What’s on the editors’ radar for summer 2023

Let’s be real, dear readers. You’ve probably got access to no less than 4.3 zillion guides for things to do in Montana over the summer through some simple internet sleuthing. Many of those guides claim to list the top 10, best 15 or even 57 cool things to do in Montana (beware, friends, there is actually a guide with a suspiciously-precise list of 57 activities lurking on the interwebs — visit if you dare). So, why should you read this one?

Well, here’s the scoop: We’re not going to pretend like we know exactly what the best activities are or which ones you’ll enjoy most. Or like our guide is better than anyone else’s guide. Or like our guide covers every awesome thing you can possibly do in Montana. We’re just here to lend a helping hand in case you’re looking for something to do over the summer in and around Bozeman specifically. These are some things we’ve loved during our summers as students at MSU, and we think there’s a chance you might enjoy them, too. So, without further ado, here’s what’s on the editors’ radar for summer 2022… +1 (We did that because of the rhyme).

Headwaters Country Jam

By Riley Sabo

Whether you like country music or not, Headwaters Country Jam is a must see. This year the venue offers an exciting lineup of artists featuring Koe Wetzel, Parker McCollum and Ashley McBryde. The festival starts on July 27 and wraps up July 29. Plan ahead and buy your tickets soon because they sell out fast as Country Jam approaches. As you look through the website there are hundreds of campsites around the festival, but be aware that the furthest ones are a long half-mile walk from the stage. After the evening’s show concludes, head over to the food trucks and pop up restaurants selling cold beer and tasty burgers. Go break out those cowboy boots and party it up at Headwaters Country Jam this summer.

Sacajawea Peak/ Fairy Lake

By Katy Sestay

If you want a hike with a beautiful view, a lake to cool off in, and the potential to see mountain goats, then you must adventure up to Sacajawea Peak, the highest peak in the Bridger Range. This hike is a 5.2 mile out-and-back trail that starts with a gradual climb and finishes off with a scramble to the summit.

During the hot summer months, it is best to start this hike earlier in the day. If you are up to it, getting to the trail head by 7:00 a.m. will offer you cool temperatures and beautiful sunrise views.

The road up to Fairy Lake is notoriously bumpy, so be sure you are in a car that is capable of higher ground clearance and all-wheel drive. And maybe don’t bring your grandma.

The trail views are consistently beautiful, with a stunning view of the valley at the summit. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some mountain goats on the ridge.

After the hike, take a refreshing dip in the glacial Fairy Lake. The blue waters, rope swing and relaxing lounging areas make it the perfect spot to unwind after your climb.

Don’t miss out on this beautiful hike that epitomizes Montana beauty.

Bozeman Ranch Rodeo

By Evan Hansen

Montana’s rich history of cattle production will be on full display with the Bozeman Roundup Ranch Rodeo this summer. The Big Sky Country State Fair will host the ranch rodeo on July 22 at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.

A ranch rodeo differs slightly from a more standard rodeo like the collegiate rodeos put on by MSU. The only event the two styles share is saddle bronc riding. The other events typical of a ranch rodeo include team branding, team doctoring, team sorting, trailer loading, hide racing and wild cow milking.

These events represent work commonly done on a working ranch. So, even if you come for the saddle bronc riding, stay for the wild cow milking. This often hysterical event involves four contestants working together to catch and milk an unhandled cow. The other events, scored and timed, involve similar teamwork on the ground and by horseback, and ends with one team winning.

Local teams congregate at this event to see who takes home the title. Don’t miss out on a chance to cheer on your home-town team.

Summer Reading

By Amanda Fulton

The summer can be an awesome chance to catch up on your reading between work shifts and lake (or beach) trips. Here is a book that I believe should be at the top of your list for your summer literary adventures. Happy reading!

“The Island of Missing Trees” by Elif Shafak is a beautiful, flowery story about Cyprus, an island historically and physically divided between Greek and Turkish control. It follows two teenagers, the Turkish Muslim Defne and the Christian Greek Kostas, as they meet in a small tavern near the island’s dividing line. Over time, they fall in love under an ancient fig tree that grows through the roof of the tavern. However, Cyprus’s capital is soon reduced to rubble when war begins in 1974 and both teenagers disappear as their families flee. When Kostas returns years later, he’s a botanist looking for native species — and also his lost love. Shafak’s work is a must-read for anyone interested in an emotional discussion of love, grief, nature, renewal and the generational placelessness that war can cause.

Floating the River

By Ellie Ayers

Summer is the time for relaxing and being outside. Floating the Gallatin River is the perfect combination of those two things! When you float the river, you get the gift of spending the day on the water and in the sun. Looking for the easiest way to get on the river? Look no further than Madison River Tubing, located on the corner of 11th Avenue and Main Street.

Floating the river is one of my favorite things to do during the summer in Bozeman because of how easy and relaxing it is. While it can be extremely calm and soothing, you could also invite your friends, bring a waterproof speaker and float with a cooler full of drinks for a more rowdy experience. Get out on the river and enjoy the great outdoors this summer!

Music on Main

By Gabe Barnard

Good luck getting anywhere down Main Street on a Thursday during July and August — you might run into a traffic jam of the very large and super groovy human crowd variety. That’s because Bozeman is gearing up for my favorite summer shenanigan: The annual Music on Main concert series, which shuts down part of the street, from Rouse to Black Avenue, for free performances from local and traveling artists. This weekly event is set to go live starting Thursday, July 6, according to the Downtown Bozeman Association, and running through August 10. The lineup, posted on the Downtown Bozeman website, features everything from indie rock to country jams. Stores, restaurants and bars stay open late for the tunes, and food trucks converge on Main — as should you. The vibes are calling, my friends, and you must go.

DZONE Skydiving

By Emma Field

If you’re looking for an unforgettable summer activity that will take your breath away, look no further than DZONE Skydiving! DZONE is Montana’s premier outdoor skydiving center and is located right outside of Bozeman in Three Forks, Montana.

DZONE offers tandem skydiving, which means guests have the option to be attached to an experienced instructor during their jump. Tandem skydiving is the perfect option for first time skydivers to experience this amazing thrill in the safest way possible.

The adventure starts with a plane ride up to the required altitude. Once the plane is over the ‘drop zone’, you and your instructor will open the plane doors and jump. The freefall is exhilarating and once the parachute goes off, you peacefully sail to the ground.

Skydiving in Montana offers a unique experience with incredible views of Big Sky Country.

Learn more about DZONE and book your skydiving reservation at https://dzoneskydiving.com/montana-bozeman/

Geocaching

By Emma Fry

If you are anything like me and spent your childhood reading treasure-hunting books and being raised on movies such as "Into the Blue" or "Fool's Gold,” I have the summer activity for you.

Geocaching combines the thrill of exploration, puzzle-solving and discovery all in one. The goal is to find caches that people have hidden all around the city and the wilderness. Geocaches come in various sizes, from micro caches to ammo boxes, and can be an easy and quick find or a multi-stage adventure.

There are three simple rules of geocaching: If you are to take something from the cache, you must leave something in return. Always write in the logbook and watch out for muggles. Before you say, "Emma, you have been watching WAY too much Harry Potter," I would respond with yes, I have been. But in this case, muggles are people who do not geocache, so you must always be aware of who is watching you trek through the brush looking for caches.

Geocaching is easy to get into; you only need to download the official Geocaching app and hit the road. Basic membership is free, but if you love it as much as I do, a $30 premium membership is available to access more caches. Have a great summer, Bobcats!

Video games

By Tim Lee

As Lead Layout Designer of the Exponent, it’s no surprise that I’m not a big enjoyer of activities. I’m someone who’s preferred job is pointing and clicking at a screen and complaining about the quirks of the Adobe suite. With that being said, we live in a beautiful place and you should enjoy the perks of that when you can. But, for when doing so grows tiresome, here’s a few of my favorite video games to escape the world with:

Splitgate: Thinking with portals… and guns

Outward: Spending all day collecting berries to prevent foreclosure on your house.

Stronghold Crusader HD: Build castles with your friends and destroy castles with your ex-friends.

Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel: Yu-Gi-Oh: but you can play Yu-Gi-Oh in secrecy.