10 Best Things to Do in Bozeman in the Fall

The change in seasons is one of the best parts of living in Montana. As the mornings turn crisp and the hillsides start to glow with fall colors, Bozeman settles into a slower rhythm after the fast pace of summer. 

Whether it’s a quick walk up Peets Hill, pumpkin picking at Rocky Creek Farm, or squeezing in a few more hikes, fall might just be our favorite time of year in Bozeman. 

Here's a list of our favorite things to do in Bozeman during the fall. 

1. Visit Rocky Creek Farm / Gallatin Valley Botanical

Summary: One of Bozeman’s most beloved fall traditions, Rocky Creek Farm (Gallatin Valley Botanical) offers classic autumn activities for all ages.

What to Expect:

• Free wagon rides

• Pumpkin and apple picking

• Cider pressing

• A farm stand with seasonal produce, carving pumpkins, and fresh apple cider

Good to Know:
The farm typically opens in September, check their website for current dates, and asks visitors to make a free online reservation to help manage parking.

Why We Love It:
Rocky Creek Farm has been a fall favorite for generations, and the current owners have done a wonderful job keeping this Bozeman tradition alive.

2. Explore a Corn Maze Near Bozeman

Summary: From classic corn mazes to kid-friendly hay-bale mazes, Bozeman has several fall maze experiences within a short drive.

Where to Go:

• Montana Corn Maze (Manhattan)
  A 5-acre maze with multiple challenge levels, wagon rides, a kids’ barrel train, and other family activities. Typically opens in mid-September.

• Edgewater Farms Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch (near Townsend)
  A popular weekend outing featuring a corn maze, jumbo jumper, giant slide, apple slingshots, a corn box, and more. Usually open from late September through October.

• The Bozeman Maze (Bozeman)
  A family-friendly hay-bale maze right in town, with hayrides, a mini train, and other seasonal attractions—an easy option for younger kids.

Good to Know:
Hours and opening dates vary each year, so be sure to check each farm’s website for the most up-to-date information.

3. Go to the Fall Farmers' Market

Summary: Fall is peak harvest season in Bozeman, making it the perfect time to shop local produce, meats, baked goods, and handmade items.

Where to Go:

• Bozeman Winter Farmers’ Market
  Held most Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Gallatin Valley Fairgrounds, this market features a wide variety of local vendors and seasonal goods. Check their website for dates. 

What You’ll Find:

• Local honey from Little Stingers

• Beef from Shields Valley Ranchers or Wickens Ranch

• Eggs from Black Dog Farm

• A wide selection of fall produce from local farmers

Why We Love It:
Vendors are fully stocked after peak harvest, so it’s one of the best times of year to load up on fresh, local ingredients.

4. Attend Local Fall Festivals & Community Events

Summary: Bozeman hosts a variety of annual fall festivals and community gatherings, ranging from family activities to art shows and seasonal celebrations.

Local Favorites:

• Harvest Market (Yellowstone Alliance Adventures)
  A family-friendly event with bounce houses, a climbing wall, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, face painting, and yard games.

• Bridger Raptor Festival (Bridger Bowl)
  A long-standing community tradition featuring raptor viewing, nature walks, and educational programs for all ages.

• Bozeman MADE Fair (Brick Breeden Fieldhouse)
  A curated handmade market showcasing nearly 200 local and regional artists, great for early holiday shopping.

• Montana Fresh Hops Festival (Gallatin Valley Fairgrounds)
  A harvest-season celebration featuring fresh-hopped beers from breweries across Montana.

Good to Know:
Dates and schedules vary each year, so check event websites for the most current information.

5. Go Fall Color Hunting

Summary: From in-town walks, to hikes and scenic drives, there are endless ways to enjoy the fall colors in Bozeman.

Where to See Fall Colors:

• Lindley Park & Peets Hill (Bozeman)
  Easy, in-town walks with beautiful views and bursts of color as the season changes.

• Triple Tree Trail (South Bozeman)
  A local favorite for golden hillsides, aspens, and sweeping views of the Gallatin Valley.

• Paradise Valley (South of Livingston)
  One of the most iconic fall drives in Montana, with the Absaroka Range, the winding Yellowstone River, and bright fall colors. 

Why We Love It: 
Montana is beautiful year round, but it looks its best in the fall. No matter where you go to see the fall colors, you can't miss in Bozeman. 

6. Bike the Main Street to the Mountains Trail System

Summary: Fall is one of the best times to bike Bozeman’s Main Street to the Mountains trail network, with cool air, colorful foliage, and miles of connected paths.

Why It’s Great in Fall:
Crisp weather, quieter trails, and plenty of leaf-covered sections make autumn an ideal season for a relaxed ride or a longer trek.

Where to Ride:

• Main Street to the Mountains Trail Network
  This extensive system winds through parks, neighborhoods, open spaces, and trailheads across Bozeman. You can hop on from dozens of access points around town.

• Story Mill Park to the “Path to the M”
  One of our favorite fall rides starts at Story Mill Park and follows the paved multi-use path along Bridger Drive up to the M and Drinking Horse trailheads—scenic, approachable, and great for all ages.

Good to Know:
These trails are multi-use, so be mindful of walkers, runners, and families enjoying the same fall scenery.

7. Grab a Pumpkin-Spice Something and Stroll Downtown

Summary: Downtown Bozeman is especially charming in the fall, and a warm seasonal drink makes the perfect companion for a Main Street stroll.

Where to Stop for a Fall Drink:

• Wild Joe’s Coffee Spot

• Rockford Coffee

• Zocalo Coffee House

These locally owned cafés often feature pumpkin-spice drinks and other fall-inspired specials.

What to Do:

• Wander Main Street to browse local shops, galleries, and boutiques.

• Explore the surrounding neighborhoods to see historic homes and tree-lined streets glowing with fall colors.

Good to Know:
If you’re curious about homes for sale in downtown Bozeman, check out this list of homes for sale in downtown Bozeman. 

8. Go on a Fall Hike

Summary: Bozeman is full of beautiful trails. Whether they lead to mountain views, lakes, or waterfalls, there isn’t a bad place to chase fall colors. With cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful foliage, this is one of the best times to hit the trails.

Our Top Picks for Fall Hiking:

• Sypes Canyon
  A local favorite with steady, moderate climbing and an overlook two miles from the trailhead that offers great views of the valley. The trail weaves through colorful aspen groves before connecting with the Bridger Foothills Trail, giving you the option to extend your hike along the ridge. It’s manageable for families and rewarding year-round—but especially in the fall.

• Emerald Lake (Hyalite Canyon)
  Hyalite quiets down in the fall, making it an ideal time for a longer hike. The 10-mile round trip to Emerald Lake takes you through a wide mountain meadow with views of Hyalite’s most prominent peaks, glimpses down the canyon, and even a few waterfalls along the way. If you’re up for more, Heather Lake sits just a half mile farther.

• Triple Tree Trail
  No fall hiking list is complete without Triple Tree. Close to town and stunning when the leaves change, it offers a mix of open hillside, forested sections, and big valley views. Start from the lower trailhead to enjoy the full loop, or park at the upper trailhead for a shorter hike. The bench at the top is the perfect spot to take in the view and catch your breath.

Find a Hike You’ll Love:
We’ve rounded up even more of our favorite fall hikes in and around Bozeman, click here for the full list.

9. Go to a Football Game

Summary: Fall and football go hand in hand, and Bozeman offers plenty of opportunities to cheer on local teams, from Montana State University to high school matchups.

Where to Go:

• Montana State University Bobcats
  With Bozeman as home to MSU (Go Bobcats!), catching a game at Bobcat Stadium is easy. The tailgating scene is lively, and with so many great sports bars nearby, it’s easy to turn a game day into a full-day outing.

• Local High School Football
  For a classic community fall experience, head to a Bozeman High Hawks or Gallatin High Raptors game. It’s a fun and affordable way to support local athletes and enjoy Friday-night lights.

Why It’s Great in Fall:
Crisp temperatures, energetic crowds, and a strong local sports culture make football season one of Bozeman’s most vibrant times of year.

10. Go for a Soak

Summary: A warm soak on a chilly fall day is one of the best ways to unwind in Montana, and Bozeman has several great options. From family-friendly pools to quiet, adults only spaces.

Where to Soak:

• Bozeman Hot Springs (Four Corners)
  The most convenient choice from town, with multiple indoor and outdoor pools. It’s a great spot for families or anyone wanting a quick, easy soak.

• Chico Hot Springs (Pray, MT)
  A scenic drive from Bozeman leads you to this historic hot springs resort. Come for the soak, stay for the views, restaurants, and Old West charm.

• Umvelt (Downtown Bozeman)
  An adults-only soaking experience offering a modern, spa-like atmosphere right in the heart of downtown—perfect if you want something quiet and restorative. Click here for details. 

Why We Love It: 
Cool air, warm water, and fewer summer crowds make autumn one of the best seasons to visit Montana hot springs.

Looking for ideas outside of Bozeman? Click here for 10 things to do in the fall in Montana