Billings is known as Montana’s trailhead and there are a ton of awesome outdoor destinations to explore. Billings is a small busy town with a rich history, spectacular natural formations and warm people. With 29 local parks and several national monuments, scenic drives and wilderness areas to discover, here are 10 things to do in Billings Montana.
The Best 10 Things to do in Billings Montana
Take a Walk on the RimRocks
Billings is known for the “Rim” or “Rimrocks.” The Rimrocks are geological rimrock sandstone formations around Billings. 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 today downtown Billings was the seashore of the Western Interior Seaway that sprawled from the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico. Through millions of years, sand and sediments were deposited at the shore, then compressed into the sandstone, eventually shaping into the formation we know today as the Rimrock, clearly visible above the city skyline.
Visit the Downtown Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday from July 15 to October 7, dozens of purveyors, bakers, and ranchers gather together in downtown Billings to sell fruits, bread, vegetables, meats and much more. The Farmer’s Market is also a great place to grab a breakfast pastry, some freshly baked bread or a delicious crepe.
8am – 12pm rain- or – shine, at the intersection of N Broadway and 2nd Ave N in Downtown Billings. Learn More
Pictograph Cave State Park
There are three main caves at this small state park, where you can see some of the old rock paintings from prehistoric hunters. 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’ great Fall colors.
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 America Region, Discovery Center and the Barn.
The Montana Zoo is a great place for families, even on a rainy day. 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.
Visit Little BigHorn and Learn about Native American History
Located about an hour outside Billings this National Monument sits on the land of Custer’s Last Stand. Where on June 25th and 26th of 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 US to increase thier efforst on remocing native people’s from thier 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 this hisrorty. There is also a road that leads through the monument passed 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 highly recomend a visit to anyone traveling through the area.
Explore the Pryor Mountains
Formed by the erosion of uplifted limestone, the Pryor Mountains are ecologically, geologically, culturally and meteorologically unique as they provide visitors with an opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful landscapes in Montana. This mountain range is made up of two uplifted mountain blocks – Big Pryor Mountain and East Pryor Mountains – and 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 habitat for visitors to enjoy with nearly 1,000 species of plants and other trees that are nearly 500 years old. The scenery is spectacular and is lively with wildlife, insects, and numerous species of birds; this includes bighorn sheep, mountain lions, golden eagles and calliope hummingbirds.
Four Dances Recreation Area
One of my favorite natural areas in Billings had to be the Four Dances Rec Area. I went here on two occasions to take in the views of the Yellowstone River from the rocky overlooks on the Rimrock, and they could not have been more different in weather. There are a few miles of trails here, and it is a local favorite for running and exercising the dogs. The Four Dances Trail (rated intermediate) treats visitors to a 1.8 mile out-and-back hike that climbs 400 feet. The trail offers views of the Yellowstone River, Downtown Billings and, on clear days, peaks of the Northern Rockies.
Visit Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Explore over 120,000 acres of breathtaking natural rock formations filled with diverse wildlife and ecosystems. 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 also 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. Learn more here.
Follow the Billings Brew Trail
Montana has the second most breweries per capita in the US, as well as Montana’s only walkable brewery trail. 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. I checked out a few of them including Meadowlark and Last Chance Cider House which had a delicious selection of ciders and other cocktails and beers. There is even a Brew Pass mobile passport that connects you with exclusive rewards for visiting. Learn more and download the pass here: https://www.visitbillings.com/billings-brew-trail
Visit a Museum
Billings is also home to several museums. 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.
Why You will Love Billings
Billings Montana may not be the first place you think of when it comes to outdoor destinations, but there are a lot of reasons to visit this small city. A perfect place to stop for a few days while heading to Yellowstone National Park or Eastbound to the Black Hills of South Dakota, Billings has fantastic restaurants, great outdoor options and a fantastic community of friendly people to welcome you.
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