Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture
Operated as an elementary school 1918-1991, the
Emerson Center for the Arts and Cul-
ture
(111 S. Grand Ave., 406/587-9797,
www.theemerson.org
), or The Emerson, as it is
more commonly called, is the nucleus of Bozeman's robust arts scene. There are more than
30 studios, galleries, boutiques, and art-related businesses in the building in addition to
Crawford Theater, one of the best in town, and an excellent restaurant, the Emerson Grill.
In summer,
Lunch on the Lawn
(11:30am-1:30pm Wed. July-Aug., free) is a Bozeman tra-
dition with live music, food vendors, and lots of smiling faces.
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Madison Buffalo Jump State Park
Farther afield but well worth the visit is
Madison Buffalo Jump State Park
(6990 Buffalo
Jump Rd., 7 miles south of Logan off I-90, 406/285-3610,
www.fwp.state.mt.us/parks
,
sunrise-sunset daily, $5/vehicle nonresidents). Used by Native Americans some 2,000 years
ago (and as recently as 200 years ago!), long before horses were brought to North America,
buffalo jumps are a testament to human ingenuity. A small, covered interpretive display ex-
plains how Native Americans persuaded bison up the hill and off the cliff to their deaths,
but the real lesson comes from hiking the mile-long trail (watch for rattlesnakes and cacti,
both of which love the sun here) and exploring the site independently. Tipi rings can be
identified, as can eagle-catching pits. Splinters of bison bone have been found at the base
of the cliff. Aside from the compelling history of the area and the magnificent views from
the top, the park's location limits traffic, and you are likely to have the place to yourself.
Nightlife
In downtown Bozeman,
Plonk
(29 E. Main St., 406/587-2170,
www.plonkwine.com
,
11:30am-2am daily) is an elegant wine bar as known for its tapas and desserts—follow the
brie, tomato, and basil panini with the chef's chocolate-board dessert—as for its remark-
ably global selection of more than 600 wines. The atmosphere is a captivating integration
of 100-year-old architecture, contemporary original works of art, minimalist urban design,
and an eclectic collection of well-played vinyl records. In the summertime, the crowd spills
outside to a handful of sidewalk tables. In a mostly family-friendly town, this is one estab-
lishment that does not welcome children or babies.
Also downtown,
Bar IX
(311 E. Main St., 406/551-2185,
www.bar-ix.com
, 11am-2am
daily) is both industrial and rustic, and it's usually hopping. Their happy hour specials and
Bucket Nights are well known locally. Appealing to Bozeman's athletic crowd,
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