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Nestled at the foot of Montana’s rugged Bridger Mountains, Bozeman is one of those rare towns that perfectly blends small-town charm with wild western adventure and a surprisingly cool cultural scene. Originally founded as a frontier stop in the 1860s during the gold rush era, Bozeman has grown into a lively university town, a gateway to Yellowstone, and a rising destination for travelers craving mountains, makers, and Montana magic.
Bozeman has officially entered its cool girl era — with a buzzing historic downtown, gorgeous surrounding landscapes, a thriving food and cocktail scene, and just the right amount of cowboy flair. I visited this July for a long weekend, and I totally get the hype. It’s the kind of place I could live… if the winters weren’t so notorious and the airport had a few more direct flights.
But for a long weekend? Bozeman is perfect. Here are my top 10 favorite things to do in and around Bozeman — whether you’re planning your first visit or falling back in love with Big Sky Country all over again.
1. Wander Historic Main Street
Downtown Bozeman’s Main Street is peak small-town charm: Western façades, hanging flower baskets, cute cafés, lively bars, and great shops at every turn. I love dropping my things off and starting at THE LARK hotel (more on that in #10) and strolling eastward. Stop for happy hour oysters and $3.50 martinis at Brigade, or if dive bars are more your scene, stop Crystal Bar. It’s the kind of walk that makes you say “I could live here.”
2. Sip Local Spirits, Cider, and Craft Beer
Bozeman boasts a surprisingly impressive drinking scene for a town of its size. There are two excellent, centrally located distilleries with tasting rooms right in town: Bozeman Spirits Distillery on Main Street (directly across from THE LARK) and Wildrye Distilling in the Cannery District, just under two miles north. At either one, be sure to try something huckleberry-flavored — it’s a local specialty!
If cider is more your style, don’t miss Lockhorn Cider House, tucked just off the eastern end of Main Street.
Bozeman’s three main breweries are a bit more spread out but still within walking distance:
- Bozeman Brewing and Mountains Walking Brewery are both northeast of downtown
- Last Best Place Brewing sits right between downtown and the Cannery District (around the corner from Bourbon, which I’ll mention in #6 for line dancing!)
Looking for a one-stop spot to sip it all? Head to SHINE Beer Sanctuary on Main Street — it’s my favorite for its spacious patio and rooftop, rotating taps of local beers, ciders, and seltzers, and even a selection of non-alcoholic and gluten-free options.
3. Taste Local… Buffalo?!
Yes, it’s delicious. Montana is big on bison (or buffalo, if you’re not being too technical), and Bozeman has plenty of tasty ways to try it. These are all right on Main Street:
- Gute Laune – buffalo brats + German beer hall vibes
- Bacchus Pub – buffalo burgers all day long (even for brunch)
- Copper – get the buffalo steak
- Revelry – come for the buffalo meatloaf, stay for the huckleberry cheesecake
The food scene in general in Montana is very impressive and constantly-growing. It’s not all just buffalo steaks; there is great Thai, Indian, and even sushi. I can’t wait to see how it continues to evolve in the coming years!
4. Shop Main Street’s Modern Western Style
There are so many great boutiques on Main Street selling modern Western gear, vintage clothing, cute souvenirs, custom hats, and more. Head West is a great option for both new and vintage Western wear. Another hidden gem is Wildflower, which I loved for the more affordable hat options, gold-tone Western jewelry (hard to find), and cute accessories like a silk scarf with horses I ended up buying.
5. Check Out the Cocktail Scene in the Cannery District
Let me just say… I did not expect to find some of my favorite cocktail bars in Bozeman. But the Cannery District? It understood the assignment.
- It Will Always Be That Way – retro ’60s/‘70s theme, ultra-fun and photogenic, with tasty creative martinis and themed bites like Pigs in a Blanket
- Devil’s Toboggan – plush upstairs speakeasy with incredible craft cocktails (and liquor selection), as well as small plates like oysters and deviled eggs
6. Try Line Dancing at Bourbon
The great thing about line dancing is that you don’t need a partner and you can learn a whole “dance” in just a few minutes. There’s a bar called Bourbon halfway between downtown Bozeman and the Cannery District that host weekly classes and dance nights. It’s low-pressure and the perfect way to experience a little bit of real Montana nightlife.
7. Visit Alpacas of Montana
This was maybe the highlight of my trip. Just 15 minutes from downtown, Alpacas of Montana offers guided farm tours where you can meet, feed, walk, and maybe even snuggle their 60+ alpacas. They’re soft, curious, hilarious, and incredibly photogenic. Book ahead — these tours fill up fast, and trust me, it’s worth it.
8. Get Outside and Hike
You’re in mountain country, after all. Use the AllTrails app to match your vibe with the perfect trail. Popular options:
- Hyalite Reservoir – easy lakeside strolls, fishing, water sports
- Storm Castle Peak – epic views, steep climb
- Bear Trap Canyon – riverside beauty of flexible length
- Grotto Falls – gentle hike with a waterfall reward 🧸 PSA: This is real bear country. Pack that bear spray and hike with friends.
9. Catch a Local Rodeo or Fair
Bozeman serves up the real deal when it comes to Western culture — no Vegas glitz here. Head to Gallatin County Fairgrounds for:
- Valley View Rodeo (dates all summer)
- Big Sky Country State Fair (July 15-19, 2025)
- Bozeman Stampede (August 7-9, 2025)
Check the seasonal calendar to see what else is on while you’re in town — all events are affordable and easy to get to (across from the Cannery District).
10. Stay at THE LARK
There’s no better place to stay in Bozeman than THE LARK. Located smack dab in the heart of Main Street, this trendy boutique hotel has all the coolness of the famous Austin Motel and the cozy vibes of a mountain lodge. Think:
- Stylish, spacious rooms with fun local touches
- Super friendly staff
- Dog-friendly policy
- Free s’mores every night on the patio
- Front-row access to downtown’s shops, bars, and restaurants
If you’re coming to Bozeman and want to be in the middle of it all, THE LARK is it. Book early — it fills up fast during peak season.
Special Mention: A Little Honky-Tonk Side Quest
If you’ve got a car (or an Uber budget), head about 20 minutes west to Gallatin Gateway. There you’ll find:
- Stacey’s Old Faithful Bar – a historic steakhouse and saloon dating back to 1937, filled with cowboy memorabilia
- The Westerner – a casual honky-tonk with live music and dance nights
It’s the kind of Montana side trip that makes you feel like you just stepped into an old Western — but with a whiskey in hand and a burger on the way.
Want Help Planning Your Bozeman Getaway?
Whether you’re here for hiking, hat shopping, or huckleberry cocktails — Bozeman, Montana delivers far more than just a scenic stopover. It’s full of character, culture, and charm — and it’s only getting cooler.
Need help building a weekend itinerary? Want recs for Yellowstone day trips or more local tips? As a certified travel planner, I’ve got you. Just reach out!
