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Bozeman is a city in the Yellowstone Country of Montana.

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.

Climate

Bozeman
Climate chart (explanation)
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Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
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See Bozeman's 7 day forecast    Data from NOAA (1981-2010)
Metric conversion
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Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
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Bozeman is one of the wettest cities in Montana, averaging 17.3 inches 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 feet. 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. It's 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 10 miles northwest of Bozeman. The airport has year-round non-stop service to Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Oakland, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Seattle. There is seasonal non-stop service to Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Portland (OR), and San Francisco. There are call taxis and hotel shuttles available to bring you into town.

By car

There are three exits from Interstate 90, the N. 19th exit, the N. 7th exit, and E. Main. 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 pedestrian-friendly. 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 miles east of Butte, Montana via I-90, 143 miles west of Billings, Montana. Yellowstone National Park is approximately 90 miles south via Route 89, or Route 191.

Get around

  • Streamline Bus System, ☏ +1 406-587-2434. Streamline provides fare free service Monday through Friday, with Latenight 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
  • The Museum of the Rockies, 600 W Kagy Blvd, ☏ +1 406 994-3466. 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 a Smithsonian affiliated mecca of natural history and anthropology. known for its extensive fossil collection curated by world renowned paleontologist Jack Horner who also served as technical advisor for all three Jurassic Park films. 
  • American Computer 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 welcomed. 
  • The Pioneer Museum, 317 W Main St, ☏ +1 406 522-8122. Summer: M-Sa 10AM-5PM; Winter: Tu-Sa 11AM-4PM. Run by the Gallatin Historical Society, the Pioneer Museum chronicles the history of Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley. The museum is located in the former county jailhouse building, which is itself recognized as an historical structure. $5, children 12 and under free. Research Center admission is free. 
  • Children's Museum of Bozeman, 202 S Willson Ave, ☏ +1 406 522-9087. M-Th,Sa 10AM-5PM, F 10AM-8PM. 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. Free admission F 5PM-8PM. 

Galleries

  • Emerson Center for Arts and Culture, 111 S Grand Ave, ☏ +1 406 587-9797, . The cultural hub of southwest Montana. The Center for 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 Bozemen twice by residents. 
  • Altitude Gallery, 134 E Main St, ☏ +1 406 582-4472. Summer: 10AM-6PM daily; Winter: 10AM-5PM daily. Billed as Bozeman's only contemporary art gallery. Altitude exhibits blown glass, pottery, jewelery, and more. Altitude is located in Bozeman's historic district. 
  • Coffrin's Old West Gallery, 8118 Rolling Hills Dr, ☏ +1 406 586-0170. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM or by appointment. The Gallery features an incredible collection of pictures of early frontier life and the Sioux by photographer L. A. Huffman. 
  • Montana Panoramic Gallery, 111 S Grand Ave, Suite 108 & 111, ☏ +1 406 522-7798. Tu-F 10:30AM-5:30PM, Sa 11AM-4PM. A collection of photographs by Craig Hergert in a relaxing and inviting gallery setting in the Emerson Cultural Center. 
  • 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

  • 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. 
  • Lee-Metcalf Wilderness Area. 254,635 acres 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

  • 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, Equinox Theatre, and the Bozeman Chord Rustlers' tater pigs.
  • Bozeman Hot Springs & Fitness Center, 81123 Gallatin Rd, ☏ +1 406 522-9563. Natural hot springs that provide an aternative to heated swimming pools, with no additives. Pool area split into mild temperature and a smaller, hotter pool with temperatures rising to almost 100 degrees F. 
  • 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. 
  • Animals of Montana (Wildlife/Still Photography Tours), 170 Nixon Peak Rd, ☏ +1 406 686-4224. Troy Hyde invites photographers (pro or hobbiest) to his wildlife casting and game farm for the chance to photograph wildlife. 
  • Montana State Football, Bobcat stadium. Check out the annual game against in-state rival "University of Montana" commonly known as the "cats-griz" game. 

Eat

  • Mackenzie River Pizza Company, Main St. Sun - Thurs: 11AM-9PM - Fri & Sat: 11AM-10PM. Great pizza company with innovative pizzas and salads. Conveniently located downtown on Main St. Brew pub beers and nice atmosphere. 
  • The Pickle Barrel. 809 W College (Just off the Northwest corner of the campus), 587-2411, Mon-Sun 10:30AM-10PM. It serves very good, fresh subway sandwiches. It's standing room only, although there are a few tables and chairs outside during the summer. Next door is an icecream shop serving the local Wilcoxson's (Moose Tracks is very good). Delivery is available. $4.50-12 per sandwich. Pickle Barrel's half sandwich is approximately the size of a full sandwich at most sandwich shops. 
  • Old Chicago (Old Chicago Neighborhood Restaurant and Tavern), 1940 N 19th Ave, ☏ +1 406 587-9404. 11AM-2AM (daily); Happy Hours: 4PM-7PM (M-F). A great place to take friends, with deep dish Chicago style pizzas, a bar and so much more! 
  • The Wok, 9th St. Great authentic Chinese food, and a fun place to work. 
  • Montana Ale Works, 611 E Main St, ☏ +1 406 587-7700. 4PM-12AM (M-F, Su); 4PM-1AM (Fri & Sat). 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. 
  • Gran Tree Bar & Grill, 1325 N 7th Ave, ☏ +1 406 587-5261. 
  • 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. Tired out from a day outdoors or gallery viewing? Bar 3 delivers! Mmmmmm... 
  • Bozeman Grill & Tavern, 1320 N 19th Ave. 11AM-10PM daily. A locally-owned "from-scratch" American cuisine restaurant that emphasizes local ingredients whenever possible. Features a bar area with eight plasma screen televisions, especially useful for sporting events. Bozeman Grill & Tavern do have NFL Sunday Ticket and Sunday football specials for your viewing pleasure. Twenty-two beers on tap, including several local microbrews. 
  • Cateye Cafe, 23 N Tracy Ave, ☏ +1 406 587-8844. A pure Bozeman Montana original. Everything is homemade and this place has atmosphere to spare. Breakfast is served all day everyday (except Tuesday). Lunch (also served all day): Mon. & Wed.-Fri., 11:15-2:30 Dinner: Thu., Fri. and Sat. 5-9:30. Closed on Tuesday. You should be aware, Cateye Cafe advertises the following: "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." 
  • Gourmet Gas Station, 78888 Gallatin Rd, ☏ +1 406 763-4564. 2PM-9PM (M-Th); 8AM-9PM (F-Su). Gourmet Mexican and barbecue. Great food and relaxed atmosphere. Weather permitting, ask for a seat outside to take in some fantastic views. 
  • John Bozeman's Bistro, 125 W Main St, ☏ +1 406 587-4100. 11:30AM-2:30PM and 5PM-9:30PM (T-Sa). Fresh wild game, pasta, seafood, and a fully stocked wine cellar. Also serves vegetarian options. Desserts are also prepared fresh daily. Dinner reservations are accepted and recommended. 
  • Watanabe Japanese Restaurant, 1234 W Main St, ☏ +1 406 522-3989. 11:30AM-2:30PM, 4PM-8:30PM (M-Sa). Very good authentic Japanese restaurant. Small and quiet, very affordable. The owner previously ran a restaurant in Kumamoto. 

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.

  • 406 Brewing, 101 East Oak, Suite D, ☏ +1 406 600-0181, . TAPROOM HOURS: Noon to 8PM, seven days a week. Local brewery. An ever-changing mix of mostly British and American ales and lagers. 

Sleep

The Lewis & Clark Motel, a classic motel popular with Bozeman's tourists.
  • 1 Covered Wagon Ranch, 34035 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway (three 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. 
  • 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. This unique lodging experience near Bozeman is 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. 
  • 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. 
  • Voss Inn (bed and breakfast), 319 S. Willson Bozeman MT 59715. 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. 

Go next

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


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