Things to Do in Bozeman, MT

Address:Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman, home of Montana State University, provides the hip, intellectual charm of a college town with its bookstores, restaurants and eclectic shops. The City of Bozeman spans 13 square miles at the base of the Bridger Mountains in southwest Montana, and exudes a culture all its own, both cosmopolitan chic and laid-back cowboy.

Because Bozeman is a college town, it's a great place to get a casual drink with friends in a crowded, happening pub. In the summer you catch a Shakespeare play in one of Bozeman's parks. Enjoy Mexican, American or Italian style food in one of Bozeman's restaurants.

The town offers several interesting museums, including the Museum of the Rockies, a first-class museum that explains the history, geology, wildlife and people of the Rocky Mountains all the way back to the Big Bang. The American Computer Museum in the Bridger Park Mall traces the history of computing technologies from the abacus to Apple. In an hour or so, you can catch up on more than 4,000 years of computing history. Gallatin County Pioneer Museum is located in the old county jail, which was in use until 1982. This museum features county history, focusing in part on law enforcement, the area's military history, and local daily life. There's a display and memorabilia from actor Gary Cooper, known as Frank in the days he grew up in Bozeman and Helena.

Given its ideal place in the Yellowstone region, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with nature in Bozeman. Some of the best mountain biking is in the nearby Gallatin National Forest, and Bridger Bowl offers excellent skiing without the hassle of lift lines. Downhill and 30 km of Cross Country skiing are offered from December to March. You can practice climbing at the Spire Climbing Center, though you need to take a class before you begin using the gym on your own. Summer programs are offered to those under the age of 14.

Bozman is located in Southwestern Montana, in an area known as the Gallatin Valley. The valley is surrounded by mountains, the Bridger to the northeast, the Tobacco Root Mountains to the west, the Big Belt Mountains to the north, the Hyalites to the south and the Spanish Peaks and Gallatin Range to the southwest. The city is bypassed by Interstate 90, and is located approximately 80 driving miles east of Butte, Montana, 125 west of Billings, and only 93 miles north of spectacular Yellowstone National Park.