Bozeman, Montana

Visit the Hip Mountain Town of Bozeman

Just north of West Yellowstone lies the diverse mountain town of Bozeman, Montana. Home to ranchers, ski bums, college students, artists, and professors, Bozeman provides big city ideals in a quaint western mountain setting. With a population of 32,000, plus 12,000 Montana State University students, make Bozeman a hip yet laid back place to visit.

The Indians referred to Bozeman as 'The Valley of the Flowers,' but was later known for the Gallatin Valley in 1864 when John Bozeman led in the first gold rush. Today, Bozeman is a college and ranching town. It is also a major gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Bozeman lies 80 miles from the Mammoth entrance, and 90 miles from the west entrance.

The Museum of the Rockies

The Museum of the Rockies, sponsored by Montana State University, traces the history of the Rockies from the dinosaurs to the age of the automobile. It is an excellent museum to learn about the dinosaur fossils found in the Montana area. Demonstration of fossil discoveries are given by museum volunteers who are also ready to answer any questions concerning life millions and billions of years ago. Updates on current digs are also available. Other exhibits in the Museum of the Rockies include those on Native Americans and the geology of Montana.

Skiing

Bozeman offers two ski areas, Bridger Bowl and Big Sky. Bridger is located 16 miles northwest of Bozeman while Big Sky lies 38 miles south of Bozeman. Both areas yield excellent Rocky Mountain powder skiing.

Getting there and away

The Bozeman airport is less than 10 miles away from town. The Gallatin Field Airport services Northwest, Delta, Horizon, United, and Alaska Airlines.

Bozeman also has several car rentals: Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and others.

The road from Bozeman to Yellowstone is a scenic 89 miles drive through the Gallatin River Canyon. The Gallatin Mountains lie to the east while the Madison Range lies to the west with breathtaking scenery all around.

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