It's no secret that more than one family ski trip to Bozeman has enticed teenagers to come back and attend college at Montana State University (MSU). The largest university in Montana, MSU is recognized for its strong engineering, agriculture, and science programs, particularly in forestry, but offers over 250 fields of study to choose from. It also has the strongest research opportunities in Montana.
And while the academic programs are the main draw, the outdoor recreation and lively college town are a close second. Bozeman is bustling with live music, theater, art, and dining options that rival those of a big city. Bridger Bowl is just 16 miles down the road, Crosscut Mountain Sports Center just beyond that, and Big Sky Resort is approximately an hour's drive.
Whether you’re visiting as a prospective student, or visiting a student for homecoming weekend, you’ll want to make a trip of it by exploring Bozeman and the surrounding area.
The Montana State University campus is conveniently located near downtown Bozeman, offering several lovely options.
The Lark is a boutique hotel with bright, lively décor.
The Sapphire Motel is a renovated retro motor-in with rooms that are great for families.
The Kimpton Armory Hotel is an upscale property featuring a rooftop bar and pool, as well as fabulous views.
The Residence Inn Bozeman Downtown is nice for those who enjoy more space.
The Field and Stream Lodge Co. has also recently opened, and although it's a short distance from downtown, it features an indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, and a lovely courtyard with fire pits that guests can enjoy.
Upon arrival in Bozeman, an informal exploration of the campus is a nice way to orient yourself. If you drive down South 8th Avenue, it will take you directly to campus. The avenue provides a grand entrance to the school but was initially designed with hopes of having Bozeman designated the state capital.
The campus is beautiful, and if you're looking for some entertainment, the Strand Union Building offers bowling, several pool tables, an arcade, the Procrastinator Theater, and a Chick-fil-A. It's also home to the MSU Bookstore, with lots of Bobcat merchandise and a fantastic art supply section!
The Museum of the Rockies, a subsidiary of MSU and a Smithsonian affiliate, is well worth a stop. It has a remarkable collection of dinosaur fossils, rotating exhibits from around the world, and educational exhibits explaining the cultural and natural history of the Northern Rocky Mountain region.
Enjoy dinner at Bridger Brewing, just across the street from the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse on campus. Its handmade pizzas feature house-made sausage, local goat cheese, and crust made daily with Wheat Montana Flour.
While you're there, be sure to peruseTown and Country Foods, located in the same building. They have an excellent selection and some of the best prices in town! Next door,Spectator's Sports Bar and Grill is a favorite for watching sporting events (including the Bobcats!), with 20 TVs and all the major sports packages.
An official campus tour is highly recommended to give you a better understanding of the campus offerings and layout. Tours are offered Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and last approximately 45-60 minutes. You'll want to register at least two weeks in advance to ensure your spot! They also offer group visits, Saturday morning campus tours by request, and virtual meetings with admissions counselors and academic departments.
If you're on the morning tour, grab a coffee and a pastry from Beacon Coffee Roasters, just a half block from campus, and then head out. The Bozeman Market and Deli is located right across from Bobcat Stadium, and its sandwiches are genuinely amazing.
Spend the afternoon exploring Downtown Bozeman. The shops are a mix of locally owned boutiques, national brands like Stio and Athleta, art galleries, jewelry, books, and gifts.
For happy hour, there are several iconic college bars: the Rockin' R Bar and Haufbrau House are two of the more popular. Both serve food, or you could explore the options as you stroll the streets.
For sports enthusiasts, plan your visit around an MSU event. Watch the sports schedule for upcoming games. Brick Breeden Fieldhouse also hosts concerts, comedians, and Broadway in Bozeman. You'll also find a full music lineup at the Elm, a popular music venue that attracts exceptional talent!
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at one of the hoppin' breakfast spots like the Western Café or Main Street Over Easy, then explore the great outdoors surrounding Bozeman. During the warm months, The College "M" and Drinking Horse Mountain Trails are right outside of town, and both give you a great view of the valley. For a longer trek, Triple Tree Trail is another excellent option.
If you're visiting during the winter, downhill skiing, Nordic skiing, and ice skating are all popular activities. And, of course, Yellowstone National Park is just a stone's throw away. You can enter year-round through the North Entrance in Gardiner and, during the summer, through West Yellowstone. The Park is still open in the winter, but if you visit the West Entrance, you'll need to arrange a guided snowmobile or snowcoach tour, which we highly recommend!
If you opt to stay close to town, you'll want to find time to soak in Bozeman Hot Springs, located in Four Corners. They have twelve pools of varying temperatures, as well as a steam room, sauna, cold plunge, and workout facility. They also feature live music under an outdoor bandstand, allowing you to enjoy the music while soaking.
For dinner, check out one of the many delicious restaurants in Bozeman and the surrounding area. Whatever you're craving, you can likely find it!
If you have any last-minute hoodies, gifts, or art you'd like to take home, be sure to grab them before you leave. The Daily Coffee and Eatery, located on Rouse Avenue, offers great breakfast burritos, quiche, and pastries for a quick stop or takeout. It's also conveniently located near I-90 and has quick access to the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.
Whether you’re visiting Bozeman in winter, spring, summer or fall, Visit Bozeman has you covered! Check out our complete guide and start planning your adventure today!
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