Peets Hill/Burke Park

Imagine the vast expanses of Montana shrinking down to a cozy green oasis right within the city limits. Peets Hill (Burke Park) is the most popular walking spot in Bozeman, USA. This 60-acre natural park is the "heart" of the local trail system and welcomes over a hundred thousand visitors annually, drawing them in with its breathtaking panoramas of the Gallatin Valley.

Here, from a bird's-eye view, you will find unique features such as the Mountain Range Finder—a special installation that helps identify the peaks of the surrounding mountain ranges—and the Medicine Wheel, created as a mark of respect for the region's indigenous peoples. The park retains its pristine beauty: more than 220 plant species grow here, and among the hills, you can encounter foxes, deer, and majestic birds of prey.

Regardless of the season, Peets Hill remains lively and dynamic. In summer, it is the best spot in the area for watching the sunset, and in winter, the gentle slopes transform into bustling tracks for sledding. This is a place where urban infrastructure seamlessly transitions into wilderness, giving a sense of freedom just a couple of minutes' walk from bustling Main Street.

For more details or planning group events, you can use the park administration's contact information:

The main reason to visit the park is for the panoramic views. Hike up to the Mountain Range Finder viewpoint to identify the names of all the visible peaks using the special markers. If you're interested in culture, be sure to visit the Medicine Wheel—a sacred symbol with segments oriented to the cardinal points, serving as a reminder of Montana's tribal heritage.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s plenty of room: the trails are perfect for hiking, running, and mountain biking. Pay special attention to the hilltop loop and the Chris Boyd Bridge, which provides a safe crossing over a seasonal creek. By the way, this is one of the few places where dogs are allowed to run off-leash in specially designated areas, so the park is always full of friendly pets.

A winter visit is just as exciting—the hill becomes the epicenter of sledding, where both children and adults zoom down the snowy slopes at high speeds. If you prefer a more relaxing pace, simply enjoy a picnic on one of the many benches and watch the wildlife; with a bit of luck, you might spot deer or rare birds.

Getting to this scenic spot in Bozeman is very easy, as the park is located just a few blocks from Main Street. If you prefer walking, take the paved section of the Gallagator Trail, which leads from the city library through the sculpture park directly to the south entrance.

For those traveling by car, there are two main parking areas. The primary one is located at 429 E Story St (at the intersection with Church Avenue). The second parking lot is at the top of the hill, near the intersection of Josephine Drive and Kenyon Drive, which is convenient if you want to be right at the overlook. Public restrooms are also available here.

Alternatively, you can use a local taxi or arrive by bike—the park is integrated into the citywide trail network. The ride from the city center takes no more than 5-10 minutes.

The history of this spot in Bozeman could have taken a very different path. In 1892, the area was platted for the construction of 612 residential homes. City officials aimed for high-density development to give the settlement a metropolitan flair in the fight for state capital status. Fortunately for modern tourists, the project was never realized, and the land remained an open natural space.

The hill owes its name to John M. Peets, a dairy farmer and one of the early residents of the Gallatin Valley. To this day, the white hut at the base serves as a reminder of the times when it was used to store cow feed. Later, in the early 20th century, the land was purchased by attorney Edmund Burke Jr. Although he used the hill as a pasture for his horses, he never forbade locals from walking or sledding there, making Peets Hill an unofficial people's park long before it gained formal status.

The park took on its modern form thanks to the efforts of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT). In 1993, they purchased 40 acres from the Burke family at a price significantly below market value, effectively saving the hill from developers. A fundraising campaign brought together over 700 donors, allowing for the creation of the current trail system and the installation of the Medicine Wheel—a sacred symbol dedicated to the history and culture of Montana's indigenous peoples.

To take a leisurely stroll along the main trails, climb to the top, and enjoy the panoramic views from the observation points, 1–2 hours is sufficient for most visitors. This is enough time to explore the information boards and take photos against the backdrop of the sunset.

If you plan to have a picnic, observe the local wildlife, or visit in winter for sledding, you should set aside half a day. Locals often drop by for short 30-minute walks, as the park is the perfect place for a quick "reset" during the workday.

Peets Hill (Burke Park) is welcomingly open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can come here at dawn to see the first rays of the sun over the valley, or late in the evening for stargazing—access to the area is not restricted by the time of day.

However, before heading out, it's recommended to check the official Gallatin Valley Land Trust website to ensure there are no temporary restrictions due to events or trail maintenance work.

A visit to the park can easily be combined with a stroll through other interesting spots in the city. The downtown area is very close, offering guests a mix of historic architecture, cozy cafes, and cultural centers.