Billings
Billings proudly positions itself as the gateway to the rest of Montana, combining the conveniences of urban life with proximity to breathtaking natural wonders and significant historical sites. As the largest city in the state, Billings is uniquely situated along the Yellowstone River and beneath the striking Rimrocks—imposing sandstone cliffs that define the city's horizon.
Your adventure into Big Sky Country can begin at Swords Rimrock Park, where trails wind up to the river cliffs, offering expansive mountain vistas and a glimpse into history with sites like Skeleton Cliff and Boothill Cemetery. Venture just south to Pictograph Cave State Park to explore caves that were once the abode of prehistoric hunters. Scale Kelly Mountain for a visit to the resting place of Yellowstone Kelly, or embark on the scenic Beartooth Highway, which stretches from Red Lodge to the gates of Yellowstone National Park, only 97 kilometers from Billings. For a different perspective, take a scenic drive along the Rimrock Bluffs for a stunning aerial view of the Yellowstone River—the longest undammed river in the U.S.
Delve into the cultural fabric of the region at the Western Heritage Center, exploring the rich history of the Yellowstone River Valley and the Northern Plains. At the Yellowstone Art Museum, sneak a peek into the vault to see artworks not on regular display. Zoo Montana offers a delightful day out for the family with its combination of wildlife and botanical gardens, while the free Yellowstone County Museum showcases over 15,000 artifacts. For entertainment, catch a concert or sports event at the 12,000-seat Rimrock Auto Arena. If you crave more outdoor activities, Lake Elmo State Park provides a 25-hectare haven for hiking, swimming, boating, sailboarding, fishing, and picnicking right in the heart of the city.
Enhance your understanding of Billings with a historical tour starting at Moss Mansion, revealing the origins of this dynamic city. For those interested in local brews and spirits, embark on a self-guided tour of the city’s craft breweries and distilleries, including stops like Yellowstone Valley Brewing Company/Spirit of Montana Distilling, Angry Hank’s, and Montana Brewing Company.
Just an hour from the city, visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument for an insightful look into a pivotal moment in regional history. Nearby, Chief Plenty Coups State Park on the Crow Indian Reservation offers a view into the life of one of the area's most respected leaders, with his log home and farmstead preserved for visitors. Don’t miss Pompeys Pillar National Monument, where an interpretive center recounts Captain William Clark’s famed expedition. In the Pryor Mountains, a stunning variety of nearly 1,000 plant species and more than 200 animal species thrive from desert to forested areas.
Finally, no visit to Billings is complete without making the journey to Yellowstone National Park, a mere 100 kilometers away, where you can explore iconic geysers, hot springs, and vast natural landscapes that capture the wild spirit of the West.
Billings proudly positions itself as the gateway to the rest of Montana, combining the conveniences of urban life with proximity to breathtaking natural wonders and significant historical sites. As the largest city in the state, Billings is uniquely situated along the Yellowstone River and beneath the striking Rimrocks—imposing sandstone cliffs that define the city's horizon.
Your adventure into Big Sky Country can begin at Swords Rimrock Park, where trails wind up to the river cliffs, offering expansive mountain vistas and a glimpse into history with sites like Skeleton Cliff and Boothill Cemetery. Venture just south to Pictograph Cave State Park to explore caves that were once the abode of prehistoric hunters. Scale Kelly Mountain for a visit to the resting place of Yellowstone Kelly, or embark on the scenic Beartooth Highway, which stretches from Red Lodge to the gates of Yellowstone National Park, only 97 kilometers from Billings. For a different perspective, take a scenic drive along the Rimrock Bluffs for a stunning aerial view of the Yellowstone River—the longest undammed river in the U.S.
Delve into the cultural fabric of the region at the Western Heritage Center, exploring the rich history of the Yellowstone River Valley and the Northern Plains. At the Yellowstone Art Museum, sneak a peek into the vault to see artworks not on regular display. Zoo Montana offers a delightful day out for the family with its combination of wildlife and botanical gardens, while the free Yellowstone County Museum showcases over 15,000 artifacts. For entertainment, catch a concert or sports event at the 12,000-seat Rimrock Auto Arena. If you crave more outdoor activities, Lake Elmo State Park provides a 25-hectare haven for hiking, swimming, boating, sailboarding, fishing, and picnicking right in the heart of the city.
Enhance your understanding of Billings with a historical tour starting at Moss Mansion, revealing the origins of this dynamic city. For those interested in local brews and spirits, embark on a self-guided tour of the city’s craft breweries and distilleries, including stops like Yellowstone Valley Brewing Company/Spirit of Montana Distilling, Angry Hank’s, and Montana Brewing Company.
Just an hour from the city, visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument for an insightful look into a pivotal moment in regional history. Nearby, Chief Plenty Coups State Park on the Crow Indian Reservation offers a view into the life of one of the area's most respected leaders, with his log home and farmstead preserved for visitors. Don’t miss Pompeys Pillar National Monument, where an interpretive center recounts Captain William Clark’s famed expedition. In the Pryor Mountains, a stunning variety of nearly 1,000 plant species and more than 200 animal species thrive from desert to forested areas.
Finally, no visit to Billings is complete without making the journey to Yellowstone National Park, a mere 100 kilometers away, where you can explore iconic geysers, hot springs, and vast natural landscapes that capture the wild spirit of the West.
