Bozeman, Montana: Explore Bozeman, Montana - Horseback Riding

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A Guide to Bozeman

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Museum of the Rockies : Montana Horseback Riding : Gallatin River Fishing

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Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman, Montana (pop. 30,723) looks like a town out the 50s, with a traditional main street packed with all kinds of interesting businesses. Some say Bozeman is a town of urban cowboys. Indeed, briefcases likely outnumber branding irons in Bozeman. The Bozeman area is growing fast, with a population increase of 34.4% in the past decade.

Bozeman is located in the Gallatin Valley, surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges. North of the city, the Bridger Mountains attract thousands of skiers each winter. The Gallatin Range and the Madison Range, south of Bozeman, rise more than 10,000 feet and have peaks covered with snow much of the year.

Bozeman is home to Montana State University and the fighting Bobcats. The university has an enrollment of about 11,934 students and offers degrees in agriculture, engineering, and many fields in the arts and sciences. Great academics here. And... "this is place to go if you love to be outdoors and ski...ski bumbs are all over the campus and so are the hippies...its a true party college," according to PubClub.com.

The Museum of the Rockies, located on campus, features many wonderful paleontology exhibits. Jack Horner, the world's top dinosaur hunter and an adviser to the movie "Jurassic Park," works at the Museum. Occasionally, Museum visitors see Professor Horner inspecting the Museum's latest exhibits.

The Bozeman, Montana area is a fisherman's paradise. Cool, sparkling streams, rushing down from high mountains, are filled with rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout and cutthroat trout. Montana fishing

In some parts of the Gallatin River near Bozeman, rainbow trout number over 400 per 1,000 feet of stream, according to data reported by the Montana Rivers Information System. Go to The Bozeman Angler site to find fishing area rivers.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park's Fish Stocking Plan for 2002 helps you understand fish populations in Montana's many streams and rivers. A time for action, rainbow trout fishing in Montana's blue-ribbon trout streams.

Hiking a favorite activity in the Bozeman area. Try the Grotto Falls Trail for a fun and scenic hiking experience. The 1 1/2 trail is wildly popular. Follow Hyalite Creek Road south of Bozeman to get to the trailhead.

New to Bozeman is the Montana Grizzly Encounter, a grizzly bear "zoo". Located about ten miles east of Bozeman, the zoo features three adult grizzly bears for public viewing. A modest admisson fee is charged. This is a great opportunity to see these magnificent animals.

Travelers prefer accommodations at the Bozeman Microtel Inn & Suites (new in 2002) when staying in Bozeman. Guests enjoy an indoor pool and, from some rooms, a view of the nearby Bridger Mountains. The Wingate Inn is another good choice. For reservations, click on the link below for Bozeman, Montana motels and hotels.

The Gallatin Gateway Inn, a restored railroad hotel, is a very special place to stay in the Bozeman area. The inn has 35 guest rooms and suites. The Dining Room features white linen and candlelight. Less formal dining and a bar are also on site. The inn serves guests an extra good gourmet continental breakfast. This Bozeman, Montana inn is located about 12 miles southwest of Bozeman on U.S. Highway 191. (800) 676-3522.

For breakfast and lunch, common Bozeman folks head to the Western Cafe, downtown on east Main Street. Another favorite dining spot in Bozeman is the Spanish Peaks Brewery. Italian cuisine is the regular fare. Black Dog Ale, brewed by the local professional brewmaster, is a favorite drink of many customers at the Spanish Peaks Brewery. For upscale dining in a place with fabulous decor, go to Boodles on Main Street. Family dining is best at the Frontier Pies Restaurant.

Bozeman is a college town, so finding interesting hangouts on Main Street is easy to do. Try The Crystal Bar. Several ladies' bras hang from the horns of a steer skull over the pool table. The ladies don't bring them to the bar in a bag but rather "take them off when they come in," says the barkeeper.

For special dining and another top bar, don't miss the Baxter Hotel. This establishment features the Melaque, the Savory Olive, and the Robin Bar. Ask for a JD straight up at the Robin Bar and you may be served two or three jiggers for the price of one! Karaoke some nights, too.

The Powder Horn Sporting Goods store on Main Street sells all kinds of gear for fishing and hunting, plus a wide selection of outdoor clothing. A great store to buy things or just look!

At the Gallatin Valley Mall, located west of the downtown area, shoppers find quality apparel at the Bon Marche department store. The mall has many national chain stores. For happy reading and your favorite Starbucks coffee, try the Barnes & Noble bookstore, new to Bozeman in 2002.

The Montana Woolen Shop is another great shopping spot in Bozeman. This shop must have the world's largest stock of wool sweaters, blankets, fabrics, socks and more, all at bargain prices. Located a few blocks west of the Gallatin Valley Mall on U.S. 191.

Try Bozeman, Montana - a hot spot for outdoors activities and a great town for dining, shopping, or just hanging around.

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Outdoors FUN near Bozeman

Fishing:

Gallatin River Lodge, near Bozeman, 888-387-0148.

Madison River Outfitters, West Yellowstone, 406-646-9644.

Montana Troutfitters, Bozeman, 406-587-4707.

Horseback Riding:

DJ Bar Ranch, Belgrade (near Bozeman), 406-388-7463.

Beardsley Outfitters and Guide Service, Ennis, 406-682-7292.

Broken Hart Ranch, Gallatin Gateway (near Bozeman), 406-763-4279.

Covered Wagon Ranch, Gallatin Gateway (near Bozeman) 800-995-4237.