Nestled in Montana’s Rocky Mountains, one of the most scenic mountain ranges worth seeing, Big Sky is beauty personified. Renowned for its world-class ski slopes and breathtaking mountain views, the charming town is small — featuring a population of only a little over 3,000 — but it’s certainly still big on adventure.
Located about 45 miles southwest of Bozeman, Big Sky is a nature lover’s dream. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, wolves, and bears. For those eager to explore the Wild West, there are many beautiful MT cities worth a trip, and Big Sky is one of them. Let’s dive in to all the things to do in Big Sky.
Top Things To Do In Big Sky, Montana
From its mammoth mountains to its winding river, Big Sky is an epic destination in Montana. Here are some of the best things to do during a trip out to the Montana wilds.
1
Explore Big Sky Town Center
Winter snow at Lone Peak in Big Sky, Montana, USA
Aside from its breathtaking scenery, one major advantage about visiting Montana is that it doesn’t have a state sales tax. Tourists can take advantage of this perk with a shopping trip to the Big Sky Town Center, which features a variety of retail shops and eateries.
- Address: 33 Lone Peak Dr, Big Sky, MT 59716
2
Tour The Historic Crail Ranch
Crail Ranch Buildings in Big Sky, Montana, USA
Founded in 1802, this historic homestead provides a remarkable glimpse into the past. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the property or see the cabin and surrounding Crail Ranch Grounds.
- Address: 2100 Spotted Elk Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716
- Cost: Free
Visitors can also register online for a guided tour, which is available on select days throughout the summer months.
3
Hike The Ousel Falls Park Trail
Ousel Falls, Big Sky, Montana
What better way to enjoy the wondrous Montana scenery than with a hike? Visitors can embark on a relatively easy 1.7-mile out-and-back hike via the Ousel Falls Trail, which is arguably one of the most beautiful hikes to experience in Montana thanks to its stunning 100-foot waterfall.
- Address: Ousel Falls Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
4
Go Whitewater Rafting Down The Gallatin River
Gallatin River near Big Sky, Montana
See Montana like never before with a thrilling whitewater rafting ride down the Gallatin River, courtesy of Montana Whitewater Rafting & Zipline Tours. Paddle down the river’s rushing waters for a chance to marvel at the scenery and local wildlife.
- Address: 63960 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
- Cost: Rates vary
5
Hit The Links For An Afternoon On The Golf Course
Enjoy a day on the links at Big Sky Golf Course & Nordic Center. Big Sky Resort’s award-winning 18-hole, par 72 golf course sits at 6,500 feet above sea level, so golfers can enjoy amazing views during their game.
6
Enjoy An Evening Of Music In The Mountains
Sunrise in Big Sky, Montana
One of the best things to do in Big Sky is enjoy a live performance in the Rocky Mountains with a free outdoor concert series. “Music in the Mountains,” which is held in Center Stage in Town Center Park, features a variety of artists and musicians for an evening of musical fun.
Center Stage in Town Center Park opens at 6 p.m. and the performances typically commence at 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m.
7
See Montana’s Unparalleled Beauty On A Scenic Drive
Buckle up and get lost in Big Sky with a scenic drive through the spellbinding Gallatin Canyon. Take the US-191 S, which runs along the Gallatin River, up to Bozeman and back for a scenic adventure behind the wheel. (This drive will take about two hours with no stops; however, motorists can always turn around when it’s safe to do so for a shorter journey.)
Notable stops along the way include Garnet Mountain and the Squaw Creek Bridge.
8
Go Kayaking On Lake Levinsky
Panoramic view of Big Sky, Montana
One of the most scenic adventures tourists can have in Big Sky, Montana can be found on Lake Levinsky. Visitors can explore the 10-acre lake via a pedal boat courtesy of Geyser Whitewater Expeditions. The tour agency also offers canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals.
- Address: 46651 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
- Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June to September
- Cost: Boat rentals are $19 per person each hour, or $39 for 1 person and $10 for each additional person
9
Tackle The Snow-Capped Slopes
Ski slopes in Big Sky, Montana, USA
Hitting the ski slopes during any Montana vacation is one of the must-do things to do in Big Sky. Big Sky Resort, which is home to 5,850 skiable acres, and the Yellowstone Club are the most popular options for skiing and other snow activities.
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Address:
- Big Sky Resort: 50 Big Sky Resort Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716
- Yellowstone Club: 1 Yellowstone Club Trail, Big Sky, MT 59716
10
Explore Yellowstone National Park
View of Yellowstone National Park’s snow-capped mountain ranges
Good news for outdoor adventurers: Big Sky is located 50 miles away from Yellowstone National Park, which is predominantly situated in northwest Wyoming with small sections in Montana and Idaho. Although it’s renowned for its trails, there are many things to do in Yellowstone besides hiking, including camping, boating, and wildlife watching.
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Best Time To Visit
Jagged rocks and trees in Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky is beautiful absolutely any time of year. But, it should come as no surprise that winter is the most popular tourist season in Big Sky, Montana as people flock to the mountain town to take advantage of its snowy slopes.
However, for those who aren’t fond of the cold weather, the summer and spring are perfect times to visit too, especially for outdoor adventures like lake outings and hikes.
12
Best Ways To Get Around
Lone Peak in Big Sky, Montana
Getting to and around Big Sky is easy thanks to the Skyline Bus, which offers transportation between Bozeman and the mountain town as well as local buses for service throughout the city.
During the summer and spring, the Link buses between the two cities and local service run seven days a week; however, during the fall and winter, the local service is only available Monday to Friday by demand.
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Where To Eat
Coyote near Big Sky, Montana
Discover the best places to dine in Big Sky for every meal.
Breakfast
Blue Moon Bakery
- Address: 120 Big Pine Dr #1, Big Sky, MT 59716
Cafe 191 Big Sky
- Address: 47995 Gallatin Road, Suite 101, Gallatin Gateway, Big Sky, MT 59716
Lunch
By Word of Mouth (BYWOM)
- Address: 77 Aspen Leaf Dr, Big Sky, MT 59716
Alberto’s Mexican Cuisine
- Address: 118 Ousel Falls Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716
Dinner
Horn and Cantle
- Address: 750 Lone Mountain Ranch Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716
Block 3 Kitchen & Bar
- Address: 145 Town Center Ave Suite C, Big Sky, MT 59716
Drinks
Scissorbills Saloon
- Address: 39 Black Eagle Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716
The Cabin Bar & Grill
- Address: Mountain Vlg #3, Big Sky, MT 59716
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Where To Stay
Big Sky Resort in Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky has every type of accommodation, from affordable hotels to exclusive resorts.
Budget-Friendly Hotels
- Address: 750 Lone Mountain Ranch Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716
- Amenities: Fine dining restaurant (Horn and Cantle)
- Address: 47214 Gallatin Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716
- Amenities: Pet-friendly
Mid-Tier Hotels
Huntley Lodge at Big Sky Resort
- Address: 50 Big Sky Resort Road, Big Sky, MT 59716
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, spa and wellness center, restaurant, room service, fitness center, bar/lounge, and coffee shop
Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel
- Address: 145 Town Center Avenue, Big Sky, MT 59716
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, restaurant, free parking, fitness center, bar/lounge, coffee shop, and free shuttle service
Upscale Hotels
- Address: 995 Settlement Trail, Big Sky, MT 59716
- Amenities: Outdoor/indoor pool, spa and wellness center, restaurant, room service, fitness center, and bar/lounge
The Summit Hotel at Big Sky Resort
- Address: 50 Big Sky Resort Road, Big Sky, MT 59716
- Amenities: Outdoor/indoor pool, spa and wellness center, restaurant, room service, fitness center, valet parking, and bar/lounge
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Tips To Know When Visiting
Lone Peak in Big Sky, Montana, USA
Montana is rugged, wild, and beautiful. “The Treasure State” is also abundant in wildlife, so motorists should always be vigilant when driving, especially for any wildlife crossing the road.
Another tip for first-timers visiting Big Sky later in the year is to be prepared for freezing temperatures. Daily high temperatures drop during the fall and winter to an average of about 25 °F to 29 °F.
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How To Spend A Perfect Day In Big Sky, Montana
It’s easy to spend a blissful 24 hours in Big Sky. Of course, this can be easily accomplished by spending a large part of the day tackling the ski slopes at Big Sky Resort or making the drive down to Yellowstone National Park for a day of exploration.
However, for the perfect day spent exploring the mountain town itself, start the day by grabbing breakfast at a local eatery before walking around Big Sky Town Center. Then, go for a longer walk to see Ousel Falls before taking a tour of the Historic Crail Ranch.
After a hearty lunch, go for a scenic drive through Gallatin Canyon or — for a more thrilling option — go whitewater rafting down the Gallatin River. End the day with dinner at Horn and Cantle, a local favorite, before watching the sun set on the Rocky Mountains.
