Our agenda originally had us in Bozeman late at night and for just the morning. As was common during summer 2021, our flight schedule changed many times. We finally had a good schedule and arrived early in the afternoon local time. We only spent about 24 hours in Bozeman, ergo a mini-review.
First, my compliments to Bozeman airport. We were off the plane quickly, took a short walk to the baggage claim, and had our luggage in short order. The only similarity with Detroit airport (our home airport) was the long line at the car rental counter.
Second, a mix comment on our car rental from Avis in Bozeman. I tried to call the local store numerous times to confirm, but they do not answer their phone very often (-1). I finally was able to speak to someone late at night. He was polite enough (+1). He reported that they had not had any problems with cars not being available and that proved true when we arrived (+1). The line was slow (-1) and he made me sign the form that said I checked the car for damage before I saw the car (-1). He did, however, give us a free upgrade to a mini van (-1 from adults +1 from the kids). The next day, our car needed an oil change (-1). Overall, I would say mixed experience. The kids, however, love that Caravan.
Lodging
We were originally supposed to arrive at 10:30 pm (or 12:30 pm to us), so I reserved a hotel as close to the airport as possible and offered breakfast. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Belgrade. It may have been awhile since we were in a hotel, but I thought they did a great job! Staff was VERY friendly and helpful. Room was clean enough. Breakfast had delicious cinnamon rolls and a machine that individually makes pancakes (fairly common around the hotel world, but new to us). Pool was fine. More than acceptable for airport accommodations. It is right by the highway, so easy to pop into town, but there are closer hotels if you are staying in Bozeman for a few nights. Also, it is very close to Albertson’s. If you, like us, want to buy from a relatively local grocery before heading to Yellowstone, this was very convenient.
Dining
As I mentioned above, as we were there for about 24 hours, we only ate two places. I did not do an exhaustive search for the best possible options, so do a little more leg work if you are pickier and/or staying longer.
Montana Ale Works
You will notice a theme in my husband’s posts: he likes beer. This selection was for him. The outdoor section is nice, but some road noise. The online waitlist sign up was terrible at estimating the time and did not apply to outdoor seating. The hostess was very pleasant and called to explain it when she saw my “outdoor“ request when I asked to be put on the waitlist. After our arrival, we spoke to the outdoor hostess and was added to the list. Guys went in for beer, I went back to the car to retrieve our jackets. Hostess had a cancelation and sat us quicker than expected. Waitstaff was pleasant and helpful. Turns out, the veggie burger is made from nine grains, but not one of them is wheat! I had the veggie burger on a GF bun. It was definitely unique and I would get it again. It was not my very favorite, however. Not much else on the menu if you have food allergies, double check before you go. I had a mixed drink that was also good. Overall, I would go again, but I would not be a regular.
Old Chicago
Apparently, Old Chicago is a chain. We do not normally eat in chains on vacation, but we do not have any locations near us and this was a restaurant we stumbled upon while out an about this day. Like many employers, Old Chicago was short staffed. The host told us 30 minutes to wait for lunch as we peered into the half empty restaurant. Once seated, our server was very nice. The menu had nothing for folks with food allergies. What I did end up ordering was not very good and it took forever. While entirely understandable, it was unpleasant. I would not go back.
Activity
Museum of the Rockies
We only had time to do one thing and this was what we chose. It was really interesting even if you have been to other natural history museums. Very nice displays on indigenous peoples. I was the only one who stayed awake for the planetarium show (re: the Northern Lights). When it was time to go, I saw the signs about there being an upstairs kids area. We did forgo on account of the schedule, but I would check it out should we find ourselves in Bozeman again. Overall good experience and would go again.
Comments