Stay a Week…or a Lifetime

Robyn Erlenbush
CRS, GRI, CRB, Broker Owner
Phone: (406) 586-1321
Send me an email

With the official first day of summer just behind us, expect to feel an intensified energy coming to the Bozeman area in the form of excited tourists from all over the world anticipating a great vacation.  Some have been here before and are returning to continue their annual adventure, others are here to experience Southwest Montana’s beauty for the first time, and a number are deciding to transform their favorite vacation place into the perfect place to retire or purchase a second home getaway.

Many visitors come to Montana via automobile, as a quick glance at downtown Bozeman streets and parking lots show license plates from almost every state.  Those who chose to arrive by plane will discover that Gallatin Field airport is currently undergoing a major expansion which will result in the capability to handle flights for more than 1.5 million passengers per year.  The number of passengers for this year through May is already over 260,000 (enplaned and deplaned) which is a 1.1% increase over last year’s same time period.  The local airport currently services flights by Delta, Delta Connection, United, United Express, Horizon, Frontier, Allegiant, as well as Charter or Corporate flights. This expansion project will not only provide the ability for more tourists and commuters to fly in and out of our area, but will supply new jobs to further help stimulate the economy.  When completed, Gallatin Field will be one of the most extensive and attractive regional airports in the Northwest.

All of these travelers come to recreate in a number of different ways, and many choose to visit Yellowstone National Park.  Statistics show that a record 3,295,192 people visited in 2009.  Although this number is not broken down by locals versus tourists, it is an indication that “out of the area” people consistently visit this natural wonder.  They are enchanted by thousands of geysers and mud pots, along with breathtaking scenery, and the outstanding wildlife viewing that our country’s first national park offers.

Of course, the recreation continues throughout the greater Yellowstone region. Montana is truly the “land of plenty” for the outdoor enthusiast.  Fly fishing aficionados of all skill levels come to Montana to chase their dream of catching trophies on one of the many Blue Ribbon Trout Rivers and streams.  Others find solitude camping along the banks of a pristine mountain lake.  Those seeking some fast action adventure can enjoy the new “Zipline” at Big Sky Resort, which is quickly become a popular attraction.  I haven’t even mentioned local golf opportunities, miles of hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, kayaking and rafting….you get the picture!!

Those summer visitors who prefer a little art and culture, in addition to physical recreation, won’t be disappointed.  The Downtown Bozeman ArtWalks are held on the 2nd Friday of each month from June through September with businesses and galleries generally featuring varied artist’s receptions and works.  Livingston holds its own Art Walk on the 4th Friday of the same months for added art enjoyment.  The Sweet Pea Festival of the Arts occurs at Lindley Park the first weekend of August and has been a Bozeman tradition for more than 30 years.  Over 16,000 loyal followers come to enjoy a variety of music, dance, theater, opera, and regional artisans.  Other noteworthy events that bring tourists from near and far include the Music in the Mountains concert series in Big Sky and the Summerfest outdoor music festival along the Yellowstone River in Livingston, which attracted over 9,000 attendees last year.  No trip to Bozeman is complete without spending a day at the Museum of the Rockies which offers a world class collection of dinosaur fossils, the Taylor Planetarium, a living history farm and this summer, a Leonardo da Vinci exhibit entitled “Machines in Motion”. 

Stay a week or a lifetime.  Though some tourists come one time only and leave with photos and memories of an unforgettable experience, others come back each year to try to fit in additional activities and spend more time in a place for which they have a growing affinity.  For visitors who chose to return annually and potentially more often, purchasing a second home or retirement place has become a very attractive option under current market conditions.

Enjoy the summer… and all it has to offer.  Take the time to play “tourist” in our amazing “last best place”.