Time Out London, July 2004 Feature: Arizona, Bozeman & St Louis Time Out London June 30 to July 7 Arizona, St Louis and Bozeman Report: Michael O’Hanlon
Arizona, St Louis and Bozeman represent three versions of the real America that have kept their independent identity……………
Bozeman An All-American town in the southwest wilds of Montana, Bozeman has a real Main Street with stores on it, super art galleries as well as colourful bars and restaurants that you don’t have to drive to. The many outdoors wonders include the world’s first national park. But the entire Gallatin area around Bozeman exudes that big-sky expansiveness.
What to see Though technology is not something you’d associate with Montana, the American Computer Museum (234 E Babcock Street, 406 582 1288 www.compustory.com) traces the lineage of modern pcs; outstandingly well conceptualised with absorbing exhibits. For vintage photographs and local items, it’s worth visiting the Gallatin Pioneer Museum (317 W Main Street, 406 522 8122,www.pioneermuseum.org).
In the region The mighty Yellowstone Park (307 344 7381, www.nps.gov/yell ) is 90 miles south. The drive down to the Montana entrance is in itself a dramatic experience, the road wrapping around the Gallatin National Forest and past the Big Sky Resort. Twenty-two miles east of Bozeman is Livingston, the town where A River Runs Through It was shot. People who live there are happy to tell you about the background to the movie’s making; the guides at www.montanafishingco.com know where to catch those trout.
Information Visitor Center, 224 East Main Street, 406 586 4008; www.historicbozeman.com. See also: www.bozeman.net and www.bozemancvb.visitmt.com.