Travel guideHistorySightsNightlifeMap

Bozeman Sights and Landmarks Guide, Montana

Like Billings, Missoula and many Montana cities, Bozeman is deeply rooted into the history of the West, and still carries many traces of the old Western lifestyle. The city was founded by pioneers who brought cattle from the South into the rich and immense plains of Montana. Museums, historic buildings and monuments of nature are only a part of Bozeman’s sights that tourists and college students every year.

Bozeman Sights - Museums

The Gallatin Pioneer Museum guides you through the lives of Montana pioneers, displaying various items as well as a full size log cabin. If you’re into museums, the Computer Museum and the Children’s Museum have both some interesting exhibits to reveal. No matter what you do, don’t miss the Museum of the Rockies, featuring a profound insight into the Native American and Western history, as well as an important paleontology collection and a planetarium.

Bozeman Sights - Lifestyle and Events

Even if it’s periphery looks no different from any American middle-sized city, a walk along Bozeman’s Main Street has a lot to offer, as the very Western looking facades (authentic, as well) are hiding a lot nice cafés, pubs, candy shops, outdoor gear shops and restaurants. As most visitors who come here are on their way to experience the great outdoors, it is recommended they also get some supplies while visiting some of Bozeman’s sights (they won’t encounter another supermarket soon). Apart from such practical details, Bozeman is the host of many local festivals and happenings like Bridger Raptor Festival - Oct. 13-14.

Bozeman Sights – Natural Attractions

Gallatin National Forrest is Bozeman’s most frequented recreational area, perfect for picnicking, hiking or fishing. Bozeman is about 1.5 hour drive from the west entrance in Yellowstone National Park. Half distance between these destinations is Big Sky Resort, a ski resort equipped with modern slopes and surrounded by magnificent views.

There are some other ski areas around Bozeman, including Bridger Bowl and Bohart Ranch (especially for cross-country skiing). Popular among fishers for its abundant trout, the Gallatin River, especially in the portion known as Gallatin River Canyon, offers amazing views, the type of views that were immortalized in the movie "A River Runs through It", directed by Robert Redford. Gallatin’s cold waters are not an impediment for the many kayaking, whitewater and rafting amateurs. The ones who dislike getting wet can still have some entertainment, as the road along the river is widely recognized as one of the most scenic drives in Montana.

email to a friendAsk our travel experts a question about Bozeman