Only In Bozeman

Yellowstone National Park is vast. 2,221,776 million acres vast, to be specific. There’s a lot to see, and a lot that we’ll never see. Driving through the park is essential to get to the different areas, each with unique natural features, wildlife, and incredible landscapes. But to really experience the solitude and beauty, you'll want to get off the beaten path and go for a short hike. The smells, sounds and serenity of nature are well worth the time, and you don't have to climb a mountain to experience them. If you can build it into your schedule, there are plenty of easy hikes that take you to some beautiful natural features. We’ve outlined five of our favorite easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park.

It's that time of year — outdoor patios and rooftop decks are opening up, and there is a buzz of energy around town. As the days get longer, more people will linger over leisurely dinners, soaking up the warm weather and enjoying lively conversation. Bozeman has no shortage of outdoor dining, and with mountain ranges in every direction, the views are often stunning. Here are the best restaurants and bars with outdoor seating in Bozeman. 

Montana is the kind of place that makes all of your summer dreams come true. Paddleboarding on a clear, alpine lake? Check. A crackling campfire under a blanket of stars? Got that. Two National Parks and endless mountain hikes? Yup.

The list could go on and on, but we tried to narrow it down to the top 10 things to do in Montana in the summer.

For many people, traveling solo is their favorite way to adventure. The benefits are understandable; set your own schedule, move at your own pace, enjoy some quiet time and take advantage of the activities you enjoy most. If you find yourself wanting a little alone time, Bozeman is a great place to immerse yourself.

Undeniably, the mountains are one of Bozeman's main draws. Deep in these forests, you'll find pristine alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, towering peaks, and gorgeous wildlife. Mountaineers began flocking here in the 1970s for skiing, rock climbing, and backpacking, hungry for the lifestyle.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick weekend getaway or passing through on a more extended adventure, 48 hours is plenty of time to get an authentic feel for what makes Bozeman such a popular destination. The pulse of this college town tucked up in the mountains beats heartily; you’ll find people working hard and playing hard. We have some of our favorites listed below, but don’t worry about fitting it all in. Once you visit, you’ll be back.

"Just like everybody else, on March 28, the rug was ripped out from under us," says Amy Kirkland, owner of Altitude Gallery. COVID-19 had reached Montana along with a Shelter in Place order. But that didn't stop Kirkland, who has owned the gallery since 2004.

Spring in Bozeman is a wild mix of warm, sunny days, followed by random snowstorms. It happens every year, and yet every year, everyone forgets that this is normal. Some call it the false spring; others call it mud season. One thing is sure; you'll find people out and about ready to soak up the sun and start adventuring. While the weather can be fickle, it's generally comfortable, and a little spring snow typically doesn't stick around.

When is the best time to visit Bozeman? Honestly, there isn’t a wrong time to visit. Bozeman may get cold, but it averages 300 days of sunshine each year and has enough outdoor recreation and cultural activities to keep you busy any time, even if it’s raining. Depending on your flexibility, there are some tricks the locals have up their sleeve which can make visiting extra special. Here's the good and bad about each season to help you decide when to visit.

Yellowstone National Park is a vast 2 million acres of stunning scenery, fascinating geological features, wildlife, and recreation — it takes more than a day to explore this country! The Park continues to see record numbers of visitors, so planning your stay in advance is essential. This isn’t one of those vacation destinations where you can expect to find a place to stay once you are here; you’ll need to book well in advance, particularly during the summer months. Including Bozeman, there are several options of cities to stay in near the Park, depending on where you want to explore. Here are the most popular places to stay near Yellowstone National Park and the pros and cons of each.