Bozeman Montana, MT

Bozeman, Montana offers a little bit of everything for visitors. You'll find culture, sports, and amenities of a city hidden in the quaintness and familiarity of a small town. Close to Yellowstone National Park to the south and the Gallatin Mountains in Bozeman's backyard, there is no lack in opportunities for exploring the outdoors and her marvelous natural wonders.

John Bozeman came to Montana for the first time in 1862. He helped establish the Bozeman Trail, also known as the Bozeman Pass, which was designed as a more direct connection to mines in the west. While searching for the best route, his team encountered many Indian tribes. They eventually decided to travel only during the night in order to avoid these encounters. In 1864 Bozeman completed scouting the new trail. As he returned to the newly established town of Bozeman John began encouraging people to visit the area and growing town.

Bozeman is home to Montana State University, founded in 1893, which brings the city a younger population seeking education in fields like agriculture, engineering, and film. The university provides the city with much nightlife, sporting events, and culture but the typical party scene doesn't overwhelm Bozeman like many other university towns. MSU's Museum of the Rockies has extensive natural and cultural history collections and many rotating featured exhibits. The museum is worth a visit if you have a little time in Bozeman.

Bozeman has always been a center for agriculture but invites more and more tourists because of its beautiful location and surroundings. A historical walking tour, art galleries, the symphony, theatres and diverse restaurants fill downtown Bozeman luring tourists in need of entertainment. For outdoor enthusiasts Bozeman, MT acts as a port to trails through mountains and valleys, favorite fishing spots on various rivers and streams, two world famous ski resorts, and wildlife habitats and viewing areas. Bozeman sits on the shores of the East Gallatin River, which along with the Yellowstone, Big Hole, and Madison Rivers, is known for renowned trout fishing. Bridger Bowl is about a fifteen minute drive from Bozeman and in the winter offers beginner to advanced skiers a chance to enjoy Montana's beautiful powder. Big Sky is another ski resort about 45 miles south of Bozeman. Snowmobiling is a popular sport in the Bridger and Gallatin Mountain ranges, both of which offer great wildlife viewing spots year-round. Other attractions in the area include the Lewis and Clark Caverns to the east of Bozeman and Bozeman Hot Springs about eight miles west of the city in the Gallatin Valley. These hot springs offer a small sample of the natural phenomena you'll find in Yellowstone.

Gallatin Field Airport in Bozeman services all southwestern Montana with frequent flights to Butte, Denver, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Minneapolis. There are also frequent shuttles to and from Big Sky when staying in Bozeman.