Top 10 Autumn Outdoor Activities

Rachel Porter  |   Tuesday Oct. 1st, 2024

As the weather begins to change, events and activities take a new twist to keep it interesting. Most activities can be year-round, but there are some adventures that are more enjoyable when they are “in-season.” Here are 10 outdoor activities to (pumpkin) spice up your Bozeman living.

Pumpkin Spice Anything
The epitome of the autumn essence is pumpkin spice. For a weekend stroll, invest in your go-to pumpkin spice latte, or try a new style from a different café, and go explore downtown Bozeman. An exploration around the city is more enjoyable with a vibe-appropriate drink in hand.

Take a Hike
Be adventurous and explore the great outdoors. Bozeman has many trails to choose from, each with varying levels of difficulty. Take in the scenery through trails like the College “M” Trail and Storm Castle Peak. Visit bozemanmagazine.com to see previous Top 10 lists for the best fall hikes, as well as trail running and more!

Partake in Bobcat Pride
Join the Montana State Bobcats as they progress through their seasons. From football and volleyball to basketball and rodeo, there are many opportunities to show off your pride by supporting our university sports teams. Don’t miss out on the games; mark your calendars accordingly.

Escape Room Adventure
Try your hand at the riddles and mysteries incorporated into escape rooms from Bozeman Breakout and Escape406. Both escape room firms offer private bookings and intriguing storytelling. Whether you have an hour time limit or all the time you need, an escape room is quite an intriguing way to pass the time.

Enjoy a Farmers Market
A stroll through a farmers market, like window shopping, can help expand horizons of opportunity. The Bozeman Winter Farmers Market (held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Gallatin Country Fairgrounds) focuses on local vegetables and farm products, providing a direct product-to-consumer route.

Get Spooky With It
Whether for adventure, fun, or ghost busting excitement, check out some of Gallatin Valley’s haunted buildings and ghost towns. Montana is home to many preserved ghost towns with deep historical roots that can be worth exploring for a spooky and educational time. Search Bozeman Magazine’s website for plenty of options and more information.

A-Maze-ing Opportunities
Visiting a maze, whether it’s corn or straw, is a good opportunity to go out and enjoy the crisp air. The adventure doesn’t even end with the completion of the labyrinth; these mazes typically offer additional adventures. There are mini-train rides, carnival-esque rides, concession stands and much more to make your stay worthwhile.

Enjoy Nature’s Best
A getaway drive to a National Park is a great way to enjoy the changing of the seasons. While the opportunity to visit the National Parks is mostly year-round, the autumn season is best for observing animals as they prepare for winter. Montana has seven National Park Service areas: the Big Hole National Battlefield; Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area; Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site; Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site; Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument; Glacier, and, of course, Yellowstone National Park.

Downtown Browsing
There are many events happening downtown on a weekly basis. From trivia, open mic poetry to intoxicated comedy shows, there’s a cup of tea for most people. Before you head downtown with your pumpkin spice whatever, be sure to check Bozeman Magazine’s Greater Yellowstone Events Calendar for the most up to date and accurate event information in the state.

Hammock Time
When in doubt, hang up a hammock to enjoy the outdoors. Many locals and college students spend their leisure time soaking in the daylight with a good book or company. A common recommendation for hammock chilling is Lindley Park, or a good tree set around the campus of Montana State University.  

About the Author(s)