Only In Bozeman

Yellowstone National Park is pretty incredible no matter how you see it, but going with a tour can add a level of richness that can't be found on your own. Local guides have in-depth knowledge about the park's history, the wildlife you'll see and the science behind those natural features that look almost unreal. During many tours, you can spend less time driving and more time looking, or travel by a different vessel entirely (did someone say llamas?). Plus, many tours offer transportation to and from the park, which is a huge perk right now as rental cars are hard to come by.

Experiencing our wild spaces up close and personal is something everyone should be so lucky to do. The intimacy of seeing wildlife in their habitat, thick vegetation, dynamic weather patterns, and sheer beauty — it does wonders for the soul. But as more and more people venture out, it’s not just important to keep the trails in good order but to look out for your well-being. Weather can be more intense in the mountains, and if you run into trouble out in the wild, getting help may not be as straightforward as it is in other places. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind before heading out.

Photo by Shawn Raecke

The largest known Golden Eagle migration in the United States passes over the Bridger Mountain Range each September and October. In 1979, raptor enthusiast Fred Tilly discovered this incredible happening and spent the next four migratory seasons on Bridger Ridge counting the raptors. As a result, the site gained international recognition among raptor specialists as a central migratory flyway in the early 1980s. By 1991, Hawkwatch International, in partnership with the Custer Gallatin National Forest and Bridger Bowl Ski Area, established Bridger Bowl as one of sixteen Rocky Mountain raptor monitoring sites. At the time, more golden eagles had been documented here than any other site in the country. Today, the average count remains at 1,200-1,500 birds.

Belgrade, Montana, is home to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, the busiest airport in Montana and the closest town to rest your head when flying in and out. But Belgrade is more than just convenient. Tucked away in this little Montana town, you'll find great restaurants, easy access to both Bozeman and Big Sky, and some great lodging options. From national brands to local favorites, hotels in Belgrade are an excellent option for a relaxed stay outside Bozeman's buzz.

The old western culture in southwest Montana is undeniable. Driving through town, you’ll still see plenty of cowboy hats, western boots, and ample horses and cows. While the times may be changing, there’s still a comforting nostalgia in celebrating Bozeman’s wild west heritage. If you’re ready to embrace this side of Bozeman, start with one of seven activities.

Photo by Saul Creative 

Across Bozeman, pockets of town are being upcycled. Original sections of this iconic western town are being reimagined, reconstructed and brought into the modern era. Midtown Bozeman — the area roughly around North 7th Avenue — is the latest to undergo this transformation, and little by little, it’s becoming the entertainment hub of town. From boutique hotels, delicious restaurants, and a state-of-the-art music and event venue, Midtown is becoming the place to gather.

For locals, fall is easily the best season to get out and hike in Bozeman. In fact, fall might be Bozeman's best-kept secret. The trails aren't as crowded, the weather is a moderate temperature, and the scenery is spectacular. Plus, you may get to experience a dry trail underfoot while gazing up at snowy peaks, which is hard to come by in any other season. Here are the best hikes near Bozeman that allow you to maximize the fall weather and colors this season. Some of these hikes are right in Bozeman and some require a little drive, but we promise all of them are well worth the trip.

The restaurant scene in Bozeman is on a roll right now, with exciting new places to eat popping up nearly every month. Since springtime of this year, restaurants have been blooming as the city reopens and recovers after a year of temporary and indefinite closures. We couldn’t be happier to see Bozeman alive again with new global flavors around every corner. Treat yourself to one of Bozeman’s many new restaurants of 2021.

Bozeman is a pet lover's town. Put it this way; local gatherings often have equal numbers of pets and people. Trail systems run throughout the town, and the phenomenal hiking around the area is the perfect playground for animals. Fortunately, many hoteliers in Bozeman appreciate the canine connection and offer pet-friendly rooms — no more leaving the furry family members at home! Check out these accommodations in every area of town that are happy to welcome your pets.

Next month, Bozeman’s highly anticipated new music venue, The Elm, will welcome the community for its free grand opening on Friday, September 3, with music by Bozeman-based singer-songwriter Madeline Hawthorne. This all-ages event invites everyone in Bozeman to see the new venue, enjoy local live music, and enter to win free swag and concert tickets. The open house marks the beginning of a series of acts for the fall season, with bigger names than Bozeman has ever seen — like DJ duo Louis the Child and indie soul band Lake Street Dive.