Tours. You’ll roll through town with a friendly guide who handles navigation and traffic, while entertaining you with great stories and fascinating Bozeman history.

What to Do in Bozeman, MT, in Winter

The vast majority of visitors to Bozeman arrive during the summer- an absolute shame, since this town is one of the rare destinations that’s even better in the winter. Yes, it’s cold, but the skies are often cloudless and sunny, and the blanket of snow makes everything strikingly picturesque.

Most attractions in town stay open year-round, to say nothing of the abundance of snowsports activities that make winter in Bozeman such an epic experience. Plus the colder temps mean significantly lower accommodation costs and way fewer crowds than you’d find in the summer.

Hit the slopes at Bridger Bowl or Big Sky.

Pretty much everyone in Bozeman skis, and the town sits at the center of Montana’s ski universe, with two outstanding options right in your backyard.

One of the largest ski resorts in the U.S., Big Sky is the type of place people make a once-a-year, or once-in-a-lifetime, trip for. It’s a massive mountain with over 4,000 feet of vertical drop and nearly 6,000 acres of skiable terrain. There are 8-person high-speed lifts, ones with bubble roofs and heated chairs, and a gondola to the mountain’s most extreme terrain. It’s… a lot, and lift tickets are upwards of $200 on most days. 

The resort also has some killer apres options, with everything from dirtbag watering holes down in the town of Big Sky to luxurious cocktail bars on the mountainside. The downside to Big Sky is its cost, and if you’re staying in Bozeman, it’s over an hour away on icy winter roads.

Bridger Bowl is the cheaper, more low-key ski hill that’s just 25 minutes from downtown Bozeman (there’s even a free bus to get there!). That’s not to say it’s a particularly inferior mountain – it still has 2,700 feet of vertical drop and 2,000 acres of terrain, which puts it in the top 10% of mountains in the U.S.

For advanced skiers and boarders, the Schlasman’s Lift accesses the expert-only chutes at the top of the ridgeline. Apres and dining choices are more limited on the mountain, but there are plenty of options back in Bozeman.

Go cross-country skiing at Crosscut Mountain.

Bozeman has several excellent trail systems for Nordic skiing, including groomed trails next to the hospital, at Bridger Creek Golf Course, Sourdough Canyon, and Hyalite Lake, and you can pick up rentals at Round House.

That said, if you’re new to the sport, the best place to try cross-country skiing near Bozeman is at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, located just north of Bridger Bowl. Crosscut can set you up with high-quality rental gear, and their trail system is significantly larger and better groomed than most public-land options. To level up faster, book a lesson with one of their instructors, which come with discounted rentals and trail passes.

Traveling with non-skiers? Crosscut has separate snowshoe trails and rentals available as well.

Go for a dip at Bozeman Hot Springs.

Nothing beats a long soak after a big day in the snow, and Bozeman Hot Springs is the perfect place to unwind. Just 15 minutes from downtown, it’s the closest, and easily one of the best, hot springs in the area. 

Twelve pools range from chilly 59°F cold plunges to a steaming 106°F hot tub, with both indoor and outdoor options. Soaking outdoors under the stars, surrounded by a heavy mist, feels downright magical. Add weekly live music events into the mix, and the ambiance is downright unbeatable. You can even take a yoga class before you go for your soak.

Snowshoe up to Lava Lake.

About half an hour from town, this is one of the most popular hikes near Bozeman, and it’s even better during the winter. The hike is about six miles round-trip, with 1,500 feet of elevation gain. That can feel intense if you’re not accustomed to snowshoes, but it’s definitely worth it when you get to the top.

Lava Lake is a stunner in the summer, but when it’s completely frozen over (some hikers even bring skates) and the trees are caked with snow, there’s nowhere more stunning. Don’t have your own gear? The Round House on Main Street can get you set up with a pair of snowshoes and poles. 

Ice skate at one of the many outdoor rinks.

Skating on an alpine lake is great, assuming the weather’s good and the ice is freshly frozen. When it’s not, you can get your outdoor skating fix at several Bozeman parks. Beall Park, Bogert Park (by the library), and Southside Park all maintain outdoor rinks that are quite a bit smoother than a mountain lake.

No skate rentals are available at any of the parks, but you can pick up a used pair for cheap at Play It Again Sports or Second Wind Sports.

Try your hand at ice fishing on Hyalite Reservoir.

Another unique Bozeman activity to try in the winter? Ice fishing, the laid-back, frosty cousin of summertime fly fishing. And you don’t need nearly as much technique, so long as you’ve got a folding chair, a rod, and the stubbornness to sit on a frozen lake for hours. 

Hyalite Reservoir is the go-to spot for ice fishing near Bozeman, thanks to its proximity and healthy population of trout and Arctic grayling. You can head out and set up a spot on your own, or go with a local guide – who’ll set up your heated shelter, provide lunch, and ensure you won’t fall through the ice.

Ride through a winter wonderland in a horse-drawn sleigh.

What better way to experience the winter than dashing through the snow in a one-horse (or maybe two-horse?) open sleigh? 

Sunrise Pack Station offers both daytime and evening sleigh rides on their property just north of Bozeman, complete with hot cocoa, blankets, and incredible views of the Bridger Range. Taking a sleigh ride is one the best Bozeman activities for kids in the winter, especially since no special skill or gear is required

More Things to Do Near Bozeman, Montana

In case you somehow didn’t have enough things to do in Bozeman, there are plenty more attractions to see in the surrounding areas.

• Learn the area’s Indigenous history at the Madison Buffalo Jump. 40 minutes
• Journey through the underground wonderland of the Lewis and Clark Caverns. 1 hour
• Take a trip back to Montana’s founding at Virginia City. 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Browse the bookstores and art galleries of Livingston. 30 minutes
• Experience the historic beauty of Butte. 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Road trip to Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. 1 hour and 30 minutes

Places to Stay in Bozeman, Montana

As the tourism capital of Montana, Bozeman has plenty of different lodging options, with something to fit every budget and style. Your options for Bozeman accommodations range from luxury suites to budget motels to all manner of quirky Airbnbs and VRBOs. 

One thing to keep in mind, though – prices often double or triple during the summer, so if you’re looking for a budget vacation, best make it a ski trip. Alternatively, head just down the road to one of the hotels in Belgrade, and you can save significantly.

Hotels in Bozeman

The range of hotels in Bozeman runs the gamut from inexpensive chains to retro-chic motels to luxury high-rises, but these are definitely some of the best: 

The Lark: Up until the late ‘00’s, this lot was a rather dumpy spot called the Imperial Inn. Then it became one of the first retro revamps in Bozeman, and Conde Nast just ranked it as one of the Top 5 Hotels in the West and Southwest.

The rooms are minimalist but hip, featuring warm wood accents and clean lines. There’s also an outpost of Treeline Coffee inside and an Airstream trailer in the parking lot sells ice cream in the summer. 

RSVP Hotel: The second of the retro remodels, RSVP has many of the same ultra-modern stylings as the Lark, but with less of a focus on minimalism and more bright colors. There’s an outdoor pool to enjoy during the warmer months, along with a hot tub, fire pit, and free bikes. It’s also right next to The ELM, Bozeman’s premier live music venue.

Sapphire Motel: The Sapphire is another revamp of a classic mid-century motel, and was awarded the state’s Best Retro Motel and Best Urban Hotel by Distinctly Montana. I recently stayed here when I was in town to do some spring skiing at Big Sky, and loved the classic Route 66 vibe, but with furniture and sheets that don’t feel like they’re straight out of the ‘70s.

Kimpton Armory Hotel: Bozeman’s swankiest hotel rises from the ashes of the long-shuttered Montana National Guard building and now sports a rooftop saltwater pool and the Tune Up speakeasy bar in the basement. Their rooms are definitely not budget-friendly, but if you’re looking for an unforgettable place to stay in Bozeman, there’s no better hotel than the Armory.

Howlers Inn B&B: Jen and I stayed at this wolf sanctuary-cum-B&B up when we were still dating, back when I was in grad school and she was home visiting from the Peace Corps. It’s a beautifully secluded spot 20 minutes from town, and it was a magical experience listening to the various growls and yips of the wolves just outside our window. The rooms are beautiful too, with a homey log cabin aesthetic, and tasty breakfasts are served every morning.

Camping in Bozeman

Camping is the ultimate budget travel hack, especially when other places to stay in Bozeman can be so pricey. And with National Forests encircling the city on three sides, there are plenty of options for camping near Bozeman. Dispersed camping is also plentiful, so long as you’re willing to drive up some long and bumpy dirt roads, but these are the closest developed campgrounds. 

• Bozeman Trail RV Park – just east of town off I90 (5 min)
• Bear Canyon Campground – the cheapest place to stay in Bozeman! (5 min)
• Spire Rock Campground – rustic campground in Gallatin Canyon (45 min)
• Hyalite Lake – three Forest Service campgrounds around an alpine lake (30 min)

Map of Bozeman, Montana

There are so many attractions in Bozeman, the best way to keep track of them all is with a map. Luckily, we’ve created a detailed one for you, with all the best sights, restaurants, and hotels for your next trip to the Bozone.

Click here for an interactive version of the map!

After eight years living in Bozeman and many visits since then, these are all my top recommendations. With all these incredible things to do, Bozeman is a dream destination for almost any type of traveler – and I hope this guide helps you plan an amazing trip!

What are your favorite things to do in Bozeman, Montana?

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