The Best Places in Bozeman and Belgrade for a Picnic
Summer is the season for outdoor picnics. And because Bozeman and Belgrade are fortunate to have plenty of green spaces, it’s pretty easy to find the perfect picnic spot!
To help you find your next picnicking destination in town, we’ve rounded up our favorite locations. Whether you’re after picturesque mountain views, flowing rivers, or a park that’ll keep your kids entertained while you relax, you’ll find something that works for you!
1. Peet’s Hill
For a picnic with an epic view of Bozeman and beyond, look no further than Peet’s Hill. A fan favorite for a reason, this park has ample picnic space.
Sit at one of the many benches along the trail, or BYOB (bring your own blanket) and set up in the grass to take in the views. This is also one of the best places in town to catch a sunset, so plan your picnic just before sundown to watch the sky’s cotton candy colors emerge.
2. Bozeman Beach
Pop in and out of the water while you picnic at Bozeman Beach! And with the mountains in the background, Bozeman Beach is a beautiful place to spend a summer afternoon.
Keep in mind it’s a popular spot, so it won’t necessarily be as peaceful as the other options on this list. However, this makes it excellent for people watching! You’ll spot locals and visitors alike doing a variety of water activities, like swimming, kayaking, and even windsurfing!
Bonus: MAP, one of Bozeman’s favorite breweries, is on the other side of the lake. Head over when you’re done relaxing on the sand to grab a beer or app on the patio!
3. Lewis & Clark Park
You can’t go wrong picnicking in Lewis & Clark Park! With large swaths of green grass in almost all directions, it’s Belgrade’s largest park.
Keep the kids entertained with a playground, Splash Park, and skate park. Because of all the kid friendly activities, this park is a great place to picnic while you watch your little ones explore!
4. Lindley Park
In the warmer months, Lindley Park is full of people relaxing in hammocks, balancing on slacklines, and—you guessed it—picnicking.
Head there on a Tuesday evening between mid-June and mid-September for the Bozeman Farmers Market, where you’ll enjoy live music, local produce, and an assortment of food trucks.
5. Cameron Bridge Fishing Access Site
What’s better than relaxing by the river on a warm evening? Having a picnic by the river, of course!
The Cameron Bridge Fishing Access Site is the perfect place for that, with lots of space to sit on your blanket and enjoy a sandwich. There’s also a couple of picnic tables (one in the parking lot and another along the main trail) if you’d rather sit at a table.
The river is shallow enough to walk in most places, and will be flowing slow enough too. This makes it great on a hot day–just bring your river shoes, as the bottom can be rocky in places.
6. Gallatin County Regional Park
You’ll find a large hill in the middle of this large park—perfect for sledding in the winter, and picnicking in the summer. Look out across the two lakes for gorgeous views of the Bridger Mountains. We can’t think of a better backdrop for your picnic, especially if you’re there for sunset!
Plus, this large park has a number of unique amenities for families. Kids will love biking on the pump track or playing on the playground. When you’re done eating, take your dog to the fenced dog park to let out some energy.
7. Sypes Canyon
Up for a hike? Take your food to go, and eat it at the gorgeous overlook two miles in. You’ll get sweeping views of Gallatin Valley, along with the Madison and Gallatin Mountain Ranges in the distance.
This portion of the hike is definitely not easy, but it’s so rewarding once you get to the viewpoint.
Pack up some snacks, or grab something to go. A sandwich from Fink’s, treat from Wild Crumb, or to-go picnic basket from Maven’s Market are all great options!
Like we mentioned above, Bozeman and Belgrade are full of parks. So while these spots are our personal favorites for picnicking, there are a ton of other parks to choose from. If you’d like to explore your options, check out these other Bozeman parks and Belgrade parks.
Or, if you’d like to venture further from town, there’s a ton of options for that too. Madison Buffalo Jump State Park, Missouri River Headwaters State Park, and Hyalite Reservoir are all great options within a one hour drive from Bozeman and Belgrade.
Have you been to any of these spots? If so, which ones are your favorites?
