Bozeman

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 is one of the wettest cities in Montana, averaging 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 . 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.

By plane

Bozeman Yellowstone Airport

(BZN) is in Belgrade located 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 east of Butte, Montana via I-90, west of Billings, Montana. Yellowstone National Park is approximately 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 , 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

  phone: +1 612 499-3468
  address: (Bus Stop) Walmart Supercenter @ 1500 N 7th St
  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.

• Skyline Bus

  phone: +1 406 995-6287
  address: (Bus Stop) Walmart Supercenter @ 1500 N 7th St
  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.

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

• Classic Limo (406) 585-5466, has shuttles to Bozeman, Big Sky, West Yellowstone, Chico, Mammoth and Livingston.

• Streamline Bus System

  phone: +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.

Museums

• American Computer & Robotics Museum

  phone: +1 406 582-1288
  address: 2023 Stadium Dr, Suite 1-A
  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.

• Children's Museum of Bozeman

  phone: +1 406 522-9087
  address: 202 S Willson Ave
  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.

• Gallatin History Museum

  phone: +1 406 522-8122
  address: 317 W Main St
  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.

• The Museum of the Rockies

  phone: +1 406 994-2251
  address: 600 W Kagy Blvd
  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 mecca of natural history and anthropology. It is known for its extensive fossil collection.

Galleries

• Altitude Gallery

  phone: +1 406 582-4472
  address: 134 E Main St
  A contemporary art gallery exhibiting blown glass, pottery, jewelery, and more. Altitude is located in Bozeman's historic district.

• Coffrin's Old West Gallery

  phone: +1 406 586-0170
  address: 8118 Rolling Hills Dr
  The gallery features an incredible collection of pictures of early frontier life and the Sioux by photographer L.A. Huffman.

• Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture

  phone: +1 406 587-9797
  address: 111 S Grand Ave
  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.

• Planet Bronze Art Gallery

  phone: +1 406 585-0050
  address: 905 N 5th Ave
  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 RiverThe 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

  phone: +1 406 683-3900
  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.

• Animals of Montana

  phone: +1 406 686-4224
  address: 170 Nixon Peak Rd
  Troy Hyde invites photographers (pro or hobbyist) to his wildlife casting and game farm for the chance to photograph wildlife.

• Bozeman Hot Springs Spa & Fitness

  phone: +1 406 586-6492
  address: 81123 Gallatin Rd
  Natural hot springs that provide an alternative to heated swimming pools, with no additives. Pools range from mild temperatures to over .

• Fish Technology Center

  phone: +1 406 587-9265
  address: 4050 Bridger Canyon Rd
  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.

• Gallatin River Lodge

  address: 9105 Thorpe Rd

• Montana State Football

  address: Bobcat Stadium
  Check out the annual game against in-state rival "University of Montana" commonly known as the "cats-griz" game.

• SkiingBozeman 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.

• Bar 3 Bar-B-Q

  phone: +1 406 587-8789
  address: 215 N 7th Ave
  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!

• Cateye Cafe

  phone: +1 406 587-8844
  address: 23 N Tracy Ave
  A pure Bozeman Montana original. Everything is homemade and this place has atmosphere to spare. 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."

• The Club Tavern & Grill

  phone: +1 406 556-6212
  address: 1325 N 7th Ave

• MacKenzie River Pizza Company

  phone: +1 406 587-0055
  address: 232 E. Main St.
  Great pizza company with innovative pizzas and salads. Brew pub beers and nice atmosphere.

• Montana Ale Works

  phone: +1 406 587-7700
  address: 611 E Main St
  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.

• Old Chicago

  phone: +1 406 587-9404
  address: 1940 N 19th Ave
  A great place to take friends, with deep-dish Chicago-style pizzas, and a bar.

• The Pickle Barrel

  phone: +1 406 587-2411
  address: 809 W College
  It serves very good, fresh sub sandwiches. It's standing room only, although there are a few tables and chairs outside during the summer. Next door is an ice cream shop serving the local Wilcoxson's (Moose Tracks is very good). Delivery is available. Pickle Barrel's half sandwich is approximately the size of a full sandwich at most sandwich shops.

• Watanabe Japanese Restaurant

  phone: +1 406 522-3989
  address: 1234 W Main St
  Very good authentic Japanese restaurant. Small and quiet, very affordable. The owner used to run a restaurant in Kumamoto.

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.

• The Scoop

  phone: +1 406-522-9141
  address: 712 W Main St

• The Haufbrau

  phone: +1 406-587-4931
  address: 22 S 8th Ave

• The Molly Brown

  phone: +1 406-522-7362
  address: 703 W Babcock St

• 406 Brewing

  phone: +1 406 585-3745
  address: 101 East Oak, Suite D
  Local brewery. An ever-changing mix of mostly British and American ales and lagers.

• C'mon Inn

  address: 6139 E Valley Center Rd

• Covered Wagon Ranch

  address: 34035 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway
  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.

• Fairfield Inn

  phone: +1 406 587-2222
  address: 828 Wheat Dr
  3½-star hotel

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bozeman West

  phone: +1 406 582-4995
  address: 2305 Catron St

• Howlers Inn B&B and Wolf Sanctuary

  address: 3185 Jackson Creek Rd
  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.

• Lewis & Clark Motel

  phone: +1 406 586-3341
  address: 824 W Main St

• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham

  phone: +1 406 586-3797
  address: 612 Nikles Dr

• Royal 7 Budget Inn Motel

  phone: +1 406-587-3103
  address: 310 N 7th Ave
  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.

• The Voss Inn Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 406-587-0982
  address: 319 S Willson Ave
  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.

• 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.