Overview
Bozeman is a picturesque city in Montana's Yellowstone Country. Set in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, this college town is a place for experiencing the great outdoors around the year, and for those days the weather makes you want to stay indoors there are a number of museums and galleries to explore.
9 sights · 12 things to do · 6 places to eat · 6 bars & cafés · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Bozeman
American Computer & Robotics Museum
Educational and slightly quirky, if you have even a passing interest in computers or computing, this should be a must-see. Highlighting everything from the abacus to the laptop as well as video gaming systems, The Americ…
Gallatin History Museum
Run by the Gallatin Historical Society, the Gallatin History Museum chronicles the history of Gallatin County. The museum is located in the historic former county jailhouse building.
The Museum of the Rockies
This is a resource that documents the changes that the Rockies have undergone, and has a mission to preserve the Rockies' unique place in American history and westward travel. With over 300,000 artifacts, this museum is …
Bozeman Icedogs
Enjoy an ice-hockey game at the Haynes Pavilion. The Icedogs play in the North American Tier III hockey league.
Fish Technology Center
Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, visitors to the Fish Technology Center are welcome to learn about and observe some of the ongoing research in the health, nutrition, reproduction and management of fish in …
Montana State Football
Check out the annual game against in-state rival "University of Montana" commonly known as the "cats-griz" game.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 14°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BZN Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Bozeman — 9 mi away. Directions
- WYS Yellowstone Airport, West Yellowstone — 69 mi away. Directions
- BOI Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field, Boise — 293 mi away (major hub). Directions
(BZN) is in Belgrade 8 mi northwest of Bozeman and is accessed via Airway Blvd from I-90 or Frontage Rd (which runs parallel to I-90). This is the nearest commercial airport for year-round commercial service to two Yellowstone National Park entrances, Big Sky Ski Resort, and countless other recreational sites and business destinations.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning American Computer & Robotics Museum, Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture, Children's Museum of Bozeman
- Lunch Cateye Cafe
- Afternoon Altitude Gallery, The Pioneer Museum
- Dinner Whistle Pig Korean
- Evening The Molly Brown
Day 2
- Morning Montana Whitewater Rafting and Zipline, Lee Metcalf Wilderness
- Lunch The Pickle Barrel
- Afternoon Sweet Pea Festival
- Dinner Dave's Sushi
- Evening Bridger Brewing
Day 3
- Morning Eli Ridgway Gallery
- Lunch Montana Ale Works
- Afternoon Gallatin River
- Dinner The Nova Café
- Evening Bozeman Brewing Company
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
With a population of 56,000 in 2022, Bozeman is the fourth largest city in the state, and the county seat of Gallatin County. The city is named after John M. Bozeman, founder of the Bozeman Trail. Residents are known as Bozemanites.
Bozeman is home to Montana State University. The population of the city nearly doubles during school semesters. Lodging may be difficult to find at the beginning of the school year, graduation and any time the Bobcats have a home football game.
Bozeman sees a steady stream of visitors for its outdoor activities—not just hiking, kayaking, and mountain climbing, but also winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, popular among locals and students as well as travellers. In fact, Bozeman once expressed interest in hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics.
One of the inspirations and main themes for the writing of the 1974 best-selling book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was a road trip by motorcycle, from Minneapolis to San Francisco with a stopover at Bozeman, described with considerable detail by the author Robert Maynard Pirsig with his son Chris.
Climate
Bozeman is one of the wettest cities in Montana, averaging of precipitation annually. Mild springs and falls are punctuated by cold, snowy winters and relatively warm summers.
Geography
Bozeman is in south central Montana at an elevation of 4,795 ft. It is an Intermountain Grassland habitat, bordered closely by Montane Forest habitat. Bozeman is bordered on three sides by mountain ranges (Bridger, Gallatin, and Tobacco Root) making up the northern Rockies. To the south, you'll find Yellowstone National Park as well as Gallatin National Forest.
Bozeman's geographical location combined with its climate make for a lush, agriculturally rich and diverse location. Its close proximity to the mountains and forest lands creates a plethora of outdoor activities year-round.
Get in
By plane
(BZN) is in Belgrade 8 mi northwest of Bozeman and is accessed via Airway Blvd from I-90 or Frontage Rd (which runs parallel to I-90). This is the nearest commercial airport for year-round commercial service to two Yellowstone National Park entrances, Big Sky Ski Resort, and countless other recreational sites and business destinations.
The following airlines offer year round service from:
- Alaska Airlines (Portland, Seattle)
- Allegiant (Las Vegas and Phoenix/Mesa)
- American/American Eagle (Dallas-Ft Worth year-round and Chicago O'Hare seasonally)
- Delta/Delta Connection (Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St Paul and Seattle); Seasonally from New York La Guardia
- United/United Express (Denver, Houston Bush Intercontinental, Newark and San Francisco); Seasonally from Chicago O'Hare
The following airlines come seasonally or part of the year:
There are taxis, rideshare and hotel shuttles to bring you into town locally and long shuttles and buses for onward transport to Yellowstone, West Yellowstone, Big Sky or other places in and around southwestern Montana. There are also car rental available from the airport.
The airport terminal has a small variety of dining and shopping locations. Before security, there is a small bistro and coffee shop located between the escalators. After security, there are two full service restaurants and one quick serve Tex Mex place called Taco Jet. The shops offer travel amenities like neck pillows, head phones, chargers, etc., snacks, drinks, and an assortment of Montana gifts. Most locations open at 5 AM and close at varying times depending on flight schedules.
By car
Bozeman is on Interstate 90 (I-90), 87 mi east of Butte and 143 mi west of Billings. There are three exits:
- N. 19th exit (Exit #305), to an endless expanse of chain stores and strip development, is furthest from downtown.
- N. 7th exit (Exit #306), closer to downtown and has a wider selection of restaurants and hotels, though still is not a pedestrian-friendly area.
- E. Main/Frontage Rd (Exit #309), with many independent motels within walking distance of downtown, which features a wide array of shopping and dining (almost entirely local independent businesses).
US Highway 191 (US-191) passes through downtown (east-west) as Main St.
Yellowstone National Park is approximately 90 mi south via US Hwy 89, or US Hwy 191.
By bus
The south parking lot of Walmart Supercenter, at 1500 N 7th St serves as a de facto bus station for the local Stream Line "Blue Line" bus and the following companies:
The bus stops are located outside the south Outdoor Living (Home Garden) doors of the Walmart Superstore.
Get around
By bus
Go Streamline Bus System
Streamline provides fare free service Monday through Friday, with late night service operating Thursday through Saturday. The service area includes Bozeman, Belgrade, and Four Corners. The major hubs are at Montana State University and downtown at Mendehall and Tracy.
By taxi
Place Classic Limo (Bozeman Limo)
Has shuttles to Bozeman, Big Sky, West Yellowstone, Chico, Mammoth and Livingston.
See
Museums
See American Computer & Robotics Museum
Educational and slightly quirky, if you have even a passing interest in computers or computing, this should be a must-see. Highlighting everything from the abacus to the laptop as well as video gaming systems, The American Computer Museum is dedicated to chronicling the evolution of computer technology.
See The Museum of the Rockies
This is a resource that documents the changes that the Rockies have undergone, and has a mission to preserve the Rockies' unique place in American history and westward travel. With over 300,000 artifacts, this museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, and is a center of natural history and anthropology. It is known for its extensive fossil collection.
Galleries
See Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture
The cultural hub of southwest Montana. The Center for the Arts and Cultures has many ongoing programs and annual events as well as a full host of special offerings such as art exhibits, classes, concerts, and more. Be sure to check their website for events that will take place during your visit. Emerson Center is located in a former (1918) school building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is also the home to the Jessie Wilber Gallery, which has been voted Best Gallery in Bozeman twice by residents.
See Planet Bronze Art Gallery
Featuring the incredible bronze sculptures of Dennis Harrington, this gallery is a must for anyone interested in bronze works. You can find more than just sculptures here too, as the gallery features the works of around 20 additional artists.
Do
Do Fish Technology Center
Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, visitors to the Fish Technology Center are welcome to learn about and observe some of the ongoing research in the health, nutrition, reproduction and management of fish in hatcheries and the wild. In addition to these attractions, the center also houses several types of threatened fish species, such as the pallid sturgeon. Additional activities include walking and hiking trails (including Bozeman's "M" trail), picnic areas, and fish feeding ponds.
Do Montana State Football
Check out the annual game against in-state rival "University of Montana" commonly known as the "cats-griz" game.
Do Rose Park Disc Golf Course
Very basic 14 hole course. As the only course in town, it is a decent place to play.
Nature
Do Gallatin River
The Gallatin River offers a tremendous amount of water sport opportunities, including rafting at varying skill levels. The river is also known for its scenic beauty and serenity.
Do Lee Metcalf Wilderness
254,635 acres protected wilderness area. Hiking access to Bear Trap Canyon is from the north end of the canyon only. To reach the trailhead, follow State Highway 84 west from Bozeman. Just before the highway crosses the Madison River, and directly across from the Red Mountain Campground, a gravel road intersects the highway on the left and leads upstream on the east side of the river to the trailhead.
Winter sports
Do Bridger Bowl Ski Area
Highly popular ski area with 2,000 acres of skiable terrain and 7 lifts. Top elevation is 8,800 feet. Most of the mountain is intermediate level and above, including "The Ridge," a hikeable area to the top of the mountain and accessing a wide variety of expert terrain. MSU students have been known to call it "Bridger Bowl University" because they spend so much time there.
- Bozeman works as a launching point for visiting Big Sky, a ranch-turned-ski-resort that's growing in popularity but still not too crowded.
Events
Do The Bozeman Roundup Ranch Rodeo
The events held at this rodeo depict actual jobs the working cowboys of today may perform on the ranch.
Do Sweet Pea Festival
Activities include music, dance, theater, comedy, food, and art exhibitions. The festival always starts with a parade on the Friday before. Festival regulars include Shakespeare in the Parks, children's woodworking, Verge Theatre, and the Bozeman Chord Rustlers' tater pigs.
Buy
Eat
Eat Cateye Cafe
Everything is homemade, and has atmosphere to spare. Advertises "50 cents off to anyone who wears their own Cateye glasses throughout their entire meal. No lenses required. Add a cowboy hat for 50 more cents."
Eat Dave's Sushi
Quite honestly a fantastic meal, even for Bozeman. Would stand on its own as a sushi restaurant even in a larger city with more options. Outdoor seating area is extremely pleasant, but beware; certain seasons can see petals falling from the tree overhead onto your table. While atmospheric and deeply calming, best keep a napkin on your glass of water if you dislike flower water.
Eat Montana Ale Works
Microbrewery and pub house with a varied menu. Prices are reasonable, portions are generous, and the ambiance is casual grill house. Can be busy, especially on weekends. Reservations are encouraged.
Eat The Pickle Barrel
Serves very tasty, fresh sub sandwiches. Bread made in house, and surprisingly good. Next door is their ice cream shop serving the local Wilcoxson's; this portion is mostly barren of ice cream patrons in the winter, and instead serves as indoor seating, as there is only a single bench in the shop proper. There are also a few tables and chairs outside during the summer. Delivery is available.
Eat Whistle Pig Korean
Casual with variety of good Korean. Has vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available. Nice owners, you're very likely to see either of them there.
Eat The Nova Café
Great breakfast diner downtown. Delicious waffles, and a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, and more. Excellent service and atmosphere.
Drink
The "Barmuda Triangle" consisted of three dive bars arranged around a back lot between Main Street and Babcock at 8th Ave. All three of these bars are of eclectic crowd; college students, Montana hippies, construction workers, out-of-work ranchers, divorcees, and that one guy who operates under the illusion that cowboys still exist.
- The Scoop faced Main Street and must have been one of the oldest bars in town with a few pool tables, a few slot machines and TVs for the game.
Drink The Haufbrau
Equally as old - if not older - offering a small stage for locals and even a few out-of-towners to dish out their songcraft with anything from saws to buckets to fiddles or guitars. Great, friendly crowd unless you arrive before the local rednecks get sloshed.
Drink The Molly Brown
The biggest of these three, with a pool hall, poker tables and a couple rows of slot machines. Montana being one of those rare states that allows machine gambling, you might as well try your hand while passing through. A quick fifteen bucks would not be unheard of, but a vanished fifty is far more likely.
Other options:
Drink 406 Brewing
Local brewery. An ever-changing mix of mostly British and American ales and lagers.
Drink Bozeman Brewing Company
A locally based brewer with a fine selection of seasonal and standard craft beers.
Drink Bridger Brewing
Extremely good pizza with a nice selection of craft and in-house beers on tap. 10 flagship beers with variety of rotating selections. They have expanded across Montana with canned beer, so you can enjoy these brews wherever you end up. Has balcony seating area (not recommended in the winter) and a bar. Live music sometimes as well.
Drink Mountains Walking
Locally made beer. Brewer is "interested in beers made with living cultures that have naturally lower alcohol and sugar levels" leading to an eclectic range of beers on tap.
Sleep
Stay Howlers Inn B&B and Wolf Sanctuary
A true log home B&B with an on-site wolf sanctuary that is home to eight wolves. Each room has a private bath and all have mountain views. Two rooms overlook the wolf enclosures, so guests can enjoy a wolf serenade by moonlight. The amenities include a rec room with pool table, large screen TV, air hockey and workout area. There is also an indoor hot tub (winter months) and a sauna. This inn welcomes children of all ages.
Go next
- Big Sky — a nearby ranch turned resort with mountain activities like skiing and snowboarding.
- Yellowstone National Park — the world's first national park, full of incredible wildlife, famous geysers, and natural beauty.
Nearby
Belgrade
City / town · 6 listings · 9 mi away
Livingston
City / town · 20 listings · 23 mi away
Three Forks
City / town · 12 listings · 28 mi away
Big Sky
City / town · 10 listings · 31 mi away
Gardiner
City / town · 36 listings · 48 mi away
Townsend
City / town · 8 listings · 50 mi away
Virginia City
City / town · 7 listings · 51 mi away
Nevada City
City / town · 3 listings · 52 mi away
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