In case you’re in search of issues to do in Billings, Montana, you’ve come to the correct place. I’ve put collectively an inventory of my favorite actions and points of interest on this great metropolis.
I used to be born and raised in Billings till leaving for college. Within the final decade, town has been rising and altering, with many extra alternatives for residents and guests alike.
<script type=”text/javascript”> atOptions = { ‘key’ : ‘015c8be4e71a4865c4e9bcc7727c80de’, ‘format’ : ‘iframe’, ‘height’ : 60, ‘width’ : 468, ‘params’ : {} }; document.write(‘<scr’ + ‘ipt type=”text/javascript” src=”//animosityknockedgorgeous.com/015c8be4e71a4865c4e9bcc7727c80de/invoke.js”></scr’ + ‘ipt>’); </script><\/p>
Nowadays, I’ve moved again to work remotely from dwelling 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 below 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 for those who’re concerned about studying concerning the space’s historical past and tradition. This tour takes you to among the most vital historic websites in Billings, together with the Little Bighorn Battlefield Nationwide Monument, Pictograph Cave State Park, and Chief Loads Coups State Park.
It is a nice exercise for historical past buffs and people who need to be taught extra concerning the space’s wealthy historic and pure heritage. Excursions sometimes 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 for those who love animals and the nice open air. There are a number of ranches within the space that supply horseback driving classes and path rides. It is a nice exercise for households, teams of associates, or anybody who desires to expertise the great thing about Montana’s panorama from a unique perspective.
Most ranches provide beginner-friendly rides, so it doesn’t matter for those who’ve by no means been on a horse earlier than. I like to recommend getting exterior of Billings and heading to Livingston, MT, for this guided horseback trek by way of Blue Flower Path. On the tour, you’ll be able to journey within the countryside and luxuriate in beautiful 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 dwelling to an unimaginable number of wildlife, together with bison, elk, bears, and wolves. You can too see among the world’s most spectacular geothermal options right here, comparable to geysers and scorching springs.
There are a number of issues to do in Yellowstone, relying in your pursuits. You’ll be able to go mountaineering, tenting, fishing, or sightseeing. In case you’re taking a day journey from Billings, I like to recommend beginning the day early, and having your personal automobile. The park could be very fashionable and I counsel making ready to enter with slightly persistence.
For further steerage, you should purchase a self-guided audio tour. That is a straightforward and cheap option to be taught extra concerning the park as you drive and discover. You can too e book a non-public tour from West Yellowstone, however you’ll need to drive there first.
4. Have a Llama Encounter
Spending time with llamas is among the extra distinctive issues to do close to Billings. It’s possible you’ll assume that the animal is strictly South American, however they’re raised in Montana as properly.
In case you’d like to guide, hug, brush, and feed a llama, there’s a llama encounter exercise supplied in Livingston, roughly an hour and a half west of Billings. It is a enjoyable 2 hour cease to coordinate together 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 associates 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 incredible exercise for individuals who need to see town in a brand new and distinctive method.
Scavenger hunts are additionally good 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 among 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 mountaineering as you drive – see extra on mountaineering in #7.
In your method again to Billings, you’ll be able to cease in Crimson 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 barely open from late Might-October (snow pending), so plan your journey accordingly. Be ready for the climate altering. The cross can all of the sudden shut any time of 12 months on account of climate circumstances.
7. Hike the Beartooth Mountains
In case you’re in search of issues to do close to Billings in summer season, fall, or spring that contain being open air, mountaineering is a good choice. Visiting the Beartooth mountains is a prime vacationer attraction for guests and locals alike. These mountains are among the tallest in Montana and provide beautiful views, making them the right place to hike.
There are a number of trails to select from, ranging in issue. I like to recommend stopping on the ranger station for particular suggestions.
My private mountaineering favourites within the space embody:
- Mystic Lake: This average path climbs as much as lovely lake views. It’s 5.5 miles, (8.9 km), and sometimes takes round 3 hours. If you wish to hike farther, and even attempt some backcountry tenting, you’ll be able to hike down alongside the lake.
- Off the Overwhelmed Path: I did this superior 26-mile one-way hike for my honeymoon. It options a whole lot of climbing by way of altering terrain and also you’ll have to coordinate vehicles, or determine a shuttle. It should take you 2-3 days to finish so that you’ll have to carry backpacking gear. You’ll be able to lease gear at outside retailers like REI.
- Elk Lake: In case you don’t have time for a one-way journey however need to expertise the great thing about East Rosebud within the Beartooths, do that 6.7 mile hike that sometimes takes lower than 3 hours. Deliver 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 through meandering filth 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 incredible 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 provide nice viewpoints from above.
There are a number of trails that wind by way of the Rimrocks, so you’ll be able to discover them at your personal tempo. I like to recommend beginning at Swords Park, which is positioned on the northeast facet of city. That’s the place I at all times like to start my hikes.
From there, you’ll be able to take the Rimrocks Path in both route, which is a straightforward and scenic hike that can take you to among the greatest viewpoints within the space. You probably have a motorbike, it’s also possible to journey 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, they usually provide 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 simple to get to. It’s really the one vineyard on the town and, as a wine lover, I used to be comfortable to seek out good wine so native to me. Visiting a vineyard is nice for {couples} for a date night time that need 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 mountaineering season, then it’s in all probability snow and ski season in Montana. And for those who’re visiting Billings within the winter, you then’ll undoubtedly need to head as much as the Beartooth Mountains (about an hour south) for some snow-filled enjoyable. Snowboarding is certainly top-of-the-line issues to do in Billings in winter.
Crimson 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 for those who’re not into downhill snowboarding, you’ll be able to nonetheless benefit from the snow in different methods.
There are additionally a number of sledding hills close by which generally is a enjoyable exercise to take pleasure in with children. And for those who’re in search of one thing slightly extra off the crushed observe, attempt cross-country snowboarding or snowshoeing on the native Nordic Middle.
11. Go Fishing
The Yellowstone River runs alongside the southern and jap elements of city and is a good place to go fishing. You’ll be able to fish from the riverbanks at any public entry level, comparable to Duck Creek Bridge and Riverfront Park, or head out on a ship. Different choices embody 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 embody Wild Invoice Lake (a kid-friendly household favorite) and West Rosebud Lake. In case you don’t have your personal gear, you’ll be able to simply lease all the pieces you want from the Base Camp.
Fly fishing in Montana is unimaginable. Find out about the perfect spots in this information.
12. Go to Moss Mansion
Moss Mansion is among the greatest issues to do for those who’re concerned about historic or architectural Billings vacationer points of interest. This historic dwelling was inbuilt 1903 and is now a museum. You’ll be able to take a tour of the mansion, which incorporates unique 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 adorned 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’ll be able to simply go to just a few on foot. An evening out sampling beers with associates is certainly one among my most well-liked Billings actions.
My favorite brewery is the Final Probability Pub and Cider Mill. They’ve an incredible taproom with a rotating collection of cider, beers, and different native drinks.
Different breweries within the downtown space are:
14. Wander Outdoor on the Audubon Middle
In case you’re in search of distinctive issues to do in Billings, the Audubon Middle, 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 way of the woods and alongside the river. I’ve seen wildlife comparable 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. Typically, there are organized occasions particularly catered to toddlers, children, and households to study native wildlife and flowers.
Handle: 7026 S Billings Blvd, Billings, MT, 59101, USA
15. Go to the Sensible Wonders Museum
It is a cease for households with children beneath the age of 10. The Sensible Wonders Museum is an interactive museum that focuses on hands-on STEM science and play.
That is one among my child’s favorite locations to go to in Billings – a lot in order that they love coming right here weekly. And for those who’re right here within the winter months when the youngsters can’t play exterior within the sunshine on a regular basis, it’s a life saver.
Youngsters will love taking part in with reveals about wind, gravity, water, and extra. It’s enjoyable for all ages! Age allowing, you’ll be able to allow them to play while you sit and luxuriate in a cup of espresso on the store that shares area with the museum.
Billings is changing into much more family-friendly today, with different enjoyable actions popping up comparable to indoor mountain climbing, 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 below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Billings, MT.
Completely! Billings is a good place to go to for its outside 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 fashionable 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 well-liked spot for mountaineering, picnicking, and images.
The most effective time to go to Billings, Montana, is in the summertime when the climate is heat and dry. Nevertheless, there are many issues to do in Billings all year-round. In case you take pleasure in winter sports activities, comparable to snowboarding and snowboarding, you then’ll need to go to within the winter.
It depends upon which entrance you need to drive to. The closest is Cooke Metropolis, 129 miles away, however will possible take round 3 hours as a result of windy freeway and passes. The Gardiner entrance is about 159 miles away and can take nearer to 2 hours to achieve.
Sure, it’s scenic, and there are many fairly issues to see in Billings. The small metropolis comprises a collection of small cliffs referred to as the Rimrocks, and the Yellowstone River passes by way of.
Now You Know What to Do in Billings, MT
In case you’ve been questioning what to do in Billings, Montana, I hope this checklist has given you some concepts. From outside recreation to family-friendly actions, there’s one thing for everybody to take pleasure in in Massive Sky Nation.
Do you have got some other strategies of the perfect issues to do in Billings? Share them within the feedback under!
Planning to go to different areas in Montana?
Like This Article? Pin It!