How To Spend One Day In Bozeman- What To Do, Where To Eat, and Tips From A Local
Stopping in Bozeman, MT on your way to Yellowstone National Park or skiing Big Sky? For many travelers, Bozeman is a “pass thru town” on the way to bigger attractions such as Yellowstone or skiing Big Sky.
But this fun western town is really worth a stop in its own right.
If you have only one day in Bozeman, here are the best ways to spend one day. These are the places we always bring our friends and family when they visit us- all of our local favorites. I guarantee you’ll want to come back for a longer visit next time!
Get ready to refuel your happy tank!
If you are lucky enough to spend more than one day in Bozeman or want more ideas of what to do during your visit, see our 10 Best Things To Do In Bozeman, Montana
Need help planning your trip? Check out our Family Vacation To Yellowstone- A Detailed 5 Day Itinerary and Skiing Big Sky- Everything You Need To Know
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How To Spend One Day in Bozeman, MT
Breakfast on Main Street
Start the day off right with a hearty breakfast in downtown Bozeman. You have excellent choices for fueling up before a morning hike to Bozeman’s iconic “M”.
Bozeman has an excellent food scene, and you have several great choices on Main Street. We like the popular JAM for a hearty but refined breakfast- their variety of eggs benedict are my go to, and my kiddos go for the cinnamon roll pancakes. You can join the wait-list online.
Western Cafe offers a more traditional diner breakfast and has been a local favorite for decades. Their biscuits and gravy are a fave, and the Western memorabilia on the walls makes for a fun visit.
Note: Downtown parking lots are free and scattered throughout downtown. The first two hours are free. Find a parking map here. If you’re staying in a hotel downtown, you can walk to either of these restaurants.
Hike the M Trail
Created by Montana State University students in 1915, the trail to the Bozeman landmark “M” is a very popular hike with wonderful views and wildflowers during the summer.
During the winter, the trail is popular enough that you will typically be able to hike up a snow packed trail in your hiking boots. Wouldn’t hurt to bring your YakTrax for extra traction though.
There are two routes to the M from the trailhead. For a super steep and direct ascent, go right at the first trail junction near the beginning. Be aware that it is incredibly steep! I don’t advise going this way.
For an easier and bit longer hike to the M, go left at the first trail junction. If you are visiting here from a lower elevation, the route choices would be considered steep and steeper! This trail is rated “easy” but it is a a bit of a lung burner even on the less steep route.
We usually go left (the less steep route) and return the same way for just shy of 3 miles round trip. Note: I also recommend ignoring any sign that states “short cut” to the M. It is always steeper!
Remember to “hike kind.” Don’t pick the wildflowers during bloom season and stay on the trail.
Directions To Trailhead: Follow Rouse Ave. north (becomes Bridger Canyon Rd.). You’ll see a sign and parking area on the left or you can park across the street in the Drinking Horse Mountain parking lot if the M lot is full. Just walk thru the tunnel and take the paved trail to the M parking lot/trailhead.
Lunch At Map Brewing
After your hike, stop at MAP Brewing for a tasty lunch, cold beer, and fantastic views of the Bridger Mountain range. Overlooking “Bozeman Beach”, MAP Brewing is a scenic place to enjoy nice views and a beverage. Indoor and outdoor seating is available but try to sit outside if weather permits.
P.S. Their poutine is a must!
Kids menu is also available. 510 Manley Dr. Open 12-8 daily.
Afternoon- Visit the Museum of the Rockies
For your afternoon, be sure to check out Bozeman’s Museum of the Rockies. It is one of the best places in the world for dinosaur fossils, and this museum houses the largest T-Rex skull ever discovered. It is a wonderful museum for the whole family, especially if you have dinosaur lovers.
Simply Awesome Tip: If your child can’t read yet, consider the 1 hour tour led by a docent.
In addition to the paleontology exhibition, you’ll find other permanent exhibits about the life of Native Americans and the history of the Northern Rocky Mountain Region.
Make sure to check out the Taylor Planetarium show, and the outdoor Living History Farm which demonstrates life in a turn-of-the-century home. All are very worthwhile.
Expect to spend at least 1 hour here if just visiting the dinosaur exhibit and two hours to view all this wonderful museum offers.
Simply Awesome Tip: Your ticket is good for admission on the day you purchase it and the next day. Open daily 8am-6pm; $20 adults; $14 children; free for 4 year-olds and under. 600 W Kagy Blvd.
T-Rex head 
Cleaning the bones in the lab 
Dinosaur Egg
Afternoon- Stroll and Shop Bozeman’s Historic Main Street
After visiting the Museum of the Rockies, return to Bozeman’s charming Main Street to explore a variety of shops and restaurants on your way to dinner.
You’ll find plenty more interesting shops along the way, but we’ve listed a few of the shops we like to visit. All are located within a 1/2 mile of our favorite restaurant, Montana Ale Works, located at 611 E. Main St.
Music on Main on Thursdays 
Toy Store 
Ellen Theater
Rocky Mountain Toy Company
A great selection of toys, games, and puzzles. Sundays. 111 E. Main St.
Country Bookshelf
This is a terrific independent book store with staff recommendations and an excellent children’s section. Tip: This is a great place to find a good children’s book on the Lewis and Clark expedition, Yellowstone, and more. 28 W. Main St.
Chalet Sports
Find your Main Street to Mountains Trail Map and your Bozeman Area Outdoor Recreation trail map ($12) here. These are a good purchase if you plan on hiking during your visit. Talk with the helpful staff about trail conditions and their personal recommendations. 108 W. Main St.
Montana Gift Coral and The Montana Scene will have plenty of souvenirs or gifts for you to bring home. I like the quality of t-shirts at Montana Scene, and Montana Gift Coral has a bit of everything whether you’re looking for jewelry, clothing, knickknacks, Christmas ornaments, etc.
Hey Day is another fun store to browse for home accessories or the perfect gift, while Evrgreen Clothing is the women’s boutique not to miss.
Cello and LeeAnn Ramey Art Gallery are fun for a quick look, and DeeOGee is the place to get a nice gift for your pup at home. I especially like their dog collars here.
P.S. Although not located downtown, Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply is the place to go for western wear and good prices. Located on 7th Ave.
Dinner- Montana Ale Works
Montana Ale Works is our favorite restaurant hands down! Kid-friendly, great food, and an excellent beer selection. Offering daily specials and a good kids menu too. The meatloaf, elk burger, and steak are always excellent.
Tip: Arrive early if you can–it gets crowded. Expect a wait if you arrive after 6pm. Note: You can park behind the restaurant.
Stockman’s Bar, another great choice, has just recently opened in a beautifully restored space downtown. It’s a nod to the western saloons of old, and the food, albeit a limited menu, is good too! I just love the feel of this place.
For more dining options, see Visit Bozeman’s website where you can search by breweries, breakfast places, casual or fine dining, and more!
Or check out our 10 Best Things To Do In Bozeman, Montana for more recommendations.
Evening- Watch the Sunset on Peets Hill
After dinner, walk over to nearby Peets Hill for an amazing sunset. It’s popular among locals as the best spot in town to get a panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains.
You’ll see people jogging, dog walking, and enjoying the views. If you happen to be here on July 4, it’s a terrific spot to view the fireworks.
If driving, park at the parking lot at the end of E. Story Street and its intersection with Church Avenue. If you’re staying downtown, you can easily walk there.
You can also access the Main Street to Mountains Trail from the Bozeman Library (which is across the street from Montana Ale Works) and walk 10 minutes along the paved path to Peets Hill. This is a nice stroll and passes through the Gallatin Art Crossing Sculpture Park.
It’s a short 50 yard walk up to the top of Peets Hill where you’ll veer right to see the best view of the sunset. It will be one of the highlights of your trip.
Bring a jacket–it gets cold as the sun begins to set.
The Best Area To Stay in Bozeman
For a short stay, we like to stay on or near downtown Bozeman’s Main Street, because you can walk to all of the shops and restaurants. If you are staying longer, consider looking for a vacation rental downtown.
You’ll find plenty of condos, cottages, and nice homes (VRBO) to rent in Bozeman, many of which are also within walking distance to downtown.
If you have a short stay, all of these hotels are terrific. They are relatively new to the downtown Bozeman lodging scene and are very clean, modern, and attractive properties.
My first choice would be the Armory Hotel (I love their rooftop lounge and pool), and my second choice would be the The Lark because my kids love the bunk beds and the location is right on Main St. Can’t be beat.
For a more detailed review of lodging options in Bozeman, see our “Where To Stay In Bozeman.”
You’ll love your day in Bozeman, and I guarantee you’ll want to spend more time in this fantastic town on your next trip! See our 10 Best Things To Do In Bozeman! Happy Trails!- Amy
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