10 Things to Do in Billings, Montana
Before my last trip, I was looking for off-the-beaten path things to do in Billings Montana and had to do quite a bit of digging to build my itinerary. That’s surprising, because this city is known as Montana’s trailhead and there are a ton of awesome outdoor destinations to explore! I found that Billings is a small but busy town with a rich history, some spectacular natural formations, and truly warm, welcoming people.
With 29 local parks you can visit, several national monuments, scenic drives, and abundant wilderness areas to discover, I’ve pulled together all the attractions, trails, and sights that made my last trip here so memorable. Here are 10 unexpected and fun things to do in Billings Montana!
Unexpected adventures, beautiful scenery, and great local shops and eateries make Billings, Montana a true gem in the West. As you’re reading about things to do in Billings, you may come across affiliate links for products I use and believe in. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
10 Best Things to Do in Billings Montana
1. Take a Walk on the Rimrocks
Billings is widely known for the “Rim” or “Rimrocks.” The Rimrocks are geological rimrock sandstone formations around Billings, but I found that Swords Rimrock Park is the best way to explore the formations. This historical monument dates back to the days of Lewis and Clark.
Eighty million years ago, what is now Downtown Billings was once the seashore of the Western Interior Seaway that sprawled from the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico. Over millions of years, sand and sediments were deposited at the shore and compressed into the sandstone, eventually shaping into the formation we know today as the Rimrock. It’s clearly visible above the city skyline and such an iconic place to explore when you’re visiting Billings.
2. Visit the Downtown Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday from mid-July to early October, dozens of purveyors, bakers, and ranchers gather together in Downtown Billings to sell fruits, bread, vegetables, meats, artwork, crafts, and much more. The Billings Farmer’s Market is also a great place to grab a breakfast pastry, some freshly baked bread, or a delicious crepe to fuel your adventures for the day.
The market is generally open from 8am to 12pm, rain or shine, at the intersection of N Broadway and 2nd Ave N in Downtown Billings. It’s one of the best things to do in Billings Montana, especially if you enjoy shopping local and getting in touch with a city’s true culture. Learn more about the farmer’s market and booths you might find here.
3. Check Out Pictograph Cave State Park
Interested in anthropology, caves, and history? You’ve got to check out Pictograph Cave State Park! There are three main caves at the small but intriguing park and you can see old rock paintings created by prehistoric hunters in the Billings area. Much of the art has faded with time, but if you look closely, you can still make out the shapes of animals, weapons, and tools. The caves are easily accessed by a ¾-mile loop trail. This area is also a fantastic place to come and see some of Billings’ famous fall colors.
4. Visit the Montana Zoo
Not all zoos are the same! The Montana Zoo only houses animals from the 45th parallel or higher, which means they are living in a similar climate to where they are originally from. At this zoo, the focus is on animals native to Montana and is divided into the Asian Region, North American Region, Discovery Center, and the Barn.
The Montana Zoo is a great place for families to spend the day, even when it’s raining. There are just over 70 acres and around 100 animals from 58 species, most of which were rescued. The zoo is part of global conservation programs, has AZA accreditation, and is even part of a breeding program for European wolverines and bison. That’s why I consider it one of the coolest things to do in Billings Montana!
5. Visit Little BigHorn and Learn About Native American History
Located about an hour outside of Billings, this National Monument sits on the land of Custer’s Last Stand. Here, on June 25-26, 1876, Colonel Custer and 263 soldiers died trying to fight and kill thousands of Lakota, Arapahoe, and Cheyenne warriors. The battle was a momentary victory for the Lakota and Cheyenne, but this battle became a rallying point for the U.S. to increase their efforts to remove native peoples from their lands.
This site has a small museum with historical placards, as well as videos and rangers that will answer many of the questions you may have about the site. There is also a road that leads through the monument and passes many of the grave sites of soldiers and native peoples that lost their lives during the battle. I learned a great deal about this area through this national monument and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone traveling through the area.
6. Explore the Pryor Mountains
Formed by the erosion of uplifted limestone, the Pryor Mountains are ecologically, geologically, culturally, and meteorologically unique. They provide you with an opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful landscapes in the state—and certainly one of the best things to do in Billings Montana. This mountain range is made up of two uplifted mountain blocks: Big Pryor Mountain and East Pryor Mountains. It lies between the Wyoming border and Montana’s largest city.
The plateaus rise in the air and peak at about 8,800 feet. The surrounding area is filled with a rich variety of habitats for visitors to enjoy, with nearly 1,000 species of plants and trees that are nearly 500 years old. The scenery is spectacular and lively with wildlife, insects, and numerous species of birds. This number includes bighorn sheep, mountain lions, golden eagles, and delicate calliope hummingbirds.
7. Four Dances Recreation Area
One of my favorite natural areas and things to do in Billings has to be the Four Dances Recreation Area. I went here on two occasions to take in the views of the Yellowstone River from the rocky overlooks on the Rimrock and discovered they could not have been more different in weather. There are a few miles of trails here, and it’s a local favorite spot for running and exercising the dogs.
The Four Dances Trail (rated intermediate or moderate) treats visitors to a 1.8-mile out-and-back hike that climbs roughly 400 feet. The trail offers views of the mighty Yellowstone River, Downtown Billings, and, on clear days, the peaks of the Northern Rockies.
8. Visit Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Explore over 120,000 acres of breathtaking natural rock formations filled with diverse wildlife and ecosystems at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Bighorn Canyon features over 17 miles of hiking trails to explore, ranging from short loops to more challenging trails that lead to dramatic overlooks. You can even get on the water and explore Bighorn Lake by boat while the impressive canyon walls tower around you!
For longer visits, there are various camping options available right in the canyon and along the lake. Learn more here.
9. Follow the Billings Brew Trail
Montana has the second-most breweries per capita in the US, and the city is home to Montana’s only walkable brewery trail. Sound like something you’d be interested in? You’ll have to check it out—many consider the trail one of the best things to do in Billings!
This brew trail is located in the heart of Downtown Billings. The self-guided tour is made up of six breweries, two distilleries and one cider house, all within easy walking distance of one another. I checked out a few of them on my last trip, including Meadowlark and Last Chance Cider House, which had a delicious selection of ciders and other cocktails and beers. Grab a Brew Pass mobile passport that connects you with exclusive rewards for visiting each of the destinations on the trail. You can learn more and download the pass here.
10. Visit a Museum
Last but definitely not least, visiting museums is always among the most interesting things to do in Billings Montana. You’ll find several museums here that appeal to just about any interest. If you are an art lover, you will want to check out the Yellowstone Art Museum. Located on the site of the old county jail, it is the largest contemporary art museum in Montana. I really enjoyed the exhibits, especially the colorful paintings and the upstairs photography exhibit.
The Western Heritage Center, Yellowstone County Museum, and Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum are other great options to browse and learn from while you’re visiting.
Start Planning Fun Things to Do in Billings
Billings Montana may not be the first place you think of when it comes to outdoor destinations, but it’s actually a fantastic base city if you plan on doing some hiking or outdoor recreation. There are so many reasons to visit this small city! It’s the perfect place to stop for a few days while heading to Yellowstone National Park or Eastbound to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Billings also has fantastic restaurants, great outdoor options, and a fantastic community of friendly people to welcome you. I know you’ll enjoy your visit!
Billings is a great place to stop if and when road tripping to Yellowstone or the Black Hills of South Dakota. Just love the restaurants there