Bozeman, Montana: Hiking, Hot Springs & Local Eats

Palisade Falls is a towering 80 foot drop off a rugged vertical rock wall at the base of Palisade Mountain. The falls are a short drive from Bozeman through Hyalite Canyon and are one of the most popular hikes for families with children.

The main trail leads via Hyalite Canyon Road, past the scenic Hyalite Reservoir. The trail, which is about 1.2 miles round trip, is completely paved and pleasantly shaded, with a few nice views of the mountain peaks through the trees. There is a nice picnic area at the base of the falls, where the water mist creates pleasant, cool air.

The Museum of the Rockies is the place where you can see a real Tyrannosaurus skull, the thigh bone of a Tyrannosaurus rex with some fossilized meat still on it and generally the largest collection of dinosaur bones in the country. This fascinating museum, which is part of the Montana State University, is also the place of work of Dr. Jack Horner, the scientist behind the Jurassic Park creatures.

While the dinosaur bones are a popular reason for people coming to this museum from all over the world, the main focus of this highly acclaimed history and research museum is the cultural and physical history of the Rocky Mountains and the animals and people that lived in the area for the last 500 million years. Its most fascinating permanent exhibits, besides dinosaur fossils in the Siebel Dinosaur Complex, are: Enduring Peoples, about American Indians from the Northern Plains; History of the Northern Rocky Mountain Region, about the frontier days in the region and the people that lived through them - Native Americans, gold seekers, fur traders and white settlers; Living History Farm in the Tinsley House, about the life of a family during the turn-of-the-century; and the Taylor Planetarium.

600 W Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, MT 59717, 406-994-2251

The American Computer and Robotics Museum describes the history of communications, computing, artificial intelligence and robotics through fascinating exhibits that show the unrelenting progress that lead to the modern information age. The exhibits include old office equipment that many people still remember using, such as typewriters, adding machines and the original 1970s computers the size of an entire room.

You can also see the original Apollo Moon Mission Guidance Computer and a copy of an original book by Sir Isaac Newton called Principia, which is considered to be the foundation of physics. You will also find a collection of documents from people who contributed to the progress of the Information Age such as Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Graham Bell and Samuel Morse as well as a part of the ENIAC computer, the first personal computers such as the Altair, the IBM PC, the Apple I and much more.

2023 Stadium Dr #1A, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-582-1288

Bridger Bowl Ski Area is located just north of Bozeman, in the heart of the Gallatin National Forest, on the slope of the scenic Bridger Range, a sub-range of the Rockies. This lively ski area is locally owned, non-profit and equally popular among locals and tourists. The area stretches for about two miles from the mountain ridgeline to the bowl base at about 6,000 feet. There are 75 marked and many unmarked trails.

The ski terrain is suitable for all skill levels and has a soft progression from beginner slopes in the base of the bowl to expert terrain at the top of the ridge. Bridger Bowl's Ridge Terrain includes all runs that start from the Schlasman chair lift and is considered an extremely challenging skiing and snowboarding area.

It contains rock cliffs, steep chutes and numerous snow fields. Skiers must be equipped with an avalanche transceiver, should ski with a partner and should be expert skiers or snowboarders. Every time there are more than two inches of snow in the Bridger Bowl, locals are alerted by a blue beacon on top of the Baxter Hotel.

15795 Bridger Canyon Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-587-2111

Montana Grizzly Encounter in Bozeman is the place where you can get close and personal with legendary grizzlies. It is a Grizzly Bear Rescue & Education Sanctuary that provides a natural home for rescued grizzlies and offers an opportunity for visitors to learn about these majestic animals, their conservation and threats.

All bears in the sanctuary were born in captivity and were rescued from often cruel and inhumane situations. They cannot be released into the wild. They live their lives without bars or cages, in the environment that is as close to the one that is natural to their species, in the beautiful mountain setting, surrounded by ridges and fields filled with flowers and small ponds.

80 W Bozeman Hill Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-586-8893

A cultural icon in Montana, the Bozeman Symphony Society has been bringing symphonic music to life since 1968. Visitors are urged to join the growing number of students, individuals and musicians who devotedly come together with the aim of preserving musical excellence.

The symphony also supports many community outreach programs and donates tickets to non-profits in an attempt to share their love of music with everyone. Young musicians are supported with scholarships and various other opportunities. Visitors can experience the artistic influences of musicians of all ages through the many events and programs that are scheduled.

Bozeman Symphony, 1001 West Oak Street, Suite 110, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-585-9774

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Named after the U.S. Treasury Secretary, Albert Gallatin, the Gallatin River is 120 miles long and is one of three rivers that forms the Missouri River. Considered one of the best whitewater rafting runs in the Yellowstone area, visitors from all over flock to the challenge. The scenic river winds through mountainous meadows and descends into the Gallatin Canyon.

It is a popular destination for fly fishing where mountain whitefish, brown trout and rainbow trout are popular fish species that are found. Visitors are urged to take in the incredible scenery while zip lining, kayaking or camping in traditional Native American teepee style on the many campsites along the river.

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Preserving the history of Gallatin County and Southwest Montana is the Gallatin History Museum. Visitors can step back in time and better understand the county’s rich history and heritage through a number of displays and artifacts.

Exhibits include notable jail cells, hanging gallows, a model of old Fort Ellis, a reconstructed log cabin, the infamous Big Horn Gun, Bozeman’s first steam-powered fire engine and personal pieces belonging to many people who have called Bozeman, Montana home. There’s a permanent exhibit dedicated to the history of Native American tribes who lived in Gallatin Valley.

The museum boasts a photo archive of over 18,000 historic images as well as a book store with historic, hard-to-find merchandise for visitors to take a little bit of Bozeman back home with them.

317 West Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-522-8122

The Emerson Cultural Center, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a space for working artists and musicians to release their creativity. Since 1993 the center has opened its doors to the public to enjoy the many exhibitions, retail shops and to enjoy music and movies in their theater.

There are many events for visitors to partake in other than the dedicated exhibitions; there is a dance studio, pottery studio, the Galleria Hall and the Jessie Wilbur Gallery for children to take part in an art project. Some of their popular special events include an open house and art walk, lunch on the lawn, which has live music and food vendors, a foosball tournament and a garden tour, which showcases unique horticulture.

111 South Grand Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-587-9797

The Yellowstone Safari Company has been giving visitors the opportunity to experience Yellowstone National Park wildlands and wildlife in an educational and fun environment since 1991. Priding themselves in attention to quality and detail, the safaris they offer include Yellowstone safaris, Llama treks, hiking, backpacking, river safaris, a winter safari or a personal guided tour.

Visitors can also go on a special interest tour, focused on photography, the Lewis & Clark expedition, Indian country or Montana’s ghost towns. The winter tours, which include wolf watching and winter camping, are also a unique experience for visitors in Bozeman during the colder season.

1404 Gold Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-586-1155