Bozeman Spring Break Staycation Ideas

Go Out!

There are so many options for going out in Bozeman now! Check out the Elm, The Rialto, Live from the Divide, or Tune Up for live music. Head to Last Best Comedy for a show and a laugh. See what's playing at the Ellen, there are usually movies, music, or live theater. Speaking of live theater, have you been to the Verge? Bozeman's best little theater! Go bowling at Ponderosa Social Club if you're feeling fancy or head for the Bowl if you're feeling old school. Bozeman is no longer a sleepy little town so there are many, many things to do! 

Day trip to a hot springs

This is the best time of year for a hot springs soak. The sun is usually shining and the temperatures are chilly, but not too cold. Luckily for Bozemanites we have many great hot springs within close driving distance. Chico Hot Springs is the obvious choice, tucked into the beautiful Paradise Valley. It's tough to get a room there now that they have been fully discovered, so drive over for lunch and soak. Norris Hot Springs is another great option and you get a beautiful drive along the Madison River. It's one small pool with live music on weekends. The food is excellent, but there isn't an inside dining option or heated restrooms, so this is for the tougher crowd! White Sulphur Hot Springs is nice to get away from the crowds. They have some of the best water when it comes to hot springs and the town has good dining options! The newest hot springs in the area is Yellowstone Hot Springs near Gardiner. This one has a more laid-back vibe and a great pool layout for privacy. Plus, a cold plunge! 

Ski Day!

This is an obvious choice for any Bozeman staycation. Both Bridger and Big Sky are great options nearby, so take advantage of a ski day! Click here for information on both ski areas. If downhill skiing isn't your thing, give cross-country skiing a try. There are several groomed trails in town and in the mountains for all ability levels. Crosscut, near Bridger has rentals and groomed trails. 

Splurge on a night away

Sometimes you have to treat yourself! Sage Lodge in the Paradise Valley is just the place to do this. Sage is beautiful with huge windows and outdoor patios to take in views of the Yellowstone River and Emigrant Peak. There are two restaurants and a gorgeous spa and hot tubs for soaking throughout the property. It's indulgent, but if you're a Montana resident they cut you a deal...win-win for a staycation! Another night-away option is Rainbow Ranch Lodge just outside of Big Sky. They have beautiful rooms with fireplaces, an infinity hot tub, and a great restaurant. Everything you need for a little R&R.

Go to a movie, but not just anywhere!

We're not talking about heading to the theater here in Bozeman, make it a day trip and head to Livingston. The Empire Twin Theaters is a historic movie house but has modern updates inside so you have everything you expect in a theater. Make a day out of it and have lunch at Gil's and then grab a beer at Katabatic after the show! Click here for more things to do in Livingston, Montana

Go to the theater

Speaking of Livingston, have you been to the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts? Add it to your list, if you haven't! It is a community theater that has education, performances, and more. For all of March, they are showing Sunday in the Park with George. Livingston is a thriving small town with so much to do, so if you don't feel like theater, you should still keep Livingston in mind for a fun day trip. Click here for ideas!

Photo credit Shane Lalani Center for the Arts

Take a hike

Winter is a great time to hike in Bozeman, and let's be honest...spring break is still winter around here! The trails are quieter before the summer tourists arrive and it is so peaceful and beautiful with all the snow and big blue sky. Click here for our favorite winter hikes. If you don't want to head to the mountains, here are some in-town trails for walking. 

Rent a cabin

We're still a couple of months away from camping season, so renting a cabin can give you a little taste of what's to come without freezing in a tent! A lot of cabins can be tough to rent with short notice, but this time of year you can get lucky. Click here are some cabin rentals in the Bozeman area.

Play tourist

The best way to have a staycation is to act like a tourist! In Bozeman that means head downtown. Start with a coffee at one of the many cafes while you wait for a table at Jam or the Western, depending on your mood. Window shop after that and pop into some of the shops to browse around. By then it's time for lunch or happy hour and the possibilities are endless!