Considering my own adventures over the past 12 months I thought both about the places I go around town most often, the places I take or recommend to visitors, and the places I would like to be sure to go to in 2013. Bozeman has tons of fun places for active adventurers, and every month Bozeman magazine includes articles about local recreation and events before they happen. We expect that you know about the major annual events like Music on Main, the Christmas Stroll, and the Farmers’ Markets. You’ve probably visited most of Bozeman’s best public spaces, I’m sure you have your favorite watering hole, lunch spot, and you know where to get a good cup of coffee. I’m going to let you in on some of the lesser known attractions in our area, some you may have not visited in a while, places where you can enjoy history, learn about our region, and have a new adventure to share with your friends, family and the next visitor to pass through.

A trip to the Museum of the Rockies is always fun for the whole family, amazing travelling exhibits, dinosaurs, and a mini trip to Explore Yellowstone all under one roof. Have you been to the other museums in town? The American Computer Museum is just down the street (Kagy Blvd) from the MOR and has a lot of interesting artifacts from the beginning of electricity, the printing press, Macintosh, video games and more. The ACM is operating on a donation basis and is also part of the Explore Bozeman pass offered at the Bozeman Public Library. Larger than you may think the Computer Museum is a good place to add to your checklist. Our other historical gem is the Gallatin Historical Society’s Pioneer Museum located on Main Street just West of the County Courthouse (where you renew your license plates). Once housing the county jail the building is a historic structure “where history and Main Street meet”. Children are admitted free of charge and adult admission is $5. Brush up on Bozeman history any time of year at the Pioneer Museum.

For any day recreation or a fun way to show off Montana’s splendor to your out of state visitor a short drive to Hyalite Reservoir will do. Hyalite has free and inexpensive camp sites, roads and trails to explore, rocks and/or ice to climb, streams to fish and waterfalls to marvel at.

If you have a vehicle with four wheel drive Fairy Lake is a fun summer adventure. Open July-September Fairy Lake has a campground with 9 camp sites. Just 22.5 miles North of Bozeman on Highway 86 (past Bridger Bowl) the 5 miles of steep gravel road leading to the lake from the highway are not suitable for your Geo Metro or RV, but if you are able to make the trip the view is hard to erase from your memory.

If you are looking for a view of Bozeman from above a quick trip up Peet’s Hill is the easiest way to get a good look at the town. Parking is available on South Church across from Bogert Park. The trails lead into Lindley Park, around the Sunset Hills Cemetary, over to the Gallagator Trail and also to Simkins Spur Trail off Kagy. Of course a hike up to the M, or Drinking Horse Trail can give you a great look of the area as well. Don’t forget your camera and your leash.

Hot Springs are a Montana wonder that not every place can boast. If you’ve enjoyed the modern vibe of   the Bozeman Hot Springs, and the rustic feel of Norris and Chico maybe its time for a road trip to the Boiling River. The Boiling River is just inside the North entrance of Yellowstone National Park from Gardiner, just 3 miles south on Route 89. A substantial parking lot including restrooms marks the short trail to the river. With the largest discharge of thermal water in Yellowstone, the Boiling River offers visitors a primitive experience in soaking pools created from its travertine rocks. Open late summer, fall, and winter; the boiling river may be closed in spring and early summer due to high water on the Gardner River. Locals know that winter is the most magical time to enjoy this natural adventure.

If skiing isn’t your thing but you want to visit a local ski area/resort all three of our local areas offer non skiing experiences that are sure to be memorable. Each fall Bridger Bowl hosts Raptor Fest, a weekend event promoting awareness and appreciation for the migration of raptors and other wildlife in our region. On any given day during the ski season a meal and/or drink can be enjoyed at Jimmy B’s in the Jim Bridger Lodge at BB. A view of skiers through the large windows and a warm fire invite you to relax and soak in the winter wonderland. Likewise The Jack Creek Grille in the Moonlight Lodge at Moonlight Basin is an elegant environment for lunch or dinner. The large fireplace, full bar, tall ceilings and huge windows looking out toward lone peak set the tone for this mountain experience. Snowshoeing, dog sledding, sleigh riding, and a relaxing spa are all also available for the non skier at Moonlight. Big Sky Resort also offers many activities for visitors skiing or not; including swimming, a bungee trampoline, campfire sing alongs, zip lines, summer tram rides and mountain biking. Don’t be shy, make the drive and check them all out.

A must visit spot in Bozeman is the Emerson Cultural Center. Whether for art, music, theatre, food, drink or to support a non-profit’s event The Emerson is the place to be. Art Walks are held at the Emerson the second Friday of every month, its many galleries are open year round and are always exhibiting local and regional artists work from painting to sculpture, ceramics, woodwork, jewelry, and more. The Emerson Grill and Emerson North offer delicious dining at a neighborhood restaurant. The Crawford Theatre hosts Bozeman Film Festival Films several times per month as well as concerts and performances of all sizes and variety on a regular basis. The Emerson ballroom also hosts concerts, dances, fundraisers, a Holiday bazaar, Christmas Stroll kids activities, Winter Farmers’ Markets and more. In the summer the Emerson offers Lunch on the Lawn Wednesday afternoons, local vendors offer lunch and local musicians fill the air with tunes. Be on the look out for the next big thing coming to the Emerson Cultural Center.
It’s easy to go to the same places and enjoy similar adventures over and over again. Now that you have a few more places to be sure to visit or revisit this year I hope you won’t forget what a wonderful place we call home and get out and take a chance on creating new memories.

Angie Ripple is an infrequent contributer and publisher of Bozeman Magazine. A creative journeyer she “knows where the locals go” and enjoys turning folks on to new and exciting adventures in the Last Best Place. Photos Gwen Dodge.

If you would like to know more about Bozeman places, Bozeman things to do, and Bozeman locals search our site in local living for more feature articles.