Bozeman is known as the gem of Big Sky Country. And for good reason! Bustling with activities all year long, it won’t matter what time of year you decide to visit Montana. Bozeman has been called “the most livable place” and for good reason! According to Montana’s website, “Enjoy world-renowned fly fishing, dramatic mountains for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, hunting, and backcountry exploring, Yellowstone National Park, and impressive wildlife.” If somewhere outdoors is calling your name, this is your place. Literally within minutes of any direction, you’ll have access to everything from mountains, rivers, lakes, and streams!
Downtown Main Street
We ended up on the Main Street in Bozeman, multiple time during our trip. This is the place to be for any eating, drinking, and shopping. The street is packed with cute boutiques, outdoor equipment shops, and stores filled with fly fishing and hunting equipment. When you want to take a break from shopping some of the most recommended restaurants are scattered throughout! I will say that the shopping is a tad pricier than normal! But the stores are super cute, so mentally (or physically) prepare yourself before you go broke!
Bozeman Scenic Drive
The Bozeman Scenic Drive we took exceeded my expectations! After spending a day in Yellowstone National Park, I didn’t think much would compare to the beauty we saw. But boy, was I wrong! While it doesn’t have Yellowstone’s infamous geysers, this scenic route is just as beautiful. The drive we took, consisted of driving through both the Gallatin Canyon and Madison Valley. I will note that it doesn’t have the amount of wildlife that you see in Yellowstone. But, it also doesn’t have the amount of people either! Nothing bothers me more than overpacked super touristy areas (Not hating, I’ve been one of those tourists as well). But, if you are looking for a beautiful low-key day, this is where you need to be!
This 200 mile route takes about 3.5-4 hours, depending on stops. In all honesty, we spent all day exploring this route. Between our lunch in Big Sky, the many beautiful photo ops, and the guys trying to master fly fishing, anything less than one day would not have been enough. After leaving Bozeman, you will head South on Highway 191. This takes you right into the Gallatin Canyon. This is one of the prettiest drives I’ve done in the United States. Many of the fishing scenes in A River Runs Through It were filmed on the Gallatin River, to give a perspective on how beautiful the scenery is.
During the drive, you will go through Big Sky Montana. Depending on the season, you may drive into a packed famous ski town or a quiet (yet beautiful) city nestled between the mountains. We stopped in and grabbed lunch at the Chalet. During the off-season, the ski resort turns into a popular place for mountain biking. As we sipped our local beers, we got to watch the bikes swing from chair lifts as they were brought up the mountain.
If you continue on Highway 191, you’ll eventually run into the West Yellowstone gate. Instead you’ll head West on Highway 287. This brings you right past Hebgan Lake. While we didn’t get the chance, but next time I would like to spend a day on this beautiful man made lake. Overall, the lake about 15 miles long and surrounded by forests and mountains. Once you get into Madison Valley, the scenery completely changes! Gallatin Canyon was extremely lush and green, whereas Madison Valley reminds me more of Yellowstone open ranges. Although different, still just as beautiful!
Yellowstone National Park
Honestly, Yellowstone National Park speaks for itself. With its location being so close to Bozeman, it’s an absolute most while visiting! Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, making it the WORLDS first National Park. Due to some very forward thinking individuals, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act into law. With the completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad, tourism skyrocketed with people wanting to catch a glimpse of “America’s Wonderland”. Due to underfunding (and lack of knowledge), the park was extremely vandalized in its early years. In 1886 the damage was finally slowed when the US Army Cavalry was dispatched to stand guard over its natural treasures. The troops immediately went to work expelling squatters, rounding up poachers and enforcing regulations, and by 1894 their successes had encouraged Congress to pass new laws protecting the wildlife in the United States.
Livingston
Resting on the banks of the Yellowstone River, Livingston Montana is a smaller town just outside of Bozeman. This is the exit we took to get to our camp site, so we went through the town quiet a bit. Driving through, it appears to be a town aimed at tourists. According to their website, “Livingston delivers an eclectic blend of shops, museums, golf courses, galleries, live theater and music, as well as unique restaurants for every taste.” There is a lot of cute restaurants and shops we noticed. After lunch, we briefly walked down a street that appeared to have 3-4 antiques shops just there alone! I highly recommend grabbing a bite to eat at Neptunes Tap House. Surprisingly, they had some very good seafood and sushi!
White Water Rafting
If you are feeling adventurous while in Bozeman, please check out Montana Whitewater Rafting and Zip Line Tours. As far as our group, this was everyone’s first time white water rafting. Whenever I travel, I try to stay away from the cliché tourist activities. When I first showed up, I was worried this was going to be one of those experiences since there was far more people than I expected. Fortunately, it didn’t turn out that way. A lot of the people separated and did other activities (zip lining, tubing, horse back riding, kayaking). They also only go out 2-3 times a day, since a lot of work goes into the experience.
After getting bussed farther down the river, we were split up into groups and given a safety brief. I was glad that they capped the boat capacity at about 4-5 people (plus the guide). Mainly because then it’s only our group in the boat. With activities like these, I’m always worried I’ll be stuck with young kids or older individuals. Not that I dislike either. But as far as more “adventurous” activities, I don’t want my experience to be held back in any way. While the experience was fun, it was lacking from the rapids I was expecting. Montana White Water would be a good experience for families or beginning rafters! You really don’t need to be super athletic or anything. They even allow people that can’t swim (if that puts things into perspective).
Disappointments
Montana Grizzly Encounters was originally on my list of things to do while in Bozeman. Especially after seeing it on so many travel blogs. While I understand that rescued animals often can’t be re-released back into the Wild, this “sanctuary” was screaming Tiger King/Carol Baskins vibes. I immediately took it off my list while driving past. These beautiful Grizzlies were put in an extremely small enclosure right off the main highway. The wooden enclosure reminded me of the fencing the English put up in the Disney movie Pocahontas. I don’t think it could have been more than an acre… That being said, I did NOT personally go. So, take that for what it is. I could be completely wrong, but I don’t like the idea of supporting something like that. For a good read on animal tourism, check out this National Geographic article. It honestly changed the way I think!
Bozeman Hot Springs was another place on a lot of list of recommendations. As soon as you see the photos, you will want to go their as well. The place looks equally as beautiful in real life. They did a really nice job of making the outside pools look as if you are hanging out at a resort. The inside pools also have a really vintage aesthetic to them as well.
My sister Ciara and I were ready for a relaxing day at the Spa! But that was the last thing we got. As soon as we walked in, you paid your entrance fee at the same place you can buy food. There was little kids running around in the lobby, eating junk food. I immediately realized that the Hot Springs weren’t what we imagined. When we got outside there was an excessive amount of kids running around and crying. As we were trying to relax, we were getting splashed by kids doing cannon balls in the pools next to us. This was a bit upsetting, especially because the sign for “pool rules” stated no young kids allowed. Yet the spa sold water diapers in the front lobby? We probably only spent about 30 minutes in total in the water… But the place wasn’t worth the $21 dollars we paid. It might be worth it if you are in the Bozeman area and have kids with though. The place would be amazing if it was adults only and had a bar! I will say I saw a few people sneak some alcohol in!
Foodie Guide
Montana Ale Works- 611 E Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715
After recently being voted the best restaurant in Bozeman, they did not disappoint. “Ale Works proudly partners with over fifty farmers, ranchers, and culinary artisans to offer locally-sourced, sustainably grown produce, pasture-raised meats, herbs, mushrooms, and locally crafted cheeses.” Their variety of burgers seemed to be the most recommended item on the menu, and for good reason. In 2013 they eliminated commodity burgers from their menu entirely, and partnered with the Montana Wagyu Cattle Company for their naturally-raised ground beef. The flavor and quality is unsurpassed. Even before arriving in Montana, friends were commenting on how good the beef is in Montana. This is due to the lush green lands and crystal-clear streams the cattle is raised on. My favorite thing to try while traveling is local beers (something you can’t find at home). Montana Ale Works has a very large selection of local brews to choose from (hence the name). The building itself was a lot larger than I imagined. They did an AMAZING job at renovating the old rail building. Definitely a must stop while in Bozeman.
Old Saloon- 210 Railroad Ln, Emigrant, MT
Serving outlaws and cowgirls since 1902. While Paradise Valley is a bit of a drive from Bozeman, this restaurant and bar is a MUST! Such a fun time. Inside you get that vintage Montana cowboy feel. As you look around you will find dead animals hung on the wall, and cowboys walking around (spurs and all). Outside you have another bar, horse shoe pits scattered next to a stage and dance floor. We were lucky enough to have a band playing while the locals spun their partners around the dance floor.
Genuine Ice Cream Company- 411 West Main Street, Bozeman, Montana 59715
While shopping, the guys snuck off and returned with some of the best ice cream I’ve had in a long time! They had so many unique flavors, that it was hard for them to choose. According to their website, “All of our ice creams and treats are made right here in Bozeman, Montana. We make small-batch, premium ice cream and think it’s pretty darn good!” The shop itself, is just as cute as their quality of ice cream. It’s hard to miss this refurbished Airstream that sits right off of main street!
Discounts
While we didn’t here, I always recommend using AirBNB whenever anyone travels! You get so much more for your money than a typical hotel. Use the link to get $65 USD off of your first rental!!
For more ways to save money while traveling, check out my article “How to Get Huge Discounts While Traveling.”