The 320 Ranch and other area attractions were recently profiled on NBC's Today Show.
None of our trips to Montana are ever complete without a visit to Yellowstone. There is never a bad time to visit the park but in July it will be busy with lots of visiting tourists from around the world. You can do a day trip to Yellowstone from Bozeman, Big Sky, or even the 320 Guest Ranch (our venue). If you have more time, you can venture further and either loop through the park from West Yellowstone to Gardiner, Montana (or vice versa) or you can even venture down to Jackson Hole, WY. You can even stay overnight in the park by either camping or grabbing a hotel room at one of the Park's nine lodges. You will need to book early for both campgrounds and lodges!
This is a great place to visit and will provide fun for all ages! The museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and a Federal fossil repository. It hosts one of the preeminent paleontology programs in the world and researchers from around the world visit the museum to study dinosaur fossils (including the world's largest collection of Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops fossils and the largest collection of dinosaur eggs, embryos and dino babies in the U.S.). Fun fact: Dr. Caroline McGill (who was the first female doctor in Montana and also a previous owner of the 320 Guest Ranch) founded the museum in 1957 and served as its first curator.
There are shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars to explore in Downtown Bozeman.
Take a group bike tour to a variety of local breweries and distilleries in Bozeman. We haven't done this in Bozeman, but it may make an appearance on our wedding week schedule. ;)
There is a plenitude of hiking in the area. The trails listed under "Bozeman District" at this website are fairly convenient to the 320 Ranch and to Bozeman.
Plenty of trails can be found. Those listed under "Bozeman District" will some of the most convenient.
This trail is accessed from the 320 Guest Ranch
The 320 Ranch offers plenty of onsite activities including horseback riding and fly fishing (either in a stocked trout pond on the ranch or on the Gallatin River).
This natural cliff was long used by many Native Americans in the Montana to stampede herds of bison to their death in order to use the bison remains for food, clothing, and shelter. There is a short hike to the top of the cliff but you can also view it from below. This is rattlesnake country so long pants and hiking boots or sturdy shoes are recommended if you plan on hiking.
This is one of the largest known limestone caverns in the Northwest. It's a cool experience for both kids and adults. Paul and Emily have visited both in the summer and winter months. It is not recommended for those who are claustrophobic or who are of limited physical ability (there is a 1 mile uphill walk to the cave entrance and the tour itself involves many steps + crouching, stooping, bending and sliding). They do have a modified tour for people who are physically limited. It is naturally cooler inside the caves, so even if it is warm outside we recommend bringing a sweatshirt or light jacket with you.
In 1864 Virginia City was the "largest town in the inland Northwest" with a population of over 10,000. Now, its an old timey "ghost town" that let's you experience the old west as it was during the mining days. You can pan for gold and garnets, take in a play (Virginia City Players) or cabaret (Brewery Follies). Or you can just walk around and take in the sights and sounds of the old west.
There are a lot of summer activities at Big Sky Resort including golfing, mountain biking, scenic lift ride, skeet shooting, ropes course, folf, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and horseback riding.
Everything you need to know about floating the Madison can be found via the attached article (including where to rent tubes, transportation (if you don't want to drive), etc.
A good place to soak after a long hike or mountain bike ride!
Another place to soak after a day of adventuring!
A good place to stay, soak, dine, and relax. If you venture from West Yellowstone through Yellowstone National Park to the Gardiner entrance, this would be a convenient place to rest your weary head after your day(s) of exploring in Yellowstone.
Good place for kids. Will likely be busy in the summer!
Rodeo that takes place annually in Livingston, Montana.
Ziplining, rafting, fly fishing, Madison River tubing