Welcome to Bozeman, Montana. We pride
ourselves in offering small-town atmosphere with big-city
amenities to residents and visitors alike.
 Images
of cowboys, Indians, open spaces, pioneer trails, and wild
and rowdy miners are still part of the mystique associated
with our area. But there is more than this and more than most
people imagine for a city of our size.
You won't be let down if you want to blend
a spectacular recreational experience with art galleries,
symphony performances, and opera, or just stroll in the historic
downtown area. You will find many one-of-a-kind stores throughout
Bozeman, plus all the basics.
History is alive and abundant in Bozeman.
It is an area that was once home to very early native peoples
dating back thousands of years. Tribal bands including the
Shoshone, Nez Perce, Blackfeet, Flathead and Sioux, date back
several hundred years. The area was rich with game, water
and plants used by the natives.
Europeans may have entered the valley in
the late 1 700's as they searched and trapped for beaver pelts
to send back East for hats and coats. The Lewis and Clark
party left the first written description of the valley in
both 1805 and 1806 during its epic journey.
When gold was discovered 60 and 80 miles
to the west, the rush was on over the new Bozeman Trail, established
by John Bozeman, a Georgian also looking for gold. Many who
followed this trail for gold returned to the valley to take
up farming and business. So began the town of Bozeman in 1864.
 The
town grew slowly, reaching a population of barely 3,500 by
1900. The Northern Pacific Railroad had completed its line
through the town in 1883, and Montana Agricultural College
held it first classes in 1893.
Evidence of Bozeman's unique local heritage
can be found throughout the city. Bozeman now has eight historical
districts and more than 40 individual properties listed on
the National Register of Historic Places.
Although Yellowstone Park (only 90 miles
to the south) was designated the world's first national park
in 1872, tourism did not become important to the area until
the 1900's when the railroad began promoting the park. Tourists
would begin their journey to the park from the Gallatin Gateway
Inn, a magnificent hotel still located on Highway 191 south
of Bozeman. The Inn has recently been restored to its beautiful
past and still features food, beverages, and lodging of the
highest caliber to its guests. Thus began Bozeman's claim
as the "Yellowstone Connection." The west entrance
of the park can be reached by travelling HIghway 191 south
from Bozeman, or through the north entrance, south of Livingston.
 You
will find that if you want to wet a line in some of the best
trout fishing streams within 10 minutes of town; view the
sight of a bald eagle in flight; hear the bellow of a wapiti;
or hike to the peak and gaze across our "Big Sky,"
Bozeman is your kind of place to do everything...or to do
nothing!
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