Museum of the Rockies
Montana State University's world-class natural and cultural history museum, home to one of the largest dinosaur fossil collections in the United States.
Montana
Bozeman & Big Sky
Bozeman is a Montana university town at the edge of the northern Rockies, a lively Main Street of brick buildings, breweries and bookstores set in the broad Gallatin Valley with mountains in every direction.
It is home to the Museum of the Rockies and one of the country's great dinosaur collections, and within an hour you can raft the Gallatin River through the canyon to Big Sky, ski at Bridger Bowl, hike to the waterfalls of Hyalite Canyon or soak in hot springs from Four Corners to Paradise Valley. It is also the easiest gateway to Yellowstone, about ninety minutes from the north entrance, which makes it a comfortable base with far more restaurants and rooms than the park gateway towns. This guide covers the best things to do, the hotels worth considering and practical planning for every season.
Don't miss
Museum of the Rockies
Montana State University's world-class natural and cultural history museum, home to one of the largest dinosaur fossil collections in the United States.
Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour from Bozeman
A guided full day in Yellowstone National Park departing Bozeman, with lunch included, ideal for first-timers who do not want to drive the park.
Hyalite Canyon and Palisade Falls
A mountain canyon south of Bozeman with a reservoir, waterfalls and trails, including the short paved walk to Palisade Falls.
Main Street Memories Self-Guided Walking Tour
A low-cost, go-at-your-own-pace walk through downtown Bozeman's historic Main Street, with stories behind the brick blocks, theaters and old storefronts.
Things to do in Bozeman & Big Sky
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Main Street Memories Self-Guided Walking Tour
A low-cost, go-at-your-own-pace walk through downtown Bozeman's historic Main Street, with stories behind the brick blocks, theaters and old storefronts.
Bozeman Brewery Hop
A guided tasting route through Bozeman's craft beer scene, with stops, stories and samples from the local brewers who put the town on the beer map.
Bozeman Small-Group Bike Tour with Local Guide
A guided ride of roughly two and a half hours through Bozeman's trails and neighborhoods, a gentle way to see the town like a local.
Big Sky Resort and Lone Peak
One of the largest ski areas in the United States, an hour south of Bozeman, with the Lone Peak Tram in winter and lifts, ziplines and hiking in summer.
Big Sky Snowmobile Adventure
A guided snowmobile ride through the snowy forests and meadows of the Big Sky area, with options of different lengths from two hours to a full day.
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Big Sky
A phone-based audio tour that narrates the drive from Bozeman through Gallatin Canyon and into Big Sky, a flexible way to see the scenery at your own pace.
Gallatin River Whitewater Rafting
Splash through the rapids of Gallatin Canyon on a half-day or full-day raft trip, set on the river made famous by A River Runs Through It.
Madison River Guided Kayak Tour
A guided paddle on the Madison River, a smoother alternative to whitewater with wide views, wildlife and a gentle introduction to kayaking.
Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa
A historic mineral hot springs resort in Paradise Valley, about an hour and a half from Bozeman, with big pools, a lively saloon and a renowned dining room.
Bozeman Hot Springs
A family-friendly mineral hot springs complex west of town, with a dozen pools of different temperatures, a sauna and a relaxed, local feel.
Blue Flower Trail Ride
A guided horseback ride in southwest Montana, with views of the mountains and meadows that explain why this is cowboy country.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Residence Inn by Marriott Bozeman
Bozeman
An all-suite extended-stay hotel with kitchens and free breakfast, a practical base for families and longer Montana trips.
Check rates →Hilton Garden Inn Bozeman
Bozeman
A dependable Hilton-brand hotel with an on-site restaurant, a pool and easy access to town and the airport.
Check rates →Hampton Inn Bozeman
Bozeman
A straightforward Hilton-brand hotel with free breakfast, a pool and easy highway access, good value for families and road trippers.
Check rates →Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Bozeman West
Bozeman
A budget-friendly IHG hotel on the west side of town, with free breakfast and quick access to the roads toward Big Sky.
Check rates →Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Belgrade
Belgrade
A convenient airport-area hotel in Belgrade, ten minutes from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, with free breakfast and easy road access.
Check rates →Best Western Plus GranTree Inn
Bozeman
A long-standing Best Western Plus near Montana State University and the Museum of the Rockies, with a pool, hot tub and free breakfast.
Check rates →Bozeman Inn
Bozeman
A simple, value-priced inn on Bozeman's north side, practical for budget travelers who want a bed, a breakfast and a quick drive to the interstate.
Check rates →Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa
Pray (Paradise Valley)
A historic hot springs lodge in Paradise Valley with mineral pools, a celebrated dining room and a saloon, about an hour and a half from Bozeman.
Check rates →Sage Lodge
Pray (Paradise Valley)
A contemporary luxury lodge in Paradise Valley with cabins, a spa, a restaurant and fishing access along the Yellowstone River.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
While you are there
What’s on in Bozeman & Big Sky
30+ concerts, shows and games are on sale in the coming months, from stadium nights to small rooms. Our sister site Purveyor lists them with dates, venues and seats.
Bozeman & Big Sky guides
Bozeman for First-Timers: How the Town, the Valley and the Mountains Fit Together
A practical first-visit guide to Bozeman, Montana: what to see, how the Gallatin Valley is laid out, when to go and what to book ahead.
Where to Stay: Bozeman, Belgrade, Big Sky and Paradise Valley Compared
How to choose a base for a Montana trip: downtown Bozeman, the interstate corridor, Belgrade by the airport, Big Sky or a lodge in Paradise Valley.
Bozeman in Three Days: A Balanced Plan for Town, Trail and Hot Springs
A three-day Bozeman itinerary mixing the Museum of the Rockies, downtown, Hyalite Canyon, the Gallatin River, hot springs and a day trip.
Eating and Drinking in Bozeman: Beer, Bison, Trout and Mountain Town Comfort
A guide to Bozeman food and drink: craft breweries, Montana ingredients, breakfast spots, picnics and how to plan meals around mountain days.
Bozeman in Winter: Skiing, Snowmobiles, Hot Springs and Cold-Weather Planning
A winter guide to Bozeman and Big Sky: Bridger Bowl, Big Sky Resort, snowmobiling, hot springs, driving safety and what to pack.
Day Trips from Bozeman: Yellowstone, Livingston, Big Sky and the Headwaters
The best day trips from Bozeman: Yellowstone tours, Livingston, Paradise Valley, Big Sky and Missouri Headwaters, with distances and tips.
