Bozeman is mainly known for being a cozy mountain town with access to awesome skiing at Big Sky Resort and Bridger Bowl. People might also recognize Bozeman as the home of Montana State University. What you may not know is that Bozeman has a lot more to offer than just great skiing and a top-notch university. Here are a few of our favorite reasons that you should make Bozeman your winter vacation destination.
Skiing/Snowboarding
If we didn't include skiing or snowboarding in our list, we would be crazy. Many people know Bozeman for the great resorts that reside in the area for all skill levels. With several great places to rent winter gear, and hundreds of miles of more mellow cross country ski trails, anyone can take on the mountain and finish each day with unforgettable memories. Not one but two great resorts are within an hour's drive from Bozeman. If you haven't experienced the skiing around Bozeman, we suggest you reorganize your bucket list!
Related: Top Secret Tree Skiing Stashes at Bridger Bowl and Big Sky
Events
While things look a little more virtual this year due to the pandemic, in a normal year Bozeman is known for its festivals, live music, races and other events under the big sky. From the Bozeman Ice Festival to the Downtown Christmas Stroll, and shows an entertainment at the Ellen Theatre and the Rialto, there's always something happening in Bozeman.
Breweries and Distilleries
Brewing beer in Bozeman is not a new trend. Ever since 1867, Bozeman has been supplying the community with great craft beer. There are more than 10 breweries (plus one cider house) and 4 distilleries that currently call Bozeman home, with more located just out of town in Belgrade and plans in the works for more. We're not kidding when we say that there is a brewery or distillery for everyone. Taking a tour of the micro brew industry in Montana, especially in Bozeman, is truly a wonderful way to spend some of your free time in the area.
Related: Bozeman Breweries: Enjoying the Best Beer Around Town
Restaurants
The restaurant options in Bozeman rival those of cities three times its size. It's not often that you can take your pick of fresh sushi, tacos, local bison burgers, cajun cuisine and incredible pastries in a city of about 50,000 people. The cuisine in Bozeman has all of the bison, deer, elk and trout you'd expect to see in Montana, but also a large range of vegan/vegetarian options and unusual dishes that aren't quite as common in a landlocked town. Ask the locals their top 3 restaurants and I'm sure you won't hear any overlapping.
Related: 8 Fine Dining Restaurants in Bozeman
Hot Springs
When it comes to relaxation, swimming or soaking in a natural hot spring should be at the top of the list. Around Bozeman, there are several options to choose from including the local Bozeman Hot Springs or the out-of-town options including Chico Hot Springs or Norris Hot Springs. If you are searching for an extremely unique outdoor experience, we suggest checking out the Boiling River in Yellowstone National Park.
Related: Ranking The 14 Best Hot Springs In Montana
Snowshoeing
Winter has a way of transforming all the great hiking trails in Bozeman into a whole new scenic experience. It's difficult to continue to hike the trails with several feet of snow, yet it's a shame to let that beauty go to waste. Snowshoeing makes it possible to venture into a different perspective of the same great trails sprinkled in and around Bozeman. The sound of powder crunching underneath your every step will leave you hungry for more!
Related: A Guide to Snowshoeing in Bozeman
Shopping
Is that cash burning a hole in your pocket? If that's the case, it sounds like you're in need of a shopping excursion. Bozeman is home to both national and local retail stores to offer a great variety for all shopping preferences. From local outdoor outfitters, boot makers and artisan gift shops to your favorites like Lululemon and Athleta, Bozeman has something for every shopper — most of it located conveniently on Main Street. And be sure to stay up-to-date on any art walks or events going on downtown!
Related: Where to Go Shopping in Bozeman This Winter
Ice Skating
As Bozeman has grown, the skating rinks have become more and more popular. If you are looking for a change of pace from skiing, ice skating is a great way enjoy the winter. Bozeman has three ice skating rinks at local parks including Beall Park, South Side Park, and Bogert Park. Not to mention, Bozeman also has an indoor pavilion and access to opportunities to ski on wild ice just outside of town. Ice skating is a great way to get your friends and family all out together to enjoy the great outdoors!
Related: Guide to Ice Skating in Bozeman
Sledding
If you think sledding is for young families or for children only, you're wrong. People of all ages flock to the popular sledding spots in town or take a more adventurous detour and discover sledding hills themselves. A few of the more popular hillsides in Bozeman can be found on Lindley Park, the Dinosaur Park, or Hyalite. Channeling your inner child has never been more fun!
Related: Your Guide to Sledding Around Bozeman
If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other related articles:
- 11 Things You Need To Know About Visiting Bozeman In The Winter
- 9 Things to Do With Your Kids in Bozeman Montana This Winter
- 4 Dark Bozeman Beers You Need to Try This Winter
In our never-ending quest to keep up with all things new in Bozeman, we have been producing content for years and can't possibly update every blog when new businesses open or existing businesses close. Please reference the publish date and do your own due diligence when making plans.