Experience the Best of Billings, Montana

Billings serves as the primary economic and medical powerhouse for the Northern Plains, supporting a vast trade area across Eastern Montana and Northern Wyoming. The city’s distinctive geography is shaped by the Rimrocks—500-foot sandstone cliffs that bisect the landscape—and the Yellowstone River to the south. 

This unique terrain allows for a diverse housing market, ranging from high-density urban lofts in the walkable brewery district to residential neighborhoods that offer direct access to over 47 miles of interconnected trails along the cliff tops.

Explore the Rimrocks - The Rims

You literally cannot miss the Rimrocks. These sandstone bluffs rise 300 to 500 feet above the city, acting as a natural northern boundary. For locals, "The Rims" aren't just scenery; they are a daily playground. If you are checking out homes for sale in Billings, you will often hear neighborhoods described by their relationship to these cliffs—either "below the Rims" in the valley or "above the Rims" in the Heights.

There are three primary ways to experience this unique landscape:

1. Swords Rimrock Park: This is arguably the most accessible spot to take in the scale of the landscape. It offers paved walking trails and easy biking paths that run along the edge of the cliffs. It is the best place to go for a sunset view looking out over the airport and the entire city grid below.
2. Zimmerman Park: If you want something a bit more rugged, head here. It is incredibly popular for hiking and mountain biking. The trails wind through boulders and pine trees, and you will often see climbers bouldering on the sandstone faces. It feels surprisingly remote despite being minutes from residential areas.
3. Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site: For a mix of history and views, this is a great stop. It is the burial site of the famous scout Luther "Yellowstone" Kelly. The area was recently updated with better trails and signage, making it a peaceful spot to learn a bit of local lore while overlooking the Yellowstone Valley.

Discover Local History and Culture

While outdoor life is huge here, the cultural scene and the history of Billings is surprisingly deep. Billings has done a great job preserving its Western heritage while making room for modern art. Here are the top cultural landmarks to visit:

• Moss Mansion Museum: This is the crown jewel of historic architecture in town. Built in 1903 by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh (who also designed the Waldorf Astoria), the Moss Mansion is a stunning red sandstone structure that shows off the wealth of early Billings. The guided tours give you a peek into the lives of the Moss household, and the museum hosts seasonal events that are a hit with the community.
• Western Heritage Center: Located in the historic downtown district, this museum is housed in the old library building, which is a treasure in itself. As a Smithsonian affiliate, they do a fantastic job curating exhibits focused on the Yellowstone River Valley. It is not just about cowboys; they cover the full history of the people and the land in this region.
• Yellowstone Art Museum (YAM): If you prefer contemporary culture, the YAM is the place to go. They focus specifically on art from the Rocky Mountain West. It is a sophisticated space that challenges the stereotype that Montana art is only about landscape paintings and bronzes.

Attractions for Animal Lovers and Kids

If you have younger ones in your group or just love wildlife, Billings has a few standout spots that are open year-round:

• ZooMontana: This is the only true zoological and botanical park in Montana. It covers about 70 acres west of downtown. Because it is a northern zoo, the animals here are adapted to the climate—think Amur tigers, grizzly bears, wolves, and red pandas. It is a cage-free environment where the habitats look natural, which makes for a much better viewing experience.
• Scheels: It might sound funny to list a sporting goods store as a tourist attraction, but Scheels is different. Located on the west end, it is a massive destination featuring a 65-foot indoor Ferris wheel, a huge aquarium, and extensive taxidermy displays. It is a common weekend stop for residents looking for indoor entertainment.
• Montana Audubon Center: For a quieter experience, the Audubon Center offers a great connection to nature. It focuses on bird watching and nature education, set on restored river bottom land. It is a fantastic place to walk the trails and see how the local ecosystem works along the river.

Outdoor Recreation and State Parks

Beyond the city limits, the landscape opens up even more. We have some excellent state parks and natural features within a short drive that offer a quick escape from the daily grind:

• Pictograph Cave State Park: Located just a short drive south of town, this park is historically significant. The main draw is the loop trail, which is about 0.75 miles long and takes you past caves containing prehistoric rock paintings. It is a short hike, but the steep approach to the caves gets your heart rate up.
• Lake Elmo State Park: This is a 64-acre reservoir right in the city limits. In the summer, it is the go-to spot for paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing. There is also a very popular dog park area, making it a social hub for pet owners.
• The Yellowstone River: You can't talk about Billings without mentioning the river. Access points like Coulson Park or Riverfront Park are perfect for launching a kayak or casting a line. The river flows free here, so always be mindful of the current, but it is a beautiful resource to have right in our backyard.

Downtown Billings: Breweries and Entertainment

Downtown Billings has seen a major revitalization over the last decade. It is very walkable, which makes for an easy night out without constantly moving your car.

Billings Brew Trail 

This is a major highlight for the social crowd. It is the only walkable brewery trail in Montana, featuring a 1.5-mile loop that hits multiple breweries, a distillery, and a cider house. It is a great way to taste local flavors, and you will find everything from classic lagers to experimental IPAs.

Alberta Bair Theater 

For performing arts, the Alberta Bair is the hub. They bring in Broadway tours, big-name concerts, and comedy acts. It gives the city a level of entertainment you usually only find in much larger metros.

Dining Scene 

The food scene here is a mix of classic Montana staples and new energy. You can still find a traditional steakhouse experience—which is practically a requirement in Montana—but there are also plenty of modern eateries serving fusion cuisine and farm-to-table dishes.

The Local Experience: Dining, Shopping, and Nightlife

In order to truly live like a local, one has to immerse themselves in the dynamic culture that a city provides,” argues a representative for Visit Billings, “From a quiet Saturday morning to a jubilant celebration, Billings provides a unique Big Sky hospitality that makes each traveling experience feel like a personal one. Billings is also relatively safe so you can enjoy a few of these activities:

• Coffee & Brunch: Begin your day with a trip to one of the many independently-owned coffee shops in the area. For a mission-focused coffee boost, check out non-profit coffee shops such as Rail Line Coffee, or indulge in a craft brew at Ebon Coffee Collective. If you’re in need of a true brunch experience, Stacked or McCormick Cafe are excellent choices for the perfect pre-adventure meal.
• Places to Shop: If you are looking to shop for a one-of-a-kind item or a "Made in Montana" line, you can bypass the big boxes and experience the uniqueness of downtown shopping. You can choose to visit outlets such as Gypsy Wind and the Frae Collective, which display works of local artists. For an authentic Montana keepsake, you must visit the Montana Leather Company to check out their customized steak knives and leathers.
• Music And Nightlife: The sunset brings life to the city’s entertainment sector as it comes alive after dark. You can catch an indie film showing at Art House Cinema & Pub, but there’s also a venue such as Billings Depot that has a special event for a more entertaining night. Live music performances can also be enjoyed at a bar that features local music, such as Craft Local that supports local artists.
• Active Lifestyle: For those who want to hit the terrain, grab a bike and explore the city’s 47-mile trail system. The elevation gain along the Rims provides a challenging ride and the perfect location for a panoramic photo of the valley.

Best Day Trips from Billings

One of the best parts about living in Billings is that it puts you within striking distance of some of the most famous sites in the West.

• Pompeys Pillar National Monument: About 30 minutes east, you can see the sandstone rock where William Clark (of Lewis and Clark) carved his signature. It is the only physical evidence of the expedition left on the trail.
• Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument: A sober and significant historical site. It is about an hour southeast and marks the site of Custer's Last Stand. The interpretation there is excellent and deeply moving.
• Red Lodge & Beartooth Highway: About an hour southwest lies the mountain town of Red Lodge. From there, you can drive the Beartooth Highway, often called the most beautiful drive in America, which leads you right into Yellowstone National Park.
• Tippet Rise Art Center: Located near Fishtail, this is a seasonal destination featuring massive outdoor sculptures set against the backdrop of the Beartooth Mountains. It is truly world-class.

Practical Tips for Visiting Billings

If you are planning a trip or scouting the area for a potential move, here are a few logistics to keep in mind.

Weather 

We have four distinct seasons here. Summers are warm and dry, often reaching the 90s, while winters can be snowy and cold. However, the city does a good job of keeping roads clear, and we get "Chinook" winds that can warm things up rapidly in the winter.

Transportation 

There are a few options for getting around Billings. Logan International Airport (BIL) is incredibly convenient—it is located right on top of the Rims. You can fly in and be downtown in 10 minutes. However, because the area is spread out, renting a car is highly recommended, especially if you plan to explore the parks or take day trips.

Events 

Timing your visit can add to the fun. August brings the MontanaFair, which is a huge regional draw. There is also "Burn the Point," a massive classic car show that takes over downtown every year.

FAQs

What are free things to do in Billings, MT?

There are plenty of no-cost activities here. Hiking the trails at Swords Rimrock Park or Zimmerman Park is completely free and offers the best views in the city. You can also explore the grounds of the Montana Audubon Center or take a self-guided walking tour of the historic downtown district to see the architecture and public art.

Is Billings worth visiting for tourists?

Absolutely. It offers a unique blend of urban convenience and rugged outdoor access that you don't find in smaller mountain towns. Between the walkable brewery trail, the history at Moss Mansion, and the access to the Yellowstone River, it is a great spot for a multi-day trip.

How far is Billings from Yellowstone National Park?

Billings is a major gateway to the park, but it is not right next door. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours depending on which entrance you use. The most scenic route is via Red Lodge and the Beartooth Highway, which enters the park at the Northeast Entrance.

What is there to do in Billings in the winter?

Winter does not shut the city down. You can visit indoor attractions like the Yellowstone Art Museum, Scheels, or the Western Heritage Center. The Alberta Bair Theater runs a full schedule of shows, and the local breweries and restaurants are cozy spots to wait out the cold weather.