Anyone who’s ever been to Yellowstone National Park has probably heard of Bozeman, Montana. It is marketed as the “Gateway to Yellowstone,” after all!
You’re probably not here because you’re wondering if Yellowstone is worth visiting, though (spoiler: it totally is). But what about Bozeman? Is Bozeman worth visiting, or should you skip it?
Well, let me be straight with you: YES. Yes, Bozeman is definitely worth visiting! To give you the whole picture, though, we’ll discuss a few cons of Bozeman, in addition to all the reasons why you should visit!
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Why some travelers may want to avoid Bozeman
1. It can be expensive
Especially if you want to buy property here, ha! But if you’re just visiting, it can get pricey, too. The “resort tax,” is real, and although Bozeman is not a resort town, per se, it’s close enough to Yellowstone to have those higher prices!
Plus, Montana is still a rural state, and so it can cost more to get goods. The airport is small, so it can cost more to fly into Bozeman, and you’ll likely want to rent a car, to better explore the natural beauty!
2. It can get crowded
Depending on the time of year, Bozeman can be awfully busy! Of course, it’s not a big city like Seattle or New York, but those cities usually have the infrastructure for those crowds.
Bozeman doesn’t, which can mean traffic, long lines at the airport, hotels that book up way in advance, and the like.
Thanks to its proximity to Yellowstone and Glacier, and the endless recreational opportunities year-round, Bozeman is a bit of a hot spot. If that’s not your thing, maybe you should go somewhere else!
3. The weather can be unpredictable
The locals like to joke that if you don’t like the weather in Bozeman, just wait ten minutes, and it’ll change! While Bozeman does have distinct four seasons, you can get snow in the middle of summer, hot days in January, and everything in between.
Bozeman also has a lot of thunderstorms in the summer, and very cold days in the winter, so be prepared for that! Some people prefer a place that has less wild weather, and maybe that’s you!
Why is Bozeman worth visiting?
1. Bozeman is the “Gateway to Yellowstone”
America’s first national park, Yellowstone, is one of those places that everyone should see if they have the opportunity! And the best way to get to Yellowstone is by flying into Bozeman’s airport.
As Bozeman is so close to Yellowstone, a lot of the things that make Yellowstone so amazing can be found in Bozeman, as well! Stop to visit the hot springs, see the waterfalls, and try to spot some wildlife (just like in Yellowstone).
2. For the natural beauty
One quick search for Bozeman and you’ll be able to confirm for yourself: Bozeman is surrounded by incredible natural beauty! The Rocky Mountains ring the Gallatin Valley, where you can find Bozeman, and provide endless opportunities to get back to Mother Nature.
You can hike to waterfalls, drive to lakes and reservoirs, camp in the forest, or ski across snowy fields.
3. For the fly fishing
Bozeman is one of the best places to fly fish in the West. Multiple blue-ribbon rivers are within miles of downtown Bozeman, such as the Madison, the Yellowstone, the Gallatin, and of course, the mighty Missouri!
The headwaters of the Missouri (where the Yellowstone, Gallatin, and Madison converge) is in Three Forks, about half an hour away from Bozeman. It’s basically a fly-fishing paradise!
4. To experience the Wild West
Bozeman itself is growing rapidly (and is one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States), but it’s still surrounded by rural farmland and ranches. Fun fact: Montana has more cows than people!
So, that Old West spirit is still alive and well in Montana, and Bozeman is a great place to live out your cowboy dreams. Stay at a dude ranch, see a rodeo, go backcountry camping with horses, or just buy yourself a pair of boots and a hat in town.
5. For the Kodak moments
The wide-open skies, dramatic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and rushing rivers make for some gorgeous photography. If you’re a bit of a shutterbug (amateur or pro), Bozeman will give you endless photographic opportunities.
6. For the skiing
The famously cold and dry snow in Montana, called “cold smoke” by the locals, is best found near Bozeman at the Bridger Bowl Ski Area. Those Bridger powder days are like nowhere else on Earth, and for a ski resort, the prices are still fairly reasonable!
If you want a bigger, splashier resort, the world-famous Big Sky is only a forty-five-minute drive away.
7. To see the native wildlife
Yes, Yellowstone is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream come true—but so is Bozeman!
You can spot various birds, like bald eagles, right in town, along with both white-tailed and mule deer. A short drive into the mountains will give you a chance to see bison, elk, beavers, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and so much more!
Montana also has the largest number of Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states, and the most golden eagles in the entire country. Don’t forget your binoculars and a camera, so you can document all the animals you’re bound to see.
8. For the hiking
woman-walks-away-on-mountain-trail
The mountains near Bozeman are filled with stunning hiking trails. You can stick close to town and climb to the famous “M,” (for Montana State University), or go further afield up near Hyalite Reservoir.
Near Hyalite, you’ll find the easy (and paved!) Palisades Falls, and many other trails suitable for every level of hiker.
9. For the hunting
Did you know that Montana is one of several states in the country that has a constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish? This means that every Montanan has the constitutional right to harvest wild game and fish.
This also means that you, as a visitor, can join in all this hunting and fishing! Just make sure to get the proper licenses, first, because even Montana has some laws.
10. To experience Native American culture
With such a large population of Native Americans, Montana is a great place to partake in traditional cultural events. Montana State University in Bozeman has an annual powwow, and there are several Native artists around town selling their designs.
The local museums, such as the Gallatin History Museum and the Museum of the Rockies, both have extensive displays detailing the timeline of Natives in the Gallatin Valley (more on these later!).
11. To explore the historic downtown
Bozeman’s Historic Downtown, which comprises a big chunk of Main Street, has many buildings from the turn of the century and from even earlier. There are many other historic districts in town, and many other buildings that have been repurposed.
Stop in the Western Cafe, Bozeman’s oldest restaurant, or visit The Crystal Bar, Bozeman’s oldest bar, or just walk and admire the beautiful façades.
12. There are some great restaurants
For a small city in the middle of rural Montana, Bozeman has some killer restaurants! There’s the homey classic (mentioned above), the Western Cafe, the hip mainstay, Montana AleWorks, or a variety of upscale steakhouses, fun food trucks, and charming coffee shops.
13. There are lots of places to stay
Although Bozeman’s infrastructure can’t always keep up with the tourists, if you think a little ahead, you’ll be able to snag an awesome spot! Rent a charming house near downtown, or stay downtown at the Kimpton Armory Hotel, or the mid-century-mod Lark.
Or, to truly elevate your experience, stay at a ranch outside of town, and maybe even try some glamping (or hey, even camping!). There is also a plethora of cabins scattered throughout the area to rent, if you want more isolation and nature.
14. Bozeman has some amazing art galleries
The locals like to joke that “yet another art gallery” is opening whenever a building is being renovated, but if you’re a fan of art galleries, you’ll love Bozeman! Showcasing local arts and crafts from Bozeman and the surrounding areas, some galleries feature jewelry, photography, paintings, or sculptures.
If you want even more local flavor, you’ll also spot murals and sculptures around town on your journeys.
15. For the trail system
Yes, Bozeman is surrounded by incredible hiking trails, but the trail system within the city is also amazing. The initiative, called “Main Street to the Mountains,” really does go from Main Street to the mountains (in several directions).
Bozeman’s trail system also takes you near little pieces of peace within the city, from little creeks to historic neighborhoods, through tiny chunks of forest, and is a great way to explore the town.
16. For the museums
Bozeman doesn’t have very many museums (like…three) but they certainly pack a punch! The Gallatin History Museum is in the old Jail Building, complete with intact prisoner cells and exhibits that cover everything of note that’s happening in Gallatin Valley.
On the outskirts of town, you’ll find the world-class Museum of the Rockies, which has one of the best collections of dinosaur fossils in the world. It also has a “living history” exhibit during the summer months, with a working farm, pioneer cabin, and a replica of Lewis & Clark’s riverboat.
17. To see the Rocky Mountains
One of the best reasons to visit Bozeman is simple: to see the Rocky Mountains. There’s nothing like the real thing, baby! Especially when it comes to mountain vistas.
Conclusion
If you want some amazing food, to explore an adorable (and historic) town, to see some beautiful natural wonders, and to take part in the endless recreation opportunities (hello, fly-fishing and skiing and hunting and…), you would definitely love Bozeman! And even if Yellowstone is the main event of your trip, Bozeman is worth a stop on the way.
So, what do you think: is Bozeman worth visiting? Obviously, my conclusion is YES with a capital Y, but I’d love to know what you think! Do the pros outweigh the cons?
