Bozeman is surrounded by mountain ranges, rivers and creeks, and vast open farm land. Farther afield there are wilderness areas, large lakes, and state and national parks. Drive out of town in any direction and amazing natural areas are close at hand. Locations for any active outdoor sport—from paddleboarding to ice climbing—is not just possible, but readily available. With this abundance of activity so near, it is easy to overlook what is available even closer. Bozeman has a wonderful assortment of city parks and green spaces, at least one of which is within walking distance for any resident. After a long, confining winter, the first warm spring days might be just the time to savor the outside close to home. Sometimes it is more about the walk than the destination, or even the step count. Here are ten choices for our urban outdoor enjoyment. Each of them features its own special amenities and outdoor vibe.

Kirk Park

This is a spacious, 13-acre park on Bozeman’s near west side. Its main attraction is the City Skate Park. It also features a full basketball court and adjacent Little League ball fields. There is a large lawn which, in summer, is often rigged out with volleyball nets. Shady spots with picnic tables lie along 20th Ave. Almost hidden is a little stream slipping under an arched bridge, but small children and dogs will find it every time.

Glen Lake Rotary Park

This park, also known as the Bozeman Beach, is on the northside. Built and improved over the last thirty years by the local Rotary Club, it is the go-to water sport park for Bozeman. The four acre lake is big enough for all kinds of water activities, with beaches and a swimming dock, and even quiet paddling and fishing at the south end. Of course, there is a playground and a climbing rock. An added bonus is a trail system that connects to the trails near Bridger Creek golf course and the Trail to the M. In the other direction, it is possible to link up to trails that reach all the way to Cherry River.

Bozeman Ponds

Before Glen Lake and the Gallatin Regional Park were built, Bozemanites gathered at the Ponds for water sports. They still do. This park is located adjacent to the Mall. in addition to the lake (which includes a dog water area) there are shady picnic areas, a covered pavilion, a full basketball court, and a climbing boulder. There is also a dog park, and restrooms. This park is not as busy as the other water parks.

Lindley/Peets/ Burke

This is the Bozeman classic. Generations of Bozeman residents have picnicked in Lindley and careened down Peets Hill on sleds. Lindley Park is a community center, hosting the Sweet Pea Festival in August and a Farmer’s Market every Tuesday all summer. It is connected to Peets/Burke by a little side trail accessing the ridge. Once up on the hill, the views of Bozeman are spectacular. The trail system extends all the way to Kagy, and connects with Highland to the east. The paths up on top are wide enough to handle the daily crowd of hikers, bikers, and strollers. Walk up at sunset for a real show. The trail is the perfect one to witness spring growth at work in our urban forest. Lindley also has an indoor center available for rent. In winter, there are cross-country ski trails adjacent to the park, as well as another sledding hill.

Bogert Park

Another venerable city park, Bogert is located on Church street just a few blocks from Lindley. Attractions in Bogert include the city swimming pool, an ice rink, and a couple of old tennis courts which have been repurposed into very busy pickleball courts. Bozeman Creek borders the west edge of the park; the riparian area has been remodeled, and there is a neighborhood bridge for access. Bogert hosts the SLAM festival in August. There is a bandshell that is used for the occasional concert, and playground facilities for the kids. This one feels like a true neighborhood park.

Gallatin Regional Park

This huge (close to a hundred acres) park, has become the star of Bozeman parks. Officially created and maintained by Gallatin County, it is located between Oak and Babcock on the west side. Amenities include two lakes for swimming, fishing, and boating. There is a large dog park, and a couple of hills for running and biking the steeps, as well as a playground and a climbing boulder. The best part is the size, which gives the park a wide open feel, making it seem as if you’re out in nature while being in town.

Rose Park

This is the shaggy little brother to the Regional Park to the west on Oak Street. Surprisingly close to the busy commerce of N 19th, Rose Park has a bit of a wild feel, with rolling little hills and sheltered crannies. Definitely a walking park, it features a certified 18-hole disc golf course. The park is very dog-friendly. Rose Park is a piece of refreshing, unsculpted nature set right in the city.

Cattail Lake

This lake is located at the extreme edge of northwest Bozeman. There is not much information about this place; not many people go there or even know about it. Cattail Lake is a 10-acre pond off Davis Lane. There is a parking area and a little dock. The lake beckons kayaks and canoes. There is a rough trail all around it. There are said to be rainbow trout there, and fishing is encouraged. A post says that the fish are mostly gone, but hey, worth a try.

Tuckerman Park

This is a linear walking park accessed from Goldenstein. A couple of trails begin at the parking area, one of which heads east to the Sourdough trail along Bozeman Creek. From the open grassy meadow, this trail winds in and out of the riparian forest of aspens and cottonwoods near the creek. Light and dark, a fun border. There are benches for rest and observation. Wander around and get lost—not physically, but mindfully.

Story Mill Park/Nature Trail

This is a newer anchor park on the east side of town. There are extensive playground and picnic areas just off Bridger Drive. Restrooms are available; there is also a labyrinth and a large climbing boulder. Across East Griffin Drive, a couple of bridges span the East Gallatin River. There are wide trails around the Nature area, open meadows, dense stands of trees, and a couple of ponds. This area has a bird-watching blind and a number of sculptures.

If a straight line hike is desired, the Story Mill Spur Trail toward downtown lies just east of the park. This place is part of the city, but twice at dusk we have seen little black bears there. Enjoy and be alert.

The west side of Bozeman is where a lot of the growth in the city has taken place. The good news for the residents there (and for all of us) is the large number of parks in the area—the Lakes at Valley West, Oak Springs Park, Flanders Creek Park, and Diamond Park, among others. Along with the large school grounds of Gallatin High and Chief Joseph Middle School, these parks guarantee that the entire west side will always feel wide open. Check them out.

My own neighborhood is a block from Bozeman High School. The new football stadium, the old stadium with the running track, and the soccer fields provide us with a place for an evening stroll without having to get into the car. There is a panoramic view of the Bridgers. At sunset, the sky is great for cloud watching. In the fall, there is either a Raptor or a Hawk football game under the Friday Night Lights. During spring, runners are out in force. Most of the city has this kind of access to wide open spaces.

Generally, parks are about the grass, trees, clouds and sky—the larger outdoor atmosphere that yards alone do not provide. But after compiling this list, I noticed that almost all of these Bozeman Parks feature water in some form; either streams, ponds, or lakes. Bozeman has no coastline or big river shores but we have these smaller water recreation spots. They enable boating, swimming, fishing, or simply contemplating the plants and wildlife of urban riparian areas.

Adults are allowed in all of these parks but they are primarily the habitat of children, dogs, and elders, (that’s me). Be sure to clean up after your dogs—and keep them under control. Kids can be left to run. Elders will generally behave well enough.