This Mountain Destination in Montana Is the Gateway to the Oldest National Park in the World — How to Plan the Perfect Visit

Bozeman, Montana, is less than two hours from Yellowstone National Park.

When people think of Montana, they often imagine rugged, mountainous terrain and majestic wildlife — big sky and even bigger nature. They don’t typically associate the state with buzzy cities, but that’s what makes Bozeman as surprising as it is special.

As the official gateway to Yellowstone Country, this part of southwestern Montana is known for diverse wildlife and geological wonders you won’t find anywhere else. If that’s what brought you here, you’re hardly alone; the country’s first national park attracts nearly 3.3 million annual visitors. However, a mere fraction of those visitors will enjoy the best Bozeman has to offer. Make sure you’re one of them, as this vibrant community is a destination in its own right.

No, it’s not exactly the sprawling hub that earned it the tongue-in-cheek nickname, "Boze Angeles." That’s just the locals having fun — something they’re prone to do. But for a city of under 60,000 year-round residents, this place punches well above its weight class. In fact, you can spend a full week here with nary a dull moment in sight.

To underscore that point, we asked a few resident experts to reveal their favorite parts about living here. From best restaurants and favorite bars to can’t-miss hikes and hideaways, these insider tips are laid out below. Follow their lead and you’ll find amazing adventures waiting for you around every corner of downtown Bozeman. Just don’t be surprised when you do.

Best Hotels and Resorts in Bozeman

Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman

If you’re seeking traditional upscale amenities in an unbeatable location, the Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman is the place to book. The nine-story historic building was repurposed as a hotel in 2020, so it boasts modern rooms and hip common spaces — including a whiskey lounge — all beyond an alluring art deco facade. Rates can dip below $150 per night during the off-season, but regardless of when you arrive, you’ll enjoy access to the property’s heated rooftop pool.

The Lark Bozeman

This Main Street standout benefits from a mid-century modern throwback vibe upon its exterior and a boutique-like warmth worn within. Rooms are spacious and feature decor designed to evoke local outdoor recreation. The outdoor patio — complete with a wood-burning stove — is a noteworthy highlight. It’s an ideal platform from which to watch street life stroll by, craft brew in hand.

C'mon Inn Hotel & Suites

If you’re not afraid to step a few miles beyond Main Street, C'mon Inn Hotel & Suites is an optimal option — particularly when you have a family in tow. The rooms are big, plus there's indoor swimming and a 24-hour fitness center. And most importantly, it’s all rendered in a western motif, not unlike some oversized cabin in the woods. Aesthetically, it’s exactly what many travelers expect from this part of the country.

RSVP Hotel

Formerly known as the Rainbow Motel, this quaint bungalow just outside the city center underwent a complete overhaul in 2018. Today, it's perhaps the most charming boutique overnight in all of Bozeman. The lobby is bright and full of floral flourishes, as are the rooms — elegantly appointed and covered in forest-patterned wall prints.

Lone Mountain Ranch

To be clear, this 148-acre luxury ranch and homestead is located in Big Sky, not Bozeman. But the unforgettable sense of escape it provides is well worth enduring the hour-long drive down stunning Gallatin Canyon to get here. Overnight in one of 22 stand-alone cabins, with nothing but mellifluous river flow as the soundtrack. Come in the summer and navigate Big Sky by horseback. Or, explore in the winter for world-class skiing and tours on horse-drawn sleigh. You won’t mind the cold, thanks to heated bathroom floors and piping hot thermoses of coffee delivered directly to your door each morning.

Best Things to Do in Bozeman

Go for a hike.

The city of Bozeman maintains more than 80 miles worth of trails. It’s the number one activity locals get into whenever the sun is shining, which is more than 300 days a year, on average. "My favorite hikes are Drinking Horse and Triple Tree," says Morena Garcia, an avid hiker and founder of Fly Free Jewelry, several miles west of downtown. "You can get to these trailheads from the heart of Bozeman in about 10 minutes or so. And it takes just a few steps from the car to be completely encompassed by nature." Family-friendly hikes can be found throughout Hyalite Canyon, a recreation area just south of town. The Palisades and Grotto Falls are two great examples.

Check out the farmers market.

"As an independent artist, I have to stump for the farmers market and art walks," says Garcia. "They run on most Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Fridays during the summer. Here, you get to see where Bozeman’s agricultural heritage is and meet real people who are taking inspiration from the wild parts of this place. It’s also where you really get a sense of our close-knit our community. For a decade, my next door neighbor at the farmers market was my kindergarten librarian."

Explore the Museum of the Rockies.

History buffs, rejoice. Here, you’ll find the best historical exhibits of Yellowstone, the world’s oldest national park, founded in 1872. But that’s not all — this family-friendly destination is home to one of the country’s largest dinosaur exhibits, second only to the Smithsonian. It also holds a planetarium, making it a worthwhile stop for aspiring archaeologists and astronomers, alike. It's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

Stop and smell the flowers.

"Gardening is huge in Bozeman," says Chanell Oliver, a longtime local who now works at Lone Mountain Ranch. "I believe it’s because we spend so many months cloaked in white, we are excited to see new life at the first sight of spring. So, we have a few places like 4 Daughters Farm, where you can pick your own flowers while also stocking up on farm fresh produce. I usually spend my Saturday mornings stocking up at the farmers market, then grilling steaks from Lone Peak Provisions later that evening with friends. The summer days are long here, with the sun setting around 10 p.m., so we usually make the best of it."

Best Restaurants in Bozeman

Blackbird

Wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, and an array of fun wines by the glass and bottle — this Main Street hot spot holds all the trappings of a hip urban eatery in New York or California, but without the inflated pricing. "Plus, the way Blackbird treats its staff — and the way its staff treat its customers — is another shining reason to love it," adds Gomez.

Plonk

Another Montana original with a decidedly coastal California feel, Plonk is known first and foremost as a wine bar. But it actually specializes in creative cocktails and unexpected small plates such as beef tongue pastrami sliders and Korean fried poussin. Enter from 3 to 5 p.m. on any given afternoon to take advantage of the most affordable happy hour in town.

The Coffee Pot

"This is a must-stop for great coffee and homemade pastries," says Oliver. "You cannot leave Bozeman without having the cinnamon roll at The Coffee Pot. The family-owned place is conveniently located on the way down to Big Sky. I stop there every time I’m headed up or down the canyon. It’s also wonderful in the winter — super cozy with a gigantic fireplace. I know many families who never miss a Saturday morning there. Not to mention, it’s a perfect spot to carb up before snowshoeing up Hyalite Canyon.”

Fink's

This family-owned deli in the Historic District is a favorite lunch stop for locals. "They serve a turkey sandwich dressed with garlic basil aioli and pickled onions that’s probably responsible for 50 percent of their revenue because it's addictive," says Gomez. "I’m getting hungry just talking about it."

Map Brewing Company

"There’s certainly no shortage of craft breweries in Bozeman, but Map is a cut above the rest," claims Gomez. "Not only are the beers the best in town, but it’s in a beautiful location and has the tastiest bar food around. It’s my favorite spot after a day of skiing. They're also big contributors to the community in many different ways from donations to support."

Best Time to Visit Bozeman

Bozeman enjoys two separate high seasons throughout the year: one built around winter sports such as skiing and snowmobiling, and the other around hiking, camping, and Yellowstone sightseeing. The best time to visit depends on which set of activities are of greater interest. If it’s the former, plan your trip from January through April. If you prefer the latter, consider early June through late September.

How to Get to Bozeman

The best way to get to Bozeman is to fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, approximately 10 miles north of downtown. It’s a midsize regional airport, so navigating the terminals is a breeze. It also services plenty of routes across the continental U.S., with as many as 30 flights per day. However, if you’re a cross-country road tripper, you’ll be heartened to know the city exists directly off Interstate 90 — the nation’s longest east-west thoroughfare.

How to Get Around Bozeman

The easiest answer is rental car. If you’re hoping to reduce your carbon footprint, an excellent alternative exists in the form of the Streamline Bus. The city’s zero-fare public transportation service launched in 2021 and operates four lines of service throughout the greater Gallatin Valley. A full schedule of service can be found here.

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