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Nestled in the Gallatin Valley and surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, Bozeman is one of Montana’s prime spots. Located close to Yellowstone National Park and to National Forest lands, Bozeman is an ideal place to live and visit.
Bozeman sits in Gallatin County in the southwest part of Montana and is home to Montana State University. Images of Cowboys, Indians, open spaces, pioneer trails and wild and rowdy miners are still part of the mystique associated with the area.
Entertainment and recreation opportunities abound in Bozeman. From fishing blue ribbon trout streams, to hiking local peaks, to visiting one of the many area museums, there’s never a loss for activity.
History is alive and abundant in Bozeman, and evidence of its unique local heritage can be found throughout the city. Bozeman now has eight historical districts and more than 40 individual properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Many museums are also located in the city. In the Museum of the Rockies, learn about the geologic formation of this region including the Mountain building in Yellowstone, Glacier, and Grand Teton National Parks. Get a taste of technology at the American Computer Museum, home of the most comprehensive display of history of the information age.
The Bozeman area is famous for outdoor adventure and recreation. It is both a summer and winter retreat, and in each season there is plenty to do. The winter months create a snowbound wonderland considered paradise by many skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers.
 The area is home to two world class ski resorts. Located just 16 miles north of Bozeman on highway 86, the Bridger Bowl Ski Area is one of the most exciting winter recreation sites found anywhere in the Northern Rockies. This community gem is known for its incredible terrain spanning 1,440 skiable acres, and for spawning some of the best skiers in the world. Bridger Bowl is renown for offering one of the best, most affordable ski experiences in the world.
Just south of Bozeman on Highway 191 is Big Sky, a premier alpine resort. In recent years, Big Sky has undergone an aggressive lift expansion plan that added 11 new lifts. The Lone Peak tram whisks skiers and snowboarders to 11,150 ft. Since the tram’s inception in 1995, skiing has risen to a new level at Big Sky, with more intermediate and expert runs now accessible. A total of 18 lifts transport riders to more than 120 runs and 3,500 skiable acres.
In addition to downhill skiing, Big Sky and Bozeman visitors can try miles of snowshoe and cross-country trails at nearby Lone Mountain Guest Ranch and Bohart Ranch. Lone Mountain is located half way between Bozeman and the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The 40 mile Drive south from Bozeman along the Gallatin River offers spectacular views of the rugged Gallatin Range. Bohart Ranch cross-country Ski Center is a day-use ski center with scenic trails looping through natural terrain especially suited to cross-country skiing for all ability levels.
The summer months in Big Sky country bring green mountains, snowcapped peaks, rivers of pure water, fields of wildflowers, and countless outdoor activities. Begin at the East Gallatin Recreation Area, north of Griffin Dr., on Manley Road, in the northeast corner of Bozeman. Glen Lake has a 300-foot beachfront, which provides a perfect setting for swimmers, anglers, canoeists, and sailboarders. The Gallatin Range boasts a variety of moderate hikes. Among the more popular trips are the Hidden Lake Trail, Garnet Mountain Lookout Trail, and Golden Trout Lakes Trail.
The Yellowstone, Gallatin and Madison rivers, once used by Native Americans, trappers, and early explorers as access to the mysterious Yellowstone wilderness, now provide excellent recreation for whitewater enthusiasts coming to the Bozeman area. All of these rivers change significantly with the seasons and are much colder and wilder during the early summer runoff. Inexperienced boaters should never attempt to navigate these rivers alone.
When the weather begins to warm and the water levels settle down, it becomes time to trade the kayak for a fly rod and stalk the abundant trout in nearby rivers. Fishing is productive throughout the summer months, and fishing terrestrial patterns such as grasshoppers along the river banks can prove very successful. Floating or fishing the lengths of area rivers is a great time to catch a glimpse at wildlife. Where else in the world is it possible to photograph bison, elk, bald eagles, wolves, coyotes, and trumpeter swans all in a day? The Bridger Range, north of Bozeman, is a significant flyway for migrating birds each fall.
In a state without sales tax, the recreation outlet not to be overlooked is shopping, browsing, and dining. The intersection of Main Street and Wilson will put you right in the heart of Bozeman’s historic downtown, which features a relaxed atmosphere to visit the city’s fine art galleries and boutiques. Just down the road is the Gallatin Valley Mall, home to department stores, restaurants, and a variety of specialty shops. The north 7th area offers a variety of shops including fly fishing supplies and services, home furnishings, lodging and restaurants. The University area is full of local shops, restaurants, and professional services.
A prominent feature of the Bozeman area is Montana State University. More than 11,000 students from 50 states and 49 foreign countries attend, and the university offers degrees in 46 different fields covering more than 120 separate fields. A stroll around the 1,170-acre campus is beautiful during every season. Guided Tours are available and leave weekdays from room 120 in Hamilton Hall. Yellowstone National Park is only 90 miles south of Bozeman and can be reached by traveling on Highway 191 south to the West Entrance, or through the North Entrance, south of Livingston.
Bozeman is the ideal crossroads of culture and wildness. Here you can experience art galleries, symphony performances, and opera, as well as immerse yourself in the outdoors. Wonderful shopping, fine dining and luxurious amenities may fool you into thinking you are visiting a big city. But the locals’ friendliness, combined with the natural surrounding beauty will keep you remembering that you are in one of the most unique cities in the United States.
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