Everything You Need to Know about Traveling to Bozeman
There’s a lot to love about local life in Bozeman. Everything from delish eats to designer shopping, all within a ring of startlingly stunning mountains. Once you’ve fallen for this place, the next step is to embrace the lifestyle locals go for and assimilate hard. Here are the top things to get into so you can really become one of us, even if you’re only here for a short visit.
Leave No Trace
We’re big into the principle of Leave No Trace around here, so be sure to brush up on the basics before you head out into the park or on a trail in a wilderness area. This is the ultimate way to fit right in. If you’ve heard the old adage, “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints,” you’re already on the right track. Just be sure you’re packing out your trash, not picking wildflowers, and that you keep on the trail when you’re out in nature. It’s a lesson that benefits us all.
Wildlife Aware
Montanans regularly roll their eyes at those horrible news reports of people picking up “abandoned” baby animals off the side of the road, stuffing them in their cars because they think they’re saving them. Be better than those news stories, and learn your wildlife ABCs before you head out into the wilderness around Bozeman.
The general rule of thumb is to follow what National Parks layout: stay at least 100 yards away from all predators. That goes for bears, wolves, mountain lions—and believe us; you want to keep your distance anyway. That means we’re not taking selfies with Smokey while slathered in honey (okay, duh). And for non-predators, we’re talking 25 yards—that’s your deer, elk, and bison.
Schnee’s
Okay, let’s start this one off with a quick pronunciation lesson. This famous (and historic) store’s name is pronounced “Shnay’s” not “Shneeze.” Locals and visitors alike love this spot for its great outdoorsy gear and local-institution status. Get gear recs from the pros, or just put a little Montana style into your wardrobe rotation while you visit.
How to Sound Like a Local
Ah, the pronunciation game continues with street names and more. First of all, it’s pronounced Bose (like the headphones) man (like a hunky dude). Getting that one wrong is the fastest way to show you’re not from around these parts. Once you’re in town and have the name down, you’re sure to see plenty of mystifying street signs.
Koch is a common debate around town—Koke, Kock? The pronunciation you’ll hear most is Kawtch, so we’d recommend going with that. Another is Tschache Lane, pronounced “Shock-ee,” according to the city’s director of public service. And just for good measure, here’s a quick note about the state capital: it’s pronounced Helen-a, not Helaaay-nuh.
Brands We’re Bonkers For
It’s no secret that a lot of great brands have come to life in Bozeman, but a few have found a reach even beyond the region’s boundaries. You’ll hear the names Mystery Ranch and Oboz bandied about, two top outdoor brands that got their start right here. And if you spot “Made in Montana” stickers on products while you’re out shopping around, you know you’re buying a little something locally crafted and much loved to take home with you.
There’s just a few tips for your next trip to the BZN. We hope you enjoy your time here and blend in well while you’re having fun in and around town.
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Topics: Healthy Living, Midtown Bozeman, Things to Do, Yellowstone