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.
You can pack plenty into 24 hours, from a scenic morning hike and lunch at a local brewery to exploring downtown and catching a sunset over the mountains.
If you have only one day in Bozeman, here are the best ways to spend one day. Spending more than one day? See our 10 Best Things To Do In Bozeman.“
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!
If you only have one day to explore, we’d recommend staying downtown. You can walk to restaurants and shops, making it easy to enjoy Main Street without getting back in the car.
See our guide to where to stay in Bozeman for our favorite hotels, family-friendly options and advice on choosing the best location.
Get ready to refuel your happy tank!
Need help planning your trip to Yellowstone or Big Sky? 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
Morning- 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. Tip: 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.
Another fantastic option is grabbing a pastry from the James Beard award-winning bakery, Wild Crumb. It’s located just north of downtown, requires street parking, and waiting in line to order, but it is definitely worth it! Just wait until you see their display case of goodies!
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 could walk to each of these options.
Hike the M Trail
Created by Montana State University students in 1915, the trail to the Bozeman landmark “M” is a very popular hike for both locals and visitors. It’s close to town and offers wonderful views and wildflowers during the summer (June, July).
There’s not much shade on this hike, so it will be hot during summer months. Bring water and consider hiking early or later in the day.
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.
The trail can be hiked as an out and back or a loop. We usually hike it as an out and back to avoid the steep 1/2 mile near the trailhead.
There are essentially two routes to the M from the trailhead. For a super steep and direct ascent, go right at the first trail sign at the trailhead and climb 800′ in just a 1/2 mile.
Be aware that it is incredibly steep! I don’t advise going up this way (or coming down) unless you have strong knees and are in pretty good shape.
For an easier and bit longer hike to the M, go left at the start. 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 at the trailhead to take the less steep route. Going this way eventually follows the Bridger Foothills Trail for a short time before rejoining the official M Trail (it’s well marked). We always return the same way for just shy of 3 miles round trip.
You’ll encounter several trail signs along the way. Unless you are in pretty good shape, I recommend ignoring any sign that states “short cut” to the M. It is always steeper! Just continue the way you are going.
The shortcut is always steeper. 
Following the shortcut here leads to some rock scrambling.
Remember to “hike kind.” Don’t pick the wildflowers during bloom season and stay on the trail.
Directions To Trailhead and Parking: Follow Rouse Ave. north (becomes Bridger Canyon Rd.). You’ll see a sign for the M and a 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.)
Tip: If the family isn’t up for a hike, spend an afternoon at Story Mill Park. It has a fantastic playground, climbing boulders, a splash pad, and a nice easy trail that leads to a 40 acre nature sanctuary (excellent for birding or just a nice stroll).
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 cold beer.
Indoor and outdoor seating is available but try to sit outside if weather permits. You can also just grab a beer at the bar and hang out on their patio.
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
(Plan to spend about 2 hours here)
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.
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
Late 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 of local shops, restaurants, and art galleries as well as some of your usual retailers like Athleta, Stio, and Fjallraven.
Tip: Country Bookshelf and Hey Day Gifts are our favorites stores downtown- you could easily spend an hour in each. Evrgreen is the go to women’s boutique, and The Montana Scene always seems to have the best Montana swag. For the kiddos, Rocky Mountain Toy Company will be sure to please.
Music on Main on Thursdays 
Toy Store 
Ellen Theater
See more of our favorite shops and restaurants in our blog, 10 Best Things To Do In Bozeman.
Dinner- Montana Ale Works
Montana Ale Works is our favorite restaurant hands down, especially if dining with kdis. Kid-friendly, great food, and an excellent beer selection. Offering daily specials and a good kids menu too. They have rotating specials each day and 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.
Revelry is another one of our family’s go-to restaurants downtown. Pasta, burgers, pizza, terrific salads- something for everyone. Cauliflower wings are a must! Consider making online reservations.
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 a series of outdoor sculptures.
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.
P.S. Another great spot for sunset is the outdoor rooftop bar, Sky Shed at the Kimpton Armory Hotel downtown.
Have More Time?
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. More of our favorite museums, restaurants, shops, trails, and more!
Where To Stay For One Night in Bozeman
For a short stay, we like to stay on or as close as possible to downtown Bozeman’s Main Street, because you can park the car and walk to all of the shops and restaurants.
My first choice would be the Kimpton Armory Hotel (I love their location and the rooftop lounge and pool are a nice bonus), 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 including best areas, lodging near the airport, and more hotels recommendations, 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! Happy Trails!- Amy
More Simply Awesome Trips In Montana
While you’re in Montana….
Family Vacation To Yellowstone- A Detailed 5 Day Itinerary
3 Perfect Days In Glacier National Park
Skiing Big Sky, Montana- 15 + Years of Tips For First-Timers
