From Slabtown to Gallatin Gateway
First it was called Slabtown, so named for the vertical slab constructions of its board-and-batten homes. The name was later changed to Salesville, for early Montana settler Zachariah Sales. In 1927, the Milwaukee Railroad built the Gallatin Gateway Inn north of town where travelers gathered. Finally, after a significant spike in visits from travelers en route to nearby Yellowstone National Park, Gallatin Gateway was born. This picturesque neighborhood is nestled in the Gallatin River Valley and boasts views of wide open skies and the Rocky Mountains. EJ Daws, a fourth-gen Bozeman native and broker for Outlaw Realty, says "Gateway is perfect for those looking for a little more elbow room, some quiet from the bustle of growing Bozeman, and want to still be within a short drive from either Bozeman for events and daily necessities, and Big Sky for recreation, skiing and fishing."
Cabins, Craftsmans and contemporary homes
The neighborhood predominantly consists of cabins and Craftsman homes, with the occasional contemporary house scattered among them. Several are constructed with wood materials to give a true outdoorsy feel. Homes typically sit on large lots, about one to two acres each, and without many zoning or covenant restrictions. A single-family home with two bedrooms can cost between $530,000 to $700,000. Homes with three bedrooms on small lots range between $800,000 and 1.2 million, while homes with more land and more bedrooms are between $2 and $3 million. Properties typically sell after 60 days on the market.
Highly rated public schools in the Gallatin Gateway area
Gallatin Gateway School serves kindergarten to eighth grade and is rated A-minus by Niche.
Multiple trailheads for different outdoor recreation
Gallatin Gateway is nearby several trails, each of them suited to a different outdoor activity. South Cottonwood Trail goes on for nearly five miles through dense forests. It offers a well-kept path for a moderately challenging hike or mountain biking expedition. During the warmer months, the trail is also enlivened by sprays of colorful wildflowers. The Leverich Canyon Mountain Trailhead is tucked between Hyalite Canyon and Sourdough Canyon and is popular with mountain bikers for its winding trail. "You are very close to the famed Gallatin River in Gateway, which is a huge draw for fly fishing enthusiasts," Daws says.
Restaurants old and new, groceries and antique shopping
Local restaurant, Stacey’s Old Faithful Bar & Steakhouse holds an interesting backstory. In 1937, it was the Old Faithful Bar. As the beer was poured freely and the local ranchers and loggers danced, the upstairs operated as a brothel. In 1963, the establishment was bought by Montana native Stacey Crosby. Although the brothel was shuttered and the bar was renamed, this local watering hole is still known for its cold beer, honky-tonk music and bustling wooden dance floor. At The Jump Restaurant and Bar, there is always live music, dancing, trivia games and bingo nights. The Garden Barn sells plants, flowers and gardening wares. The Antique Barn is the largest antique mall in the state and is home to Junk-Fest, annually held the Saturday before Father’s Day. Grocery runs require 11-mile drives to Town & Country Foods and Rosauers Supermarkets in west Bozeman.
Museums, fairs and community events
The Little Bear School House Museum was a one-room school until 1950 and later re-opened as a museum. It also hosts community events like its annual Antique Fair and Vintage Market in October. The Gallatin Gateway Community Center hosts fundraisers, community suppers and more. The Bozeman Farmer’s Market is held in downtown, a 13-mile drive from the neighborhood.
Highway 191, air travel and medical services
The neighborhood is 12 miles southwest of Bozeman. It is also 80 miles north of the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Highway 191 cuts directly through Gallatin Gateway, running north to south. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is about 14 miles away. The nearest medical facilities are BestMed Urgent Care (less than 3 miles away) and Bozeman Health Deaconess Medical Center (less than 2 miles away.)
