Things to do Around Manhattan, Montana

Just 20 miles northwest of Bozeman, Manhattan, Montana, is ideal for those who enjoy a quieter pace of life. This area, sometimes called the “banana belt” of the county, has a slightly milder climate and a solid agricultural base. Its primary industries are seed potatoes, dairy, wheat, and cattle.

It’s a tight-knit community that turns out in full for local events such as the Manhattan Classic Car Show and Farm Fun, which features local food, kid’s activities, farm animals, carnival games, and live music. It’s the type of town where neighbors stop on the street to catch up on one another’s lives and spend their evenings supporting school sporting events.

It’s also a prime location for outdoor recreation. To the west, you’ll find three of Montana’s State Parks: Missouri Headwaters State Park, where Lewis and Clark once camped; Madison Buffalo Jump, where Native Americans ran herds of buffalo off a limestone cliff to use for food, clothing, and provisions, and Lewis and Clark Caverns, one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in the U.S.

Copper City Trails, just 20 minutes down the road, has a robust trail system for mountain biking and trail running. Trail difficulty ranges from beginner to expert, offering something for all abilities to enjoy. The Headwaters Trail System is another great place for bikers or walkers, and a volunteer group is working on the Manhattan Trail System, with hopes to connect Manhattan to the Headwaters system and eventually run from Bozeman to Three Forks. In 2023, the Gallatin County Commissioners approved a grant application to submit to the federal government for a feasibility study on the project.

A twenty-minute drive to the east will bring you to the Bridger Mountain Range just outside of Bozeman, which offers extensive hiking opportunities. Further up, Gallatin Canyon, Bridger Bowl Ski Area, and Crosscut Mountain Sports Center offer Nordic skiing, fat tire biking, snowshoeing, and biathlon.

Closer to town, the Manhattan Area Museum offers insight into the town’s railroad and rural roots (open during the summer months), the Montana Corn Maze for fall family-friendly activities, and, of course, Land of Magic Steakhouse when you’re craving a good old-fashioned Montana steak.

The views are spectacular in every direction, and there is lots of open space and a quaint downtown. Residents can enjoy small-town living, and the cultural hub of Bozeman, offering live music, great dining, and unique shopping, is just a short drive away.