Thinking of visiting Big Sky, Montana and wondering what there is to do? You’re in luck! Big Sky, Montana is such an amazing destination with so much to do and see year round. This post will focus specifically on things to do during the summer and fall months, as in the winter most travelers are visiting specifically for skiing. Big Sky is especially incredible if you enjoy outdoor activities and spending time in nature. Keep on reading for my guide for the best things to do in Big Sky, MT!
The Best Things to do in Big Sky in the Summer and Fall
1: Fishing and Swimming at Green Bridge
Green Bridge (literally just a green bridge) is located about 6 miles outside of Big Sky on Highway 191 towards Bozeman.
The bridge is a popular place for bridge jumping, swimming and fishing. It’s a great place for friends, families and kids, and is the perfect place to hangout on a warm summer day.
Visiting Green Bridge is a great free activity in Big Sky!
2: Go Whitewater Rafting on the Gallatin River
Whitewater rafting on the Gallatin River is one of my favorite things to do in Big Sky!
I can’t swim, and don’t really love water, but this is still so much fun! I felt totally safe the whole time and the guides were awesome!
For the rafting expeditions you can choose from three different experiences: “Gentle Cruise,” “Not as rough, but wet!” or “Most Exciting.” I recommend going for “Most Exciting,” it’s not scary and you’ll have a lot of fun!
Click here for rates and to book.
3: Water Sports on Lake Levinsky
Located at Big Sky Resort you will find Lake Levinsky!
This small lake offers paddle boards, canoe, kayak and pedal boat rentals that are great for all ages. The lake is open for equipment rentals between 10am and 6pm throughout the summer months, and it is a great place to spend the afternoon. You can rent equipment by the hour, the day or even get a family week-long pass!
Finally, with a fishing license you can also fish on the lake. Click here for rental information!
4: Go Fishing around Big Sky
If you like to fish, Big Sky is the place for you! In Big Sky, and the surrounding towns, you will find a bunch of amazing fishing spots. These are great to visit on your own, or in small groups.
You can also hire full day or half day fly fishing guides, that will take you out on a river for a fun day of fishing.
Some of the best spots for fishing near Big Sky are the Gallatin River, the Yellowstone River and the Madison River. Let me know if you’d like to see a post all about the best fishing spots around Big Sky!
Fishing on the Gallatin River 
Fishing at Big Sky Resort
5: Go Hiking on the Many Hiking Trails
Big Sky has a ton of amazing hiking trails that are great for a wide range of hiking abilities! Hiking in Big Sky is a lot of fun, and it is truly a beautiful place to be outside.
I usually prefer hikes that are 6 miles and under, and there are many options around Big Sky. If you’re into longer, more difficult hikes, Big Sky also has many 15+ mile trails!
Be sure to check out my post about the best easy hiking trails in Big Sky – two of my favorites are Beehive Basin and Ousel Falls.
Hiking around Big Sky is another fantastic free activity for travelers!
Uplands Trail 
Beehive Basin Trail
6: Visit the Big Sky Farmers’ Market
The Big Sky Farmers’ Market is held every Wednesday during the summer months, usually from 5-8pm.
I love this farmers’ market, and I look forward to it every year during my trips to Big Sky. You can find tons of items, such as fresh flowers and veggies, yummy food booths, jewelry, handmade soaps and more!
7: Check out the Shops in the Big Sky Town Center
The Big Sky Town Center has grown significantly over the years, and currently there are numerous shops and restaurants to check out.
In the Town Center you’ll find shops that sell ski and snowboarding gear, cute boutiques, and mountain fashion and gifts.
A few of my favorite shops include Relic, Sky Boutique and Montana Supply.
8: Take a Scenic Chairlift Ride
At Big Sky Resort you can purchase a scenic chairlift pass that will allow you access to three chairlifts on the mountain!
You can ride up and hike down, or you can ride up and back down while taking in the stunning views. I never knew riding a chairlift in the summer could be so much fun!
This is a great activity for all ages, as it is not strenuous, but still super fun!
Chairlift ride at the Big Sky Resort
9: Check out Beehive Basin Brewery
Located in the Big Sky Town Center you’ll find Beehive Basin Brewery! If you like breweries, this is an awesome one to check out.
Beehive Basin Brewery is a fantastic place to visit after a long day or hiking, fishing or skiing (or shopping!) They have great beers to choose from that are definitely worth sampling.
At this time, Beehive Basin Brewery doesn’t serve food, but definitely check them out for drinks!
10: Try your Luck at an Escape Room
Located at the Big Sky Resort, you’ll find a gold rush themed escape room! It is seriously so much fun, and a wonderfully designed escape room.
We did the escape room with five adults, and we made it out in about 45 minutes. This is one of my favorite escape rooms I’ve ever done, and I highly recommend it. Click here to read more about the gold rush theme and to book.
MAYBE: Lone Peak Expedition
I’ve been wanting to go on the Lone Peak Expedition for years, however, recently, due to Covid-19, we were not able to book a time to participate.
Lone Peak is a giant mountain and Montana’s highest scenic overlook point. In the summer, you can book an excursion to the top of Lone Peak (and back), and it sounds like so much fun!
On this expedition you will take a chairlift, a mountain trekking vehicle and a tram to reach the top of the peak. The summit of Lone Peak is at an altitude of 11,116 feet, and the views look absolutely incredible!
For my next trip to Big Sky I definitely want to take part in the Lone Peak Expedition – more details to come on this!
Bonus: Where to stay in Big Sky?
When visiting Big Sky, there are numerous hotel and AirBnb options! A quick AirBnb search will show you tons of rentals at a variety of price points.
In terms of hotels, I have a few recommendations to share! These hotels are all in great locations, close to activities, shops and restaurants.
- The Wilson Hotel
- Ideally located directly in the Big Sky Town Center, this newly constructed hotel is gorgeous! There are tons of shops, restaurants and activities within walking distance, and I highly recommend staying at this hotel.
- Lone Mountain Ranch
- Looking for a gorgeous escape in nature? Lone Mountain Ranch is home to beautiful, modern cabins that are perfect for a Montana vacation. Most vacation packages at Lone Mountain Ranch include meals and activities, so this is definitely a great options!
- Huntley Lodge, Village Center, Summit Hotel and Shoshone Condominium Hotel
- These four hotels are located at the Big Sky resort. They are ideal for anyone looking to use Big Sky Resort’s amenities such as the chairlift, children’s rock climbing wall, mountain biking or zip lining.
There are so many fun and unique things to do in Big Sky year round. It is a great place for families, couples or groups of friends who love adventures and being outdoors.
If you have any questions about things to do in Big Sky, or would like to add anything to this list, let me know in the comments below!
For more fun things to do in the Big Sky area, be sure to check out my posts about the best day trips from Big Sky, and the best things to do in Bozeman, Montana.
Lastly, save this post for later and share it with someone you know who should visit Big Sky, Montana!
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♡Kate
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Hi Kate, I love your choices! My other favorite thing this year was the yoga outdoors and the smoothies in the Town Center. Other times I also loved drinks at the Beehive Brewery, and drinks and live music at the Carabiner, in the Summit Hotel.
Oh, and of course I LOVE paddleboarding on Lake Levinsky!!!
Thanks for sharing these fun activities in Big Sky! I hope to try them all one day!
I can’t wait to visit Montana! I was supposed to go earlier this year, but weather interfered. I’m looking forward to reading about your Lone Peak Expedition in the future too.
I’ve always wanted to visit Montana! I’m hoping to later this year. I actually just got into white water rafting this year and I can’t wait to try it here!
That water rafting looks so fun! I’ve always wanted to try it out and this looks like a great place to do it.
Loved learning more about Montana since I’m from the U.S. also! I’d love to visit due to all of the great outdoor activities once I move back:)
Your pages and experiences have been fun to find. Thank you for sharing! I’m looking for your fishing guide as I have an uncle who wants to fly fish but cannot walk far and a float trip would not work. Any suggestions for good pull off spots? We will be there in August. So excited! Best wishes, Kelly
Hi Kelly! Thank you so much for your message. When you arrive, we would suggest going to the fly shop Grizzly Outfitters in the canyon (by the Gallatin River) and/or Eastslope Outdoors in the Big Sky village, right behind the movie theater. They will be able to give you great recommendations based on the weather. If you would like, I can also give you the email address/phone number of our family friend who has been fishing in Montana, and Big Sky specifically, for decades. He has wonderful recommendations for pull off spots along the Gallatin River that he would be happy to share with you. We will also be there fishing with him in late August! I hope this is helpful!
I would love to do most of the things from your list, especially hiking and checking out the farmers’ market and the shops. Thanks for sharing.
This is a great list! The bridge jumping and white water rafting are definitely two activities I would be interested in trying out. Thanks for adding in where to stay as well, all of the hotels look like great places to stay.
I would LOVE to go on the Lone Peak Expedition and look forward to reading your future post detailing your experiences on the expedition. The hiking looks fun and those fresh flowers from the farmers market were absolutely beautiful!!