The ideal place to start your Yellowstone Country vacation is in the heart of the Gallatin Valley in Bozeman Montana.
Bozeman is conveniently located ninety minutes north of West Yellowstone MT (western gateway to YNP) and Gardiner MT/Northern Entrance to YNP. It's close proximity to world-class ski resorts, Big Sky and Bridger Bowl, Ice Climbing at Hyalite Canyon, 1000 miles of Cross-Country skiing trails in area National Forests, makes Bozeman a winter paradise and mecca for ski bums.
With a population of approximately 50,000 souls, Bozeman is anchored by Montana State University. Bozeman boasts a thriving historic downtown with an eclectic mix of local shops spread along eight blocks of sidewalk streets.
Area attractions include the Museum of the Rockies. The MOR is home one of the premier dinosaur exhibits in the world, helmed by paleontologist Jack Horner, of Jurassic Park fame. Horner first postulated that birds are 'modern day dinosaurs.' The museum also features regional and cultural exhibits related to Montana history. It is a Smithsonian Partner Institution.
Bozeman is a regional center with tons of shops and restaurants, historic neighborhoods and suburbs...
Where to Stay in Bozeman:
Bozeman has a plethora of lodging options, from cozy B&Bs and resort facilities to mainstay big chains. Here are a few suggestions. I recommend most hotels in Bozeman except Continental and Western.
- Voss Inn: http://www.bozeman-vossinn.com/
This B&B has delicious food, and a Thirst for Tea room...it is housed in a romantic Victorian on Willson Street, minutes from Downtown.
- Lewis & Clark Motel, a bit kitschy, still the rooms are clean, the rates are fair and the staff is always friendly. The convenient location adjacent to the Bozeman Co-Op, minutes from downtown and MSU makes it worth a stop on your YNP adventures.
http://www.lewisandclarkmotelbozeman.com/
-Hilton Garden Inn, located in the Bridger Peaks shopping center not far from Interstate 90, this is a beautifully appointed chain...other chains in the area: Holliday Inn, C'mon Inn, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, Best Western, Days Inn...many more
-Western Heritage Inn-the location downtown by the gorgeous Lindley Park and area hiking travels makes this a good base.
htttp://www.westernheritageinn.com
Where to Eat:
Bozeman has tons of delicious homegrown restaurants. Bozemanites are organic food lovers who expect quality at an affordable rate. We also have an overload of local coffee shops.
Coffee Shops:
Rockford Coffee - very strong coffee
Lindley Perk - Library Coffee spot
Café M
Café Zocalo
Leaf & Bean
Wild Joes
The Daily
City Brew....the list goes on....
Restaurants (just a few of many top restaurants)
- Mackenzie River Pizza Company - delicious Montana pizza - and they have gluten free pizza (which is mouthwatering). My favorite pizza: Gluten Free with half Tomato Basil and half Bacon Pineapple coupled with a Greek Salad (their salads are fresh, crisp and a perfect prelude to any MacRiver meal.)
http://www.mackenzieriverpizza.com
- Montana Ale Works - housed in an old rail depot, Montana Ale Works has a bustling atmosphere with a terrific menu ranging from grass fed burgers, bison steaks to fish and pasta dishes. They have a gluten free menu; not to mention the best Baked potatoes (huge Manhattan MT bakers); Their wine list and brews is decent. I usually order the Smokestack Burger...
http://www.montanaaleworks.com
- Western Café - The Last Best Café - this is where the cowboys eat breakfast, they have world famous cinnamon rolls and big breakfasts and lunch.
-Mexican:
La Parilla Grill
Taco del Sol - Both offer fresh, organic options for Mexican cuisine at a fair price
- The Co-Op: Best place in Bozeman for lunch, with a tempted salad bar and buffet. All organic!
http://www.bozo.coop
Dessert:
-Wilcoxson's Ice Cream - 24 flavors at Wild Joe's; Wilcoxson's is Montana made since 1912 and the creamiest, best ice cream bar none. Favorite flavors: Moose Tracks, Coffee & Cream and Huckleberry Frozen Yogurt.
- La Chatelaine: artisan chocolates http://www.chatelainechocolates.com
- Bequet Caramels http://www.bequetconfections.com
Bars:
- Plonk
- Rocking R
More links to restaurants:
http://www.bozemanonline.com/restaurants.php
What to Do (Winter):
- Emerson Arts Center: http://www.theemerson.org
- Museum of the Rockies http://www.museumoftherockies.org
- Pioneer Museum http://www.pioneermuseum.org
- Children's Museum
- Sledding on Peet's Hill
- Winterfest (February)
- Concerts at The Filling Station
- Take in a show at The Ellen Theatre
- In town skiing/snow shoeing
- You are minutes away from numerous outdoor recreation from Bridger Canyon, Gallatin Canyon, Hyalite Canyon, Paradise Valley...Yellowstone is only a few hours....
Resources for visiting Bozeman:
Bozeman Chamber: http://www.bozemanchamber.com
Downtown Bozeman http://www.downtownbozeman.org
I hope this introduction to Bozeman has been helpful. I will be posting more on Bozeman as it is my home base.
Stay tuned for our next Yellowstone Winter Adventure...
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