Blog, History, & Montana Travel

With rolling grassy hills, breathtaking mountain views, unforgettable people, and unending adventure, Montana is one of those places that can’t be categorized easily. Many have tried. From Steinbeck to Doig, to Lewis and Clark, Montana has filled many hearts with it’s expansive beauty.

The views are big and the sky stretches out even further. When my kids were little, we’d look at the sunrise and gasp at the masterpiece that was painted for us each morning. Just like our human perspectives, no two Montana views are the same.

Rich history lines the roads and trails in Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado from the highways to the backcountry hiking trails. From stories of John Bozeman and the Bozeman Trail to bears and horses, and even places to eat lined with legend and lore, there are so many incredible offerings in this Treasure State. Montana Described:

John Steinbeck wrote to his wife while traveling through Montana and told her that his progress was slower going. He traveled slower so that he could gawk at Montana views. My favorite shirt in the world quotes Steinbeck's conclusion, “With Montana, it is love”.

I’ve read that Ivan Doig was said to have advised that in Montana, it’s a good idea to keep your hat on so the wind doesn’t blow your hair off. 

In This House of Sky, Doig wrote,

"We came up over the crest and were walled to a stop. The western skyline before us was filled high with a steel-blue army of mountains, drawn in

battalions of peaks and reefs and gorges and crags as far along the entire rim of the earth as could be seen. Summit after summit bladed up

thousands of feet as if charging into the air to strike first at storm and

lightning, valleys and clefts chasmed wide as if split and hollowed by thunderblast upon thunderblast." Ivan Doig, This House of Sky

Montana has been described as bitter and unforgiving. It freezes over every winter and catches fire every summer. While somewhat accurate, this generalization leaves out every moment of beauty, wonder, weather, and grandeur that encompasses Montana in between.

The last best place, akin to Eden, big, grand, epic, wild, extravagant. All said and done, I call it home. Montana is in my heart and soul.

We love Montana and know you will, too. We want you to see Montana with the same awe that we do while you have a place to rest like you would at home. That’s why we do what we do at Fox Hollow Inn, Bozeman. Come visit Montana see it all for yourself!

By Jessica Hunter

With so many incredible restaurants, cafes and grills in the Gallatin Valley, here are some of our favorites! You can plan ahead and never miss a meal while you visit Bozeman.

Morning

Mukai Coffeehouse: With classic drinks, comforting food, and seasonal option, this locally owned stop will fill your cup in every way! Experience community at Mukai coffeehouse.

Cafe M: A quick stop on the way to the BZN international airport, you'll find convenient locally roasted coffee, a quick bite, and easy breakfast to fuel you in your day.

Rise and Shine Cafe and Bakery: Farm to table eggs, friendly welcoming environment. Grab a sandwich on their homemade bread before you make the drive to Big Sky. (Closed Sunday and Monday).

Lone Peak Provisions: Donuts fried in 100% beef tallow? Yes please! Supporting local with quality and commitment to greatness... you couldn't ask for better! Try breakfast and lunch options and support these dedicated and talented entrepreneurs. Open 7-3 Monday-Saturday. 

Noon

Revelry: "Wholesome and savory neighborhood eatery" we love the environment, the service, and the beautifully delicious food. You can call ahead to inquire about reservations!

Sidewinders American Grill: For larger hungry parties, this restaurant in Bozeman has something for everyone. A classic American menu, a supportive vibe, and excellent service. Whenever we head out to Sidewinders Grill we rarely have the foresight to plan ahead. That's always ok because it's in a beautiful area to take a walk while we wait, we can warm up inside in their comfortable waiting area, and the kids adore the fireplace and decor! Sidewinders has always provided a great all around experience, almost as great as Montana Ale Works! (Which is one of our very favorites.

Dinner Time

Stacey's Bar and Steakhouse: A piece of Montana History you won't want to miss. Local Beef, great portions, and walk-in welcomes. (Closed Monday).

J.W Heist Steakhouse: For a culinary experience, one for the books, make a reservation at this epic Bozeman American Steakhouse.

Montana Ale Works: If we had to choose one Bozeman favorite, this one might be it. Our whole family enjoys the food and ambiance. For dining-in our take-out, their menu has it all. And as a "Bozeman Voted Best" 2024 we aren't the only ones who think so

Tell us what you think! We love hearing about where you ate, what you enjoyed, and experiences you would recommend. So email us your thoughts at [email protected] or visit our social pages and give them a shout out for their amazing hospitality, their exceptional service or their menu! 

When we think of adventure, we think of experiences that pull us out of the ordinary. Whether it's a spontaneous road trip or immersive exploration, adventure invites us into the unknown—and Montana delivers that kind of adventure in every direction.

If you're craving a memorable day trip filled with natural wonders, history, and a dash of the Old West, then set your sights on the Lewis & Clark Caverns, just east of Whitehall, MT. With Fox Hollow Inn in Bozeman as your comfortable home base, this route offers something for everyone in your travel group—whether you're a solo adventurer, history buff, road tripper, or family on vacation. Travel Tip: Start early in the morning and have your times in mind for Cavern Tours. You can head to their website through this link to look at reserving a tour spot!

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park – Montana’s First State Park

Discovered in the late 1800s, the Lewis & Clark Caverns are one of Montana's most fascinating geological treasures. This massive limestone cave system, now part of the state's first official park, is filled with towering columns, stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, and natural pools of crystal-clear water.

Visitors can take a guided two-hour tour that winds through two miles of these dramatic underground formations. The tour includes educational insights into the geology, history, and wildlife (watch for bats!), and is consistently ranked as one of the top things to do in Montana. It's cool in every sense of the word—so pack a sweatshirt!

Open May through September, the park also offers camping, RV hookups, hiking, biking, and more.

The Ultimate Old West Montana Day Trip: Historic Towns & Hidden Gems

If you’re ready for a full day of exploration, this 170-mile loop takes you through caverns, ghost towns, river valleys, and natural hot springs, all with stunning mountain views.

Route Overview:

1. Bozeman to Lewis & Clark Caverns (37 miles)
   Head west on I-90, then south on Hwy 287 to reach the caverns.

2. Caverns to Twin Bridges (35 miles)
   Take Hwy 2 to Whitehall, then follow Hwy 55/41 south. Twin Bridges sits at the confluence of three rivers—a fly-fishing paradise! Stop for lunch at The Blue Anchor or Bread Zepp in Sheridan for a true Montana welcome.

3. Twin Bridges to Virginia City (28 miles)
   Continue south on Hwy 287 to the well-preserved historic mining town of Virginia City. A step back into the 1800s! Shops are seasonal and when they are all open, your dive into Montana history is unforgettable. From the old time photos to the history train, the preservation of stories in the old mercantile, the candy shop and some incredible ice cream to boot... we can still easily spend the whole day in Virginia City.

4. Virginia City to Ennis (14 miles)
   Head east to Ennis for local shops and more world-class fly fishing. Some shops are seasonal.

5. Ennis to Norris Hot Springs (16 miles)
   Continue north to Norris, where you can soak in rustic hot springs and unwind. Check the hot springs for hours of operation and their live music schedule.

6. Norris to Bozeman (38 miles)
   Complete the loop via Hwy 84 back to Bozeman, taking in more breathtaking scenery. You can wrap up your drive at the Bozeman Hot Springs on your way back to Fox Hollow and catch a soak or a workout, too! 

Fox Hollow Inn can be your ultimate Bozeman home base for your Montana adventures. Our guests love using Fox Hollow Inn as a relaxing home base while exploring Montana’s unique destinations. We're just minutes from the airport and perfectly located for day trips to Yellowstone, Big Sky, and hidden gems like these.

Whether you're traveling with a group, your partner, or solo, this day trip offers a perfect blend of history, geology, and authentic Montana charm.

Have You Done This Day Trip? We’d love to hear about your experience! Tag us on Facebook or drop us a message with your favorite stops along the way.

Happy travels and take care—your Montana adventure awaits!