Are you just visiting Bozeman, or perhaps you are struggling to find an exciting Saturday adventure? Well, look no further than this list of excellent ideas for things to do in, or around, Bozeman.
My credentials you ask? Although I am not native to Bozeman, I have trekked, fallen, jumped, traversed, crawled, bumped, rolled, bounced, skipped, dipped, flipped, cartwheeled, or otherwise navigated my way through an exceptional amount of amazing (occasionally disastrous) mountain adventures in the surrounding area. The depth of this article will cover my five favorite activities to do in Bozeman, Saturdays not required.
1. Go for a Bozeman Hike!
Gregg Cummings (TRG Direct) taking in the surreal view from Sacajawea Peak.
Montana has a hike for everyone, I kid you not, everyone! To illustrate this point, you need to look no further than the paved 1/2 mile trail to Palisade Falls in Hyalite Canyon. The flip side to this is that there are also plenty of challenging trails, that may require more technical gear, and occasionally a trusty can of bear spray. Here are a few hikes that are easy on the soles, yet amazing on the eyes.
First, the Lava Lake Trail (my personal favorite) which is a quick, yet satisfying hike that lets out into to a pristine mountain lake. Second, Storm Castle, this is an excellent hike if you are strapped for time or looking for a quick way to burn some calories to a stellar backdrop. Storm Castle also features a special treat upon the summit. Finally, Sacajawea Peak (Pictured Above), has stellar views of The Crazy Mountain range as well as the greater Bozeman area. Check out TRG’s Facebook and Instagram accounts to view more great photos of our crew on incredible adventures around Montana.
2. Go Skiing Near Bozeman!
Nick Esposito conquering a snow wall after skiing around the Beartooth Pass in Montana.
Really, I must say I was rather tempted to place this as the first choice. But alas, it rolls in as a very close second. We are incredibly lucky in Bozeman to be close to so many differing skiing opportunities. There are two very large ski hills near Bozeman; Big Sky Resort and Bridger Bowl, but the ultimate jackpot lies in the exploration of the secret powder stashes in the back country. I find myself fortunate to be able to live in a place, that with a little effort, I can ski year round.
3. Float or Swim a River in Montana!
TRG Floats the Madison!
There are few things in life that are more refreshing on a hot summer day than plopping down on a tube, for a casual float in a river cooled by numerous mountain streams. Life is swell when the most arduous task of the day is agreeing on the same river. Which happens on occasion, as each river has unique and intriguing features that make it distinct from the others. The Jefferson for example features, a natural cliff to take a plunge off of, charming countryside, as well as a bridge that also serves as a place to launch your body into the depths below. There was an attempt to eradicate the aforementioned cliff, however it still exists and now serves as an even greater dose of adrenaline.
4. Visit a Local Bozeman Brewery!
Montana is 2nd in the nation for microbreweries per capita. Within a small radius around Bozeman, we have at least six that I can think of. Each brewery serves its own unique lineup of tasty local brews, some even have food! The majority of breweries are family friendly, so there is no need to worry about leaving the rug-rats behind, bring ’em on down. So, if you find yourself parched on a hot summer day or dying of thirst after a rippin’ day on the ski hill, why not stop by a local brewery and wet your whistle. For more information about Bozeman breweries, as well as Montana Breweries, check out the Montana Brewers Association webpage.
5. Visit The Museum of the Rockies!
To be frank, I waited six long years before I ventured to this treasure trove of time-worn relics, and what a mistake it was to wait so long. The Museum of the Rockies (MOR) has a massive dinosaur exhibit that houses an astounding array of all elements dinosaur. That’s not all they have to offer though, the MOR features an impressive collection of artifacts from cultures that date from early Native American to end of the wild west. They also have rotating exhibits that change as new exhibits are cycled in. These exhibits add even more intrigue and allure with such exotic collections as: Egyptian Mummies, Amazonian Tribal Treasures, even a Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame. Learn more at The Museum of the Rockies.
Now that you’ve got at least five great ideas about how to have fun in Bozeman, get out there and experience our slice of heaven.
