Facility Overview

Bobcat Lot 3 (South Hedges Lot) is an expansive, open-air surface parking facility situated on the southern end of the Montana State University (MSU) campus in Bozeman, Montana. Nestled directly adjacent to the prominent South Hedges and North Hedges residence halls along South 12th Avenue, this paved parking lot provides vital vehicle staging for the university community and regional visitors. Because it is completely open-air without multi-level overhead decks, Lot 3 boasts unobstructed vertical clearance. This makes it an ideal parking solution not only for compact sedans and crossover SUVs, but also for lifted four-wheel-drive pickup trucks, roof-box-equipped outdoor adventure vehicles, full-size work vans, and high-roof campers common to southwest Montana.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned in the heart of MSU's high-density student residential and academic district, Bobcat Lot 3 puts visitors within brisk walking distance of several major university facilities and cultural venues:

• South Hedges & North Hedges Halls: Directly adjacent, offering immediate access for resident drop-offs, pickups, and student move-in periods.
• Rendezvous Dining Pavilion: Just a 3 to 4-minute walk north, providing access to one of the flagship culinary and social hubs on campus.
• Howard Hall & Reynolds Recital Hall: Located approximately a 4-minute walk to the northeast, hosting concerts, public recitals, and performing arts showcases.
• Brick Breeden Fieldhouse: A 6 to 8-minute walk to the southwest, serving as the arena for NCAA basketball, university commencement, major concerts, and indoor trade expos.
• Lambert Turf Complex & Bobcat Stadium: Situated a short walk to the south and east, placing football fans and recreational athletes within convenient reach of varsity athletic facilities.
• Strand Union Building (SUB): Around an 8-minute walk north, home to the campus bookstore, student union amenities, and community meeting spaces.
• Museum of the Rockies: Located roughly 1 mile east along Kagy Boulevard, renowned worldwide for its world-class dinosaur exhibits and planetarium.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Motorists can conveniently access Bobcat Lot 3 from South 12th Avenue via West Grant Street or West Garfield Street, linking directly to main arterial corridors such as South 11th Avenue and West Kagy Boulevard. Exiting the facility post-event or during campus rush hours is straightforward, with dual egress points designed to distribute outbound traffic efficiently toward Kagy Boulevard or 11th Avenue. Regional travelers arriving via Interstate 90 can take Exit 305 (North 19th Avenue) straight south to Kagy Boulevard, or Exit 306/309 through central Bozeman. Public transit riders benefit from close proximity to Bozeman's fare-free Streamline Bus network, which maintains frequent routes originating from the nearby Strand Union Building and stops along 11th Avenue, connecting riders across Bozeman, the Gallatin Valley Mall, and downtown.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Generous Open Headroom: Fully uncovered surface lot free from height restrictions, accommodating roof racks, cargo boxes, and tall commercial vans.
• Safety & Illumination: Illuminated by campus lighting fixtures and monitored through regular patrols by the Montana State University Police Department (UPD).
• Emergency Blue-Light Stations: Positioned in close proximity to adjacent residence hall walkways for rapid emergency communication.
• ADA Accessible Stalls: Clearly marked accessible parking spaces located near curb cuts and paved pathways leading toward South Hedges Hall and campus crosswalks.
• Digital Payment & Permit Integration: Supports university permit holders and mobile app payments via the Passport Parking platform where hourly visitor parking is authorized.
• Active Winter Maintenance: Regularly plowed and sanded by MSU Facilities Services to handle Montana's substantial winter snowfall.

Ideal For

• MSU Students & Commuters: University permit holders commuting to daily lectures, labs, and student residential quarters.
• Campus Eventgoers & Concert Attendees: Visitors attending musical performances at Reynolds Recital Hall or student exhibitions in Howard Hall.
• Athletics Spectators: Fans attending Bobcat football games, track meets at Lambert Turf, or basketball and rodeo events at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.
• Prospective Students & Campus Visitors: Families visiting residents or arriving for campus tours, orientation days, and move-in weekend activities.
• Oversized Vehicle Drivers: Drivers of heavy-duty trucks, overlanding vehicles, and taller SUVs seeking hassle-free outdoor parking without garage clearance headaches.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Enforcement of MSU parking zones typically runs Monday through Friday between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. While open campus parking is often permitted without fee on weekends and weekday evenings after 6:00 PM, drivers must always observe posted lot signage, as 24-hour reserved, service, and residential spaces remain restricted at all times. On Bobcat football game days, campus lots south of Grant Street may shift to designated athletics or tailgating operations; review MSU Athletics gameday parking maps beforehand to ensure access. During winter months, pay strict attention to university snow-clearing schedules and temporary plow closures to avoid tickets or towing. When programming your navigation system, setting your destination to South Hedges Hall or the intersection of South 12th Avenue and West Garfield Street will steer you directly to the parking entrance.