Only In Bozeman

Mainly known for being one of the best skiing spots in the U.S. as well as the biggest, Big Sky has an extraordinary summer experience that rivals that of winter.

The town and resort host a variety of exciting activities and events going on throughout the entire summer, which is why many guests turn into repeat visitors of the area. Before you start planning your trip, be sure to check out the city's event calendar for concerts, markets, rodeos and more that may be happening during your stay.

Bozeman is quickly gaining a well-deserved reputation as an outdoor playground. Bracketed by mountains on all sides, it’s a veritable nirvana for active, sunshine-loving thrill-seekers. What many people don't know is that Bozeman's downtown nightlife is just as much of a draw, especially when you want to relax and let loose after a day of adventure.

Whether you’re an Instagram influencer, a photography hobbyist, or anyone with a smartphone camera, it’s pretty difficult to leave Yellowstone National Park without snapping at least a few pictures. Yellowstone has many features you won’t see anywhere else, so it makes sense that you’d want to document them and cherish them for longer than a few minutes.

While Bozeman is home to beautiful hotels, guest ranches and bed & breakfasts, you may find yourself wanting to spend a night sleeping under the stars when visiting the state known for its big sky. Not much can compare to cozying up next to a campfire and wondering at the blankets of stars overhead before climbing into your sleeping bag and drifting off to sleep.

Montana summers aren't long, but they can get hot. There is nothing better than spending a day at the lake or catching an afternoon dip on a hot day. From local ponds to scenic mountain lakes, there's no shortage of water bodies to cannonball into when you need to cool off. So as the temps heat up, we've gathered up a few of our favorite swimming holes for you to explore on a hot day this summer in Bozeman. 

We may not have the Mall of America, but Bozeman has some pretty fantastic shopping, especially when it comes to local boutiques. In Bozeman, there's a major focus on keeping things local, so you're likely to find stores and items here that can't be found anywhere else. Whether you're looking for quality outdoor gear, local gifts, or a chic outfit to wear for your next occasion. Bozeman has it all. You will find a wide variety of shops to explore downtown. Make a day of exploring downtown Main Street, and do some shopping while you're at it. Here are 7 local downtown Bozeman boutiques you need to check out. 

Nearly as popular as the geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone National Park are the animals. Bison, bighorn sheep, elk, wolves and grizzly bears have become the true icons of the world’s first national park, and for good reason. They’re an integral part of a massive protected landscape that’s gone relatively unchanged since the park was established in 1872.

In 2021, the Fourth of July is back on again in Montana, and we couldn’t be happier. With vaccines becoming accessible and COVID-19 cases dwindling in the state, many Fourth of July events are taking place this summer after a year of hiatus. Whether you choose to attend an event or get together with a few close friends, there are plenty of ways to celebrate in the Bozeman area. 

Summer in Montana is rodeo season. Every town, big or small, has one, and each brings its own flair and feel. Attending a rodeo is a great way to experience and celebrate Montana's culture, with entertaining cowboys and cowgirls, concerts and other rowdy, foot-stompin,' hand-clappin' events.

Bozeman hosts its own rodeo — the Bozeman Stampede — for one weekend in August, and there are plenty of other rodeos in the area to check out. Small-town rodeos can really be a blast because the whole town gets excited for their annual chance to show off their Montana heritage. Here are a few of the best Montana rodeos near Bozeman to put on your calendar.