Local gems to experience in Bozeman

With the return of the school year, Bobcat freshmen are descending upon Bozeman unfamiliar with the hidden, and not so hidden, gems of the town. Sure, you could eat at Miller Dining Commons or Domino’s Pizza for the next four years, but chances are you want more places to eat and more to do when you’re not hiding away in your dorm room studying. 

BEST PLACES TO EAT:

Bozeman is host to countless delicious eateries, but there are definitely some standouts that even cater to those living on campus. 

Roost Fried Chicken

Located on West Main St., Roost is a Bozeman favorite, known for it’s delicious fried chicken and scrumptious sides. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and will make you feel right at home when you sit down at their red and white checkered tables. Guy Fieri also loves it here, so that should be enough of a big green flag to get you psyched. I highly recommend Roost for a late lunch. 

Storm Castle Cafe

Literally right across the street from Roskie, Storm Castle serves big portions of homestyle breakfast favorites with a chef’s twist. Among my favorites (and Guy Fieri’s, too) are the Monte Cristo and the smothered-and-covered omelet. Storm Castle is family owned and operated and is always home to friendly staff. 

Taco Montes

Taco Montes is a cult favorite in these parts. Open until it's no longer busy (usually around 3 a.m. on weekends), Taco Montes dishes out some decently-delicious tacos to the late-night owls and those returning from the bars after closing. While the food is a bit pricey and you’ll likely sit there a while if you’re among the crowds, it’s the only late-night food in Bozeman. It’s also within walking distance from campus, so it gets my vote. 

OUTDOOR THINGS TO DO:

Float the Madison

Although newcomers may not know this, it’s a requirement of living in Bozeman to get a tire float (available for a few bucks from local mechanic shops) and float down the Madison River for a few hours. Since the summer heat doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon, this gives everyone the perfect opportunity to get one last float in. 

Hike Triple Tree Trail

The trailhead, located on Sourdough Rd. is about 10-minutes from campus and is easily accessible by car. The trail is a 5.4-mile out and back trail that leads you to sweeping views of Bozeman from the top of the trail. It’s a great afternoon or early morning hike while the weather is hot, and I recommend getting to the trail before late October when it becomes muddy. 

Bozeman Beach

A summer-staple here in Bozeman, you’ll find swarms of people escaping the heat along the shores of Bozeman Beach. While this is definitely no Hawaiian paradise, the water does its job at keeping you cool and there is grass and space to play volleyball and relax with your new peers. If you’re swamped with school, consider bringing a towel and sitting outside to get some studying done. 

INDOOR THINGS TO DO:

Spire Climbing Gym

As we head into the fall and winter seasons, access to outdoor rock climbing diminishes. Luckily, located about five minutes from campus, Spire Climbing Gym provides climbing walls to learn or hone your skills. Grab a few friends and some chalk and head on over to Spire. 

Museum of the Rockies

Just down Kagy Blvd. from MSU, every new freshman has to walk through the hall of fossils and exhibits at the Museum of the Rockies (or MoR in local lingo). It’s one of the best dinosaur museums and is actually a facet of MSU, so students receive discounted entry. It’s great for a hot day or when you just aren’t feeling a hike. 

SUB Recreation Center

If you’re bored and want to get a group together for a few games of pool or bowling, head downstairs to the SUB Rec Center. Open on Fridays and Saturdays until 11:30 p.m., the Rec Center provides family fun until late at night. For freshmen, it’s the perfect place to be when you just want to walk down the street from your dorm and dust off your bowling shoes.