16 things to know before you come to Bozeman, Montana

12.07.2024 - 19:50 / lonelyplanet.com

Jul 9, 2024 • 7 min read

Hailed as one of the hippest towns in the American West, Bozeman is luring growing numbers of visitors thanks to its proximity to mountain wildernesses and its diverse demographic.

Old-school ranchers in plaid shirts and Stetsons, Hollywood escapees, environmentalists, writers, climbers, college kids, hipsters and craft beer brewers all contribute to the town's eclectic, outdoorsy and community-minded vibe.  

In many ways, it's a dream town for outdoor enthusiasts – a 10-minute drive will take you from a downtown martini to a mountain trailhead. And Bozeman combines Montana's space and natural beauty with a hip, progressive outlook that's a decade ahead of the rest of the state in terms of food, sustainability and environmental awareness.

But the cost of living is climbing rapidly. Remote workers drawn by a post-pandemic appreciation of space, clean air and a balanced quality of life have fueled a spike in house prices, and Montana's fastest-growing town is now its most expensive place to live. For visitors, though, Bozeman retains its reputation as one of America's coolest small towns.

With Bozeman's growing popularity as the gateway to the north and west of Yellowstone National Park, it pays to do some advance planning. Here are some practical and cultural tips to bear in mind.

The continental climate in Montana is notoriously changeable, especially in spring and fall, so bring a selection of warm clothes, even in summer. When hiking, you can experience all four seasons in one morning – boiling hot in the valleys, and freezing as you gain elevation – so be sure to pack an extra windproof layer. The town has lots of good outdoor gear stores if you do arrive unprepared.

Bozeman's campgrounds get very busy in summer, especially along the roads leading to Yellowstone National Park. Almost all sites in the Gallatin region can now be booked in advance at Recreation.gov, so be sure to reserve yours, especially for a summer weekend.

The region around Bozeman has long attracted a literary crowd, so get some advance insights into the Montana state of mind by reading the works of its most famous writers, including such Montana icons as Tim Cahill (of Lost in My Own Backyard fame), David Quammen (Yellowstone: A Journey Through America's Wild Heart), Thomas McGuane (Gallatin Canyon) and Jim Harrison (Legends of the Fall).

Reading Norman Maclean's A River Runs Through It or watching the 1992 Robert Redford movie is as obligatory for prospective fly-fishers as a state fishing license. To get the aforementioned license, follow the guidance on the Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks authority website. Fishers in the state need a conservation license, base fishing license and an Angler Aquatic Invasive