Montana Hall at Montana State University

Bozeman is a city in Montana's Yellowstone Country. Set right in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, this college town is a place for experiencing the great outdoors around the year, and for those days the weather makes you want to stay indoors there are a number of museums and galleries to explore.

Understand

Bozeman is a picturesque city in Gallatin County, Montana. It is the largest city in Gallatin County and is the county seat. Bozeman residents are known as Bozemanites.

With a population of 37,280 at the 2010 census, Bozeman is the fourth largest city in the state. The city is named after John M. Bozeman, founder of the Bozeman Trail. Located in the fastest-growing county in the state, Bozeman is an All-America City (awarded in 2001). In 2003 Bozeman was ranked #5 of the 40 Best College Towns in the USA by Outside Magazine. The American Cities Business Journal ranked Bozeman as the #1 Small Business Market among cities of comparable population sizes (awarded in 2005).

Bozeman is home to Montana State University. The population of the city nearly doubles during school semesters. Lodging may be difficult to find at the beginning of the school year, graduation and any time the Bobcats have a home football game.

Bozeman sees a steady stream of visitors for its outdoor activities—not just hiking, kayaking, and mountain climbing, but also winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, popular among locals and students as well as travellers. In fact, Bozeman once expressed interest in hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics.

One of the inspirations and main themes for the writing of the 1974 best-selling book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was a road trip by motorcycle, from Minneapolis to San Francisco with a stopover at Bozeman, described with considerable detail by the author Robert Maynard Pirsig with his son Chris.

Climate

Bozeman
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       0.8     36 14       0.8     39 16       1.4     48 23       2.3     57 30       3.2     65 38       3.1     74 45       1.5     83 51       1.4     83 49       1.4     72 41       1.7     59 32       1.2     43 22       0.9     34 13 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches    Data from NOAA (1981-2010)
Metric conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       20     2 −10       20     4 −9       36     9 −5       58     14 −1       81     18 3       79     23 7       38     28 11       36     28 9       36     22 5       43     15 0       30     6 −6       23     1 −11 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm

Bozeman is one of the wettest cities in Montana, averaging 17.3 in (440 mm) of precipitation annually. Mild springs and falls are punctuated by cold, snowy winters and relatively warm summers.

Geography

Bozeman is in south central Montana at an elevation of 4,795 ft (1,462 m). It is an Intermountain Grassland habitat, bordered closely by Montane Forest habitat. Bozeman is bordered on three sides by mountain ranges (Bridger, Gallatin, and Tobacco Root) making up the northern Rockies. To the south, you'll find Yellowstone National Park as well as Gallatin National Forest.

Bozeman's geographical location combined with its climate make for a lush, agriculturally rich and diverse location. Its close proximity to the mountains and forest lands creates a plethora of outdoor activities year-round.

Get in

By plane

1 Bozeman Yellowstone Airport.   (BZN  ^IATA) is in Belgrade 8 mi (13 km) northwest of Bozeman and is accessed via Airway Blvd from I-90 or Frontage Rd (which runs parallel to I-90). This airport is the nearest commercial airport for year round commercial air service to two Yellowstone National Park entrances, Bridger Bowl Ski Area, Big Sky Ski Resort, Montana State University, and countless other recreational sites and business destinations in and around Bozemen, Belgrade, and Livingston, MT. The following airlines offer year round service from:

• Alaska Airlines (Portland, Seattle)
• Allegiant (Las Vegas and Phoenix/Mesa)
• American/American Eagle (Dallas-Ft Worth year-round and Chicago O'Hare seasonally)
• Delta/Delta Connection (Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St Paul and Seattle); Seasonally from New York La Guardia
• United/United Express (Denver, Houston Bush Intercontinental, Newark and San Francisco); Seasonally from Chicago O'Hare

The following airlines come seasonally or part of the year:

• Frontier (Denver)
• JetSuiteX (San Jose)

There are taxis, rideshare and hotel shuttles to bring you into town locally and long shuttles and buses for onward transport to Yellowstone, West Yellowstone, Big Sky and/or other places in and around southwestern Montana. There are also car rental available from the airport which is the preferred method for greater flexibility in getting around the Big Sky country. See this Link for a list of providers.

By car

There are three exits from Interstate 90 (I-90), the N. 19th exit (Exit #305), the N. 7th exit (Exit #306), and E. Main/Frontage Rd (Exit #309). The N. 19th exit, an endless expanse of chain stores and strip development, is furthest from downtown. The N. 7th exit is closer to downtown and has a wider selection of restaurants and hotels, but, though better than 19th St, still is not a pedestrian-friendly area. Many independent motels lie on E. Main St. within walking distance of downtown, which features a wide array of shopping and dining (almost entirely local independent businesses).

Bozeman is 87 mi (140 km) east of Butte, Montana via I-90, 143 mi (230 km) west of Billings, Montana. Yellowstone National Park is approximately 90 mi (140 km) south via US Hwy 89, or US Hwy 191. US Hwy 191 passes through downtown (east-west) as Main St.

By bus

The south parking lot of 2 Walmart Supercenter, at 1500 N 7th St serves as a de facto bus station for the local Stream Line "Blue Line" bus and the following companies:

• Jefferson Lines, (Bus Stop) Walmart Supercenter @ 1500 N 7th St (Bus stop located outside the Outdoor Living (Home & Garden) entrance at the south side of the building facing W Oak St.), ☏ +1 612 499-3468, toll-free: +1-800-451-5333. Daily noon to 5PM. Travels primarily on Interstate 90 between Missoula and Billings (via Butte, Belgrade/Bozeman and Livingston). Passengers transfer in Billings and Missoula to get to additional destinations. Tickets are sold at this Walmart Supercenter location. (updated Jul 2015)
• Skyline Bus, (Bus Stop) Walmart Supercenter @ 1500 N 7th St (Bus stop located outside the Outdoor Living (Home & Garden) entrance at the south side of the building facing W Oak St.), ☏ +1 406 995-6287. They offer daily services to Moonlight Lodge in Big Sky. Additional stops in town are at Roskie Hall at Montana State University (MSU); Along Technology Blvd behind Kohl's (981 S 29th); and at Cardinal Distributing Co in Four Corners. (updated Aug 2017)

The bus stops are located outside the south Outdoor Living (Home Garden) doors of the Walmart Superstore.

Get around

• Classic Limo (406) 585-5466, has shuttles to Bozeman, Big Sky, West Yellowstone, Chico, Mammoth and Livingston.
• Streamline Bus System, ☏ +1 406-587-2434. Streamline provides fare free service Monday through Friday, with late night service operating Thursday through Saturday. The service area includes Bozeman, Belgrade, and Four Corners. The major hubs are at Montana State University and downtown at Mendehall and Tracy. Free. 

See

Museums

Adult Triceratops skull in Museum of the Rockies

• 1 American Computer & Robotics Museum, 2023 Stadium Dr, Suite 1-A, ☏ +1 406 582-1288. June, July, August: 10AM-4PM daily; all other months: Tu-Su noon-4PM. Educational and slightly quirky, if you have even a passing interest in computers or computing, this should be a must-see. Highlighting everything from the abacus to the laptop as well as video gaming systems, The American Computer Museum is dedicated to chronicling the evolution of computer technology. Free; donations welcome. (updated Jul 2017)
• 2 Children's Museum of Bozeman, 202 S Willson Ave, ☏ +1 406 522-9087, info@cmbozeman.org. M-Sa 10AM-5PM. Ideal for children from toddlers to later elementary school, the Children's Museum emphasizes hand-on activities, learning, and play. Don't be surprised if you start having as much fun as your little ones. $5. (updated Jul 2017)
• 3 Gallatin History Museum, 317 W Main St, ☏ +1 406 522-8122, research@gallatinhistorymuseum.org. Tu–Sa 11AM–4PM. Run by the Gallatin Historical Society, the Gallatin History Museum chronicles the history of Gallatin County. The museum is located in the historic former county jailhouse building. $5, children 12 and under free. (updated Jul 2017)
• 4 The Museum of the Rockies, 600 W Kagy Blvd, ☏ +1 406 994-2251, museum@montana.edu. This is a resource that documents the changes that the Rockies have undergone, and has a mission to preserve the Rockies' unique place in American history and westward travel. With over 300,000 artifacts, this museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, and is a center of natural history and anthropology. It is known for its extensive fossil collection. (updated Jul 2017)

Galleries

• 5 Altitude Gallery, 134 E Main St, ☏ +1 406 582-4472. M–Sa 10AM–6PM, Su 10AM–4PM. A contemporary art gallery exhibiting blown glass, pottery, jewelery, and more. Altitude is located in Bozeman's historic district. (updated Jul 2017)
• 6 Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture, 111 S Grand Ave, ☏ +1 406 587-9797, office@theemerson.org. The cultural hub of southwest Montana. The Center for the Arts and Cultures has many ongoing programs and annual events as well as a full host of special offerings such as art exhibits, classes, concerts, and more. Be sure to check their website for events that will take place during your visit. Emerson Center is located in a former (1918) school building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is also the home to the Jessie Wilber Gallery, which has been voted Best Gallery in Bozeman twice by residents. (updated Jul 2017)
• 7 Planet Bronze Art Gallery, 905 N 5th Ave, ☏ +1 406 585-0050. M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa 11AM-5PM. Featuring the incredible bronze sculptures of Dennis Harrington, this gallery is a must for anyone interested in bronze works. You can find more than just sculptures here too, as the gallery features the works of around 20 additional artists. 

Nature

The Gallatin River between Bozeman and Big Sky

• 8 Gallatin River. The Gallatin River offers a tremendous amount of water sport opportunities, including rafting at varying skill levels. The river is also known for its scenic beauty and serenity.  
• 9 Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area, ☏ +1 406 683-3900. 254,635 acres (103,047 hectares) protected wilderness area south of Bozeman. Hiking access to Bear Trap Canyon is from the north end of the canyon only. To reach the trailhead, follow State Highway 84 west from Bozeman. Just before the highway crosses the Madison River, and directly across from the Red Mountain Campground, a gravel road intersects the highway on the left and leads upstream on the east side of the river to the trailhead.  

Do

Montana State's football stadium

• 1 Animals of Montana (Wildlife/Still Photography Tours), 170 Nixon Peak Rd, ☏ +1 406 686-4224. Troy Hyde invites photographers (pro or hobbyist) to his wildlife casting and game farm for the chance to photograph wildlife. 
• 2 Bozeman Hot Springs Spa & Fitness, 81123 Gallatin Rd, ☏ +1 406 586-6492. Natural hot springs that provide an alternative to heated swimming pools, with no additives. Pools range from mild temperatures to over 100 °F (38 °C). (updated Jul 2017)
• 3 Fish Technology Center, 4050 Bridger Canyon Rd, ☏ +1 406 587-9265. M-F 8:30AM-4PM. Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, visitors to the Fish Technology Center are welcome to learn about and observe some of the ongoing research in the health, nutrition, reproduction and management of fish in hatcheries and the wild. In addition to these attractions, the center also houses several types of threatened fish species, such as the pallid sturgeon. Additional activities include walking and hiking trails (including Bozeman's "M" trail), picnic areas, and fish feeding ponds.  
• 4 Gallatin River Lodge, 9105 Thorpe Rd, toll-free: +1-888-387-0148. 
• 5 Montana State Football, Bobcat Stadium. Check out the annual game against in-state rival "University of Montana" commonly known as the "cats-griz" game. (updated Jul 2017)
• Skiing. Bozeman works as a launching point for visiting Big Sky, a ranch-turned-ski-resort that's growing in popularity but still not too crowded, or Bridger Bowl Ski Area, which MSU students have been known to call "Bridger Bowl University" because they spend so much time there. 
• The annual Sweet Pea Festival is usually held the first weekend of August. Activities include music, dance, theater, comedy, food, and art exhibitions. The festival always starts with a parade on the Friday before. Festival regulars include Shakespeare in the Parks, children's woodworking, Verge Theatre, and the Bozeman Chord Rustlers' tater pigs.

Eat

• 1 Bar 3 Bar-B-Q, 215 N 7th Ave, ☏ +1 406 587-8789. 11AM-9PM. Authentic southern barbecue in the heart of Montana. Menu includes Carolina pulled pork and beef brisket, and St. Louis babyback ribs. Owner is a Texas transplant and knows his stuff. (updated Jan 2020)
• 2 Bridger Brewing, 1609 S 11th Ave, ☏ +1 406 587-2124. Every day from 11AM-9PM, last call at 8PM. Extremely good pizza with a nice selection of craft and in-house beers on tap. Has balcony seating area (not recommended in the winter) and a bar. Live music sometimes as well. (updated Jan 2020)
• 3 Cateye Cafe, 23 N Tracy Ave (Fun looking building, impossible to miss.), ☏ +1 406 587-8844. Breakfast served M-F 7AM-2:30PM & Sa Su 7AM-2PM; Lunch served M-F 11AM-2:30PM. Everything is homemade, and has atmosphere to spare. Advertises "50 cents off to anyone who wears their own Cateye glasses throughout their entire meal. No lenses required. Add a cowboy hat for 50 more cents." (updated Jan 2020)
• 4 Dave's Sushi, 115 N Bozeman Ave, ☏ +1 406 556 1351. Su-Th 11AM-9:30PM; F Sa 11AM-10PM. Quite honestly a fantastic meal, even for Bozeman. Would stand on its own as a sushi restaurant even in a larger city with more options. Outdoor seating area is extremely pleasant, but beware; certain seasons can see petals falling from the tree overhead onto your table. While atmospheric and deeply calming, best keep a napkin on your glass of water if you dislike flower water. (updated Jan 2020)
• 5 Montana Ale Works, 611 E Main St, ☏ +1 406 587-7700. M-Th Su 4PM-midnight; F Sa 4PM-1AM. Microbrewery and pub house with a varied menu. Prices are reasonable, portions are generous, and the ambiance is casual grill house. Can be busy, especially on weekends. Reservations are encouraged. 
• 6 The Pickle Barrel, 809 W College (just off the northwest corner of MSU campus out back of the big ugly pink building), ☏ +1 406 587 2411. Daily 10:30AM-10PM. Serves very tasty, fresh sub sandwiches. Bread made in house, and surprisingly good. Next door is their ice cream shop serving the local Wilcoxson's; this portion is mostly barren of ice cream patrons in the winter, and instead serves as indoor seating, as there is only a single bench in the shop proper. There are also a few tables and chairs outside during the summer. Delivery is available. $9.50 per half sandwich, but since their half sandwich is approximately the size of a full sandwich at most other shops, a single is very often too much to eat in a sitting, and definitely worth it. Also, think of all the college educations you are funding. (updated Jan 2020)
• 7 Watanabe Japanese Restaurant, 1234 W Main St, ☏ +1 406 522-3989. M-Sa 11:30AM-2:30PM, 4PM-8:30PM. Very good authentic Japanese restaurant. Small and quiet, very affordable. The owner used to run a restaurant in Kumamoto. 
• 8 Whistle Pig Korean, 25 N Willson Ave, ☏ +1 406 404 1224. Tu-F 11AM-9PM, Sa noon-9PM. Casual with variety of good Korean. Has vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available. Nice owners, you're very likely to see either of them there. (updated Jan 2020)

Drink

Try the "Barmuda Triangle" which consists of three dive bars arranged around a back lot between Main Street and Babcock at 8th Ave. The Scoop faces Main Street and must be one of the oldest bars in town. A few pool tables, a few slot machines and TVs for the game. The Haufbrau is equally as old - if not older - but offers a small stage for locals and even a few out-of-towners to dish out their songcraft with anything from saws to buckets to fiddles or guitars. Great, friendly crowd unless you arrive before the local rednecks get sloshed. Bringing up the rear of the troika would be The Molly Brown. It's the biggest of the three, with a pool hall, poker tables and a couple rows of slot machines. Montana being one of those rare states that allows machine gambling, you might as well try your hand while passing through. A quick fifteen bucks would not be unheard of, but a vanished fifty is far more likely. All three of these bars are of eclectic crowd; college students, Montana hippies, construction workers, out-of-work ranchers, divorcees, and that one guy who operates under the illusion that cowboys still exist.

• 1 The Scoop, 712 W Main St, ☏ +1 406-522-9141. 
• 2 The Haufbrau, 22 S 8th Ave, ☏ +1 406-587-4931. 
• 3 The Molly Brown, 703 W Babcock St, ☏ +1 406-522-7362. 
• 4 406 Brewing, 101 East Oak, Suite D, ☏ +1 406 585-3745, info@406brewingcompany.com. Daily noon to 8PM. Local brewery. An ever-changing mix of mostly British and American ales and lagers. (updated Jul 2017)

Sleep

The Lewis & Clark Motel, a classic motel popular with Bozeman's tourists.

• 1 C'mon Inn, 6139 E Valley Center Rd, toll-free: +1-866-782-2717. (updated Apr 2016)
• 2 Covered Wagon Ranch, 34035 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway (3 miles from the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park on Route 191, in the Gallatin National Forest, at the confluence of the Taylor's Fork and Gallatin Rivers), toll-free: +1-800-995-4237. One of the oldest continuously operating guest ranches in this canyon. Here you will stay in historic log cabins with their original 1920s charm with wood-burning stoves, rustic wood furniture and private baths. Three-night stay $375-910, seven-night stay $1,015-1,950. 
• 3 Fairfield Inn, 828 Wheat Dr, ☏ +1 406 587-2222. 3½-star hotel 
• 4 Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bozeman West, 2305 Catron St, ☏ +1 406 582-4995. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. (updated May 2017)
• 5 Howlers Inn B&B and Wolf Sanctuary, 3185 Jackson Creek Rd (Exit 319, head north 3 miles), toll-free: +1-888-469-5377. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Near Bozeman, a true log home B&B with an on-site wolf sanctuary that is home to eight wolves. Each room has a private bath and all have mountain views. Two rooms overlook the wolf enclosures, so guests can enjoy a wolf serenade by moonlight. The amenities include a rec room with pool table, large screen TV, air hockey and workout area. There is also an indoor hot tub (winter months) and a sauna. This inn welcomes children of all ages. $105-195. 
• 6 Lewis & Clark Motel, 824 W Main St, ☏ +1 406 586-3341, toll-free: +1-800-332-7666, info@lewisandclarkmotelbozeman.com. 
• 7 Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham, 612 Nikles Dr, ☏ +1 406 586-3797. 
• 8 Royal 7 Budget Inn Motel, 310 N 7th Ave, ☏ +1 406-587-3103. Motel rooms include: microwave, coffeemaker, refrigerator, and cable TV. Wireless internet, a continental breakfast, and on-site laundry facilities are available. Rooms are clean, efficient and simply perfect for any type of stay. 
• 9 The Voss Inn Bed and Breakfast (bed and breakfast), 319 S Willson Ave, ☏ +1 406-587-0982. A lovingly restored 120-year-old Victorian bed and breakfast mansion, the Voss Inn has six rooms with private baths. Each guest room remains true to the old-fashioned Victorian charm of the bed and breakfast Inn. Large comfortable beds, full bath facilities, plush terry bathrobes and plenty of space. $139-159. (updated May 2017)

Go next

• Big Sky — a nearby ranch turned resort with mountain activities like skiing and snowboarding.
• Yellowstone National Park — the world's first national park, full of incredible wildlife, famous geysers, and natural beauty.

Routes through Bozeman

Butte ← Belgrade ←	W  E	→ Livingston → Billings
Yellowstone N.P. ← Big Sky ←	S  N	→ Livingston → Lewistown