Bozeman Travel Information & Local Guide

As a town of approximately 60,000 people, and just under 110,000 people in the greater surrounding area, Bozeman has all the benefits of a small town and larger city. With an integrated town and campus community, as well as endless outdoor opportunities, there's never a lack of things to get involved in in Bozeman.

Bozeman was named one of the best small college towns in the U.S. and the best in Montana. Whether you're catching a local film at one of our downtown theaters, grabbing a coffee at a locally-owned business or hitting the slopes on a bluebird day at Bridger Bowl, Bozeman offers something for everyone in every season. From unparalleled access to outdoor adventure and natural beauty to a thriving arts and cultural scene, our town is the complete package.

Montana State University is proud of our strong relationship with Bozeman and is eager to showcase the variety of opportunities offered through our community and local partnerships. We are grateful to the Bozeman community for offering an abundance of travel discounts and recreational activities for individuals visiting our campus. 

Explore more information on southwest Montana below, including resources provided by the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce!

Travel Discounts and Recommendations

Extracurriculars and Adventures

Travel Information

Nestled in southwest Montana just over an hour north of Yellowstone National Park, Bozeman is an incredibly accessible community. Located along Interstate 90, we are within easy reach of day trips from several surrounding states. For up-to-date information on transportation to and around Bozeman, including Bozeman's public transportation system, the Streamline Bus system, please visit the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce's Transportation page. 

Flying to Bozeman

For longer trips, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the state's largest and busiest airport with 10 airline brands offering non-stop flights to 24 U.S. cities, and connecting flights to dozens more. It takes approximately 30 minutes to drive from the airport to the MSU campus.

Driving to MSU

Bozeman, Montana is located on I-90. Two interstate exits will bring you to the MSU campus in Bozeman. Exit 309 provides the most direct route to our campus.

The Admissions Office is located across Grant St from the parking garage and Norm Asbjornson Hall in the Strand Union Building (SUB) Room 201. Go through the South entrance and up the stairs. The Admissions Office is located right across the hall from the SRO Coffee Shop at the first door on your right.

Many of our visitors prefer to use Google Maps to locate campus. Although the Admissions office does not have an actual physical address, you can use the intersection outside of the Strand Union Building to generate good turn instructions. The intersection is: South 7th Ave and West Grant St, Bozeman, MT 59715.

Detailed parking instructions will be emailed to you prior to your visit to campus depending on which visit program you have selected.

Visitor Discounts

Bozeman Activities and Outdoor Recreation

Surrounded on all sides by mountains, Bozeman offers plenty of opportunities to take a break from studying. A drive of an hour or less will take you to endless hiking trails, world-class skiing, blue-ribbon flyfishing, mountain biking, and more. 

If scaling frozen waterfalls or shredding the gnar isn't your speed, check out Bozeman's historic downtown and Cannery district for shopping, dining, and cultural opportunities. A small town with big city amenities, we can guarantee you'll find your place in Bozeman.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out Visit Bozeman's Itinerary page!

Outdoor Activities and Recreation

The Gallatin Valley is a destination area for outdoor sports and recreation. Here are few of our favorite activities:

• Love snow? Go downhill skiing or snowboarding at one of the two world-class ski areas less than an hour from town, Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resort. If you're a Nordic skier, the groomed trails at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center might be exactly what you're looking for. 
• Go mountain biking! With miles upon miles of trails, the Gallatin Valley and surrounding area offer everything from chill rides on dirt roads to technical singletrack. Check out the trails and resources for cyclists on Visit Bozeman's Biking page. 
• If you love exploring on foot, you'll find plenty of amazing hiking opportunities around the Gallatin Valley. A short hike will take you to the College M, which was established on the side of Mount Baldy by MSU's own class of 1918. Or, enjoy beautiful alpine scenery at Lava Lake and wildflowers and stunning peaks on one of the many hikes up Hyalite Canyon.
• Try indoor rock climbing at Spire Climbing + Fitness. Spire offers a range of routes and bouldering problems for every experience level, and is a great option for adventure if you visit during inclement weather. 

Find even more inspiration and build your perfect Gallatin Valley adventure with more resources from our website and Visit Bozeman:

Explore Bozeman

Bozeman's historic downtown is a vibrant medley of local boutiques, restaurants and cafes, art galleries, and specialty stores. Head downtown or to the Cannery District for a taste of local community and culture.

• Take a driving (or biking) tour of Bozeman. Our recommended tour spots highlight some of the cultural and historic centers of our community.
• See a show or concert at the Ellen, Rialto, or Elm theaters. Or, if you're visiting during the summer, hear live music outdoors during the Music on Main concert series.
• Check out one of Bozeman's many unique dining options. From cozy cafes to upscale eateries, you're sure to find a dining options to suit your tastes downtown or in the Cannery District. If you're sticking closer to campus, Colombo's Pizza, the Pickle Barrel, and Bridger Brewing are all great dining options. 
• Go for a stroll on the Main Street to the Mountains trail system in Bozeman. Connecting southern Bozeman northwards to MSU's campus to downtown and all the way to the Bridger Range, you could spend days exploring these amazing trails!
• Enjoy Bozeman's green spaces! We are lucky to have many city parks to relax and recreate in, some of which are even connected to the trail system.