Why go
Bozeman is one of Montana's most dynamic cities and combines the charm of the Wild West with a modern, young atmosphere. The university city is known for its excellent restaurants, outdoor shops and its proximity to some of the state's most beautiful landscapes.
The Paradise Valley begins just a few kilometers south – a valley that is about 80 kilometres long between the Absaroka Mountains and the Gallatin Mountains. The Yellowstone River winds through the wide landscape and creates a backdrop that many travelers are among the most beautiful in Montana.
On the way to Yellowstone you should take enough time for this region. The combination of nature, small ranches, hot springs and spectacular views makes it one of the highlights of every Montana trip.
At a glance
Category | Information
Ideal stay | 2–3 days
Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.
Landscape | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outdoor | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Food & drink | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photography | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Downtown Bozeman
The historic Main Street is one of the most beautiful shopping streets in Montana.
Here you can find:
Boutiques
Bookstores
Outdoor shops
Cafés
Breweries
Art galleries
The lovingly restored brick buildings give the city its special character.
Museum of the Rockies
This museum is one of the most important natural history museums in North America.
It is particularly well-known for its world's largest collection of dinosaur fossils and exciting exhibitions on the history of the American West.
A visit is also worthwhile in bad weather.
Montana State University
The extensive campus gives a good impression of student life in Montana and is ideal for a walk.
Paradise Valley
South of Livingston begins one of the most beautiful panoramic stretches in the state.
The road follows the Yellowstone River and leads past:
Ranches
Fly-fishers
Mountain ranges
Wildflower meadows
small villages
The landscape changes with every season and inspires photographers as much as nature lovers.
Chico Hot Springs
Chico Hot Springs has been one of the most famous thermal baths in Montana for over 100 years.
Even if you don't stay overnight, it is worth visiting the warm natural pools after a hike.
Things to do
Walk through downtown Bozeman
Visit to the Museum of the Rockies
Bathing in Chico Hot Springs
Fly fishing on the Yellowstone River
Wildlife observation
Panoramic tour through the Paradise Valley
Photographing at sunrise or sunset
Shopping
Bozeman is one of the best places in Montana to buy high quality outdoor equipment.
Recommended are:
REI Co-op
Bob Wards Sports & Outdoors
Murdoch-s Ranch & Home Supply
Costco
Walmart Supercenter
Whole Foods Market
In front of Yellowstone National Park, it is worth replenishing food and fuel.
Montana Ale Works
One of the most famous restaurants in Bozeman.
Especially popular are:
Bison Burger
Steaks
Regional specialities
local craft beers
Jam!
An excellent breakfast restaurant with creative pancakes, omelets and homemade juices.
Blackbird Kitchen
Modern American cuisine with excellent pizza from the wood stove.
Follow Yer Nose BBQ
Small, very popular BBQ restaurant among locals.
Bozeman Hot Springs Campground
Ideal for Fifth Wheels.
Access to the thermal pools makes this campsite particularly attractive.
Bear Canyon Campground
Quietly located and just minutes from Bozeman.
Yellowstone-Edge RV Park (Livingston)
A perfect starting point for Paradise Valley and Yellowstone National Park.
Practical tips
Plan enough time to travel through Paradise Valley – there are plenty of vantage points on the way.
Look out for bisons, wapitis, whitehead eagles and occasionally even bears.
The evening mood in Paradise Valley is one of the most beautiful photo motifs in Montana.
If you like fishing, you will find some of the most famous fly fishing areas in the United States on the Yellowstone River.
Reserve campsites early in the high season.
Our recommendation
Bozeman offers the perfect mix of nature, culture and modern infrastructure. If you want to enjoy some city life again after several days in the mountains, this is exactly the right place.
The real highlight is the Paradise Valley. The ride along the Yellowstone River is one of Montana's most impressive panoramic stretches. With some luck, eagles will accompany you in the sky, deer on the meadows or even bisons on the river banks. This combination of impressive scenery and unspoilt nature makes the region an unforgettable part of every trip through Montana.