Gallatin County, Montana

Gallatin County is a long, narrow county in southwestern Montana. It’s where cowboys mix with college students and tech entrepreneurs. Bozeman, the county seat, draws outdoor enthusiasts and ambitious startups alike. It has a unique vibe that’s hard to describe.

The Gallatin River runs through the county, offering some of the best fly fishing you could ask for. Seriously, it’s bucket-list material. Big Sky Resort is nearby, where powder hounds can enjoy world-class slopes. The Museum of the Rockies is also a must-visit, with an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils.

You might even run into a Hollywood star or two, as some have purchased ranches in the area. Yellowstone National Park is right next door, bringing geysers, hot springs, and bison jams into the mix. It’s a place where the Old West meets the new, and somehow, it all works.

CategoryDetails
County NameGallatin County
County SeatBozeman
EtymologyNamed after Albert Gallatin, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
PopulationApproximately 130,000
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesBozeman, Belgrade, Three Forks, Manhattan, West Yellowstone, Big Sky, Four Corners
Interstates and HighwaysI-90, US 191, US 287, MT 86
FIPS Code30-031
Total Area (Land and Water)2,632 square miles (Land: 2,605 sq mi, Water: 27 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Madison County (West), Jefferson County (Northwest), Broadwater County (North), Meagher County (Northeast), Park County (East), Park County, Wyoming (Southeast), Teton County, Wyoming (Southeast), Fremont County, Idaho (Southwest)
Time ZoneMountain Time Zone (MT)
StateMontana
Coordinates45.5800° N, 111.1720° W
Major LandmarksBridger Bowl Ski Area, Museum of the Rockies, Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance)

PHYSICAL MAP

Gallatin County Topographic Map

Gallatin County is shaped by deep valleys and towering peaks. Although Bozeman sits in a broad, flat basin, mountains rise quickly in every direction. Rivers crisscross the lower elevations. There are some flat areas, but the elevation changes quickly and often.

TRANSPORTATION MAP

Gallatin County Road Map

Some counties have highways by the handful. Gallatin has a few major ones that really matter. Interstate 90 cuts a clean path across the county, passing through Bozeman before continuing westward. Head south, though, and U.S. Highway 191 takes you deep into river valleys and even toward Yellowstone National Park.

SATELLITE IMAGERY

Gallatin County Satellite Map

From our satellite map, Gallatin County looks mostly green, with Bozeman standing out. Farmland stretches westward, while mountains dominate the edges. Forested slopes, river valleys, and rocky ridgelines show a little bit of everything. Even Yellowstone’s outer wilderness reaches into the southern edge.

OUTLINE MAP

Gallatin County Blank Map

Gallatin County has an elongated north-south shape. It’s thick on top and thin on the bottom. The county also borders Wyoming directly to the south.

Montana County Map

Montana map showing major cities, roads, and state boundaries.

Big skies and wide-open adventures define Montana, where all 56 counties offer their own blend of rugged landscapes, scenic beauty, and Western character. From sweeping plains and mountain ranges to peaceful valleys and remote wilderness, Montana is filled with places to explore.

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