Bozeman, MT

Founded in 1883, Bozeman is one of Montana's major metropolitan areas. According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, the city had a population of approximately 35,000 in the year 2006, compared to only 27,500 in the year 2000. This expansion represents some of the most dramatic growth in the entire state during this period. A steady influx of new jobs and retail opportunities ensures continued growth for the blossoming city nicknamed "The Valley of the Flowers." Bozeman is home to Montana State University, which serves more than 12,000 students. Bozeman is a frequent stop for tourists heading to Yellowstone National Park, just 93 miles to the south.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The economy of Bozeman is largely supported by agriculture, however, in recent times the tourism and technology sector is also picking up.

Big Sky Ski & Summer Resort is the largest ski resort in the surrounding area. Bozeman Deaconess Health Services is the area's only hospital that provides many in-patient and out-patient services. Gibson Guitar manufactures acoustic guitars in Bozeman. Barnard Construction Company is a major national builder of dams, tunnels and pipelines and is based in Bozeman.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Among the distinctive neighborhoods in Bozeman:

Cascade covers the area between Durston to Babcock and Ferguson Avenue to Fowler extended.

Northeast Neighborhood accommodates a mix of residential and commercial establishments.

New Hyalite View is one of city's earliest subdivisions, located on the east side of Highland Boulevard.

Other major neighborhoods include Bozeman Creek, Marwyn-Lindley, South Central and Southeast Neighborhood.

EDUCATION

Montana State University contributes to the city's renowned cultural and educational ambience. Many of its more than 12,000 students regularly participate in research projects throughout Montana, investigating the state's unique natural surroundings, including nearby Yellowstone National Park. In addition to cultivating their appreciation for the great outdoors, Montana State students are also sports fanatics, and the Montana State University Bobcats have won numerous accolades in football, basketball, and rodeo. Clearly, the university's diverse educational offerings are not the only thing drawing students to this picturesque, 1,170-acre campus.

FOR VISITORS

• Museums: Bozeman's commitment to educating residents and visitors alike about both nature and history is apparent in the number of museums in the city. The Museum of the Rockies is particularly noteworthy; it possesses the largest collection of dinosaur remains in the country, including the biggest Tyrannosaurus rex skull on record. Considering the museum's main focus is the history of the people of the Rocky Mountains, not dinosaurs, its paleontological collection is impressive. The Children's Museum of Bozeman offers similar information but, not surprisingly, its exhibits are tailored to children and are of the hands-on variety. The American Computer Museum is the oldest known museum dedicated purely to the Information Age and the history of computers, having been founded in 1990.
• Ski Areas: Winter visitors have many options when it comes to skiing in Bozeman. For those who want to experience nature without the frills, the Bridger Bowl Ski Area is a favorite of locals and university students alike. The inexpensive area tends to be less crowded with tourists than other areas, and its typically heavy snowfall and new lodge, Deer Park Chalet, make it worth a visit. Of course, Bozeman does offer luxurious ski spots, such as the popular Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin. Such resorts offer skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the winter, along with tennis, golf, rafting, horseback riding, and fishing during the summer months.
• Yellowstone National Park: Of course, one of the largest draws to Montana is Yellowstone, even though only three percent of the park lies within the state. However, considering that the park encompasses more than two million acres, this little bit of natural splendor is enough for residents and tourists alike. Visitors to Yellowstone find Bozeman conveniently located a mere 93 miles from the park. Camping, hiking, boating, and catch-and-release fishing are popular Yellowstone activities, along with the numerous sightseeing opportunities. The nearly three hundred waterfalls, two steep canyons, more than one thousand tree species, and about sixty species of mammals are just a few of the features that keep visitors coming back to Yellowstone.

GETTING AROUND

• Public Transportation: The main mode of public transport is the Streamline, a bus system consisting of four routes that include stops at the university, the mall, the hospital, and the downtown area. It is free for all passengers. Bozeman travelers can take advantage of the Greyhound bus terminal and the Montana Motor Coach for longer trips.
• Air Travel: Bozeman is serviced by Gallatin Field Airport, which is located about eight miles away in nearby Belgrade. Delta, Northwest, and United Airlines fly to and from this airport, along with regional carriers Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Frontier Airlines.
• Major Highways: Three main highways allow travel to and within Bozeman. I-90 is typically the best way to get to the university. U.S. 191 takes drivers from the city to Yellowstone, while Montana 84 is another way into Bozeman.

LOCAL MEDIA

Bozeman offers plenty of opportunities to keep up with the news, considering the wide array of media outlets available locally:

• Bozeman Daily Chronicle
• KBZK (CBS), channel 7
• KUSM (PBS), channel 9
• KTVM (NBC), channel 6
• KOBB-AM 1230
• KMMS-AM 1450
• KBOZ-AM 1090
• KOBB-FM 93.7
• KMMS-FM 95.1
• KBOZ-FM 99.9

FUN FACTS

• In 2008, Bozeman was selected as "One of the 10 Great Places to Retire for Winter Sports Nuts" by U.S. News & World Report.
• Bozeman is often mentioned in pop culture, including the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, the show CSI: NY, and the movies Shooter, Supervolcano, and Star Trek: First Contact.
• Part of the movie A River Runs Through It was filmed at Montana State University.
• Famous former and current residents include Peter Fonda, Ted Turner, and Gary Cooper, to name a few.