Bozeman's Best: Self-Guided Driving Tour of Main Sites & History
Places: 20 POIsDistance: 10.62 miDuration: 51m
Tour #2669
About this English self-guided 51m driving tour in Bozeman
Welcome, fellow adventurers, to Bozeman, Montana – where the mountains meet Main Street and history whispers from every corner! Whether you're a first-timer eager to discover our charm or a returning friend ready to revisit beloved spots, this self-guided driving tour is your perfect companion. Buckle up for a journey through the heart of Bozeman, designed to showcase our most iconic landmarks, popular historic monuments, and, of course, plenty of Instagram-worthy selfie spots. Starting at the exciting Gallatin County Fairgrounds, you'll navigate through our vibrant city, uncovering architectural marvels like the Historic Story Mansion and the grand Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture. Cruise down bustling Main Street, where the historic Rialto and Ellen Theatres stand as testaments to our rich cultural past. Delve into local lore at the Historic County Courthouse and the Gallatin History Museum, then ascend to Peets Hill for panoramic views that will truly take your breath away. No visit is complete without a spin through the esteemed Montana State University campus, culminating in a visit to the world-renowned Museum of the Rockies, home to incredible dinosaur exhibits. This tour offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, academic prestige, and small-town charm, all from the comfort of your own vehicle. Get ready to experience Bozeman like a local, with all the insider knowledge you need for an unforgettable exploration!
And here we go! If you’ve ever wondered where Bozeman’s wild heart hides when it’s not out climbing mountains or skiing powder, you’re looking at it. The Gallatin County Fairgrounds is the place where this modern outdoor town taps into its rodeo roots, its carnival spirit, and its love for any excuse to gather, cheer, and eat something deep-fried on a stick.
As we roll past the grounds, picture midsummer here: the legendary Big Sky Country State Fair turning this whole place into a whirl of Ferris wheels, neon lights, prize-winning goats, barrel-racing horses, and the smell of kettle corn drifting across the Gallatin Valley. You’ll hear the crack of announcers calling out rodeo times, the laughter of kids racing from ride to ride, and maybe the faint, proud bragging of someone whose giant pumpkin finally took first place this year.
But the Fairgrounds isn’t just a once-a-year party. This is Bozeman’s all-season playground. One weekend you’ll find a monster truck rally shaking the bleachers, the next you might stumble into a vintage market, a country concert, a dog show, an ice derby, or a full-on indoor equestrian competition. Montanans know how to make fun out of just about anything, and this is where they prove it.
The Fairgrounds is also a great place to talk about the region’s history. Bozeman’s agricultural heritage still pulses here — the ranch families, 4-H clubs, and long-standing traditions that shaped the valley long before craft breweries and tech startups arrived. It’s a reminder that Bozeman isn’t just an outdoor recreation hub; it’s a town built by hands that raised cattle, trained horses, and worked the land.
So enjoy the view as we pass — this is where Bozeman cuts loose, kicks up the dust, and invites the whole community along for the ride.
Welcome to the Bozeman Brewery Historic District, one of the city’s most authentic and character-packed corners. As we drive through, you’ll notice the unmistakable feel of old Bozeman — brick warehouses, industrial-era buildings, and the lingering spirit of the workers and brewmasters who helped shape the town long before boutique hotels and ski shops arrived.
This district dates back to the late 1800s, when Bozeman was booming with railroad traffic, grain farming, and thirsty settlers. Local breweries sprang up to supply miners, ranchers, and railroad crews with the one thing Montana winters practically require: a good strong beer. The original Bozeman Brewing Company, once located right in this area, helped turn the district into a hub of production, jobs, and community gathering.
Today, the historic bones remain, but the energy is fresh and creative. We will pass Mountains Walking Brewery after turning right on Plum Avenue, one of the standout modern breweries that anchors the neighborhood. It’s known for bold experimental beers, wood-fired food, and a lively, eclectic atmosphere. The brewery is a perfect representation of what this district has become — a blend of old industrial grit and modern Bozeman flavor.
As you look around, imagine freight wagons rattling down these streets, steam rising from brewing kettles, and workers finishing long shifts before ducking into a local taproom. This is where Bozeman’s past meets its craft-beer present, creating a neighborhood that feels both historic and unmistakably alive.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Gallatin County Fairgrounds
Place 2Bozeman Brewery Historic District
Place 3Lindley Park
Place 4Bozeman Public Library
Place 5Historic Main Street
Place 6Rialto Theater/Ellen Theatre
Place 7Bozeman United Methodist Church
Place 8Emerson Center for Arts
Place 9Historic County Courthouse/Gallatin History Museum
Place 10Feed Cafe
Place 11Bozeman History
Place 12Historic Story Mansion
Place 13Bozeman Creek
Place 14Peets Hill / Burke Park
Place 15Bozeman Trail
Place 16Valley View Golf Club
Place 17Museum of the Rockies
Place 18Bobcat Stadium
Place 19American Computer and Robotics Museum
Place 20Montana State University
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Walk at your own pace.
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Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
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What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).