20 Best Things to Do in Bozeman Montana

Bozeman is recognized as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Northern Rocky Mountains region due to the city’s average of 300 sunny days each year. 

Because it is a university town, it not only has breathtaking natural scenery but is a place for everyone with a wide variety of things to do. From going on a zipline adventure to having tea parties in gourmet chocolate shops. 

For those who enjoy spending time outside, there is an abundance of terrain suitable for activities such as skiing, kayaking, mountain climbing, and horseback riding. Other things to do in Billings, Montana, include an appreciation for the fine arts and history.

So, if you consider visiting the place, you are in for a treat. Tune in to this article until the end as we explore the different things to do in Billings, MT, today.

Our Top Recommendations

Bozeman is indeed a fantastic weekend getaway destination as one of Montana’s largest city. Its abundance of outdoor activities, its great museums, and its world-class performing arts scene. If you are looking for something specific in mind, here are our top recommendations for the fun things to do in Billings. 

• Best park – Yellowstone National Park
• Most significant landmark – College “M” Hiking Trail
• Best free activity – Gallatin History Museum
• The best activity for kids – Museum of the Rockies
• Best activity for adults – Big Sky Resort & Bridger Bowl Ski Area
• Best food – La Chatelaine Chocolat Co.
• Best nightlife – Downtown Bozeman
• Best all-around accommodation – Bozeman Hot Springs

Best Things to Do in Bozeman, Montana

1. Best Park – Yellowstone National Park

Address: United States, Yellowstone National Park

Bozeman is located an 80-mile drive away from Yellowstone National Park, which was the very first national park to be declared in the United States and is also one of the biggest along with Glacier National Park. Flying into Bozeman allows tourists from all over the world to enjoy the wonders of Yellowstone, including the park’s numerous hydrothermal features, which are extremely abundant and are found nowhere else on the planet.

Only a small portion of Yellowstone’s most interesting locations, including Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. The entire park encompasses a staggering 2.2 million acres, which results in an abundance of roadside attractions, opportunities to observe wildlife and hiking routes. Yellowstone National Park is home to some of the finest hiking in the world, and many of its best paths are easy, short strolls that anybody can enjoy.

Yellowstone’s North Entrance is the point of entry into the park that is most convenient for visitors coming from Bozeman. The Mammoth Hot Springs portion of the park may be reached quickly and easily from this entry, which is located close to the Gardiner and Yellowstone River or the Yellowstone River valley. From the river, you can also gain access to the riverfront park. This destination is located next to one of the Yellowstone valley and its desirable campgrounds.

2. Most Significant Landmark – College “M” Hiking Trail

Address: Trail to ‘M’, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

It would be difficult to avoid seeing the large letter “M” that is painted high onto the mountainside of Bridger Canyon near Bozeman. Since it was first constructed by undergraduates at Montana State University in 1915, this white-rock letter measuring 250 feet in height has served as a point of pride for the university as well as an emblem for the city of Bozeman.

Visitors are encouraged to go up and take in the view through two short hiking trails that are located near the base. The ascent up either trail to reach the letter “M” is around 800 feet, which puts a strain on the legs of the typical hiker. The soreness in my leg muscles was eased by the benches that were placed next to the “M.”

In fact, the  “M” Trail is just the beginning of the hiking opportunities in the Bozeman area and one of the best activities in Billings, MT.

Related: Best Things to Do in Missoula, Montana

3. Best Free Activity – Gallatin History Museum

Address: 317 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

The Gallatin Historical Museum, which is located on Main Street and is housed in a historic structure that formerly served as the county jail but has since been rebuilt, brings the region’s early history to the forefront. The Gallatin History Museum paints the most accurate image possible of the rough history of the southwest region of Montana. The museum includes both permanent and changing displays.

Artifacts from American Indians can be found on permanent display at the Gallatin History Museum, along with a scale model of Fort Ellis, which was erected in 1867. In addition, there are relics, information panels, and an extensive archive of historical photographs dispersed throughout the museum.

There are other options for Billings activities to do in the place like guided tours, group passes, and special events to choose from. The public is welcome to visit the museum on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays throughout the entire year. The museum does not charge an admission fee for children who are accompanied by an adult.

4. The Best Activity for Kids – Museum of the Rockies

Address: 600 W Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States

Discoveries made at the world-famous Museum of the Rockies (MOR) include a wide range of scientific topics related to the Rocky Mountain region. The museum is located on the southern side of town, in close proximity to the campus of Montana State University.

It is also affiliated with both Montana State University and the Smithsonian Institution. It is most famous for its large display of dinosaur fossils, but it also contains information about the ongoing development of Yellowstone Country.

The Siebel Dinosaur Complex and the aptly named Hall of Giants within the museum are home to one of the largest complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons that have ever been discovered. There are also a number of more fossils from the area on exhibit, in addition to instructive plaques that highlight the role that Montana has played in paleontology.

In addition, some of the things to do in Billings today can be found in the museum that houses the Taylor Planetarium. This offers three different programs each day and is included for free with the price of entrance to the museum.

Related: Best Things to Do in Montana

5. Best Activity for Adults – Big Sky Resort & Bridger Bowl Ski Area

Address: 15795 Bridger Canyon Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

Due in large part to the close proximity of two powder-filled winter resorts, winter alpine activities play a significant role in the culture of Bozeman. Bridger Bowl and Big Sky are the names of these two renowned ski areas for downhill skiing.

Some of the best things to do in Billings is the downhill skiing and snowboarding. This can be found at Big Sky Resort, which is only an hour’s drive south of Bozeman, and is recognized all over the world for its quality. The resort is spread out across four mountains.

About 6,000 acres of roadworthy terrain can be found at Big Sky Resort, which is recognized as one of the most expansive resorts in the United States. Big Sky is considered to be among the top ski resorts in Montana due to the fact that it receives a good amount of snowfall throughout the entire winter and hosts a wide variety of events that take place during the winter months.

The Bridger Bowl Ski Area can be reached more quickly to the north and offers a skiing experience with a stronger sense of place. This ski resort started out as a community effort and has since grown to encompass more than 2,000 skiable acres. It caters to skiers of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned veterans.

There are a total of eight chairlifts and two lodges, each of which serves hot meals. Prepare to share the hoist with a large number of students from Montana State University and members of the Bozeman community because this is the place where the local residents go to ride.

6. Best Food – La Chatelaine Chocolat Co.

Address: 10 S Rouse Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

When you stop into La Chatelaine Chocolat Co., you’ll definitely get a taste of the joie de vivre.  It is a high-end restaurant where chocolate and art come together, and it is managed by a Frenchman and his American wife. Both of the owners received their culinary training in Parisian bakeries.

It is possible that you would not anticipate finding a chocolaterie of this kind in the state of Montana; yet, this is precisely why visiting this establishment is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Bozeman!

Truffles come in a wide variety of flavors and textures, from organic peanut butter rounds to dark chocolates flavored with jasmine and topped with sesame seeds. In addition, you have the option of purchasing drops, bars, hot chocolate beverages, and even, on occasion, ice cream sundaes. Join along at one of the shop’s upcoming tea parties or seminars if you’re planning on sticking around for a while.

As you savor tasters of the many different truffles and pastries that are on display, you are welcome to continually re-fill your pot. Chocolate lovers, you won’t want to pass up the opportunity to visit La Chatelaine Chocolat Co. Visitors to Bozeman who have a craving for sweets will never forget their experience at this place because of the excellent culinary art and delectable gourmet flavors.

Related: Epic Must-See National Parks in Montana

7. Best Nightlife – Downtown Bozeman

Address: 222 E Main St #302, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

Downtown Main Street is a great place to get a feel for the culture of Bozeman because it is lined with shops, boutiques, restaurants, and art. It’s not just the retail stores that maintain the pavements busy; the college culture and the focus on local businesses also contribute to Main Street’s appeal as a place to wander around and discover new places. There are a few buildings on either side of the street that have fronts that unmistakably have a Western flavor.

The Main Street Overeasy and the Nova Cafe are two of the most highly recommended places to have breakfast in Bozeman. The Nova Cafe serves a few of the best breakfast and lunch in town, and the Main Street Overeasy is not far away. For pizza aficionados, the Mackenzie River Pizza Company offers specialized pizzas that are delicious enough to warrant at least a couple of visits.

The Last Wind-Up and other shops like it can be found on Main Street, which is known for its assortment of one-of-a-kind, locally owned specialty shops. The street is also frequently the location of live events, such as the well-attended “Music on Main” series that takes place every Thursday mostly during summer.

8. Best All-around Accommodation – Bozeman Hot Springs

Address: 81123 Gallatin Rd, Bozeman, MT 59718, United States

Bozeman Hot Springs is a public resort that is considered to be one of the best hot springs in the state of Montana. It is located on the west side of the city, close to Four Corners. Additionally, the facility features a total of twelve different pools in which guests can relax, an extensive fitness center, as well as a camping area for guests.

It is a great place for large group gatherings and is also great for families. Throughout the course of the year, the pools play host to a variety of special events, such as charity drives, group fitness classes, and even live music performances. The temperatures of the pools range between 59 and 106 degrees Fahrenheit.

Within its amenities, Bozeman Hot Springs also retains a campground, which provides guests with not only easy access to the exciting environments that envelop the hot springs but also the opportunity to have the most complete hot springs experience possible. This gives you a wonderful opportunity to extend your soaking experience by one full day. Every camper that stays the night at the campground is granted unrestricted access to the pools that are nearby.

9. Best Sunset Dates – Burke Park

Address: 7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039, United States

Hiking through Burke Park, which is located in the heart of the city, is a great way to see the Main Street to the Mountains trail system. In addition, it offers a breathtaking view of the city because of its elevated position, making it an ideal place to watch the sunset. The park, which can sometimes be referred to as “Peets Hill,” is located directly to the south of Main Street and the Bozeman Public Library.

On the corner of South Church and Story Street is a parking lot. Users also have the option of parking at the far end of the library parking garage and beginning their visit with a stroll through the Bozeman Sculpture Park. The Burke Park grounds include around 41 acres and are very simple to navigate. In most cases, the initial direction to head in is upward, and you should continue in this direction until you reach the ridgeline that runs alongside Church Avenue for a distance of somewhat less than a mile.

In addition, the path runs beside Sunset Hills Graveyard to the east, and once you reach the highest point in the park, you will have a panoramic view in every direction. On days when the sky is clear, this location provides a view of a number of mountains, including Hyalite Peak, the Bridgers, and Mount Ellis. And by the time the sun sets, the park is typically packed with people who have come to watch the sky turn colors.

10. Best Wildlife Experience – Montana Grizzly Encounter

Address: 80 W Bozeman Hill Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

Bears that were either born in captivity or have no chance of surviving in the wild are taken in by Montana Grizzly Encounter, which then provides them with a secure environment in which they can develop into happy and healthy animals.

In 2002, Casey Anderson, a National Geographic Wildlife Naturalist, took Brutus in after finding him in an overpopulated wildlife park. This was the moment that the Montana Grizzly Encounter was born. Brutus was a grizzly bear cub at the time, and he was about the size of a squirrel. Brutus is now seven feet in height and lives in a park alongside six other grizzly bears that have been adopted into the facility.

In addition to ensuring a high standard of living for its bears, the Montana Grizzly Encounter works hard to educate the general public about how humans and the native wildlife of Montana can coexist peacefully. At Montana Grizzly Encounter, visitors are taught about the grizzly bear’s important place in the ecosystem, are given opportunities to observe the inhabitants of the sanctuary up close without being restricted by bars or other barriers, and are given demonstrations and educational opportunities.

When school groups call ahead, Montana Grizzly Encounter does not charge admission fees. Tickets to the event are available to the general public at prices that are affordable. This Grizzly Bear Rescue and Education Sanctuary are open every day for the majority of the year, with reduced hours during the colder months. 

11. Best for Picnics – Glen Lake Rotary Park

Address: Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

Glen Lake Rotary Park, which was once known as East Gallatin Recreation Area, is a pleasant public park that can be found on the north side of the city, directly across Interstate 90 from the central business district. The brightly coloured boats and paddleboards that frequently dot the surface of Glen Lake serve as a signal for visitors to the park.

big sandy beach on the lake draws a crowd that loves sand volleyball, sitting out, and picnicking by the water. This audience also enjoys the beach’s proximity to the water.

One of the major projects was to reconstruct the surroundings of the pond so that a beach could be constructed with sand to draw more children and families. As a result, the locals gave it the name “Bozeman Beach” to help distinguish it from another park known as Bozeman Pond which is located near the Gallatin Valley Mall.

Trails that extend for a distance of three miles from the lake are kept in good condition by the Gallatin Valley Land Trust. These paths wind along the sides of the Eastern Gallatin River and link to other beautiful hiking places, such as Cherry River. One of the trail’s forks goes all the way around the lake. At the shore and all along the route that runs along the lakeside, there are picnic tables and shelters available for use.

12. Best for Scenic Drives – Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana

The city of Bozeman is surrounded on all sides by the seven distinct ranger districts that make up the Custer Gallatin National Forest. When combined, they offer visitors the opportunity to explore more than three million acres of forest throughout the year. The city and the people who choose to make it their home are defined by how easy it is to get into expansive wilderness areas.

Backdoor adventures can be found in the national forest, whether one is interested in day hiking, ski touring, backpacking, fly fishing, or even just taking in the sights on a scenic drive. One of the most popular things to do in Custer Gallatin is to go exploring in the wilderness areas, such as the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Canyon Bridger, located to the north, and Canyon Gallatin, located to the south, are both additional places of interest.

If you are looking for a classic hike not too far from Bozeman, Storm Castle Peak is only a 40-minute drive away and offers spectacular views. The Palisades Falls Picnic Area is another wonderful location for a day trip you won’t soon forget.

Bozeman is located a little over an hour and a half’s drive south of Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance and Roosevelt Arch. The forest provides an easy connection to Yellowstone National Park, which is another national treasure.

13. Best Modern Museum – American Computer & Robotics Museum

Address: 2023 Stadium Dr #1a, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

The American Computer & Robotics Museum features a diverse collection of exhibits that detail the development of technology, beginning with the first clay tablet carved with a chisel and continuing into the future with the creation of artificial consciousness.

The museum is located close to the Bobcat Stadium on the campus of Montana State University. It is comprised of multiple rooms that each focus on a different time period in the history of applied science. Each room features elaborate and informative displays, in addition to significant artifacts, throughout the museum. Documents written by Alan Turing, a Gutenberg Press, and an original Apple 1 computer with Steve Wozniak’s signature are just some of the artifacts that are currently on display.

It welcomes all visitors, regardless of their level of scientific inclination or level of interest, and admission is completely free. When you visit, donations are strongly encouraged. During the summer months, the museum is open every day of the week, while during the winter months, the only day it is closed is Mondays.

14. Best Place for Arts & Culture – Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture

Address: 111 S Grand Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

The Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture in Bozeman is undoubtedly one of the city’s most remarkable attractions. It is the kind of event that you literally can’t miss because it has been located in a massive English-Gothic structure that was constructed in 1918.

However, the facility is comprised of more than just its living quarters. The social, cultural, and political issues that are explored in the exhibitions are diverse, and the artwork presented ranges from coloured to sculpted to moulded forms.

Masks, fashion pieces, woodblocks, pictures, paintings, and more are all on display for your perusal and admiration. The tours of the center are free, and excursions that include additional, hands-on activities begin just at $1 per hour. This is another positive aspect of the institution.

This could be a fun outing for you and the kids to do on a gloomy day in Bozeman, especially if you are seeking low-cost or even free activities to do while you are there.

Visit the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture if you are seeking entertaining tourist attractions that also have the potential to teach you something in addition to providing you with fun while you are there.

15. Best Place for Fly Fishing – Montana Angler Fly Fishing

Address: 435 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

One of the best things to do in Bozeman is going fly fishing, and if you’re looking to catch your own food, there are countless locations you can go to in the area. You will, however, require the assistance of a guide in order to navigate the dead spots and locate the waters with the highest concentration of life.

This is where the services offered by Montana Angler Fly Fishing can be of assistance. Bozeman is a mecca for anglers, and Montana Angler Fly Fishing will show you the best fishing spots the city has to offer over the course of multiple days of your tour.  Lakes, spring creeks, and rivers are among the most frequented travel destinations.

They can organize float trips, sift fishing at parks and cattle farms, whitewater canyon fishing, or nighttime fishing in the backcountry wilderness, based on whether you want a relaxing afternoon on the water or an exciting adventure in the vein of River Monsters.

Fly fishing is one of the most enjoyable activities that can be enjoyed in the Bozeman area, and with the assistance of the adventure guides at Montana Angler Fly Fishing, you will be able to get the most out of this well-liked pastime activity.

16. Best Musical Entertainment – Bozeman Symphony

402 E Main St Suite 202, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

Every time you go to one of the world-class performances at the Bozeman Symphony, you’ll be treated to an evening filled with incredible music. It is the home of the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra and the Bozeman Symphonic Choir, both of which are known throughout Bozeman as some of the best cultural activities the city has to offer. Each season, they put on spectacular performances of choral and orchestral music.

With orchestra sizes of well over one hundred members, you’ll be treated to a wide variety of sounds performed by skilled violinists, cellists, percussionists, and others, all of whom are led by seasoned conductors who put on quite the show. During the holiday season, visitors always look forward to seeing seasonal shows, and they also enjoy purchasing tickets to see traditional works, such as the Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4, performed live.

In a state like Montana, whose past is defined by musical distinction, the Bozeman Symphony and Symphonic Choir have both established themselves as key cultural symbols. The continuation of a talented and enthusiastic orchestra, the members of which bring symphonic music to life, is essential to the organization’s long-term success.

17. Best Hiking Trail – Drinking Horse Mountain

Address: Bozeman, MT 59715

Drinking Horse Mountain is a breathtaking sight that can be found near Bozeman. It got its name from the equestrian shape it makes when depicted on a map.

Its craggy green cliffs are clothed with everything from meadows of wildflowers to ancient tree groves that have not been touched for so long that the sunshine can hardly be seen penetrating through the leaves.

The Drinking Horse Mountain Path is the most well-known trail in the region. It is a circular trail that is two miles long and will take you on a tour through locations that are excellent for photography and bird-watching.

It’s not overly tough, but you still need to make sure you pack everything you need for the vacation. You are also at liberty to strike off on your own, whether it be to investigate the nooks and crannies of the woods or to search for other types of species.

In the past, Drinking Horse Mountain was held in an almost sacred regard by those who visited there. Nowadays, all that is spoken about it is that it’s a magnificent outdoor attraction. If, on the other hand, you find yourself thinking about what to do while you are strolling around Bozeman, one suggestion is to go trekking up to the top of a spectacular vista and see how you feel after you get there.

18. Best for Local Shopping – Gallatin Valley Farmers’ Market

Address: 901 N Black Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

One of the most amazing things about the Gallatin Valley Farmers’ Market is that you don’t even have to bring any cash with you to shop there. This is just one of the many reasons why this market is so incredible.

It is open to the general public, and with all of the free raffles and contests, free music acts, and free samples, you won’t even need your cash to have a good time there.

If you are fortunate enough to have extra cash lying around, there are a lot of things you can buy with it. More than two hundred different merchants travel to the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in order to set up their stalls and booths there. These merchants sell a wide variety of goods in addition to fresh fruit. You can explore a variety of handcrafted items, such as arts and crafts, jewelry, pottery, flowers, and an extensive selection of homemade foods and goods. The atmosphere is more reminiscent of a flea market than a traditional farmer’s market.

19. Best Place to Get a Drink – Bozeman Spirits Distillery

Address: 121 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

The liquors produced at the Bozeman Spirits Distillery are truly in a league of their own due to the distillery’s unique combination of local produce grains from Montana and fresh spring water from the Rocky Mountains.

They definitely won awards for the incredible flavour profiles that they created, one of which was their well-known huckleberry vodka.

Their adherence to time-honored distilling practices is a key component of their trade secret. They have copper pots, oak barrels that have been toasted, and other essential items for making beer in the traditional manner and bottling it. They have a wide selection of whiskeys, bourbons, gins, rums, and vodkas that are up to 90 proof because they value tradition while also being willing to experiment.

20. Best for Theater Performances – Ellen Theater

Address: 17 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

The Ellen Theatre, which opened in 1919, was the result of a labour of love put in by a family in order to pay tribute to their mother.

After the construction of the building was finished, they invited the people living in Bozeman to come and experience live theatre performances in the same way that their matriarch did. Ellen’s legacy is alive and well in the world today because of the establishment that bears her name.

It gives host to a diverse range of performances, from plays and musicals to comedic acts, choirs, and more. It was originally a major site on the vaudeville circuit, and notable performers from the uncle of the Marx Brothers to Vivian Vance, Lucy’s BFF from I Love Lucy. It has also earned quite a reputation over the course of the decades.

A second marvel is the building that houses the theatre just like the Alberta Bair Theater. It retains many of its original features, such as its gilded ornamentation and intricate crown mouldings, as well as its plush seats and curtains.

Frequently Asked Questions