24 Hours in Bozeman

By August 6, 2019Posts

Bozeman is one of the friendliest towns in the USA with its laid-back atmosphere and warm welcomes.  It’s known for excellent fly-fishing, dramatic mountain ranges for hiking and biking, rock climbing, skiing, hunting, and back-country exploring. 

Locals and tourists find pristine camping areas in this southern corner of Montana.

Located in the heart of Big Sky Country in the Rocky Mountains, natural wonders, wildlife and the great outdoors await your arrival. Bozeman is one of the gateways to Yellowstone National Park, and many visitors stay here before or after their park visit.

Find out our list of recommendations – where to go, stay & dine.

Things to Do

Hike with FlexTrek! We hiked to Palisades Falls with personal hiking guides who cater to all levels of hikers.  Kelley Schlauch and Erica Cherry founded Flex Trek to offer specialized hiking service and flexible day trips in the area for locals and visitors to get out and breathe the fresh air of the Big Sky Country.  They even have healthy snacks and drinks during and after the hike. On our next trip hope to hike to the base of Sacagawea Peak in the Bridger Range to see the green glacial lake and views of Crazy Mountains, the Spanish Peaks & the Tobacco Roots.

Walk & Shop along the Main Street in Bozeman.  A variety of shops, boutiques, art galleries and eateries line the main street.  Visit the Public Library and the nearby Lindley Park.

Fly over the Gallatin Valley and Yellowstone National Park in Carisch Helicopters.  Owner Mike Carisch is the most experienced helicopter pilot in Bozeman, flying since 1991, and offers tours and charters throughout Bozeman, the Gallatin County to Yellowstone National Park. Mike even spotted a herd of elk and a pair of grizzlies resting on a snow bank at the top of a mountain.

Visit Museum of the Rockies:  You’ll see one of the largest collections of North American dinosaur fossils – the Siebel Dinosaur Complex with T. rex specimens, a planetarium, special exhibitions and lectures where you’ll learn about the area’s history.  This museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian.

Visit Missouri Headwaters State Park where the Madison, Gallatin, Jefferson Rivers meet to form the Missouri River – the longest river in the U.S.!

Visit Yellowstone National Park:  Bozeman is close to two of five entrances – Gardiner (north entrance) and West Yellowstone (west entrance), hour’s drive south from Bozeman.  See Old Faithful Geyser (blows every 45 mins or so up to 160 ft. high!)

Ski at Bridger Bowl during the winter, only 15 miles away from Bozeman.  Or Big Sky Resort spread across four mountains and almost 6,000 acres to sky & play.

Take a beautiful drive through Custer Gallatin National Forest, Bridger Canyon loop to White Sulphur Springs, then soak in the springs.  Or drive the Gallatin Canyon and see scenic vistas.  For a longer day trip, drive the Beartooth Highway, one of the most scenic roads in America.

Visit the Gallatin History Museum where you’ll learn about the pioneer history of Montana’s past. 

Mountain Grizzly Encounter:  Visit this rescue and education sanctuary for grizzly bears, a safe habitat.

Bozeman Hot Springs:  Stop at Bozeman Hot Springs and soak in 12 different pools.

STAY

Element Bozeman by Westin is one of the best hotels in town.  The hotel presents modern décor throughout the entry and lobby area, as well as in the large rooms and suite. It’s in a prime location, just 1 block from the Main Street.

This sustainable and eco-friendly hotel includes bright and open multi-purpose public spaces, open-flow guest rooms with fully-equipped kitchens, signature Heavenly Beds. 

There’s also a state-of-the-art motion fitness center and salt water pool, and lots of indoor and outdoor spaces to relax. There are healthy food options including a complimentary signature healthy breakfast with a yogurt bar & fresh fruit.

The Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is only a 15 mins drive away, and the hotel is central to Big Sky, Bridger Bowl and Yellowstone National Park.

DINE

  • Squire House: Our dinner at Squire House included a healthy melange of crispy brussels sprouts and Montana Trout with sweet corn salsa & arugula salad. Adjacent to Element by Westin, this stylish New American restaurant & bar has upscale culinary flair. Be sure to check out the beautiful mural in the bar area.
  • Blackbird:  Find Italian cuisine in a modern setting at this classy Main St. restaurant where you can order pasta dishes and pizza.
  • Follow Yer’Nose BBQ:  for some of Montana’s best bbq foods, stop here.
  • Roost Fried Chicken:  Founded by a couple guys from Tennessee, if you’re craving some good Southern fried chicken, stop at this outpost.

Acknowledgements: Global Adventuress thanks Element Bozeman by Westin, Squire House, Carisch Helicopters & FlexTREK for hosting us during our stay.

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