If you happen to’re in search of issues to do in Billings, Montana, you’ve come to the proper place. I’ve put collectively a listing of my favorite actions and points of interest on this fantastic metropolis.
I used to be born and raised in Billings till leaving for college. Within the final decade, the town has been rising and altering, with many extra alternatives for residents and guests alike.
As of late, I’ve moved again to work remotely from residence and I’m excited to share all of the enjoyable issues to see and locations to go to in Billings – my hometown.
15 Greatest Issues to Do in Billings
Whether or not you’re a nature lover, historical past buff, or simply in search of some enjoyable household actions, you’ll discover one thing on this that appeals to you. Billings is among the greatest locations to go to in Montana, and Montana is among the greatest locations to go to within the US.
Listed here are the 15 greatest issues to do in Billings.
1. Go on a Nature and Historical past Tour
The Billings Western Tour is among the most unusual issues to do in Billings should you’re concerned with studying concerning the space’s historical past and tradition. This tour takes you to a few of the most necessary historic websites in Billings, together with the Little Bighorn Battlefield Nationwide Monument, Pictograph Cave State Park, and Chief A lot Coups State Park.
This can be a nice exercise for historical past buffs and people who wish to study extra concerning the space’s wealthy historic and pure heritage. Excursions usually final round six hours and admission to every park is included.
2. Strive Horseback Driving
Horseback driving is among the greatest issues to do in Billings should you love animals and the good open air. There are a number of ranches within the space that supply horseback driving classes and path rides. This can be a nice exercise for households, teams of mates, or anybody who desires to expertise the fantastic thing about Montana’s panorama from a special perspective.
Most ranches supply beginner-friendly rides, so it doesn’t matter should you’ve by no means been on a horse earlier than. I like to recommend getting outdoors of Billings and heading to Livingston, MT, for this guided horseback trek by means of Blue Flower Path. On the tour, you possibly can trip within the countryside and revel in gorgeous views of the native mountains.
Planning on visiting different locations in Montana? See these different posts:
3. Go to Yellowstone Nationwide Park
Yellowstone Nationwide Park is among the hottest issues to see close to Billings and the doorway is lower than 2 hours away. This world-famous park is residence to an unbelievable number of wildlife, together with bison, elk, bears, and wolves. You may also see a few of the world’s most spectacular geothermal options right here, akin to geysers and sizzling springs.
There are a number of issues to do in Yellowstone, relying in your pursuits. You’ll be able to go climbing, tenting, fishing, or sightseeing. If you happen to’re taking a day journey from Billings, I like to recommend beginning the day early, and having your individual automobile. The park may be very widespread and I counsel making ready to enter with a bit endurance.
For further steerage, you should buy a self-guided audio tour. That is a straightforward and cheap method to study extra concerning the park as you drive and discover. You may also e-book a non-public tour from West Yellowstone, however you’ll should drive there first.
4. Have a Llama Encounter
Spending time with llamas is among the extra distinctive issues to do close to Billings. Chances are you’ll suppose that the animal is strictly South American, however they’re raised in Montana as properly.
If you happen to’d like to steer, hug, brush, and feed a llama, there’s a llama encounter exercise provided in Livingston, roughly an hour and a half west of Billings. This can be a enjoyable 2 hour cease to coordinate along with your Yellowstone go to, if time permits.
5. Embark on a Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is an effective way to discover with household or mates and is only one of many enjoyable actions to do in Billings. There are a number of firms that supply scavenger hunts, which generally final round two hours. It’s an important exercise for many who wish to see the town in a brand new and distinctive approach.
Scavenger hunts are additionally excellent for teams as a result of they encourage teamwork and communication. I like to recommend trying out the Billings scavenger hunt, which takes you to a few of the hottest landmarks within the metropolis, and guides you in direction of some cool hidden gems.
6. Drive the Beartooth Freeway
The Beartooth Freeway is among the most scenic drives within the nation and is positioned simply over an hour south of Billings. This 68-mile stretch of highway takes you thru lovely alpine surroundings, together with glaciers, lakes, and mountain peaks, as you climb to just about 11,000 ft. Cease for scenic viewpoints and climbing as you drive – see extra on climbing in #7.
In your approach again to Billings, you possibly can cease in Purple Lodge for lunch or to stretch your legs. This charming city is positioned on the base of the Beartooth Mountains and is a good place to probe for an hour or two. Cease right here, or proceed your scenic highway journey to the lesser travelled Yellowstone Nationwide Park entrance close to Cooke Metropolis.
Needless to say the Beartooth Freeway is simply open from late Might-October (snow pending), so plan your journey accordingly. Be ready for the climate altering. The cross can immediately shut any time of yr attributable to climate situations.
7. Hike the Beartooth Mountains
If you happen to’re in search of issues to do close to Billings in summer time, fall, or spring that contain being open air, climbing is a good choice. Visiting the Beartooth mountains is a high vacationer attraction for guests and locals alike. These mountains are a few of the tallest in Montana and supply gorgeous views, making them the right place to hike.
There are a number of trails to select from, ranging in problem. I like to recommend stopping on the ranger station for particular suggestions.
My private climbing favourites within the space embrace:
- Mystic Lake: This reasonable path climbs as much as lovely lake views. It’s 5.5 miles, (8.9 km), and usually takes round 3 hours. If you wish to hike farther, and even attempt some backcountry tenting, you possibly can hike down alongside the lake.
- Off the Crushed Path: I did this superior 26-mile one-way hike for my honeymoon. It options lots of climbing by means of altering terrain and also you’ll must coordinate automobiles, or work out a shuttle. It’s going to take you 2-3 days to finish so that you’ll must deliver backpacking gear. You’ll be able to hire gear at out of doors outlets like REI.
- Elk Lake: If you happen to don’t have time for a one-way journey however wish to expertise the fantastic thing about East Rosebud within the Beartooths, do that 6.7 mile hike that usually takes lower than 3 hours. Convey a fishing pole and cease for just a few hours on the lovely Elk Lake.
- Glacier Lake: You’ll want all-wheel drive to entry the trailhead by way of meandering grime roads. This 4.5 mile, (7.4 km), hike will take round 3 hours to finish. The highway resulting in this trailhead can be an important place for boondock tenting – my favorite getaway spot from Billings.
8. Discover the Rimrocks
Exploring the Rimrocks is among the extra uncommon issues to do in Billings. These towering sandstone cliffs run alongside the north finish of city. They’re lovely from under and supply nice viewpoints from above.
There are a number of trails that wind by means of the Rimrocks, so you possibly can discover them at your individual tempo. I like to recommend beginning at Swords Park, which is positioned on the northeast facet of city. That’s the place I all the time like to start my hikes.
From there, you possibly can take the Rimrocks Path in both path, which is a straightforward and scenic hike that can take you to a few of the greatest viewpoints within the space. When you’ve got a motorcycle, you can even trip this path as properly.
9. Go Wine Tasting at Yellowstone Cellars Vineyard
Visiting a vineyard is among the romantic issues to do in Billings. Yellowstone Cellars Vineyard is a good place to go for a tasting or tour.
They provide quite a lot of crimson and white wine, the workers is pleasant and educated, and so they supply charcuterie boards and some different plates if you wish to seize some lunch. Additionally they have music nearly each weekend all year long.
The vineyard is positioned in the midst of the city and is straightforward to get to. It’s truly the one vineyard on the town and, as a wine lover, I used to be completely satisfied to seek out good wine so native to me. Visiting a vineyard is nice for {couples} for a date evening that wish to discover romantic actions in Billings.
Handle: 1335 Vacation Cir, Billings, MT, 59101, USA
10. Play within the Snow within the Beartooth Mountains
If it’s not climbing season, then it’s in all probability snow and ski season in Montana. And should you’re visiting Billings within the winter, then you definately’ll positively wish to head as much as the Beartooth Mountains (about an hour south) for some snow-filled enjoyable. Snowboarding is certainly probably the greatest issues to do in Billings in winter.
Purple Lodge Mountain is a good place to go snowboarding, snowboarding, or simply to play within the snow. They provide a number of trails for each newbie and superior skiers, and should you’re not into downhill snowboarding, you possibly can nonetheless benefit from the snow in different methods.
There are additionally a number of sledding hills close by which is usually a enjoyable exercise to take pleasure in with children. And should you’re in search of one thing a bit extra off the overwhelmed monitor, attempt cross-country snowboarding or snowshoeing on the native Nordic Heart.
11. Go Fishing
The Yellowstone River runs alongside the southern and jap components of city and is a good place to go fishing. You’ll be able to fish from the riverbanks at any public entry level, akin to Duck Creek Bridge and Riverfront Park, or head out on a ship. Different choices embrace Lake Elmo, though you’ll desire a boat or paddle board to fish right here.
If you wish to enterprise additional, there are mountain lakes to discover within the Beartooth vary as properly. These lakes embrace Wild Invoice Lake (a kid-friendly household favorite) and West Rosebud Lake. If you happen to don’t have your individual gear, you possibly can simply hire every little thing you want from the Base Camp.
Fly fishing in Montana is unbelievable. Find out about one of the best spots in this information.
12. Go to Moss Mansion
Moss Mansion is among the greatest issues to do should you’re concerned with historic or architectural Billings vacationer points of interest. This historic residence was in-built 1903 and is now a museum. You’ll be able to take a tour of the mansion, which incorporates authentic furnishings and fixtures.
The grounds are additionally lovely and well-maintained. They provide a backyard and gazebo. Plus, they’ve a enjoyable little present store. Within the winter, the mansion is embellished for Christmas and is open for particular occasions.
Handle: 914 Division St, Billings, MT, 59101, USA
13. Go on a Walkable Brewery Tour
There are a number of nice breweries on the town and most of them are positioned downtown, so you possibly can simply go to just a few on foot. An evening out sampling beers with mates is certainly certainly one of my most well-liked Billings actions.
My favorite brewery is the Final Likelihood Pub and Cider Mill. They’ve an important taproom with a rotating choice of cider, beers, and different native drinks.
Different breweries within the downtown space are:
14. Wander Outside on the Audubon Heart
If you happen to’re in search of distinctive issues to do in Billings, the Audubon Heart, which is devoted to nature conservation, is a good place to go for a scenic stroll or hike.
They’ve a number of miles of trails that wind by means of the woods and alongside the river. I’ve seen wildlife akin to deer, birds, and rabbits on my many visits there.
Try their schedule and calendar of occasions for different enjoyable issues to see in Billings, MT. Usually, there are organized occasions particularly catered to toddlers, children, and households to find out about native wildlife and plants.
Handle: 7026 S Billings Blvd, Billings, MT, 59101, USA
15. Go to the Clever Wonders Museum
This can be a cease for households with children underneath the age of 10. The Clever Wonders Museum is an interactive museum that focuses on hands-on STEM science and play.
That is certainly one of my child’s favorite locations to go to in Billings – a lot in order that they love coming right here weekly. And should you’re right here within the winter months when the children can’t play outdoors within the sunshine on a regular basis, it’s a life saver.
Children will love enjoying with reveals about wind, gravity, water, and extra. It’s enjoyable for all ages! Age allowing, you possibly can allow them to play while you sit and revel in a cup of espresso on the store that shares house with the museum.
Billings is turning into much more family-friendly nowadays, with different enjoyable actions popping up akin to indoor mountaineering, and trampoline parks.
Handle: 3024 2nd Ave N, Billings, MT, 59101, USA
FAQs About Billings
Nonetheless questioning what to do in what to do in Billings? Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Billings, MT.
Completely! Billings is a good place to go to for its out of doors recreation, historical past, and tradition. There’s one thing for everybody to take pleasure in. Whereas it’s extra of a base for attending to different widespread areas, like Yellowstone Nationwide Park and the Beartooth Mountains, there’s nonetheless loads of issues to see in Billings too.
Billings is understood greatest for its distinctive rock formations, referred to as the Rimrocks. These sandstone cliffs line the river valley and run throughout the north finish of city. They’re a preferred spot for climbing, picnicking, and pictures.
The most effective time to go to Billings, Montana, is in the summertime when the climate is heat and dry. Nonetheless, there are many issues to do in Billings all year-round. If you happen to take pleasure in winter sports activities, akin to snowboarding and snowboarding, then you definately’ll wish to go to within the winter.
It is dependent upon which entrance you wish to drive to. The closest is Cooke Metropolis, 129 miles away, however will possible take round 3 hours because of the windy freeway and passes. The Gardiner entrance is about 159 miles away and can take nearer to 2 hours to succeed in.
Sure, it’s scenic, and there are many fairly issues to see in Billings. The small metropolis incorporates a sequence of small cliffs referred to as the Rimrocks, and the Yellowstone River passes by means of.
Now You Know What to Do in Billings, MT
If you happen to’ve been questioning what to do in Billings, Montana, I hope this listing has given you some concepts. From out of doors recreation to family-friendly actions, there’s one thing for everybody to take pleasure in in Large Sky Nation.
Do you will have some other options of one of the best issues to do in Billings? Share them within the feedback under!
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