Southwest Montana Snapshot 2023

BE CARE AWARE.

Know when and where to go when you need care.

PRIMARY CARE

Your first stop should always be your primary care provider. If your provider is unable to see you, they will help guide you when and where to go to get the care you need.

B2 CARES

Life is unpredictable. When you are unable to be seen by your primary care provider, or if you don't have a primary care provider, see one of our B2 Care locations.

EMERGENCY CARE

For any injuries or illnesses that are serious or life threatening, head straight to the Emergency room. Open 24/7, 365 days a year.

WHAT’S INSIDE Welcome Va ey! to the Ga atin

It’s one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation and it’s easy to see why so many people are eager to call it home. With an award-winning university and schools, a thriving arts scene and bustling downtown, picturesque mountain views and a never-ending supply of outdoor recreation, Bozeman has big city amenities with a small-town feel.

Welcome to Snapshot — the Bozeman Daily Chronicle’s resident guide for navigating your life in the Gallatin Valley. In this magazine, you’ll find everything you need to know about your new home, from how to find housing to where to send your kids to school and even where to find the best beer. You’ve already made a great decision by subscribing to your local newspaper, where we’ll continue to bring you updates about what’s new in Bozeman and the rest of the valley. You can also check out the Chronicle’s social media accounts and website for up-to-the-minute info throughout the day.

As you navigate your community, you should know a little about the area’s history. Bozeman was founded in the 1860s as a stop on the way to gold fields in Bannack and Virginia City. Prior to that, several Native American tribes called the area home including the Blackfeet, Shoshone, Crow, Salish and Nez Perce tribes. It’s always been a wild-west town, and it’s growing into a wild-west city. In Bozeman, cowboy boots and blue jeans are still considered dressy and there’s the occasional tractor on 19th Avenue. While the city maintains its rural, western roots it also has a rapidly-growing tech sector and amenities typical of a much larger city. Bozeman has been one of the fastestgrowing micropolitan cities in the country for several years running and it reached the threshold to be a metropolitan city in 2020.

There’s no lack of things to do in Bozeman and the surrounding area, indoors or outdoors. Downtown, there are dozens of locally-owned restaurants, shops, bars and more to keep you busy. There are plenty of parks and the city’s connection to the surrounding mountains runs deep. The city maintains a trail system stretching from Main Street to the mountains, where you’ll find you can participate in almost any outdoor activity you can dream up, from fly fishing to paragliding to hiking the “M” trail. Skiers and snowboarders flock to Bozeman for its top-rated ski resorts and snow, and there’s something for every thrill-seeking adventurer or those in search of sun and relaxation.

With Hyalite Canyon and Yellowstone National Park a short drive away, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views in and around the Gallatin Valley. But if you venture into the mountains, don’t forget your bear spray!

While we like to boast about the views, vibrant downtown and plethora of outdoor activities, what really makes Bozeman special is the people. This is a close-knit community that loves and values its city and everything the valley has to offer. Treat people with kindness and enjoy the outdoors. We have a feeling you’ll fit right in. Welcome home.

WRITTEN BY: Patricia Horwell

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Rachel Leathe

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Cindy Sease

& LAYOUT: Darla Allen

& CHILDCARE Education

Rachel Leathe/Chronicle

Megan Roth, an early literacy teacher with the Bozeman School District, works with a group pre-kindergarten kids at the Hawk’s Nest on April 18, 2022. The Hawk’s Nest is an early learning center located at Bozeman High. It’s operated through a partnership between the Bozeman School District and Gallatin Valley YMCA.

Montana State University is a big part of what makes Bozeman such a great community. The state’s largest university, it has grown over the years and is a Carnegie top-tier research facility. That standard of educational excellence extends all the way down through the region’s growing K-12 school systems and other educational institutions.

MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Mountains and Minds

When the state of Montana as we know it today was just beginning to take shape, the powers that be were deciding where to put the state capital. Bozeman leaders fought to host it, but lost out to Helena, about 100 miles to the north. As a consolation prize, Bozeman was chosen as the site for Montana’s landgrant university — a move that has shaped the city ever since.

Many current Bozeman residents first came to the area to attend Montana State University or to work there. Bobcat pride runs deep here.

Beyond the Cats athletics teams, there’s a good reason people are proud of MSU. The university has grown in the past decade, from fewer than 12,000 undergraduates in 2000 to nearly 17,000 in 2021. The university attracts a significant number of out-of-state students, who might be drawn to apply due to the area’s access to great ski hills, and certainly by MSU’s excellent reputation.

The university is also one of a few designated to have “very high research activity.” Keep an eye on the exciting research coming out of MSU.

GALLATIN COLLEGE

Housed on Montana State University’s campus, Gallatin College offers two-year associate’s degrees and one-year professional certificates for a range of professions.

The college works closely with area industries to develop programs and train workers in areas of study including aviation, bookkeeping, welding, culinary arts, interior design, cyber security and more. The college also works with area high schools for dual enrollment programs.

Hamilton Hall

(406) 994-5536, www.gallatin.montana.edu

LOCAL LIBRARIES

Public libraries are essential to any reader, young or old. Fortunately, southwest Montana has some excellent facilities.

Bozeman Public Library

Bozeman Public Library offers everything you’d expect in a library and then some. Located at 626 East Main St., Bozeman, the library has reading chairs and workspaces. It also offers public computers, printing, faxing, copying and scanning, as well as meeting rooms.

The library holds a range of events for children, teens and adults, including live music on some Saturdays, book clubs and workshops.

Find out more at www.bozemanlibrary.org

Belgrade Public Library

The Belgrade Public Library has a range of programs for people of all ages. It has public computers and a meeting room. The library holds events like yoga, story time and a board game club. The library is at 106 N. Broadway Ave., Belgrade.

Find out more at www.belgradelibrary.org

Livingston-Park County Library

The Livingston-Park County Library is at 228 W. Callender St., Livingston and hosts events like preschool story time and a books and babies program, along with other programming.

Find out more at www.livingstonparkcountylibrary.blogspot.com

CHILD CARE

Like much of the country, Bozeman struggles to keep up with demands for child care. Some employers are providing child care for their own employees. There are in-home daycares in Bozeman, as well as several daycare businesses. Still, getting in touch with a provider as early as possible will probably be beneficial.

CHILD CARE CONNECTIONS

Child Care Connections is based in Bozeman, though it works region-wide, covering Gallatin, Park, Meagher,Lewis & Clark, Jefferson and Broadwater counties. Childcare Connections works across the spectrum of child care, offering financial support and referrals to families as well as nutrition and wellness education. It also works with childcare professionals on education and professional support.

1143 Stoneridge Drive, Bozeman, (406) 587-7786

www.Bozemanccc.org

KIDSLINK

Child care is a great need and many parents simply can’t afford it, according to Kimberly Hall, president and CEO of Greater Gallatin United Way. The nonprofit organization administers KidsLINK, an after-school program run at Bozeman and Belgrade schools. This program operates in elementary schools in the Bozeman and Belgrade school districts. There is also a program at Belgrade Middle School.

“The average cost of after-school child care in this state is between $100 and $150 a week,” Hall said. Providing food, clothing and shelter to their families is critical and many working parents can’t handle much more. “Our program is $12 a day.” And families with more than one child attending, pay $10 a day per child. The program, which runs until 5:45 p.m., services more than 1,200 kids. It operates during spring break and on teacher conference days.

Kidslink offers a safe, caring environment with nutritious snacks, outdoor play, quiet time and homework assistance. “Everyone should have access to high-quality afterschool care,” Hall said. United Way affords scholarships to about 30% of the kids attending. United Way’s Kidslink is also in partnership with Bozeman Health, which gives scholarships to some of it employees.

United Way partners with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, providing books to children from birth to five years of age, no matter their family’s income.

More information is available at www.greatergallatinunitedway.org

BOZEMAN SCHOOLS

The mission of Bozeman Public Schools is to “provide an outstanding education that inspires and ensures high achievement so every student can succeed and make a difference in a rapidly changing world community.”

As Bozeman grows and evolves, so too does the school district. The district reached a new enrollment record in 2019 with 7,111 students spread throughout

eight elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools — one of which opened in 2020 to handle the large student population.

The district’s goal is to make certain that 85% of children entering kindergarten by 2025 have the requisite literacy skills. Educators are also working to ensure that 90% of third graders achieve grade-level reading competency.

From its high-quality education to excellent sports and extra-curricular activities, Bozeman schools have earned their sterling reputation.

HIGH SCHOOLS Bozeman High School

Mascot: The Hawks

With almost $30 million in new renovations, Bozeman High School sits squarely in the middle of town. Recent renovations include a new classroom building and a 750-seat auditorium. The Van Winkle Stadium on the campus was renovated in 2018 and holds Friday night football under the lights.

Known for excellence, its four-year graduation rate surpasses the state average. Bozeman High students have outperformed the state in mathematics, reading and science proficiency.

205 North 11th Ave., Bozeman, (406) 522-6200

https://bhs.bsd7.org

Gallatin High School

Mascot: The Raptors

Newly opened in 2020, Gallatin High School serves west Bozeman and sits at the edge of town near Oak Street and Cottonwood Road. Students are quickly establishing their own culture at Gallatin High School, which includes playing the theme from “Jurassic Park” before some sporting events.

The roughly $93 million high school features tennis courts, softball fields and a running track.

4455 Annie Street, (406) 522-4600

https://ghs.bsd7.org

Rachel Leathe/Chronicle

Tad Drake teaches math to his sixth-grade class at Sacajawea Middle School on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022.

Bridger Charter Academy

Formerly the Bridger Alternative Program, in 1993 the school originally began serving students who had issues with the law or had some other obstacle that prevented them from attending typical high school classes.

It became a charter school in 2016 and is open to any student who might be better served by its competencybased approach, which allows learners to earn credits when they can show they’ve mastered a skill. Students learn at their own pace with personalized instruction. The program operates as a “school within a school” and is located in Bozeman High School, though it is open to students zoned into either high school. About 115 students in grades 9-12 are enrolled.

205 N 11th Ave, (406) 522-6100

https://bhs.bsd7. org/bridger-charteracademy

Bozeman Online Charter School

Bozeman Online Charter is a stand-alone school born out of the remote learning instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first of its kind in the state, it serves elementary and middle-school-age students. Approximately 120 students were enrolled. The school uses both in-person and remote learning in a competency-based model.

(406) 522-6600, https://bocs.bsd7.org

MIDDLE SCHOOLS Chief Joseph Middle School

Located in west Bozeman, Chief Joseph Middle School leans into its motto, “Make connections... Make a difference... Make learning real!” and enrolls about 750 students.

4255 Kimberwicke St., (406) 522-6300

https://cjms.bsd7.org

Sacajawea Middle School

Located in south Bozeman, Sacajawea Middle School has a student population between 750 and 800 students and focuses on being a “compassionate community that honors grit and celebrates growth in order to face the future with a level head and a critical eye.”

3525 South 3rd Ave., (406) 522 - 6400

https://sms.bsd7.org

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Emily Dickinson School

Emily Dickinson serves about 500 students in west Bozeman, teaching them academic and behavioral skills “to reason and communicate responsibly.” The school also emphasizes fostering a safe and caring environment and encourages kids to accept each other’s differences. The school motto is “Bright Beginnings.”

2435 Annie St., (406)522-6650

https://ed.bsd7.org

Hawthorne Elementary School

Mascot: The Hedgehogs

With an enrollment of about 350 kids, Hawthorne sits right near downtown Bozeman. The school focuses on active learning, respect, teamwork and safety. Its motto is “Celebrating children, lifelong learning and the

405 E. Mendenhall St., (406)522-6700

https://ha.bsd7.org

Hyalite Elementary School

Hyalite serves about 500 students in west Bozeman and is named for the reservoir and recreation area just to the south of Bozeman. True to its name, each grade level at the school has its own garden plot and students

arts!”

Rachel Leathe/Chronicle Megan Roth, an early literacy teacher with the Bozeman School District, reads to Theo Katz and June Kumpula at the Hawk’s Nest on April 18, 2022. The Hawk’s Nest is an early learning center located at Bozeman High. It’s operated through a partnership between the Bozeman School District and Gallatin Valley YMCA.

take field trips to Hyalite Canyon. The school’s motto is “Outdoor Education.”

3600 W. Babcock St., (406) 582-6800

https://hy.bsd7.org

Meadowlark Elementary School

Located near the new Gallatin High School in west Bozeman, Meadowlark Elementary serves about 530 students. It is one of Bozeman’s newer schools, open since 2013. Its motto is “Where your song will soar.”

4415 Durston Road, (406) 582-6860

https://ml.bsd7.org

Longfellow Elementary School

With just over 300 students, Longfellow strives to encourage lifelong learning with a focus on literacy, creative expression and scientific thinking. The school celebrates individual students’ strengths and talents. Its motto is “C.A.R.E.S. Cooperates. Accepts. Respects. Encourages. Shares.”

516 S. Tracy St., (406) 522-6150

https://lo.bsd7.org

Irving Elementary School

Located near the Montana State University campus, Irving Elementary is small in comparison to other elementary schools, with just over 250 students. The school focuses on diversity and emphasizes embracing students from different cultures, countries and backgrounds. Its motto is “Unity through Diversity.”

811 W. Alderson St., (406) 522-6600

https://ir.bsd7.org

Morning Star Elementary School

Located in south Bozeman near Sacajawea Middle School, Morning Star is named after Northern Cheyenne Chief Morning Star. The school educates about 500 students and emphasizes creating a sense of dignity and responsibility for the individual and the whole. Its motto is “Learning Today for Tomorrow”

830 Arnold St., (406) 522-6500

https://ms.bsd7.org

Whittier Elementary School

With an enrollment of about 280 students, Whittier Elementary is in central Bozeman. The school emphasizes educational technology. Its motto is “A wonderful place to grow.”

511 N. 5th St., (406) 522-6750

https://wh.bsd7.org

BOZEMAN RURAL SCHOOLS

Lamotte School

Just five miles east of Bozeman, Lamotte serves about 70 students in grades K-8. Its motto is “Where education and the environment meet.”

841 Bear Canyon Road, (406) 586-2838

Monforton School

Mascot: The Wildcats

Monforton educates K-8 students near Four Corners and has an elementary and middle school.

6001 Monforton School Road, (406) 586-1557

https://monfortonschool.org

Anderson School

Anderson educates about 200 students in grades PK-8 and is located southwest of Bozeman. The school fosters a challenging and nurturing learning environment through small class sizes and community involvement.

10040 S. Cottonwood Road, (406) 587-1305

https://andersonmt.org

BELGRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Belgrade Schools consists of one high school, a middle school and three elementary schools, as well as an alternative high school. The district offices are located at 312 N. Weaver St.

Enrollment information can be found on the district’s website: www.bsd44.org

Belgrade High School

Mascot: Panthers

There are about 900 students enrolled at Belgrade High School. The school boasts a four-year graduation rate of 89%, which is higher than the state average. The number of students who are college-ready is in line with the rest of Montana.

303 North Hoffman, Belgrade, (406) 388-6862

Belgrade Middle School

Enrollment is about 1,000.

410 Triple Crown Road, Belgrade, (406) 388-1309

Saddle Peak Elementary School

Enrollment is about 450.

400 Jackrabbit Road, Belgrade, (406) 924-2760

Heck-Quaw Elementary School

Enrollment is about 450.

308 N Broadway, Belgrade, (406) 388-4104

Ridge View Elementary School

Enrollment is about 450.

117 Green Belt Drive, Belgrade, (406) 924-2037

Story Creek Elementary

807 Bolinger Road, Belgrade, (406) 924-2791

LIVINGSTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

Livingston School District has two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, and has a mission to provide a safe environment for students to learn how to become lifelong learners contributing members of society. For information, visit the district website

https://livingston.k12.mt.us

Park High School

Mascot: Rangers

Park High School serves kids is known for “quality of education, its exceptional faculty, and the close interactions between students and faculty.” More than 400 students are enrolled.

102 View Vista Drive, Livingston, (406) 222-0448

https://parkhigh.org

Sleeping Giant Middle School

Enrollment is about 300 in grades 6-8

301 View Vista Drive, (406) 222-3292

East Side Elementary School

Enrollment is about 300 in grades 3-5.

132 South B. St., (406) 222-0861

B.A. Winans Elementary School

Enrollment is about 300 students in grades 1 and 2.

1015 W. Clark St., (406) 222-0192

Washington School

Washington School Early Foundations Center has a part-time preschool, a special 2YK program, and a full-day kindergarten.

315 N. 8th St., Livingston (406) 222-1231

Park Online Education Expedition

The Park Online Education Expedition is an online schooling option for students K-12. Students have a flexible schedule with regular check-ins with a teacher. More information can be found on the district’s website.

OTHER AREA SCHOOLS

Manhattan Public Schools

Manhattan Public Schools serves students in grades K-12. About 260 elementary students are enrolled, 225 middle school students and 270 high schoolers.

Grades K-12, 416 N. Broadway, (406) 284-6460

Gallatin Gateway School

The Gateway Gators have a motto of “educating the future.” There are about 130 students in grades K-6, and about 30 in grades 7-8. The school is well over 100 years old.

100 Mill St., (406) 763-4415

https://gallatingatewayschool.com

Three Forks Public Schools

Three Forks Public Schools enrolls students in grades preschool-12 with an enrollment of about 320 kids in grades PK-5, 190 kids in grades 6-8 and 200 in grades 9-12.

210 E. Neal St., (406) 285-3224

https://tfschools.com

BIG SKY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Big Sky schools include Ophir Elementary and Middle schools and Lone Peak High School. Just about 100 kids are enrolled at the high school. Grades K-12

45465 Gallatin Road, Gallatin Gateway (406) 9954281, https://bssd72.org

Mount Ellis Academy

Mount Ellis is east of Bozeman and is a private boarding school with boys and girls dormitories.

3641 Bozeman Trail Rd., Bozeman (406) 5875178, www.mtellis.orgHeadwaters Academy

Headwaters Academy

Headwaters is a private middle school, serving kids in grades six through eight.

1005 Durston Road, Bozeman (406) 585-9997

www.headwatersacademy.org

Heritage Christian School

Heritage Christina is a non-denominational, evangelical Christian school with about 225 students in grades K-12.

4310 Durston Road, (406) 587-9311

www.heritage-christian.org

Bozeman Field School

Bozeman Field School is a private high school with students in grades 9-12. The school will soon build a new campus.

2006 Stadium Drive, Suite 102, (406) 577-2492

www.bozemanfieldschool.org

Manhattan Christian School

Manhattan Christian is a private school that is more than 100 years old and serves students in grades Pre-K to 12.

8000 Churchill Road, Manhattan, (406) 282-7261

www.manhattanchristian.org

Petra Academy

Petra was founded in 1995 and is a private Christian school serving kids in preschool and grades K-12.

4720 Classical Way, Bozeman, (406) 582-8165

www.petraacademy.com

Rachel Leathe/Chronicle

Megan Roth, an early literacy teacher with the Bozeman School District, works with a group pre-kindergarten and kindergarten-age kids at the Hawk’s Nest on April 18, 2022. The Hawk’s Nest is an early learning center located at Bozeman High. It’s operated through a partnership between the Bozeman School District and Gallatin Valley YMCA.

ARTS AND EDUCATION

The Emerson

The Emerson offers a range of classes including studios and summer art camps in the old-school building designed by famed Bozeman architect Fred Willson.

111 S. Grand Ave., Bozeman, (406) 587-9797 www.theemerson.org

Bozeman Art Museum

The Bozeman Art Museum works with local schools and homeschool families to ensure arts education is strong in the K-12 school system. The museum also holds workshops and lectures.

2612 W. Main St. Suite B., Bozeman. (406) 5701419, www.bozemanartmuseum. org/classes-andeducation

Bozeman Adult Learning Center

The Adult Learning Center has opportunities for adults looking to learn English and those looking to take the HiSET high school equivalency exam. Information can be found at: www.bsd7.org/teaching_ and_learning/bozeman_ adult_learning_center.

Adult and Community Education

The Livingston ACE program is at 132 South B St., Livingston. (406-671-5446), www.livingstonace.org

Rachel Leathe/Chronicle

Jessica Amende begins a new book with her sixth-grade English Language Arts class at Sacajawea Middle School on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022.

Rachel Leathe/Chronicle

The Bozeman Public School Board listens to a presentation during a meeting on Jan. 9, 2023, at Willson School.

OUTDOORS Get

The ample outdoor recreation opportunities may well be part of the reason you moved to Bozeman in the first place, but if something else brought you here, there’s good news — fishing, hiking, skiing and boating around southwest Montana is worldclass.

Some residents live for alpine skiing — some even try to ski 12 months out of the year. Some only think about fishing. For others, it’s backpacking, biking, four-wheeling or ATV-ing — the list goes on. Just drive around town and you’ll see snowmobiles tied onto pick-up trucks, skis and bikes lassoed to Subarus and cars of all sizes that look like they’ve taken a mud bath.

The point is that when people in southwest Montana get into something, they get into it. Luckily, there’s something for everyone in Montana’s mountains, lakes and rivers. Spend some time trying to figure out what makes you happiest in the great outdoors and take advantage of our beautiful region.

OUTDOOR TIPS

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There are some must-dos, and never-dos, to know about recreating in Montana.

The first, and most obvious, is to be prepared. Know where you’re going and look up directions beforehand. (With spotty reception in most areas outside of town, having a paper map never hurts). It’s important to take note of the weather forecast too. Getting stuck in a blizzard without the proper gear isn’t fun.

Recreating alone can be risky, so going with a friend or two is safer. But if you do choose to go out by

yourself, make sure you let someone know where you’ll be and when you expect to return. And don’t forget to let them know when you’ve made it home safe.

Animals are our friends, but sometimes they don’t know that. Carrying bear spray with you never hurts, even if the chances of encountering a bear are slim. You can use bear spray on other animals too. Follow other basics, like keeping your food in a bear-safe box or bear bag far away from the tent if you’re camping and making some noise when you’re hiking.

If you do see a bear or other animal, keep your

Rachel Leathe/Chronicle

Two women have a picnic at Hyalite Reservoir on Sept. 28, 2022.

distance. You can tell people you were much closer later to make it a better story. But if you actually do get closer, you might not get to tell the story at all.

Forest fires are a constant reality in the western United States. Make sure to be particularly cautious when handling fire at any time of year, particularly during the dry summer months. Learn more about preventing forest fires at https://www.smokeybear. com.

Make sure to practice proper trail etiquette. Beyond being friendly, make sure not to hog the trail and to be respectful of others. Avoid blasting music or acting rowdy when out on a hike. If you are accompanied by your four-legged friend, make sure to clean up after them and to dispose of the waste in a bag. And don’t leave it sitting on the side of the trail.

Make sure to pack out what you pack in — follow the old Girl Scout mantra and leave the place better than the way you found it.

Bozeman is full of gearheads, and having the proper equipment is definitely important. But don’t let the high cost at some stores stop you. For instance, while you might not want to skimp on a good skiing helmet, a regular backpack that can hold a water bottle or two works just as well as a fancy hydration pack with a built-in water reservoir. Nice hiking shoes can protect your feet better and may be easier on your legs, but regular sneakers will carry you just fine up and down most trails.

If you’re trying out a new activity but don’t want to invest in new gear, check some of the outdoor shops around town for rentals, including Roundhouse Ski and Sports Center, Ph.D Skis and Chalet Sports. Play it Again Sports and Second Wind Sports both sell quality used gear at a more affordable cost, and Bozeman’s Facebook marketplace is chock full of used gear for sale.

Most importantly, get out there. Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from exploring all that Southwest Montana has to offer. Just do it.

OUTDOOR NONPROFITS TO SUPPORT —

Southwest Montana is full of environmental and outdoor-focused nonprofits, and many of the recreational opportunities around are there because of the tireless work of nonprofits. Here are a few to follow and support.

Gallatin Valley Land Trust

Based in Bozeman, Gallatin Valley Land Trust, or GVLT, preserves open space in the region through conservation easements. The organization also works to expand the trail system and has helped bring the Main Street to the Mountains system — a program to connect trails in town to trails in the mountains — to more than 80 miles of trails.

Founded in the 1990s, one of GVLT’s first projects was partnering with the city of Bozeman to purchase Peet’s Hill to be a city park, an early goal of the organization’s founder, Chris Boyd.

Find more information at www.gvlt.org

Bridger Ski Foundation

Bridger Ski Foundation, or BSF, provides educational and competitive Nordic, alpine and freestyle skiing programs for people of all ages. The foundation also maintains Nordic ski trails in Bozeman, including Bridger Creek Golf Course, Highland Glen Nature Preserve and Sourdough Creek Trail.

The organization gives scholarships, financial aid and equipment assistance, and keeps its trails open to anyone (though they do offer optional trail passes).

Find more information at www.bridgerskifoundation.org

Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association

The Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association, or SWMMBA, is fairly new. The organization focuses on increasing bike access to trails, builds new trails, maintains existing ones and advocates for mountain bikers.

SWMMBA worked with the Bureau of Land Management to establish 17 miles of trails at Copper City near Three Forks. The project took two years and was completed in 2019.

Find more information at www.southwestmontanamba.org

Friends of Hyalite

Hyalite Canyon is part of the Custer Gallatin National Forest and is maintained by the Forest Service. It is the most-visited national forest service area in Montana and Friends of Hyalite works to care for Hyalite.

The group helps fund the plowing of Hyalite Canyon Road during the winter, which is key to maintaining access to the canyon during the snowy season.

Find more information at www.hyalite.org

Sacajawea Audubon Society

Sacajawea Audubon Society works to foster interest in birds and advocates for the conservation of natural land and wetlands throughout southwest Montana. The organization also holds the Bridger Raptor Festival and other educational events.

Find more information at www.sacajaweaaudubon.org

OUTSIDE KIND —

Outside Kind is a partnership between several Bozeman outdoor nonprofits led by One Montana and was born out of an increase in conflicts on trails. Outside Kind is an educational campaign intended to help teach people about proper outdoor etiquette, whether one is hiking, trail running, biking or skiing.

“Ski Kind,” “Hike Kind,” “Hunt Kind,” “Fish Kind,” “Bike Kind” and “Wag Kind” campaigns are each tailored to a particular activity encouraging people to be kind, cool and aware when recreating.

Find more information at www.outsidekind.org

HIKING —

Trails of all surfaces and varieties abound in and around Bozeman. Take a look at the Gallatin Valley Land Trust’s website, gvlt.org, to find a map of local trails. Some favorites are the “M” hike and the Drinking Horse Trail. The two are on either side of Bridger Drive and are connected by an underpass. A paved path now connects the trailheads and Story Mill Park, giving everyone access to the mountains.

There are two ways to get up to the “M.” One is steep. The other is steeper. Whichever way you scramble up to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a good view of Bozeman and part of the Gallatin Valley.

Just across the road is Drinking Horse, which is just as steep as the “M.” Scramble up to the summit and enjoy a snack at the picnic table. From here you get a good view into Bridger Canyon as well as a look at Bozeman from above.

Also close to town is Triple Tree, a five-mile, lollipoplike trail that starts from a parking lot off of Sourdough Road. This trail features some steep

sections, but rewards hikers with a great view of the area south of Bozeman.

Hikes in Hyalite

Bozeman really is blessed to be so close to Hyalite Canyon, which is just south of town and offers spectacular trails. There are a few must-do hikes in Hyalite.

On the easier end of things is Palisade Falls, which is paved much of the way. If you want to stroll along the reservoir, the West Shore Trail (#431) leaving from the reservoir parking lot makes for a nice trail.

Another favorite, the trail to Hyalite Lake, starts out paved until you pass Grotto Falls, then climbs 2,000 feet to the lake.

Other good trails include History Rock, Blackmore Lake/Peak, Emerald Lake/Heather Lake and Langhor Meadows. You really can’t go wrong in Hyalite.

Hikes out Gallatin Canyon

U.S. Highway 191 connects Bozeman to Big Sky, West Yellowstone and the park, but there are some great stops along the way. Lava Lake, Storm Castle and Porcupine Creek are a few highlights.

Yellowstone hikes

Investing in an annual park pass makes it easier to justify driving into the park for a hike. And, of course, there are too many amazing hikes in Yellowstone to list.

Check them out on the park website: www.nps.gov/yell

Hikes in the Bridgers

The Bridger’s sometimes feel like Bozeman’s personal mountainn range, and there are some great hikes in those hills, like Fairy Lake, Battle Ridge, Sypes Canyon and the Bridger Ridge Trail.

Other nearby favorites include Bear Trap Canyon, Kirk Hill, Leverich Canyon, Mount Ellis Trail, Sourdough Creek Trail, and South Cottonwood, to name just a few.

The book “Day Hikes Around Bozeman” by Robert Stone is an essential guide.

Rachel Leathe/Chronicle Sam Reinsel,right, and Christopher Kussmaul return to their car after skiing near Maid of the Mist Mountain in Hyalite Canyon on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2022.

SKIING —

For many, winter is the best season in Montana, with plenty of alpine (downhill) and Nordic (crosscountry) skiing opportunities.

Downhill

Bridger Bowl is fewer than 20 miles away, and Big Sky about 45 miles south, so many Gallatin Valley locals get a pass to either mountain. But don’t discount the mountains farther away. Showdown, Discovery and Red Lodge are all within a day’s trip driving distance and might not be as crowded. If you’re planning on buying a season pass, make sure to check it out early. Prices tend to go up the closer we get to winter.

Bridgerbowl.com • bigskyresort.com

Nordic

Southwest Montana is increasingly becoming known for its great Nordic skiing options. You can choose to get a season pass to Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, which is right near Bridger Bowl and features over 45-kilometers of pristine groomed trails. The forest service grooms trails in Hyalite and the Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone is another nearby(ish) option, but there are plenty of options right in town.

The Bridger Ski Foundation grooms trails at Highland Glen Nature preserve, Sunset Hills and the Bridger

Creek Golf Course, to name a few. Check out more and buy a ski pass at https://www.bridgerskifoundation.org; http://www.rendezvousskitrails.com; or https://www. crosscutmt.org

GOLFING —

For those looking for a more leisurely activity, there are plenty of golf courses around Bozeman.

Bridger Creek Golf Course

Bridger Creek is a public golf course located along the creek from which it takes its name. Bridger Creek focuses on golf education and lessons.

2710 McIlhattan Road, Bozeman, (406) 586-2333

https://bridgercreek.com

Riverside Country Club

Riverside is a country club with a golf course located north of Bozeman. Riverside is memberowned and has been operating since 1959.

2500 Springhill Road, Bozeman, (406) 587-5105

https://riverside-country-club.com

Valley View Golf Club

Valley View is a private golf club right in the middle of town with a course, pro shop and restaurant.

302 E Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, (406) 587-9751

https://vvgcbozeman.com

Samuel Wilson/Chronicle/Report for America

A shirtless skier hits a jump at Bridger Bowl on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

Cottonwood Hills Golf Club

Located west of Bozeman, Cottonwood Hills is family owned and offers season and daily passes.

8955 River Road, Bozeman, 406-587-1118

https://www.cottonwoodhills.com

Livingston Golf Course

With nine holes, the Livingston Golf Course is situated right along the Yellowstone River. Day and weekend rates can be found on its website.

44 View Vista Dr, Livingston, (406) 222-1100

https://www.livingstongolfcourse.com

ON THE WATER

“A River Runs Through It” may be fictional, but its representation of the world-class fishing in southwest Montana is certainly accurate. Located near the headwaters of the Missouri River, the Bozeman area is home to several can’t miss rivers to cast a reel in.

The first step will be getting the right gear — try a few

of the fly shops around town, like The River’s Edge Fly Shop or Fins & Feathers. There are a host of fishing guides, including Montana Angling Company, Wild West Flyfishing and Bozeman Fly. If you’re looking to go out by yourself, there are a wealth of good spots.

Hyalite Reservoir and Creek are two good options close to town, as is the Gallatin

River near Axtell Bridge. The Gallatin flows from the northwestern corner of Yellowstone National Park and eventually meets up with the Madison and Jefferson to form the Missouri River near Three Forks.

The Madison River is one of the best spots for fishing. The river also flows out of Yellowstone and is formed from the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbons rivers. Bear Trap Canyon outside of Ennis in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness is a good place, but it is popular with rafters and boaters and can be crowded.

The Yellowstone River is also a popular spot. There are plenty of fishing access sites on the river through the Paradise Valley between Livingston and Yellowstone National Park. And yes, the name of the valley is accurate.

CULTURE Artsand

Live it up! Nightlife in Bozeman is bright with new concert venues, bars and clubs opening. Summer staples like the Music on Main series and two weekly farmers’ markets are operating at full capacity. The town’s performing arts centers and theaters offer live performances with full schedules. Just get out there and enjoy.

ARTS & CULTURE —

The Ellen Theatre

Right across the street from the historic Rialto Theater sits the historic Ellen Theatre, the home to Montana Theatreworks and one of Bozeman’s most famous buildings. The Ellen was opened in 1919 as a vaudeville theater, but held a variety of events, from films to circuses with live elephants. By 2005, the building was facing an unknown future, but Montana TheatreWorks raised the money to buy the building and, in 2008, began remodeling the massive historic landmark. In December 2019, work was finished on the facade of the building to bring it back to its 1920s art deco glory, all based on original blueprints by the famous Bozeman architect Fred Willson. Productions have been on the stage since 2008, except for an 18-month break during the pandemic. The hiatus offered some time to finish renovations — mostly restoring the Ellen — that have been ongoing for years. The Ellen reopened in October 2021 and since has had a robust lineup from live music, indie film showings to live theater performances.

17 W. Main St., (406) 585-5885 www.theellentheatre.com

Bozeman Actors Theatre

For 10 years, Bozeman Actors Theatre has brought contemporary and classical performances to the community. Performing in a variety of venues around town, the professional theater strives to produce thoughtprovoking performances of all kinds.

www.bozemanactorstheatre.org

The Rialto Theatre Bozeman

The Rialto has been a fixture of Main Street since it was built as a post office in 1908. The historic building had a massive makeover in 2018. It presents multiple acts a week in every genre, from Bluegrass to EDM. The venue has an exclusive booking contract with Missoula-based Logjam Presents, which has several live-music venues in and around Missoula. The space may also be rented out for private events. Logjam Presents also opened The ELM, another live-music venue in Bozeman, in 2021. Information on upcoming concerts, events and ticketing information can be found online at www.rialtobozeman. com.

10 W. Main St., (406) 404-7911.

Verge Theater

The Verge puts on plays that are open to all, calling it “radical inclusion” — a space where anyone, regardless of experience, can find a community. Its mission is to produce offbeat, thought-provoking, heart-inspiring theater. Opened as the Equinox Theater in 1994, the Verge is now located in Suite 107 of the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture. The theater moved out of its former quarters, which had been its home for 22 years, during the pandemic. Intimate performances take place in the Verge’s suite, with larger performances in the Emerson’s Crawford Theater. Typically, the company puts on plays and musicals throughout the year and produces an annual, not-to-miss production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

111 South Grand Ave., Suite 107, (406) 585-0737, vergetheater.com

The Elm

This long-anticipated new concert venue opened its doors in 2021. Missoula-based Logjam Presents built the new venue, which holds up to 1,100 people. Tickets to shows at the ELM are available online, or at the ELM’s box office.

506 N. 7th Ave, (406) 830-4640 logjampresents.com/venue/theelm

The Filling Station

Dating back to 1976, the Filling Station is known for live music and is the home of the VFW. It’s a hub for local artists and musicians, but also books touring bands and artists.

For information on upcoming concerts visit its Facebook page.

2005 N. Rouse Ave., (406) 587-0585

The Emerson Center for The Arts & Culture

Occupying an old schoolhouse building downtown, the Emerson is a collection of art galleries and artist spaces. The Emerson hosts gallery openings of all kinds, from ceramics to oil paintings to massive installations with running water, and it holds adult art education classes for people who want to get in touch with their inner creative.

111 S. Grand Ave., (406) 587-9797, theemerson.org

Montana Ballet Company

Montana Ballet Company creates everything from scratch, including sets and costumes, making MBC shows once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. The company also offers ballet classes for children for kids who want to learn to dance in an environment that will foster their creativity and health. Executive Director Elizabeth DeFanti, a lifelong dancer herself, said the ballet’s job is to tell a story without words, whether that story be Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” or the famous “Nutcracker” ballet. Performances are made up of mostly junior and senior company members, along with academy children and visiting artists. Tickets to MBC shows are available on the company’s website.

2304 N. 7th Ave., (406) 582-8702 montanaballet.org

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks tours the state, offering free performances in parks from communities the size of Billings to those the size of Ekalaka in an effort to bring professional productions of Shakespeare and other classics directly to the people of Montana, with an emphasis on rural and underserved rural communities.

In operation since 1973, MSIP has performed in front of nearly a million people. Now in its 51st season, MSIP also offers a three-week program for elementary school kids called Montana Shakes, which includes a costume trunk, puppetry, stage combat and a K-6 original interactive play called “Hamlet Sandwich,” written by Matt Foss.

Black Box Theater, 11th and Grant, (406) 994-3303 shakespeareintheparks.org

Intermountain Opera

Since the 1970s, Intermountain Opera has brought professional performers to Bozeman for opera productions like “The Barber of Seville” and “The Marriage of Figaro.” Intermountain Opera performances

are generally held at the Willson Auditorium at 404 W. Main St. or at the Ellen Theatre at 17 W. Main St. (406-587-2889) intermountainopera.org

Bozeman Symphony Orchestra

Big things have been happening for the Bozeman Symphony. The orchestra selected its newest music director, Norman Huynh, in 2020 and moved to a new office location in 2021.

Performances typically take place at the Willson Auditorium.

402 E. Main St., (406) 585-9774 bozemansymphony.org

Montana Chamber Music Society

Montana Chamber Music Society’s mission is to bring chamber music concerts to the Big Sky with a host of worldclass musicians performing in Bozeman and throughout Montana. After a pandemicinduced hiatus, live concerts returned in 2021. More live concerts are on the way in 2022. Montanachambermusicsociety. org

Regal Gallatin Valley

Bozeman’s only dedicated movie theater is located inside the Gallatin Valley Mall. Operated by the Regal chain, Regal Gallatin Valley has multiple theaters showing the most popular new releases.

2825 W. Main St inside the Gallatin Valley Mall (844) 462-7342, regmovies.com

Bozeman Film Society

While Bozeman only has one dedicated movie theater, the Bozeman Film Society brings independent cinema to the community year-round with screenings at the Ellen Theatre. The nonprofit rallies behind the idea that independent films disperse new ideas, culture and art to its community. Check out its website for more information.

Rachel Leathe/Chronicle

Barb Schwarz Karst was the featured artist at Cello on Sept. 9, 2022.

111 S. Grand Ave. Ste. 112, (406)599-9069

bozemanfilmsociety.org

Bozeman Documentary Series

Bozeman Documentary Series is a biweekly documentary screening, showing at the Emerson Center. The series brings new and groundbreaking documentaries to Bozeman, providing another alternative to blockbuster films. The series runs between October and April and is in its eighth season.

Bozemandocseries.org

Last Best Comedy

Bozeman’s home for improv and standup found a permanent location, opening the town’s first dedicated comedy club in September 2021 in the basement of the Bozeman Hotel building. There, Last Best Comedy hosts local and national stand-ups, improv shows and classes for stand-up and improv.

321 E. Main St., (406) 219-8841 lastbestcomedy.com.

Open Door Theatre

Open Door Theatre started in 2014, with its inaugural performance of “Play On!” in January 2015. The goal of ODT is to create a place for all interested in being part of a play, whether onstage or off. To be involved in a future production, get more info, or find tickets, visit its website.

(406)548-5744, opendoorbozeman.org

BIG SKY —

Warren Miller Performing Arts Center

45465 Gallatin Rd., Gallatin Gateway (406) 995-6345, warrenmillerpac.org

Music in the Mountains

A free outdoor summer concert series, put on by the Arts Council of Big Sky.

Bigskyarts.org

LIVINGSTON —

The Shane Lalani Center for the Arts

415 E. Lewis St., (406) 222-1420

theshanecenter.org

Blue Slipper Theatre

113 E. Callender St., (406) 222-7720

blueslipper.org

Yellowstone Ballet Company

109 S. B St., (406) 222-0430, yellowstoneballet.info

Empire Twin Theatres

106 N. 2nd St., (406) 222-0111

livingstonmovies.com

MUSEUMS — Museum of the Rockies

The Museum of the Rockies is a Bozeman must-visit and offers world-class museum exhibits year-round. MOR has been recognized as one of the world’s best history and research museums and has a large collection of dinosaur fossils, including a fully mounted Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. With permanent exhibits, a Montana history hall, planetarium, and museum shop, the museum also hosts three to five changing exhibits each year and holds educational programs and camps, lectures and benefit events. With something for everyone in the family, it features the Martin Children’s Discovery Center and an exhibit designed for children up to eight years old. One of the museum’s claims to fame is its history with Jack Horner, who served as a museum curator prior to working as a paleontology consultant for the Jurassic Park movies. Dr. Caroline

McGill, a doctor from Butte, founded the museum in 1957. She also served as the museum’s first curator. It was originally named the McGill Museum, later to be incorporated as the Museum of the Rockies in 1965. It’s a nonprofit, college-level division of Montana State University, is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, one of just 1,095 nationwide to hold this distinction, and is a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum. Admission provides unlimited access for one day — all exhibits and planetarium shows are included in the price of admission.

600 W. Kagy Blvd, (406) 994-2251

museumoftherockies.org

Earth’s Treasures

Earth’s Treasures is a museum gallery, with authentic, ancient fossils on display, and a store. There is no

admission charge. Displays include a variety of fossils, minerals and gemstones.

With staff supervision, there’s plenty to poke, prod and feel. There are pieces like the teeth of a mammoth and dinosaur eggs.

25 N. Willson Ave. #B, (406) 582-3451

The American Computer & Robotics Museum

The American Computer & Robotics Museum is open year-round, and offers a look into 4,000 years of human history from original cuneiform tablets to the first personal computers, and include topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, the Space Race, Cracking the Enigma Code, and more. ACRM is the oldest continually operating museum of its kind in the world. Founded in May of 1990 by visionary collector George Keremedjiev, ACRM inspires visitors of all ages to explore the past and imagine the future of the Information Age through thought-provoking exhibits, innovative storytelling, and the bold exchange of ideas.

2023 Stadium Drive, (406) 582-1288

acrmuseum.org

Montana Science Center

The Montana Science Center is a place for kids and adults to learn side-by-side. Its mission is to provide hands-on learning experiences in science and technology that inspire creativity an d innovation leading to realworld applications. The center has a frequently rotating collection of interactive exhibits that families with children of all ages can explore together. The exhibit floor also hosts a science station featuring activities and

experiments to take learning further.

2744 W. Main St., (406) 522-9087

montanasciencecenter.org

The Gallatin History Museum

The museum takes a glimpse into the history of the Gallatin County area. The Gallatin History Museum is in an old jail, completed with hanging gallows and jail cells. It has a life-size pioneer cabin, exhibits on women, agriculture, the jail history and a photo archive with more than 20,000 historic photos. The research library maintains an extensive file collection with local information, newspapers, oral histories, maps, yearbooks, family histories and Montana, Lewis and Clark and local history books. The museum bookstore has reasonably priced hard-to-find materials for sale that deal with the history of Gallatin County.

317 W. Main St., (406) 522-8122 gallatinhistorymuseum.org

Bozeman Art Museum

The Bozeman Art Museum is the only fine arts museum in Bozeman, although the town is home to a number of galleries. The nonprofit’s mission is to inspire and foster creativity and love of art through high-quality exhibits. BAM works to educate the general public about art and art history through exhibits, lectures, classes and workshops. It provides an art education to kindergarten through high school students who do not have the advantage of art classes in their schools.

2612 W. Main St., (406) 570-1419 bozemanartmuseum.org

There are eight off-leash dog parks in the Bozeman area. All leash-free parks are closed between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Burke Park

Off South Church Avenue near downtown Bozeman, this is one of the most popular in town. Also known as Peets Hill, the 41-acre park consists of a trail that connects to the Main Street to the Mountains system. The park offers beautiful 360-degree views of the mountains surrounding the Gallatin Valley.

Lewis And Bark Dog Park

At Bozeman Pond, this park is fenced and enclosed on the west side of the pond near Gallatin Valley Mall and allows dogs to swim. The entrance to the park is off South Fowler Avenue.

The Highland Park Dog Park

Adjacent to the Softball Complex on the southwest side with the entrance is off Haggerty Lane, the park is enclosed and includes a dog station for waste disposal.

Gallatin County Regional Park

In west Bozeman, this park includes a variety of amenities like a pond, a jungle gym for kids and a separate, enclosed dog park. The park can be accessed from street parking on Ferguson Avenue.

Cooper Park

An off-leash, unfenced dog park between downtown and Montana State University, this park is full of picnic tables, benches, trees and is accessible from 8th Avenue.

PETYour FOR

Centennial Park

Off North Tracy Avenue and West Cottonwood Street, dogs can be off-leash only from 5-9 a.m. in this park.

West Paw Dog Park

Bozeman’s newest enclosed dog park is at Story Mill Community Park. The one-acre park was made possible with a donation from West Paw, a pet product manufacturer in town. The park is accessible from Story Mill Road.

Snowfill Recreation Area

A 38-acre open space, formerly part of the city’s landfill, now serves as one of the area’s largest and most scenic off-leash dog parks. The hilly site has more than 2 miles of gravel trails with views overlooking the Gallatin Valley. A north-facing hill is a popular sledding hill in the winter. The park is accessible off McIllhattan Road.

DESIGNATED DOG-FREE PARKS —

Glen Lake Rotary Park, Bronken Fields, all playgrounds, cemeteries, beaches except where designated, ice rinks, sports fields and Story Mill Park Nature Sanctuary are all dog free parks.

LEASH LAWS AND PET LICENSING —

Rachel Leathe/Chronicle Kelly Petix walks her neighbor’s dog, Moose, down West Cleveland Street on Thursday, March 3, 2022. Petix exercises Moose two to three times a week for her neighbors.

Leashes are required for dogs and cats in city limits, and letting an animal run free could land the owner a fine. Animals are not allowed to be tied up and left unattended in town. The city also requires that dogs and cats older than six months living within city limits be licensed. To get a license, an owner needs to present proof of a rabies vaccination and can pay a reduced fee if the animal has been spayed or neutered. Pet licenses can be purchased at City Hall on Rouse Avenue. If an owner has three or more cats, or three or more dogs they must apply separately at City Hall for a kennel license, which costs $50 annually. Urban chickens are also allowed for a small fee, although roosters are not permitted. There is a $25 onetime permit fee for one to six hens and a $50 one-time permit fee with inspection for seven to 15 hens.

PET STORES —

There are multiple pet stores in town, including chains Petco and Petsmart. Local options include Bridger Animal Nutrition and Dee-O-Gee. Bozeman’s newest addition, The Viv, opened in 2021 and offers exotic pets and pet supplies.

ADOPT —

There are several places to adopt your next furry friend.

Heart Of the Valley

For those who are looking for a pet, or are looking for somewhere to volunteer, Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter is the answer. The private, nonprofit shelter cares for an average of 3,900 cats and dogs annually. The shelter also offers educational programs for children, training classes for dogs, behavioral consultations, micro-chipping, ID tags and no-cost spay and neutering for feral cats. In addition to having volunteers to help with tasks at the shelter, Heart of the Valley also runs a foster program that places animals temporarily in homes for at least two weeks. The shelter is located at 1549 E. Cameron

Bridge Road and can be reached at (406)388-9399 or heartofthevalleyshelter.org.

Stafford Animal Shelter

Although it is in Livingston, many Bozeman residents take the trip over the hill to find their newest addition to the family. The nonprofit animal shelter is the only care facility in Park County and serves much of the southwest Montana region including Sweet Grass, Stillwater, Meagher and Fergus counties. Along with cats and dogs, the shelter has a “zoo” where it cares for a wide variety of animals including exotic pets, birds to small mammals. The shelter is at 3 Business Park Road, Livingston and can be reached at (406) 222-211 or staffordanimalshelter.org.

Cat Show Cat Cafe

Montana’s first cat café opened in Bozeman in 2020 and aims to pair adoptable kitties with their forever homes. Working with Heart of the Valley, the nonprofit Cat Show Cat Café acts as a foster home for adoptable cats while offering a more laid-back place to work and play with the cats. Reservations are required. The café also holds “meowvie nights,” which screen movies upstairs among the cats. It is at 730 Boardwalk Ave., (406) 551-2274, catshowcatcafe.com.

AROUND Getting

Learning to navigate a new town can be confusing but fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get around in Bozeman. First things first, you’ll want to consider getting fat tires for a bike if you plan on riding in winter and you’ll also want to think about getting snow tires for your car. If you’d prefer to use public transportation, there are several options to choose from.

STREAMLINE

— Bozeman’s Free Bus System

There are two types of yellow buses that zip around Bozeman — one is for school children and the other is Streamline. The canary yellow buses follow four in-town routes, and two commuter routes to Belgrade and Livingston. There’s also a late-night bus service from Thursdays through Saturdays. Streamline bus service rolled out new routes in August 2021, in an effort to expand to more areas of Bozeman and run buses later in the day. These public buses are fare-free. The program is run by the nonprofit Human Resource Development Council and aims to provide alternative transportation for all people. Buses are wheelchair accessible. The service has won the Montana Transit System of the Year Award and was recognized by the Federal Transit Administration as an Outstanding Rural Transit Agency. The bus service aims to

accommodate cyclists. Buses are equipped with bike racks so passengers can incorporate two modes of transportation into one outing. Streamline also rents out bike lockers on Montana State University’s campus to keep bikes safe for commuters.

Streamline also offers rides to and from Livingston, about 30 miles east of Bozeman. The service runs Monday through Friday. Pickups in Livingston start at 5:50 a.m.

The last pickup in Bozeman is at 6:45 p.m. A full schedule of Streamline’s daytime and late-night stops is outlined in the included map. Streamline also uses the app RouteShout, which is available on Apple and Android phones, and gives up-to-the-minute information on bus schedules and delays.

CALL FOR A RIDE —

If you ever need a ride, Bozeman has several options.

Bozeman has a number of cab companies, including Bridger Taxi, (406) 624-8294, DeShield’s Taxi Service, (406) 580-6461, and Greater Valley Taxi, (406) 3889999. Lyft and Uber rideshares are also available in Bozeman.

GALAVAN —

The Human Resource Development Council also operates Galavan, a paratransit provider for older adults (60 and older) and people with disabilities. Riders can get to medical appointments or run errands. The service offers door-to-door transportation, making it about as convenient as it gets. It’s also free of charge. Call (406) 587-2434 by 3 p.m. the day before to schedule a ride. Many seniors and people with disabilities are able to use the regular Streamline fixed route system. The Galavan office can assist in understanding how to use Streamline. Prospective riders can visit HRDC’s website at thehrdc.org or call 406-587-2434.

CONNECTING TO THE MOUNTAINS —

Bozeman also offers several public transportation options

for those in search of alpine thrills. It’s an easy drive to Bridger Bowl Ski Area, 16 miles east of town, but parking can be tough, especially on powder days. To skip parking at the furthest row from the base area and lugging ski gear up a hill, take the bus.

Bridger contracts with Streamline, First Student and Windrider to offer free rides from MSU and Gallatin County Fairgrounds to the ski hill and back about every 15 minutes on the weekends. The buses typically run a limited-service Wednesday through Friday, as well. More information and updates can be found at bridgerbowl. com.

There’s also a bus service that gets skiers up to Big Sky Resort, about an hour south of Bozeman. Skyline is a year-round bus service that connects Gallatin Valley to Lone Mountain. It stops in town at the Super 8 Motel, Walmart, MSU, Four Corners and Gallatin Gatewayn Inn before heading up Gallatin Canyon. The route is called The Link Express. Skyline also offers routes that make stops in Mountain Village, at area hotels and at Moonlight Basin. Find more information and pass prices at skylinebus.com.catshowcatcafe.com.

SERVICES

Weekendlines

STAYING Healthy W

ith many residents leading active outdoor lifestyles, health has always been a core value in the Gallatin Valley. Fortunately, we have plenty of resources for pursuing wellness and more healthcare options are on the way to keep up with Bozeman’s rapid population growth. Billings Clinic is Montana’s largest independent healthcare system serving Montana, Wyoming and the western Dakotas.

Bozeman Health, the valley’s largest employer, is planning expansions to its hospital system, including plans to build an inpatient psychiatric unit to bolster the Gallatin Valley’s behavioral health care. This means more options and more providers available to answer your questions and get you the care you need.

In addition to the larger healthcare systems, Gallatin County has a number of smaller clinics and urgent care providers to meet your needs.

Rachel Leathe/Chronicle Recreators take advantage of the cooler weather to bike and jog along the Gallagator Trail on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022.

BOZEMAN HEALTH —

Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital on Highland Boulevard is a nonprofit, community hospital with nearly 200 physicians on staff from 42 different specialties. It’s a 125-bed DNV GL accredited hospital and a verified Level III Trauma Center. It has an accredited cancer center and a designated Blue Distinction Center Plus for maternity care and a designated Blue Distinction Center for knee and hip replacement by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana.

Other specialty practices include (but are not limited to) cardiology, geriatrics and palliative medicine, gastroenterology, rheumatology, neurology, travel medicine and infectious disease, pulmonary medicine, sleep medicine, and urology. Bozeman Health is building a 12-bed inpatient psychiatric unit, which would be the first mental health care beds inside a medical facility in the county. It is expected to be ready by mid-2024.

Newer additions to the hospital include a new Intensive Care Unit, which doubled its capacity to 20 beds, and a neonatal intensive care unit and family birth center. Both additions opened in late 2020. Bozeman Health Medical Group is Gallatin Valley’s largest healthcare provider and largest employer with about 2,400 employees. Bozeman Health operates Deaconess Hospital, Big Sky Medical Center, Belgrade Clinic + Urgent Care, Bozeman Health Cottonwood Clinic + Surgery Center, Hillcrest Senior Living and its b2 Urgent Care and b2 MicroCare clinics.

BILLINGS CLINIC —

Billings Clinic, Montana’s largest health care provider recently completed an Ambulatory Destination Center, which includes a one-story surgery center, urgent care, pharmacy and outpatient surgical services at East Valley Center Road and North 27th Avenue.

It also houses the Billings Clinic Bozeman OB-GYN and Billings Clinic Bozeman Pediatrics. Billings Clinic has 13 regional partnerships and is a member of the

Mayo Clinic Care Network. It’s governed by a board of community members, nurses and physicians and employs more than 4,700 people statewide.

COMMUNITY HEALTH PARTNERS —

Community Health Partners has clinics in Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston and West Yellowstone. They offer medical and behavioral health care, and dental services in Bozeman and Livingston. All CHP clinics accept Medicaid and Medicare, Healthy Montana Kids, private insurance and a sliding fee scale for patients who don’t have insurance.

CHP was originally founded to benefit underserved and uninsured people. CHP has expanded its mental health care offerings by incorporating telehealth into its practice to connect patients to licensed counselors and a psychiatric nurse practitioner consultant. CHP also has a pharmacy with Medication Assistance Program coordinators who work to help patients gain access to affordable medications.

CHP operates under the belief that wellness lies within the mind, body and spirit.

GALLATIN CITY — COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT —

The county health department located in Bozeman offers a variety of services like prenatal and parenting classes, immunizations, cancer screening, water quality inspections and connection to local programs that can provide mental health care and housing support. The health department is the general hub for all information related to COVID-19, including providing up-to-date and reliable information on COVID-19 testing locations and vaccine clinics. The health department aims to provide resources, information and access to health care to empower healthy living. More information can be found at healthygallatin.org.

GET INVOLVED & get support

Rachel Leathe/Chronicle

Volunteers cheer on runners preparing for the 5k during the 16th annual Huffing For Stuffing race on Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, 2022, in Bozeman.

THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL —

Perhaps the region’s most prominent nonprofit, the Human Resources Development Council, or HRDC, works across a range of issues, including housing, transportation, food and financial assistance in both Bozeman and Livingston.

HRDC runs the Gallatin Valley Food Bank, Headwaters Area Food Bank and Big Sky Community Food Bank, as well as Fork & Spoon, a pay-whatyou-can restaurant in Bozeman, along with other nutrition programs. The nonprofit also runs Warming Centers — seasonal shelters for those experiencing homelessness — in Bozeman and Livingston, and is the go-to resource for those struggling with housing insecurity. HRDC also works to preserve existing affordable housing and works with community partners on other housing issues.

HRDC also runs the Streamline bus system, which is free of charge and serves the greater Bozeman area. HRDC also operates Galavan, which is for senior and disabled residents. More information on HRDC and how you can support them can be found at thehrdc. org.

Bozeman: (406) 587-4486; Livingston: (406) 3332537

HAVEN —

Haven works to support survivors of domestic violence and to educate the community on the topic to prevent future violence. Haven helps survivors of

domestic violence, sex trafficking and stalking with a 24-hour support line, an emergency shelter, individual and group counselling and legal advocacy.

Find more information on Haven’s website: havenmt. org 24-hour support line: (406) 586-4111 Office line: (406) 586-7689

EAGLEMOUNT —

Eaglemount serves people with disabilities of all ages and helps support people with cancer through a variety of activities including horseback riding, skiing, swimming, gardening, cycling or climbing. Eaglemount is celebrating its 43rd year in 2023. It started small back in 1982 with a ski program for those with disabilities. Now, Eaglemount comprises a 19-acre campus in south Bozeman which serves about 2,000 people a year. Eaglemount is funded entirely through private dollars and with an army of volunteers. Find out more at eaglemount.org or at (406) 586-1781.

GREATER GALLATIN UNITED WAY —

The Greater Gallatin United Way serves Gallatin, Madison, Meagher and Park counties and collaborates with other organizations on solutions focusing on four challenge areas: behavioral health and wellbeing, meeting basic needs, child and youth success and senior stability. The United Way launched the Resilience Project to advocate for a shift toward a “collective mindset of behavioral health and mental well-being. The project holds workshops and shares resources. Find out more about the United Way at www.greatergallatinunitedway.org or (406) 587-2194.

Rachel Leathe/Chronicle Around 3,200 people participated in the 16th annual Huffing for Stuffing race on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022, in Bozeman.

THE HELP CENTER —

An essential community service, The Help Center provides crisis counseling, advocacy, information, outreach, support and services through a 211 line, a sexual assault counseling center, family resource center, child advocacy center and thrift store. The 211 line and crisis line provide support to anyone who is in crisis, suicidal, needs resource referrals, concerned about a loved one, or just needs someone to talk to. More information on the 211 line and the Help Center’s other work can be found at bozemanhelpcenter.org. 24-hour crisis line: (406)5863333

THRIVE —

Founded in 1986, Thrive serves about 7,000 people per year through several programs, including mentoring, education and support for kids and parents. Thrive runs the Child Advancement Project, which matches volunteers with K-12 students in Bozeman and Big Sky to provide academic, enrichment and social support. It also runs the “Parent Place,” which provides programming, information, support and resources to parents, and the Partnership Project, which is a home-visit program for families with children ages up to 5. The Parent Liaison program works to encourage a strong link between the classroom and home and Girls for a Change works to empower girls in leadership and self-sufficiency. Find out more about Thrive at allthrive.org.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF BIG SKY COUNTRY —

For almost five decades, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Big Sky Country has worked to create one-toone mentoring relationships “that ignite the power and promise of youth.” The organization matches volunteers with children ages 5 to 18 to foster meaningful mentor relationships. The organization has locations in Bozeman, Big Sky, Livingston and Ennis. More information can be found at bbbsbigskycountry.org or by calling (406) 587-1216.

ONE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION —

One Valley works behind the scenes in the nonprofit

space in the Gallatin Valley. One Valley matches donors with causes, focuses financial resources and offers support to other area nonprofits and acts as a facilitator for community dialogues. The organization is almost 25 years old and takes a holistic look at the needs in the Gallatin Valley. Learn more at onevalley. org

FAMILY PROMISE —

Family Promise works with families struggling with homelessness in the Gallatin Valley. With the area’s ever-growing housing crisis, Family Promise is busy. The organization works at the problem from multiple sides, working on preventing homelessness, providing shelter and case management when needed. Families have somewhere to stay at night, and then in the day, they spend time job and home searching, taking financial education classes and working with a case manager. The organization then works to help stabilize families once they have again secured housing. The organization also runs a childcare program and other community initiatives like a school supplies program. Learn more at familypromisegv.org.

GALLATIN VALLEY YMCA

Located west of Bozeman, the Gallatin Valley YMCA offers group fitness classes, summer camps and educational programs. The Y is located at 3673 Love Lane in Bozeman and has a fitness center, men’s and women’s locker rooms, fitness studios, birthday party room and a nursing room. More information on the Y is available at www. gallatinvalleyymca.org

REACH, INC. —

Reach is a Bozeman nonprofit serving adults with developmental disabilities and helping with their residential, vocational and transportation needs. Reach operates six residences in Bozeman and runs a support program for people who live in their own homes. Reach also runs a vocational program and helps transport their clients to where they need to go. More information can be found at www.reachinc.org.

HOPA MOUNTAIN —

Hopa Mountain is based in Bozeman but supports rural and tribal leaders on educational, ecological and economic work. Hopa Mountain provides training, networking, mentoring and financial support for local leaders. Find out more at www.hopamountain.org

HOMEYour New

The secret is out! Gallatin Valley is a great place to live and more and more people are deciding to call it home. The U.S. Census confirmed what most of us already knew — Gallatin County is the fastest-growing county in Montana, Bozeman officially has become a metropolitan area and the area is continuing to grow rapidly. Home prices in the county have shot up since 2020 and are now well above the national average. The good news is, though, that real estate agents, businesses and nonprofits want to help you find your home here in Big Sky Country, whatever your needs might be.

If you’re looking to buy a home there are many experienced, professional real estate agents in the area who can find something perfect for you.

According to Robin Erlenbush, broker at ERA Landmark Real Estate in Bozeman, “We’ve noticed a pause in buyer frenzy and wild sales prices…What the numbers actually show is current inventory is still below historically normal levels and median sales prices are still up.” Landmark sales Manager Rachel Tasker said demand is still robust, however. “We’re still seeing a strong movement of people wanting to relocate here,” she said.

As far as rentals are concerned, zumper.com, stated that in mid-February the average rent for a onebedroom apartment in Bozeman rose by about 14% over last year.

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

The HRDC provides a variety of services and is a major player in addressing affordable housing issues

in Bozeman. The organization helps folks who qualify for services like down payment assistance and rental assistance. HRDC is also working to bring more affordable housing to the rest of the valley through both rentals and homeownership. HRDC also runs two shelters in the area to provide a safe place for anyone in need to spend the night during the winter months. The Warming Center is a seasonal shelter open to anyone in need from November through March.

2015 Wheat Dr., Bozeman, (406) 556-1123.

There is an emergency shelter located in Livingston open between November and March as well.

121 S. Second St., Livingston, (406) 333-2537.\

Information on both shelters can be found at thehrdc.org.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GALLATIN VALLEY

Habitat for Humanity of Gallatin Valley has built more than 80 homes people can afford in the Gallatin

Valley since the organization opened its doors in 1991. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, apply to be a partner family, or need critical home repairs, Habitat is a worthwhile option. Habitat for Humanity also operates the ReStore, which sells new and gently-used furniture, building materials, appliances and home goods to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Proceeds from sales are used to fund affordable homeownership and repair programs. Visit habitatbozeman.org for more information.

230 Arden Drive, Belgrade, (406) 388-8225.

WHICH NEIGHBORHOOD IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

The City of Bozeman recognizes 16 neighborhood associations. While Bozeman is still a small town, the town has separate neighborhoods each with a distinct feel. Below isn’t an exhaustive list, but includes information on the bigger neighborhoods and districts you should be familiar with.

Downtown

Downtown Bozeman has some residential areas but is one of the town’s main hubs for shopping, dining and nightlife. The area is walkable and there are several trails and parks that connect to other parts of Bozeman.

Midtown

Midtown is a fast-growing area along a roughly 1-mile corridor of North Seventh Avenue with plenty of new businesses like hotels, restaurants and breweries. Residential areas—many new and cropping up— surround Seventh Avenue. It’s a walking or biking distance from Downtown Bozeman.

Montana State University Neighborhood

In close proximity to Montana State University, the residential neighborhood abutting the campus is mostly made up of historic single-family homes. Neighborhood perks include many nearby coffee shops, restaurants and a grocery store. The area is part of the University Neighborhood Association.

North Bozeman

North Bozeman has a mix of older neighborhoods and newersubdivisions and developments, like the trendy Cannery District. North Bozeman is close to Story Mill Park, several trails like the “M” Trail or Drinking

Horse Trail and the Glen Lake Rotary Park. There are restaurants, bars and breweries close in the area.

West Bozeman

Much of Bozeman has been growing west and new subdivisions and businesses have been cropping up in recent years. More development is planned in West Bozeman, which is already home to the large Ferguson Farm development that has several restaurants, stores and apartments.

LOOKING OUTSIDE OF BOZEMAN?

Southwest Montana has many small towns that are perfect to visit for the day, for a weekend getaway or to call your permanent home.

Livingston

Livingston is an artsy railroad town about 25 miles east of Bozeman with a population just over 8,000. At the mouth of Paradise Valley, the town is the original gateway to Yellowstone National Park and is a popular tourist destination in the summer. The little town is also known for being the home to a number of famous authors, painters and actors. Surrounded by four mountain ranges, the area offers year-round outdoor activities and world-class fly-fishing on the Yellowstone River. Many in Livingston commute to Bozeman for work, or school, but the town has a thriving arts and culture scene. With two playhouses, a movie theater, many art galleries, a museum and a wealth of restaurants, Livingston is a great place to live, work or play.

Visitor’s information: Livingston Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Center, 303 E. Park St., (406) 222-0850, visitlivingstonmt.com.

Belgrade

Belgrade is a sleepy community about 20 minutes from Bozeman of about 10,000, that still has a smalltown feel compared to neighboring Bozeman. With more affordable housing than Bozeman, it’s becoming increasingly common for folks to live in Belgrade and commute to Bozeman. Despite that, Belgrade doesn’t feel like a commuter town. It is a tight knit community with summer farmers markets, seasonal festivals and many outdoor activities to delight anyone. Belgrade is near three rivers, the East Gallatin, Missouri and Madison, offering summer water activities like fishing, boating or floating.

Visitor information: Belgrade Chamber of Commerce, 10 E. Main St., (406) 388-1616, visitbelgrade.org.

Three Forks

Three Forks is about 30 miles from Bozeman, off Interstate 90. It sits on the confluence of the Gallatin, Jefferson and Madison rivers, creating the headwaters of the Missouri River. The small town offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation like boating, hiking trails, golfing and camping, and is near the Missouri Headwaters State Park. Three Forks is also close to Lewis and Clarks Caverns State Park, the state’s first state park, which has unique geological formations and spectacular caves. The town of about 2,000 people has been growing steadily, with some overflow from pricey Bozeman, and has a strong small-town community with a museum, summer farmers markets, restaurants and parks.

Visitor information: Three Forks Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center, 110 N. Main, (406) 285-4753, threeforksmontana.com.

Big Sky

Big Sky is about an hour south of Bozeman and an extremely popular tourist destination in both the summers and winters. In summer, it’s a popular stop on the way to Yellowstone National Park and offers a vast number of outdoor recreational opportunities like hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding and golfing. The area is a ski mecca in winter, with one of America’s largest ski resorts, Big Sky Resort. There are plenty of places to Nordic ski — a slightly tamer option than Alpine skiing — and snowmobiling. In both summer and winter, the area is dotted with high-end, or luxury, hotels, resorts and clubs. Because of its popularity, Big Sky has run up against a housing problem. There’s a shortage of available housing and the cost of living has skyrocketed. Many who work in Big Sky commute from Bozeman or other area towns. Several organizations are teaming up to address the housing shortage, aiming to create more affordable housing for those who live and work in Big Sky.

Visitor information: Visit Big Sky, 88 Ousel Falls Rd. Unit A1, 406-99-3000, visitbigsky.com

LIST To Do

As if moving all your possessions and family to your new home wasn’t hard enough, it’s important to remember to make sure all the proper records, forms and other doo-dads are filled out. Getting acquainted with the different public services in and around town is also important to do. Here’s what you need to get done.

REGISTER TO VOTE —

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a law in 2021 ending same-day voter registration, so make sure to get registered in advance of Election Day. You can register with the local elections office in person or through the mail. Find more information on the Montana Secretary of State Website: sosmt.gov/elections/vote.

BOZEMAN CITY GOVERNMENT —

Bozeman has an active city government with a mayor, deputy mayor and three city commissioners making up the Bozeman City Commission. The setup is a bit confusing — candidates who win the mayoral election first serve as deputy mayor for two years before rising to the mayoral spot. Mayor Cyndy Andrus is in office through 2023, after which Deputy Mayor Terry Cunningham will be sworn in as mayor. The other three commissioners currently in office are I-Ho Pomeroy, Christopher Coburn and Jennifer Madgic. The commission meets most Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. Find more information about Bozeman city government at bozeman.net.

BELGRADE CITY GOVERNMENT

With the exclusion of holidays, Belgrade City Council meets the first and third Monday of each month. The council consists of a mayor, deputy mayor and six council members. Find more information at http://ci.belgrade. mt.us.

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT —

Bozeman Police Department: 30 North Rouse Ave., (406) 582-2000, www.bozeman.net.

Gallatin County Sheriff ’s Office: 615 S. 16th Ave., (406) 582-2100, gallatincomt.virtualtownhall. net/sheriffs-office.

Belgrade Police Department: 91 E. Central Ave., Belgrade, (406) 388-4262, belgradepolice.net.

Livingston Police Department: 414 E. Callender St., Livingston, (406) 222-2050, livingstonmontana.org.

Big Sky Fire Department: 650 Rainbow Trout Run, Big Sky, (406) 995-2100, , bigskyfire.org

Three Forks Police Department: The Three Forks Police Department is operated by the Gallatin County Sheriff ’s Office, 206 Main St., (406) 285-3750, virtualtownhall.net/sheriffs-office.

Manhattan Police Department: 207 S. Sixth St., Manhattan, (406) 284-6630, townofmanhattan.com/police-department.

Gallatin County Motor Vehicle Services: 311 W. Main St., (406) 582-3080, gallatincomt. virtualtownhall.net/motor-vehicle-department.

BOZEMAN UTILITIES —

Gas and electricity: NorthWestern Energy, (888) 467-2669, northwesternenergy.com.

Water and Sewer: City of Bozeman, (406) 5823200, bozeman.net/government/finance/utilities.

Solid Waste: City of Bozeman, (406) 5823200, bozemansolidwaste.com.

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING —

The City of Bozeman offers single-stream curbside recycling and picks it up every other week on the scheduled garbage day. The city accepts bottle-shaped #1 and #2 plastics, cans, cardboard, paper, phone books and paper bags. The city does not recycle glass, plastics #3-#7, non-bottle shaped #1 and #2 plastics, good contaminated boxes or papers, aerosol cans, chip bags, plastic bags and other items. Find more information at www.bozeman.net/ government/garbagerecycling/recycling. Call (406) 5823200 or visit bozeman.net.government/garbage-recycling/ recycling to set up garbage and recycling services.

More Curbside Recycling

J & K Recyclers: (406) 582-0243

Gone Green: (406) 855-9870, http://www.gonegreenmontana.com.

Republic Services: (406) 586-0606 www.republicservices.com.

DROP-OFF RECYCLING —

Locations sourced from http://www.werecyclemt.com/ recycling-locations/

Bozeman:

• Wal-Mart parking lot, east side

• JC Billion, off Automotive Ave. north of Fallon St.

• Gallatin County Fairgrounds on the north end of Oak Street.

• Safeway parking lot

• Bozeman Convenience Site

• Montana State University - just south of College Street on 13th Avenue

• Bozeman Softball Complex on Highland Boulevard

• We Recycle Montana - Hulbert Road between Valley Center Road and Baxter Lane

Belgrade: W. Madison Ave. and Eileen Place (109 Eileen Place)

Big Sky: On the east side of the road just south of the Exxon station on highway 191

Churchill: Manhattan Christian School

Manhattan: 6th Street just south of Main Street

Three Forks: Frontage & Illinois Streets.

West Yellowstone: Refuse Transfer Station

Plastic Bags: Several grocery stores recycle plastic produce and grocery bags, including Albertsons, Safeway, Kohls, Walmart and Smith’s.

DISTILLERIES

BREWERIES Local & M

ontana has one of the highest number of breweries per capita in the nation, with Bozeman claiming a good chunk of them. Bozeman once boasted drinking the most White Claws per capita in the U.S. There are plenty of options here for craft beer, ciders and spirits.

LOCAL BREWING —

By law, Montana breweries may only serve customers between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. and may only serve 48 ounces of beer per customer in a single day — that’s three pints.

Outlaw Brewing

2876 N. 27th Ave., 406-577-2403, outlaw-brewing.com.

Bozeman Brewing Company

504 N. Broadway Ave., 406-585-9142, bozemanbrewing.com.

Bozeman Taproom

321 E. Mendenhall St.,406-577-2337, bozemantaproom. com.

Bridger Brewing Company

1609 S. 11th Ave., 406-587-2124, bridgerbrewing.com.

Bunkhouse Brewery

1216 N. Lincoln St. A, 406-577-2074, 7715 Shedhorn Dr., bunkhousebrewery.com.

Map Brewing

510 Manley Road, 406-587-4070, mapbrewing.com.

Mountains Walking Brewery

422 Plum Ave, 406-219-3480, mountainswalkngbrewery. com.

Nordic Brewing

730 Boardwalk Ave Suite 1B, 406-414-0730, nordicbrewworks.com.

Last Best Place Brewing Company

605 N. 7th Ave., lbpbrewing.com.

Freefall Brewery

806 N. 7th Ave.,406-522-5456, freefallbreweryandaudreyspizza.com.

New Ventures Brewing

285 New Ventures Dr. Unit F, 406-580-5384, gallatinhomebrewsupplies.com.

Valhalla Meadery

875 Bridger Drive Unit B, 406-577-2383,

valhallabozeman.com.

Lockhorn Cider House

21 S. Wallace Ave., 406-580-9098, lockhorncider.com.

LIFT YOUR SPIRITS —

Bozeman Spirits Distillery

121 W. Main St., 406-577-2155, bozemanspirits.com.

Wildrye Distilling

101 E. Oak St. N., 406-577-2288, wildryedistilling.com.

Dry Hills Distillery

106 Village Center Road, 406-624-6713, dryhillsdistillery.com.

OUTSIDE OF BOZEMAN —

Madison River Brewing Company

Building B, 20900 I-90 Frontage Road, Belgrade, (406) 388-0322, madisonriverbrewing.com

Lone Peak Brewery and Taphouse

48 Market Place, Big Sky, 406-995-3939, lonepeakbrewery.com.

Beehive Basin Brewery

245 Town Center Ave., Big Sky, 406-995-7444, beehivebasinbrewery.com.

Katabatic Brewing Company

114 W. Park St., Livingston, 406-333-2855, katabaticbrewing.com.

Neptune’s Brewery

119 N. L St., Livingston, 406-222-7837, neptunesbrewery.com.

Willie’s Distillery

312 Main St., Ennis, 406-682-4117, williesdistillery. com.every other week on the scheduled garbage day. The city accepts bottle-shaped #1 and #2 plastics, cans, cardboard, paper, phone books and paper bags. The city does not recycle

EAT Drink and be merry

The outdoors around Bozeman are pretty great, and there are plenty of reasons to take weekend or day trips to Montana’s other cities and towns. But don’t discount what Bozeman has going on right in town. The downtown area is hopping at all times of the day, with wonderful breakfast spots, shops, restaurants and bars, and is lively even in the winter. There’s something for everyone, whether you’ve just come from the slopes or you’re looking to spend an entire weekend relaxing downtown.

EVENTS —

Keep an eye out for other cool events outside the downtown area — with a local median age of about 28, events of all kinds are constantly being held across the city. Facebook event pages are a good way to keep track of what is going on in town.

There is probably no better time to enjoy downtown Bozeman than during the summer months when a number of events are put on by the Downtown Business Partnership. Downtown Art Walks are held on the second Friday of each month, June through September. Businesses and galleries hold open houses and some offer complimentary refreshments. A Winter Art Walk is held in December.

Every Thursday from early July to mid-August, downtown shuts down for Music on Main, which features live music, food and drinks. Kids events go from 6:30-8 p.m., and live music goes from about 7-8:30 p.m.

There are even more events, including summer and winter “crazy days,” where downtown stores have great deals and the Cruisin’ on Main Car Show in August. One of the most beloved Bozeman traditions is the Sweet Pea Festival, which is held over three days in August every year and includes a performance by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, a children’s run, parade, live music and

performances, flower show and arts and crafts vendors. Find out more at sweetpeafestival.org.

GOOD EATS —

You really can’t go wrong with any restaurant in downtown Bozeman, though fair warning that wait times can be long at popular spots during tourist season. There’s a wide variety of cuisines in downtown Bozeman, from Irish pub fare at Bacchus Pub to quality burgers from Backcountry Burger Bar to great sushi at Dave’s Sushi. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a fancy dinner, downtown Bozeman probably has the perfect restaurant for you. Check out a restaurant guide at www. downtownbozeman.org/directory/dining.

THE BAR SCENE —

Bozeman is a true college town, and its late-night scene reflects that with a number of fun, young bars like the Rocking R Bar or the Molly Brown. But, there’s a bar stool for everyone. The Eagles Club on Main Street offers a laid-back, welcoming vibe; the Kitty Warren Social Club has a speakeasy feel and Shine Beer Sanctuary is stocked with just about every kind of beer, to name just a few favorites. Each bar has its own feel, so try to experience several.

CONNECTING Congregation

to a

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Bozeman is part of the Catholic Diocese of Helena. There are several local parishes — Holy Family in Three Forks, Holy Rosary and Resurrection in Bozeman, Our Lady of the Pines in Yellowstone and St. John Vianney in Belgrade. Find more information at: diocesehelena.org.

There are a slew of other Christian denominations in and around Bozeman, including Alliance Fellowship, Belgrade Church of Christ, Big Sky Chrstian Fellowship, Bozeman Church of God and Bozemaen United Methodist — just a few of the many here. Check out more at https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/site/ church_directory.html.

JEWISH COMMUNITY

There are two Jewish synagogues in Bozeman — Beth Shalom, bethshalombozeman.org and Chabad Lubavitch, www.jewishmontana.com.

MUSLIM COMMUNITY

The Islamic Center of Bozeman is a place of prayer, education and community. More information can be found at www.montanamuslims.org.

BUDDHIST COMMUNITY

There are several Buddhist gatherings in the Bozeman area. Find more information at https:// bozemandharmacenter.org.

WITH US Wo hip

Diverse Beliefs shareD values

Develop or deepen your spiritual practice with our cooperative of Buddhist groups of different lineages including Zen, Tibetan, and Vipassana traditions. We offer classes, retreats, drop-in meditations and weekly meetings.

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bozeman is a caring, open-minded religious community that encourages you to seek your own path. Our commitment to worship together, to learn together, and to work for justice together creates a bond that sustains even as our beliefs diverge. We are an inclusive and diverse congregation. All are welcome!

Worship and Children’s Religious Ed, Sundays at 10:00 am. For livestreaming and occasional outdoor locations, please see uufbozeman.org or call 406-586-1368

325 N 25th Ave, Bozeman 406.219.2141 • bozemandharmacenter.org 3810 Valley Commons, Suite 6

D O WNT O WN

S can the code to access our SW Montana event s calendar and find local event s year-round.