Fun Ideas to Keep Busy in Bozeman When You’re Driven Indoors
Whether the sun is burning you out, the rain is bumming you out, or you just want a change of pace, there are tons of fun activities to enjoy while exploring the indoor options in Bozeman. It’s no secret that there is magic in the great outdoors of Montana, but our city is also full of fun things to keep busy indoors and not feel as if you’re missing out on anything.
Museum of the Rockies
This museum continues to delight visitors year-round (only closed five days a year!) with constantly changing exhibits from around the world, cultural and natural history exhibits, planetarium shows, educational programs and camps, insightful lectures, benefit events, and a fun museum store. Inspiring through life-long learning in science, history, culture, and art, your group can walk through collections outlining research and discovery while presenting engaging, vibrant exhibits and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.
Gallatin History Museum
Take a step back in time while learning about Gallatin County’s heritage in a fun and engaging way. This museum in Bozeman offers a unique glimpse into the area’s past. Permanent exhibits include the infamous Big Horn Gun, a life-size Pioneer cabin, exhibits on women, agriculture, music, and the history of the jail – they even still have some of the real jail cells and a hanging gallows. While there, check out the over 20,000 historic images that can be reproduced for a small fee. Learn about local historic families, places, and topics through the available newspapers, oral histories, maps, yearbooks, family histories, and Montana, Lewis and Clark, and local history books.
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
Enjoy visiting one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in North America at Montana’s first and best-known state park. Experience nature while camping, hiking, biking, and taking in some amazing geologic wonders. Access to the cave is allowed by guided tour only, and available (and recommended) for purchase online ahead of time by clicking here. On your way out, be sure to swing through the state-of-the-art visitor center where there are interpretive displays, a gift shop, food and beverage concessions, an amphitheater, and interpretive events presented (during the summer months). The Caverns are a great way to escape year round since they are always about 50 degrees.
Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, visit the Discovery Center for an opportunity to observe, learn about, understand, and ultimately come to appreciate grizzly bears and gray wolves. All the animals at the Center are unable to survive in the wild and serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. The animals are available for viewing both inside and outside, so come and visit the bears, wolves, otters and more, no matter what the weather is!
Montana Science Center
Spend your indoor adventure time combining science and play! Spark curiosity on the science and technology exhibit floor where the brand new LiGHTLAB, a photonics discovery area explores light and optics within 13 unique light science instruments such as a hologram! The Montana Science Museum has been working since 2001 with a mission to provide hands-on learning experiences in science and technology to inspire creativity, innovation, and real-world learning.
Bozeman Hot Springs
Visitors have flocked for more than 100 years to relax and rejuvenate in these natural hot springs. This small pool was previously enjoyed by only a few lucky people in the late 1800s and has now evolved into a desirable destination for area residents and tourists seeking a unique Montana experience. The facility now features 12 different pools with temperatures ranging from 59 to 106 degrees and both dry and wet saunas. This is a unique destination for a family get together, a relaxing soak after a hard day of skiing, or just an energizing swim in the therapeutic water.
The Bozeman Bowl
Get those competitive juices flowing in a family-friendly atmosphere at The Bozeman Bowl! The bowling alley has bowling, food, and drinks in an exciting setting, promising a fun time to perfect your bowling game while catching up with friends and family. Since opening in 1949, this 18-lane alley has provided entertainment for everyone with a full bar with beer, wine, and liquor to enjoy alongside their tasty pretzels, nachos, and pizza.
Arts on Fire
Looking for something different that will keep you entertained with a unique take-home souvenir? This locally owned paint-your-own pottery studio is sure to fit the bill. In this spot you will pick out pre-built pottery, paint it yourself, and then hang out while they fire the item for you to bring home and show off to your friends and family. They don’t require reservations, and pricing is based on which piece you choose to paint (plus a paint and fire fee of $5 for kids 17 and younger, and $6 for adults).
Spire Climbing Center
It doesn’t matter if you’re an avid climber or new to the rock walls, Spire Climbing + Fitness has something for everyone. There are walls available ranging from 12 feet to 50 feet with climbs for all ages and abilities. Indoor climbing is a great activity for the solo-adventurer, a friends’ day out, or some family fun. Their highly trained staff is there to “show you the ropes” and get you to scaling some walls! They have 31 top ropes, 39 lead lines, and 13 auto-belays making up their 19,000+ square feet of climbing surfaces. You don’t need an appointment to climb or learn, so get in there and give it a try!
