Although the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone is a more fully developed facility, if you can’t get there and really want to see a grizzly bear on your trip to Montana, stop by Montana Grizzly Encounters (80 Bozeman Hill Rd., 406/586-8893, www.grizzlyencounter.com [1], 9 a.m.–7 p.m. daily summer, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Thurs.–Sun. winter, $7 adult, $5 children 3–12).
The center has rescued several bears that were bred in captivity but living pretty miserable lives. Their new home near Bozeman Pass provides a more natural environment while allowing visitors to watch them play, forage, and snooze. The center is still quite new and will likely expand as funds are available. It’s off I-90 at exit 319 between Bozeman [2] and Livingston [3].
Links:
[1] http://www.grizzlyencounter.com
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/montana/the-missouri-headwaters-and-south-central-montana/bozeman
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/montana/the-missouri-headwaters-and-south-central-montana/livingston-and-the-paradise-valley/livingston