Now that a new year has come and the bustling holiday season has passed, it’s time to slow down and recenter as we make our way through the rest of the winter. Luckily, the cold weather doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of ways to unwind here in Bozeman. To help you navigate all the options, here’s our Top 10 list for spots where you can unplug.


The Ski Hill
The ski hill is a popular refuge for many Bozemanites, making it a natural start to this list. Bozeman is surrounded by miles of beautiful mountain ranges that ski resorts like Bridger Bowl and Big Sky give you an opportunity to explore.

Bridger Bowl, located roughly 30 minutes outside of Bozeman, makes a great ski spot for its proximity alone. The hill has eight lifts, several cafeterias and restaurants, and offers rentals and lessons for its skiers. Plus, the resort makes it easier for Bozemanites to ski by partnering with local bus companies to offer a free bus service to the hill. It also hosts several events and promotions throughout the season. On January 16th, Bridger Bowl will celebrate its 71st birthday with discounted lift tickets. If you can’t make that, University students / faculty and staff can also get a deal on lift tickets on January 23rd for MSU Ski Day. Other events this winter will include the King and Queen of the Ridge hike and ski race, and a Bridger Gully freeride competition and terrain park jam, all taking place in February.

A roughly hour-long drive south will bring you to Big Sky Ski Resort. Big Sky has over 300 runs and a multitude of shops, restaurants and hotels. In addition to providing lessons and rentals, you can also sign up for guided experiences and clinics.

Downhill skiing isn’t the only way to explore Bozeman’s mountains. A few minutes past Bridger Bowl, you’ll find the Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. Crosscut includes 500 acres of land and 28 miles of trails, and makes a great spot for Nordic skiing. Plus, you can bring your dog with you on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays after 3 p.m. or enjoy a night ski for a discounted rate after 4 p.m.

Crosscut isn’t the only destination for the Nordic skier. The Bridger Ski Foundation maintains trails at seven locations in Bozeman, including Sourdough Canyon, Hyalite Canyon, Bridger Creek Golf Course and Sunset Hills.


Story Mill Park
There are several great parks in Bozeman you can visit for a winter stroll, but Story Mill Park off Rouse might be one of the best. The 60-acre park opened in 2019 and features  four miles of trails, a playground, observation and sledding hills, a dog park, and access to the East Gallatin River. While 20 acres of the park are dedicated to recreating, the remaining 40 offer a protected nature sanctuary for the surrounding wetland and wildlife areas.

The trails through the park make a great way to unwind with a walk. With the Bridgers in the background, you can also explore a number of art installations fixed throughout the trail system. The Sacajawea Audubon Society also maintains bird feeders in the park, making it a great spot for bird watching. With so many options for enjoying the outdoors, Story Mill Park is a must for connecting with yourself and Bozeman’s flora and fauna this winter.

Hot Springs
If you’re looking for somewhere more low-key to relax this winter, check out a hot spring. Bozeman Hot Springs is the easiest to get to, located just eight miles west of Bozeman. It features 12 different pools ranging in temperature from 59 degrees Fahrenheit to 106 degrees, all heated from an underground well. Four of these pools are located outside, and the facility hosts live music Thursday and Sunday nights. If you’re looking for something to sip on or eat, you can also check out the cafe for coffees and teas, pastries and flatbreads.

If you’re up for a longer trek, check out Norris Hot Springs near Ennis. The hot spring and cafe is open Thursday through Monday, with private soaking sessions available to book on Wednesdays. Norris features one 40’ x 40’ pool, fed by a series of artisan springs, kept at a temperature of 106 degrees. The 50 Mile Cafe provides visitors with locally produced food, some of which is sourced from Norris Hot Springs’ own garden, and its No Loose Dog Saloon sells locally crafted beers, ciders, and kombucha.

For longer visits, check out Chico Hot Springs Resort or Fairmont Hot Springs Resort for great weekend getaways.

The Spa
Naturally, getting a massage or facial at a spa is a great way to build some downtime into your schedule and take care of your body and mind. There are a number of spas in Bozeman you can visit, but here are a couple recommendations.

Located off South 19th is the Canyon River Spa and Salon. This spa focuses on a wellness-based approach to beauty and treatments, and offers a variety of services to meet any need you may have. This includes a salon for a quick trim or a full hair treatment, and a variety of massage options including Ashiatsu, a barefoot massage using Japanese techniques, and Lomi Lomi, a traditional Hawaiian massage. They also offer waxes, facials, lash and brow treatments, and body treatments like wraps and exfoliants.

For a cozier ambiance, check out Hibernate Day Spa off 11th Avenue. This spa intentionally combines rustic charm with luxurious services. They offer massages from 30 minutes up to two-hours, and you can add Reiki to your session as available. You can also check out seasonal body wraps, crafted to complement the time of year, custom facials to address specific needs, and lash and brow treatments to start the new year feeling your best.

Winter Farmer’s Market
On Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, the Winter Farmer’s Market takes place at the Gallatin Valley Fairgrounds. The market is a great way to connect with seasonal produce and local makers, and includes vendors from several regional farms and small businesses. Stop by Kokoro Farm’s stand for seasonal bouquets and vegetables, or Highland Harmony’s stand for nutritious grains, beans and honey. Handmade jam is available for sale from Red Hen Jams, and fun, functional pottery is available from BratCat Pottery. Not only can you swing by the market with your friends and family for a leisurely morning—you also have the chance to support local businesses during the off-season!


The Bozeman Public Library
For a great place to unplug, check out the Bozeman Public Library. In addition to housing an impressive collection of books, the library has several spaces for relaxing, collaboration, and study. You can reserve study, conference and meeting rooms at the library for free, and the Children’s Room is full of toys, books and couches, so you can unwind as your kids explore what the library has to offer. The building’s open design and large windows make the space bright and welcoming, so you can tuck in while still appreciating the scenery surrounding Bozeman.

The library is also constantly hosting events. Adults can swing by for craft workshops, Thursday’s Table events, where community members share family recipes, or writer’s groups. On Saturday afternoons, the library invites local jazz artists to fill the building with two hours of live music. Bring the kids to the library’s storytimes and interactive lessons; teenagers can check out the Teen’s Corner to make their own crafts to bring home.

The library even has a lab, which you can reserve for up to two hours a day, after completing introductory training. The lab includes Cricut machines, sewing and embroidery machines and a 3D printer. The library also has a kitchen that community members can use for cooking classes and demonstrations. Browse art from local artists in the atrium, and enjoy public art displays lining the sidewalk behind the building.

With so many opportunities for play, engagement and learning at the library, it’s the perfect place to explore with your friends and family this winter.

Arts on Fire
If doing something creative helps you unwind, check out Arts on Fire, Bozeman’s locally owned, paint-your-own-pottery studio. Open Tuesday through Sunday, Arts on Fire offers an array of pottery to choose from as your canvas, from mugs and plates to figurines and piggy banks. The studio’s staff will brief you on the glazing process; then, you’ll be on your way to designing your newest souvenir. You can go alone with some good music in your ear, with friends for a crafty catch-up, or with family for a fun, all-ages activity. The studio charges a small paint and firing fee, plus the price of your selected piece. After about a week, your piece will be fired, and you can pick it up at your convenience.

Additionally, the studio offers several weekly specials and discounts. Tuesday evenings are customer appreciation nights, where the free paint and firing fee is waived. Kids 17 and under get this fee waived all day on Wednesdays, and you can test your luck every Friday evening with a random discount draw. So, if you’re looking for a fun way to spend a few hours this winter, swing by Arts on Fire and enjoy the benefit of creating!


The Emerson
For more creative inspiration, head over to The Emerson Center. A hub for arts in Bozeman, The Emerson provides studio and gallery space for a number of local artisans, musicians and writers. Walk through the halls of the hundred-year-old building and you might hear the plucking of a guitar or piano, or see an artist brushing paint onto a new work.

The Emerson has three gallery spaces. The Weaver Room, located on the second floor, is a gallery for contemporary art, with exhibitions that change regularly. The room is also available to rent, and makes a great space for more intimate gatherings. Meanwhile, the Jewel Box Gallery on the first floor gives Bozeman artists a chance to display work for a month. The Jewel Box Gallery is in the Galleria Hall, where you’ll also find seven unique gallery spaces and shops. Here, you can browse through Montana-made creations for inspiration, a gift for a loved one, or to pick out something special for yourself. The Jessie Wilber Gallery offers a space for regional and national contemporary artists to showcase work of all mediums.

In addition to browsing the impressive work of local artists, you can schedule free tours of the Emerson, or drop in on a variety of classes for kids or adults. The Crawford Theater regularly shows films and provides space for live performances, and you can stop for a slice of pizza at Sidewall Pizza Company. The Emerson is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Cat Show Cat Cafe
Hanging out with pets is always a great way to ground yourself, but if you don’t have any furry friends at home, then check out the Cat Show Cat Cafe. Started with help from Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, this cafe is located in The Market off Huffine above The Garden Barn. The cafe has eight permanent cat residents, ranging from one to 19 years old, that you can visit for less than ten dollars per person. Reservations are encouraged to make sure there’s space for you to spend time with the cats. While you’re there, you can play with the cat toys provided by the cafe and check out drawings left by previous visitors in the art scrapbook. If you’re feeling inspired, you can even leave a sketch of your own.

The cafe’s location in The Market also means there are a variety of nearby restaurants you can visit while you’re there. Make a day of your visit by grabbing a bite at The Little Pink Coffee Trailer, Liberty Burger or Hachi Sushi Pub, and browsing goods at boutiques like Salchicha and Catch.

City Vineyard Wine Bar
If you’re looking for a different kind of cafe atmosphere to wind down in, check out City Vineyard Wine Bar. Located off Main Street at the Gallatin Valley Mall, the bar features over 5,000 square feet of space, including a tasting lounge, a wine and beer shop and a gourmet food market. Swing by for a few hours to browse over 10,000 wine bottles and find the perfect gourmet food pairing to enjoy your selection with.

If a night in is more your style, City Vineyard’s got you covered there, too. They offer several made-to-order food trays, including a charcuterie board, hummus and pickle crudité, and a deviled eggs tray. They have a wide variety of gift baskets with one or more bottles of wine and perfectly paired snacks. Come grab a basket for a dinner with friends, a romantic night with your significant other, or for the cherry on top of your own self-care night.