Lady’s 7 Things to Do in Big Sky, Montana

Today I want to share my guide to things to do in Big Sky with you. This area in the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Montana is known for its skiing and proximity to Yellowstone National Park, but there’s a lot more to discover on a trip. I’ll show you the highlights.

Things to Do in Big Sky

I was a teenager the last time I traveled to Montana. I don’t remember much, but I do recall driving for hours (or what felt like hours) through flat, open land.

The sky went on forever. Perhaps that’s why there’s a place in Montana called Big Sky.

A good friend from childhood moved to Big Sky a few years ago. She invited me to Montana to visit her after my cousin’s wedding in Minneapolis.

Having seen photos of the amazing wildlife in her backyard, I couldn’t wait to see the animals and discover all the exciting things to do in Big Sky.

1. Explore Bozeman

I fly into Bozeman, an hour’s drive from Big Sky. My friend is kind enough to pick me up from the airport, and we spend the afternoon exploring the pretty red brick downtown.

Knowing I run a travel blog for a living, my friend takes me to lunch at Ted Turner’s restaurant, Ted’s Montana Grill.

The media mogul has land in the area, and his restaurant serves famous burgers and other American fare. Hungry for a taste of my homeland, I go for the bison nachos. Yum.

After lunch we explore the main street, which is lined with shops and restaurants. I particularly like a clothing boutique called Meridian and a gift shop called Heyday, which sells all kinds of pretty things.

2. Stay on the Gallatin River in Big Sky

Back in the car, we drive out to Big Sky. The road winds along the Gallatin River, where the iconic fly fishing movie A River Runs Through It was filmed.

That same river runs right along the back of my friend’s yard. Her adorable log cabin near the Rainbow Ranch Lodge is the perfect place to stay in Big Sky. I settle into her guest room with an eye out for moose.

3. Spot Wildlife in Big Sky

I don’t have to wait long. As soon as we get in the car to go on a Yellowstone National Park tour, we come across a moose fording a river.

It’s amazing to see, and it’s hard to believe my friend and her husband experience things like it every day.

Later we spot another moose, a marmot, and a herd of elk along the road leading up to the ski resorts in Big Sky. I’m in cute furry animal heaven. Seeing the wildlife is one of my favorite things to do in Big Sky.

4. Go Fly Fishing in Big Sky

On the less cute end of the animal spectrum are the fish in the Gallatin River. My friend and her husband take me fly fishing in Big Sky one afternoon, and I have beginner’s luck.

I catch six fish in an hour, most of them trout. Who knew wearing waders could be so much fun?

5. Hike in Big Sky

When we’re not interacting with wildlife in Big Sky, we’re admiring wildflowers. It’s one of the most beautiful things to do in Big Sky in the warmer months.

My friend and her dog, Duke, take me on a hike up the Twin Cabin Trail, and the whole hillside is in bloom. The nearby Spanish Peaks and Gallatin Mountains are still covered in snow, but spring has arrived in Big Sky.

6. Eat at the Best Restaurants

In the evenings, my friend cooks us some great meals at home and we explore Big Sky’s restaurant scene.

One night we have dinner at By Word of Mouth, where I have a beautiful piece of rainbow trout to celebrate my first attempt at fly fishing.

7. Take in the Views of Big Sky

The next morning I’m awake early to take the shuttle from Big Sky back to Bozeman. My flight is at 6am, just in time for the sunrise over the mountains.

As my plane ascends, I’m treated to breathtaking views of Montana and Yellowstone. Even from the air, the sky is as big as it is from the land.

Things to Do in Big Sky

It’s a great way to say farewell to my home country and experience another of the best things to do in Big Sky.

I hope to return again in the winter to experience the skiing the area is known for. In the meantime, I’ll savor the memories of everything from fresh wildflowers to fly fishing.

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