EXCURSION: Tour of MSU American Indian Hall
2024-03-12 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Denver)
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Dr. Walter Fleming, director of MSU’s Department of Native American Studies, will guide us through the building that sits on ancestral lands of many tribes. The 38,000-sq.-foot hall, opened in January 2022, serves over 800 Native American and Alaska Native students enrolled at MSU.

We will learn about its conception and architectural features as well as the art and cultural significance found throughout. The hall is an academic and cultural space and a place for Native students to find a home away from home—a bridge between American Indian and other cultures on campus.

Members: Login to see details and register

Limited number of spots available

EXCURSION: Backstage at Heart of the Valley
2024-04-23 10:00 - 13:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter? Join us for a tour of the shelter to find out first hand!

Members: Login for details and to register

Limited number of spots available

EXCURSION: Greycliff Mill Tour/Grand Hotel
2024-05-17 08:00 - 15:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

The Greycliff Mill is an hour west of Bozeman at the foot of the Grey Cliffs. It is an old restored water-powered working gristmill that has an interesting history. Join us for a bit of a history lesson and a tour of the grounds which includes a cheese cave, a leather shop, a weaving shop, greenhouses, a coffee/sandwich shop, and a market/creamery featuring naturally good products like their artisan cheeses made on-site!

EXCURSION: Livingston's GlassyBaby and Train Museum
2024-06-07 09:00 - 14:30
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Enjoy a guided tour of GlassyBaby’s glass blowing facility, a no-host lunch at the Fainting Goat restaurant, and a tour of the Train Depot Museum.

Limited number of spots available

Members: Login to register

EXCURSION: Happy Hour at Brigade!
2024-06-12 16:30 - 18:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Summer is just around the corner so it’s time to mark your calendar for our first summer Happy Hour! Come enjoy small bites and a few drinks with your GVNC friends at Brigade on Main Street! It will be the perfect kickoff to summer!

Limited number of spots available

Members: Sign in for more details and to register!

EXCURSION: Road Trip - The Bray and Tizer Botanic Gardens
2024-07-11 08:00 - 17:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Join us for a guided tour of The Bray in Helena and a visit to Tizer Botanic Gardens on July 11! The Bray’s galleries and grounds are dedicated to ceramic art and feature exhibitions and site-specific sculptures, including work by world renowned ceramic artists. After the tour, we’ll have time to browse the sales gallery before grabbing a no-host lunch and heading over to Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum in Jefferson City. Weather permitting, we’ll eat our lunches at picnic tables by the creek, then stroll through the 14 distinct gardens and shop at the nursery before heading home.

Limited number of spots available

Members: Login for details and to register

EXCURSION: Lavender Wand Workshop
2024-08-14 09:30 - 11:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Join us Wednesday, August 14 from 9:30 – 11:00 am to make your own lavender wand. No experience necessary; all supplies included. If you have a special ribbon you would like to incorporate in your wand, please bring it with you.

Members: Login for more details and to buy tickets

Limited number of spots available

EXCURSION: Alpacas of Montana Farm Tour
2024-08-19 10:00 - 11:30
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Join us for a GVNC farm tour at Alpacas of Montana! We will have the chance to feed and walk the alpacas and llamas as well as learn about them and their partnership with humans.

Members: Login for more details and to buy tickets

Limited number of spots available

EXCURSION: Historic Downtown Walking Tour and Happy Hour
2024-08-21 16:00 - 18:30
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Join us for Murders, Madams, and Mediums: Bozeman’s Dark Side from 4-5 pm. From horrific murders to notorious madams and mediums communicating with the spirit world, Bozeman’s darker history comes to light. After the tour, we will commune together at Shine Beer Sanctuary.

Guests of members are welcome!

Members: Login for more details and to purchase tickets

Limited number of spots available

EXCURSION: Happy Hour at AC Hotel
2024-09-18 16:30 - 18:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of socializing at the AC Hotel in downtown Bozeman! This happy hour is a great opportunity to connect with friends, meet new people, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of our growing city.

Enjoy a variety of appetizers while mingling with fellow GVNC members. Please note that drinks will be at your own expense.Guests of members are welcome

Members: Login for more details and to buy tickets

Limited number of spots available

EXCURSION: Gangbusters Pottery - Make a Platter or Bowl
2024-09-26 18:00 - 21:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Come make your own pottery platter or bowl! We will hand-build our pieces using molds – a simplified process that allows a total novice to create a finished piece. Those of you with more experience can also experiment with finishes and decorations. At the end of class, you will pick one of ten different glaze colors. Gangbusters will fire and glaze our pieces and you’ll be notified when they’re ready to pick up, usually around 2 weeks later.

For members and their guests – a limited number of spots is available

Members: Login for more details and to buy tickets

DEADLINE to Register – Friday, Sept. 20

EXCURSION: Par-Tee at Outta Bounds Golf
2024-10-08 16:30 - 18:30
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Join us for fun and games at Outta Bounds Golf in Manhattan! Whether you’re a golf pro or a newbie, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try your aim on the driving range or par-3 whiffer golf, or enjoy some friendly competition with yard games!

What to expect: Driving range targets with special effectsWhiffer par-3 golf – a twist on putt-puttYard games: cornhole, connect four, and tic-tac-toeCold beverages from Bridger BrewingPizza bus including hot dogs and soft pretzels

Members login for more info or to buy tickets

Guests of members welcome

DEADLINE to Register – Friday, October 4

EXCURSION: Extreme History Cemetery Tour and Happy Hour
2024-10-30 16:00 - 18:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Join us for a thrilling afternoon of history and camaraderie as we explore Bozeman’s past. We’ll embrace the spirit of fall with a walking tour through Sunset Hills Cemetery. Discover the fascinating stories behind Bozeman’s early residents on this guided tour led by the Extreme History Project’s executive director Crystal Alegria. After our eerie adventure, we’ll head to the Lockhorn Cider House for a cozy happy hour to share our chilling discoveries. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience Bozeman’s history in a whole new way!

Limited number of spots available; members and their guests welcome

Members login for more information or to buy tickets

(Non-refundable unless event is cancelled)

DEADLINE to Register – Sunday, October 27

EXCURSION: Lewis and Clark Nutcracker Exhibit
2024-12-10 11:30 - 14:30
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Carve out a low-key afternoon to enjoy the holiday season with some new friends! The Lewis & Clark Motel in Bozeman has over 500 nutcrackers on display from Thanksgiving through Christmas. We’ll meet there to check out the exhibit, then walk over to Jam! for lunch.

Limited number of participants Open to members only – login to reserve your spot

Where: Lewis & Clark Motel824 W. Main Street, Bozeman

EXCURSION: Tour of Eagle Mount
2025-01-10 10:30 - 14:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Have you heard of Eagle Mount or driven by their beautiful property on Goldenstein? Eagle Mount was started in Bozeman over 40 years ago. It provides quality adaptive recreation and sports opportunities to people with disabilities and young people impacted by cancer, and provides support for families of participants. https://www.eaglemount.org/

Please join us at Eagle Mount to learn about their programming and volunteer opportunities and tour the facilities, including a gorgeous new barn for their many horses. If you’re able, please join us after the tour at Bridger Brewing for lunch!

Open to members and their guests.

Members login to reserve your spot

Crosscut 'Naturalist on Skis' Tour
2025-02-13 10:30 - 12:30
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Come explore the untraveled forests at Crosscut on a naturalist-guided ski tour! We’ll navigate the winter woods as we learn to read the landscape and identify the life that makes our forests so special.

The tour can accommodate beginner through advanced skiers. Although the class will be at a slow pace, participants should be comfortable skiing over variable terrain (groomed trails as well as on the Narrow Gauge trails and off trail in the powder).

Classic skis are required for these sessions -Rentals are available at Crosscut.

Open to members and their guests – Limited spots available

Login to register

DEADLINE to Register – Sunday, February 2

EXCURSION: Tour of MSU Tunnels and PBS Station
2025-02-20 10:00 - 14:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Join us on a tour of some of the 2 miles of underground Utility Tunnels essential to the operation of MSU. (Please note: there are some steep stairs down and no handicapped access, so this tour may not be appropriate for all.) We will stop for lunch at Rendezvous Campus Dining Pavilion, then continue with a tour of the PBS station, which is a joint venture between Montana State University and the University of Montana.

Open to members only and limited to 12 participants

Members: Login to register

DEADLINE to Register – Monday, February 17, 2025

Crosscut Naturalist Tour (rescheduled new date)
2025-03-06 10:30 - 12:30
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

We had to cancel the February 13 tour due to cold weather, but we’ve rescheduled for March 6. If you can make this new date, please join us! We have room for a few more people.

Explore the untraveled forests at Crosscut on a naturalist-guided ski tour! We’ll navigate the winter woods as we learn to read the landscape and identify the life that makes our forests so special.

The tour can accommodate beginner through advanced skiers. Although the class will be at a slow pace, participants should be comfortable skiing over variable terrain (groomed trails as well as on the Narrow Gauge trails and off trail in the powder).

Classic skis are required for these sessions -Rentals are available at Crosscut.

Open to members and their guests

Login to register

Where: Crosscut Mountain Sports Center16621 Bridger Canyon RdBozeman, MT 59715

Cost: $20 for program only$30 for program + Classic xc ski rental package

(Non-refundable unless a replacement is found)

DEADLINE to Register – Monday, March 3

EXCURSION: Step-by-Step Painting with Leeann Ramey
2025-04-10 18:00 - 21:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Round up some friends for a fun evening of painting in Leeann’s new studio! She’ll guide us through creating a river and mountain landscape step-by-step so that everyone can complete their painting during class. All materials (paints, canvas, etc.) will be provided. We’ll also lightly touch on basic topics such as materials, technique and color theory.

BYO – Please feel free to bring your own drinks and snacks or even a treat to share with others if you wish.

For GVNC members and their guests only

Members log in to reserve your spot

Where: LeeAnn Ramey Art27 North Tracy Ave.

Cost: $65 Includes all painting materials. BYO snacks or drinks

(Non-refundable unless a replacement is found)

DEADLINE to Register – Saturday, April 5

EXCURSION: Jim Dolan Art Studio Tour - SOLD OUT
2025-05-06 13:30 - 15:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Jim Dolan is a local sculptor with several public works around Bozeman you may recognize. Have you seen Rusty the horse by MOR, the Bleu Horses on the way to Helena, or the elk at College and Main? Those sculptures and more are his creations! We’ll visit Jim’s studio in Belgrade to hear him talk about his process and view other works on the grounds.

Afterwards, we’ll head over to Mukai Coffeehouse on 19th.

Sold out

DEADLINE to Register – Sunday, May 4

EXCURSION: Tour of Montana State Bobcat Athletic Complex
2025-05-19 10:30
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Join us for a special opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art MSU Bobcat Athletic Complex and the new Indoor Athletic Center!

After the tour, we’ll cross the street to have lunch at Bozeman Market & Deli. The sandwiches are made to order, and hot sandwiches take some to cook! Menu available here

Open to GVNC Members and their guests

Members log in to reserve your spot

DEADLINE to Register – Friday, May 16

EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour
2025-06-06 09:00 - 10:30
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Family owned and operated in Bozeman, West Paw delights dogs with healthy toys and treats—while watching out for their human companions and the world we all live in, too. Join us for a tour to see the production facilities and learn how they have recycled almost 150,000 pounds of used toys into new award-winning dog toys, spun over 16 million water bottles into dog beds and toy stuffing, and innovated a toy line that reclaims ocean-bound plastic.

After the tour, we’ll head to Cafe M on Main Street for coffee!

Limited number of spots available

Members log-in to register

Where: West Paw32050 Frontage RoadBozeman

Close-toed shoes required – we will be walking around on the production floor

Cost: $5 (covers tour only, coffee additional)Non-refundable

DEADLINE to Register – Sunday, June 1

EXCURSION: Gallatin River Whitewater Rafting - now open to Guests of Members!
2025-07-30 11:00 - 16:30
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Come for an exhilarating raft down the Gallatin River Canyon with its incredible scenery and whitewater. This half-day trip begins with small rapids that progress in size to bigger rapids including House Rock and the Mad Mile!

Maximum 18 attendees (3 rafts) – guests of members are welcome!

Members log-in for more information or to reserve a spot

DEADLINE to Register – Friday, July 25

Non-refundable unless event is cancelled or a replacement is found

EXCURSION: Historic Butte Trolley and Underground Tour
2025-08-06 08:00 - 17:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Learn about Butte’s rich mining and cultural history on a 1.5 hour trolley tour narrated by a local historian. Enjoy a no-host lunch, then on to an underground tour to hear more about Butte’s colorful past!

Deadline to register: July 31Guests of attending members are welcome!

Members login to reserve a space

Depart: 8:00 a.m. meet-up at Target’s NE parking lot corner by Costco & round about. It is a 1.5 hr drive to the Butte Visitor Center for the 10:00 a.m. trolley tour.Return: Estimated 4:30/5:00 p.m.

Cost: $75 for adults, $65 for seniors (65+)Includes trolley and underground tours as well as carpool. Lunch is additional Non-refundable unless a replacement is found

DEADLINE to Register – Thursday, July 31

Participation is limited to 20 people

EXCURSION: Bozeman Creek Extreme History Project Tour and Happy Hour
2025-08-14 15:00 - 17:30
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Join us to learn about the rich natural and cultural history and hydrology of Bozeman Creek, the integral waterway running right through town. This exclusive GVNC tour will be given by The Extreme History Project with Gary Limesand as our tour guide.

Following the tour (which will last about an hour) we’ll head to Shine Beer for a no-host food and happy hour. Gary will join us to keep the Bozeman Creek conversation going.

Members login for more details or to register

DEADLINE to Register – Tuesday, Aug 12Participation limited to 20 peopleTickets non-refundable but transferable

EXCURSION: Comedy with Alpacas
2025-09-14 17:30 - 20:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind evening surrounded by alpacas, laughter, and a view of the Bridgers! Start with an alpaca meet & greet on the lawn (pet them and snap photos) from 5:30 until 6:45, then settle in picnic style for the show from 6:45-8:00. Bring your own snacks, blanket and/or chair, and relax on the lawn while local comedians keep you laughing.

This is a different set-up for us as you must PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS DIRECTLY FROM ALPACAS OF MONTANA. Please read additional information on their website.

Open to the general public; members and guests may attend! We’ll have an optional happy hour beforehand at 4:30 if you’d like to meet other GVNC members pre-show at Tanglewood. Note that Alpacas of Montana has now added a happy hour at the event also.(The ‘tickets’ below are only to let us know you have purchased/registered with Alpacas of Montana for the comedy show and whether you are interested in joining for happy hour)For questions, contact Cheryl

When: Sunday, September 145:30 – 8:00 p.m. Where: Alpacas of Montana8255 S Cottonwood Road, BozemanCost: $30 – includes alpaca meet & greet until 6:45, then the comedy show from 6:45–8:00 p.m. YOU MUST PURCHASE YOUR TICKET FOR THE SHOW DIRECTLY FROM ALPACAS OF MONTANA. Then let us know below that you are coming and whether you are interested in happy hour so that we include you on the email list for this event.

EXCURSION: CrossCut Mountain Sports Center Tour
2025-09-17 11:30 - 13:30
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Enjoy a fall outing to Crosscut Mountain Sports Center! Crosscut is a nonprofit organization offering hiking, biking and cross country skiing trails and programs for all ages and abilities. We will start with a “bring your own” picnic lunch and a presentation about Crosscut, its history, current programs, and upcoming plans. Crosscut staff will then lead us on a short trail hike, under 2 miles.

For questions or waitlisting, please email DoriOpen to members and their guests

Members log in to register

When: Wednesday, September 17, 11:30 – 1:30 pmWhere: Crosscut Mountain Sports Center16621 Bridger Canyon RdBozeman

Cost: $5 (covers tour) Please bring your own lawn chair and lunch for the picnic

Tickets are nonrefundable

DEADLINE to Register – Friday, September 12

EXCURSION: Tinworks Art - Private Tour and Clay Project
2025-09-24 18:30 - 20:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Join us for a private tour of Tinworks Art, a non-profit art space in northeast Bozeman. Tinworks connects artists and community through inclusive art experiences in non-traditional spaces. This summer’s exhibition, A Kin to Clay, celebrates the remarkable legacy of clay in Montana, exploring the relationship between a diverse but connected group of artists who have worked with clay and earthen materials to uncover shared histories and creative affinities.

Following the tour, we will have an opportunity to create our own clay masterpieces which will get fired and be ready for pickup within 2-3 weeks.

Participation is limited to 15 people. Members and their guests are welcome.

For more information or to be added to a waitlist, contact Julie

Members log-in to register

DEADLINE to Register – Monday, September 22

EXCURSION: Goose Bay Handblown Glass in Townsend
2025-10-09 10:00 - 15:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Have you ever looked at handmade glass pieces and wondered how they do that? Join us for a demonstration of glassblowing technique at Goose Bay Handblown Glass! We’ll head to Townsend, get a tour from the Goose Bay owners, and move on to Bridger Brewing in Three Forks for lunch.

Open to members and their guests

For questions or to get on a waitlist, contact Cheryl

Members log-in to purchase tickets

When: Thursday, October 910:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Where: Goose Bay Handblown Glass101 S. Front Street, TownsendCarpool meeting point at northeast corner of Target parking lot in BozemanBridger Brewing75 Vigilante Way, Three Forks

Cost: $30 (covers tour and carpool fee)Lunch at Bridger Brewing is additional

DEADLINE to Register – Friday, October 3

EXCURSION: Tour of the American Computer and Robotics Museum
2025-11-11 10:00
EXCURSION: West Paw Factory Tour

Join us for a tour of Bozeman’s American Computer and Robotics Museum led by co-founder Barbara Keremedjiev. The museum houses exhibits and artifacts ranging from Babylonian cuneiform tablets to the first personal computers; from the enigma-code machines to early office equipment; and from robotics pioneers through the Apollo Guidance Computer that helped put humans on the Moon.

You do not need to be a computer “geek” to enjoy this museum, all you need is some curiosity!

Following the tour, we will head to Crossings Kitchen nearby for coffee/lunch.

Open to GVNC members and their guests

For more information, contact Dori

When: Tuesday, November 11, 10:00 a.m.Cost: $5 (includes tour only – coffee/lunch is your responsibility)

Where: American Computer and Robotics Museum, 2023 Stadium Drive, Unit 1-ACrossings Kitchen, 290 W. Kagy

Members login to get tickets

DEADLINE to Register – Friday, November 7Tickets are nonrefundable
