If you are new to the area, visiting or maybe you have lived here for years but don’t know what types of activities are available, here are 10 fabulous Bozeman area outdoor activities to check out this summer.

1. Farmers’ Markets – there are several markets to explore in the area. All feature local growers and artisans. There is nothing better than fresh, locally grown produce to fill your table with delicious goodness all summer long. Each market has fresh baked treats, handcrafted jewelry, hand-sewn items in addition to fresh from the field or garden produce.

The Bogert Farmers’ Market is every Tuesday from 5-8pm, from June through the 3rd week in September. This market is run by the Friends of Bogert Park and is located in the park on south Church. The Gallatin Valley Farmers’ Market is every Saturday morning, 9-noon in the Haynes Pavilion at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. This market runs the 3rd week in June through the 2nd week in September. Everything sold at the market is homemade or homegrown. Livingston offers a Farmers’ Market on Wednesday evenings in Sacajawea Park, from 4:30 to 7:30 (live music until 9 pm weekly) through September 30th. The Big Sky Montana Farmers’ Market also runs on Wednesday nights, from July through September, running from 5-8pm at Fire Pit Park at the Town Center. The Manhattan Farmer’s Market runs Wednesday nights from June through September, 4:30-7:30pm in the Park on West Main in downtown Manhattan.

2. Art Walk – summer Art Walks are on the second Friday of the month, June through September from 6-8pm. Wander from gallery to gallery on Main Street and in the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture and explore the work of featured artists. These events are an opportunity to attend the opening of shows and see what is new in the world of art and artists in and around Bozeman. Art Walk is a FREE event brought to you by the Downtown Bozeman Partnership and the Emerson.

4. Lunch on the Lawn – is a fun gathering to enjoy local music, food, and community. Spend your Wednesday lunch hour (11:30-1) in July & August listening to music provided by local artists and soaking up the sun on the lawn of the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture in downtown Bozeman. You can bring your own lunch or purchase items such as burgers, brats, salads, sandwiches, and sweets from popular local vendors. There will also be a lunch hour farmers’ market with farmers, artists, gardeners, and more. Lunch on the Lawn is a FREE event, though attendees are encouraged to support the vendors.

5. Floating or Rafting the River – scenic, spectacular adventures. Enjoy the views from a new perspective, but don’t expect to stay dry and wear plenty of sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Whether you prefer a day of lazy drifting or a heart thumping race through rapids you will not be disappointed with the options available around the area. You can float the Gallatin, The Madison, or the Jefferson. All three rivers offer fantastic fishing opportunities for anglers as well.

6. Camping – there are many campgrounds in and around our National Forests for the outdoor enthusiasts. Options include Fairy Lake (26 miles North of Bozeman), numerous locations along the Gallatin River, in and around Yellowstone National Park and more. Nothing compares to the beauty of the nature in Montana. Sitting by a fire, enjoying the stars, eating s’mores, and spending time with friends and family makes camping a must on everyone’s summer agenda.

7. Folf – also known as Frisbee or Disc Golf can be played at Bohart Ranch in Bridger Canyon. If you have never tried it, you don’t know what you are missing. $5 gets you use of the  Bohart course for the day. Remember to leave the dogs at home for this fun day for humans. Check the Bohart website for any possible closures or changes. Bohart Ranch also offers trails for hiking, biking, and even horse trails, but BYOH. The in-town option for folf can be found for FREE at Rose Park, a parking lot for folfers is off Tscache Way between 19th and 27th (just West of the Home Depot).

8. Hiking – and climbing are definitely part of the Bozeman outdoor experience. No matter what skill or physical level you are at, there is a something for you. Popular spots are the M at the mouth of Bridger Canyon; Hyalite Canyon includes trails to Palisade Falls and Blackmore Lake, Lava Lake, and more. Some are short and can be done in an afternoon, other hikes can be a full day or even an overnight trip. Plan according to your abilities and bring plenty of water. If you bring dogs, make sure you pick-up after them. Many of the trailheads have bags and disposal cans, but it is best to bring your own supplies in case none are available.

9. Yellowstone National Park – the park offers camping, boating, hiking, and more. Even a slow drive through the park is a pleasant and memorable way to spend a day. No matter how many times you visit Yellowstone, you will almost always see something new. Don’t forget to stop and watch Old Faithful, but please remember the animals are wild – use your zoom lens rather than trying to get too close.

10. Outdoor Festivals – there are many fabulous outdoor music and arts festivals in our area throughout the summer. Headwaters Country Jam is a three-day country music extravaganza held at the Bridge near Three Forks in June. Sweet Pea – A Festival of the Arts is a three-day event held the first full weekend in August, in Lindley Park; events include a Parade, Art Show, Children’s Activities, theater, dance, and music. Support Local Artists and Musicians (SLAM) Festival is held in Bozeman’s Bogert Park the same weekend as Sweet Pea. SLAM includes an artists’ market, beer garden, musical performances, dining options and children’s activities all FREE for all. Rockin’ the Rivers is also held at the Bridge near Three Forks and features huge names in rock music each August.

This list is, of course, only a sampling of the many outdoor activities in and around Bozeman during the summer months. There are too many enjoyable activities that make Bozeman a vacation destination as well as one of the best places to live.

Lee Strickler is a freelance writer and network marketing professional, working on her MFA in Creative Writing through the University of New Orleans, residing in Bozeman with her family.

Photos: Zach Hoffman