Only In Bozeman

Remember when travel was simple…and then it wasn’t? Good news; when the kiddos leave the nest, travel can be simple again! Bozeman is beautiful in the spring, weather changes from blue skies to spring showers and back again, making for some beautiful greenery and amazing scents. Restaurant patios open, sunsets happen later and people start spending more time outdoors. It’s also the calm before the summer starts—a relaxing time to visit. The best part? You’re calling the shots! If you still need a bit of prompting to visit Bozeman, here are a few more reasons.

Yellowstone National Park is a major destination for people around the world who want to experience nature at its purest. Yellowstone was the world's first national park, established March 1, 1872. It was considered a "grand experiment" in preserving natural places for the public to experience. To this day, people flock to the park every summer to see the geysers, animals, mountains, lakes, rivers, and geothermal features. In the past two years,  the world-famous park has set records for the number of annual visitors, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down. In 2016, more 4.2 million people visited Yellowstone. If you are one of the millions of people who are planning to visit the park this summer we've got a few tips that might help you avoid the crowds-- or at least give you a few other things to do while you are in the area. Bozeman, Montana is located just 80 miles north of Yellowstone, along Interstate 90. It's a booming little mountain town that hosts Montana State University and a variety of appealing attractions. Here are 9 reasons you might want to stop in Bozeman on your way to see Yellowstone. 

Ever been backpacking with a llama? Trekking with these faithful companions is an experience you won’t forget. Interested in the history and architecture of the buildings in Yellowstone? Try an Old Faithful Lodge or Lake Yellowstone Hotel Tour. Prefer to spend your time in a more formal, educational environment? There are so many options for Yellowstone tours, we've got you covered. 

When it comes to Yellowstone National Park, most people think of wide open spaces, geysers and wildlife, which is both accurate and awesome. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find an amazing ecosystem and a rich history found only in this park.  

Stop by one of the many museums in and around Yellowstone for more information, but for now, here are 15 Yellowstone National Park facts to whet your appetite. 

Honestly, there really isn't a bad time to see the nation's first National Park. Yellowstone is a magical place year round. Each season has its benefits or natural cycles to look forward to, like the elk rut in the fall or the bears coming out of hibernation in the spring. The real question is what do you want to experience in Yellowstone? Is it the breathtaking scenery, the wild animals, the incredible thermal features, or the historic landmarks that dot the map? We will give you some of our favorite things about each season and then you decide when the best time to visit Yellowstone is. 

Winter in Yellowstone Park is an intimate experience. The blanket of snow glistens, crowds are minimal so the park is quiet and wildlife are more visible. All of this makes for amazing Nordic skiing in Yellowstone. Tracks are set in some areas, but all unplowed roads and trails are open to Nordic skiing. What better way to explore our nation's first National Park than on a pair of skis? The Old Faithful area alone has 40 miles of cross-country trails, many of them interconnected. Venture out on your own, or take a guided ski tour to get the lay of the land. This is an experience you will never forget. 

Yellowstone National Park is a beautiful winter wonderland, only accessible by snowmobile or snowcoach. Blanketed in deep snow for months, the park is transformed into a tranquil frozen landscape with beautiful snow capped mountains, frozen lakes, and vast wintery meadows. The bison and other animals roam around foraging for anything thing they can eat. Though it may be cold, winter in Yellowstone is an amazing place that you have to experience for yourself. 

There is no doubt about it, Yellowstone National Park is an incredible place to visit any time of the year.

Hundreds of thousands of people flock each year to the 2.2 million acre national park spread across the three states of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. The majority of tourists prefer to come during the summer season fully equipped with a tightly-strapped camera and cargo shorts.

However, Yellowstone in the winter rivals the sights, smells, and experience that you won't find in the summer months. The park has a magical way of changing into a whole new experience.

If you have, or have not been to the park in the winter but are looking to spice up your stay, here are 3 ways to explore Yellowstone in the winter.

It’s no secret that Yellowstone National Park is a natural wonderland and hiking is one of the best way to experience it. With over 900 miles of trails throughout the park, there is something for every level of hiker. To get you started, we’ve outlined 3 of the most scenic hikes in Yellowstone. 

The grand loop in Yellowstone National Park is a great way to see a lot of landscape in a short of amount of time. Now when we say "short amount of time" that is a relative term. A tour through Yellowstone is usually a full day affair but the Grand Loop does provide a great opportunity to see some of the best sights in Yellowstone. So what is the grand loop? The road through Yellowstone looks like two circles on top of each other. The Grand Loop would be to take the outside route around these two circles, avoiding the stretch from Canyon to Norris. Here are a few must sees and tips to help along the way.