Top 6 Places to Visit in the Bozeman, MT Area

Top 6 Places to Visit in the Bozeman, MT Area

When discussing the Bozeman area with people who are visiting for the first time or are bringing children/grandchildren to the area, the conversation invariably turns to where should we go, and what should we do.  Entire books have been written on area activities in and around Bozeman, winter or summer, rugged or refined, entry level to extreme, there really is something for everyone and everyone in the family.

My suggestions to places you should visit when in the Bozeman area are:

1. Yellowstone National Park - Our Nation's first National Park, summer or winter, has activities for the entire family to enjoy.  Summer time activities include hiking, camping, fishing, horseback trips, wildlife watching, the Wolf and Grizzly Discovery Center and exploring the gateway communities of Gardiner, Livingston, and West Yellowstone.  A family could literally spend an entire vacation in Yellowstone country and not see the same area twice.  Winter activities include cross country skiing, guided snowmobile tours, wolf watching photo safaris, and relaxing soaks in natural hot springs along the Boiling River.

2. Museum of the Rockies - Admit it dad, you loved dinosaurs as a kid and as unexciting as a museum may seem, this is one you shouldn't miss.  MOR has a very impressive collection of dinosaur specimens, many from Montana, on display.  Want to see a T-rex...they've got one.  Triceratops - bunch of 'em.  It's history and its cool, admit it and embrace it.  After you are done with the dinosaurs check out one of their extensive travelling exhibits or the Taylor Planetarium.  Young kids with?  Take them to the Martin Children's Discovery Area and let them roam between the stations and learn about the history of Montana.  Coupled with the Living History Farm, an extensive Native American history exhibit and a well stocked gift shop to bring a piece of history home with you, the Museum of the Rockies will have you coming back over and over again.

3. Big Sky - If you are looking for championship quality golf, world-class skiing or fine dining, you need to spend some time discovering Big Sky.  On top of these activities, Big Sky also offers hiking, fishing, kayaking and horseback trips into the Gallatin National Forest.  After a day of "active relaxation", take in a night of dining, art galleries, or just relax in a slope-side hot tub.  Big Sky is truly a play-ground, for young and parents of the young.  For skiing packages, visit Moonlight Basin or Big Sky Resorts.

4. Chico Hot Springs Resort- located mid-way between the artists haven of Livingston, MT and the north entrance of Yellowstone Park, Chico Hot Springs is a historic hotel with natrual hot spring pools set in a exceptionally enjoyable outdoor locale. Add fine dining, live music, a spa, the amenities of Yellowstone Park, Livingston and the Yellowstone River into the mix and you have the makings of a great vacation.  Additionally, within minutes of the resort is access to National Forest and Wilderness Areas for getting out any exploring.  For a change of pace in the winter, book a dog sled trip with one of the local outfitters.

5. Downtown Bozeman - Downtown areas in sophisticated mountain towns are supposed to be vibrant, historic and full of character - Bozemanis over the top in all three categories.  From the artist studios and galleries in the Emerson Cultural Center, to the Main Street boutique clothing stores and eateries, Bozeman brings it all to the table.  On top of the refined "after hours" entertainment, the day time hours can be filled by numerous hikes in and through downtown areas.  Start you day at one of several locally owned coffee shops, follow it with a few hours of window shopping (there are sporting goods stores downtown too guys), dine al fresco with a fine wine at lunch and spend your afternoon at the Emerson.  Meeting for appetizers and dinner, rounds out the day.  Not ready to call it quits just yet, downtown Bozeman has a number of fine establishments that will take your day into the morning hours.

6. My Office - I'm on Main Street, and I can meet you for drinks to go over the opportunities in the local markets.  After experiencing some or all of the destinations listed above, you will begin to understand why Bozeman has become a such a significant draw for families from across the US.  From luxury second homes to ski-in ski-out condos in Big Sky, stop in for a visit and lets discuss the possibilities.