10 Great Places To Explore This Summer Near Bozeman, MT

When planning your summer trip to Bozeman this year, there are many different day trips you can take that will get you out of the city and into the beautiful mountains.

Not only are some of these locations full of beauty and history, they are also quite seasonal, so the summer months is the only time you will get to really enjoy them.

In no particular order, these are 10 great day trip options within two hours of Bozeman.

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Virginia City - About an hour and fifteen minutes from Bozeman, Virginia City is extremely popular in the summer. The town entertains those of all ages with their Old West feel. You will feel like you are walking through the late 1800s when you take the short day trip.

Ennis - The short one hour drive will take you through a scenic route that makes you understand why people love the Montana landscape. Ennis is full of fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities.

Fairy Lake - If you want to have a picnic surrounded by mountains and clear water, then take the quick one hour drive to Fairy Lake. You will not be disappointed.

Canyon Ferry Lake - 2 hours out of Bozeman you will find this gem. If you have dreamed of camping under the big skies of Montana, where city lights don't ruin the view, Canyon Ferry Lake is a great spot to choose.

Yellowstone National Park - Depending on which direction you choose to go, finding yourself at YNP is an absolute must-see when visiting Montana in general. You can get to a park entrance in under an hour and a half from Bozeman.

Butte -  An hour and twenty mins from Bozeman, you will find yourself in "Good ol' Butte America". History lines the streets of uptown Butte, including the oldest Chinese restaurant in the U.S., Pekin Noodle Parlor. Tours of historic buildings is very popular along with haunted tours of old hotels and even a brothel.

Livingston - Less than 30 minutes from Bozeman, you will find one of my favorite Montana small towns. You can shop, eat, and drink on main street with a backdrop of mountains. If you are there during the summer, you can grab a burger for less than $6 at the famous Mark's In & Out.

Dillon - Full of hiking, biking, camping, and incredible fishing, Dillon is less than 2 hours from the hustle and bustle of Bozeman.

Gates of the Mountains (near Helena) - A short 2 hour drive will bring you to Gates of the Mountains. You will understand why it's called Gates of the Mountains once you arrive. You can schedule a boat tour and learn the history behind the name all while taking in some of the best scenery in the area.

Billings - The largest city in Montana and about and hour and a half from Bozeman, Billings is a host for all ages. You can stay in town and enjoy waterparks, the zoo, and great food or, you can travel outside of the city and enjoy hiking and biking.

When planning your trip to Montana this summer, make sure to consider supporting the surrounding communities that make Montana the incredible state it is today and has always been.