Things to Do in Billings, MT
Billings, MT is a historic city that is a gateway to many of the outdoor adventures Montana has to offer. The city itself is cradled by the iconic Rimrocks, and provides a diverse number of activities for the fellow adventurer. Because of the extensive trail system running through the city, Bicycling magazine ranked Billings among the nation's 50 most bike-friendly communities. Swords Park was even named the Montana State Trail of the Year by the Coalition for Recreational Parks in 2012, and received a Enviornmental and Wildlife Compatibility award. Other activities like rock climbing, skiing, mountain climbing are also embraced in the area. Around Billings, a number of iconic mountain ranges can be found such as the Bighorn Mountains, Pryor Mountains, Beartooth Mountains and the Absaroka Range and others. The Beartooth Highway, on way to Billings has been also called "the most beautiful drive in America" by late CBS correspondent Charles Kuralt. To note, Lewis and Clark, one of the United States earliest cross-continental explorers also made their way through Billings. You can even view William Clark's original inscription on Pompey's Pillar.
Annual Activities
Pompey's Pillar
Pompey's Pillar is a National Monument that lies 25 miles east of Billings. It contains the last physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark expedition as well as an abdundance of Native American petroglyphs. A must-see for anyone fond of history.
8 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. (Open Daily)
May - September
http://www.pompeyspillar.org/
Pictograph Cave
The Pictograph Cave State Park is a designated National Historic Landmark since 1964. Visitors can experience a unique opportunity to view hundreds of pictographs, and rock art that is over 2,000 years old. It's also an excellent location for bird-watching!
9 A.M. - 7 P.M. (Open Daily)
Third Friday in May-Third Sunday in September
Zoo Montana
ZooMontana is Montana's only zoo and botanical park. It features nearly 100 different animals, and represents more than 58 species. The habitats are uniquely designed to imitate natural habitats and include a natural creek running through the center of the zoo's grounds. The ideal family day trip!
Summer Hours
10 A.M. - 5 P.M. (Open Daily)
Yellowstone Art Museum
The Yellowstone Art Museum is the largest contemporary art museum in Montana. It features a growing permanent collection of historic and contemporary regional art. Temporary exhibitions include local, national and international art.
10 A.M. - 5 P.M. (Tu - Su)
10 A.M. - 8 P.M. (Th)
Closed Monday
https://www.artmuseum.org/
The Rimrocks
The Rimrocks is an iconic Billings formation that outcrop in sections of Billings, Montana. Today, the Rimrocks is a favorite hiking location with a number of trails for different levels and uses. Added bonus? You only have to drive about 10 minutes to get there.
Year Round
https://www.theoutbound.com/montana/hiking/explore-the-rimrocks
Montana Fair
The MontanaFair is the region's largest event with attendance of nearly a quarter of a million people each year. The fair features nine full days of events, with a special emphasis on the fair's historic ties with agriculture. There is also a lineup of free entertainment and a number of concerts during the night shows.
Aug. 13-21
https://www.montanafair.com/
Billings Drive-In Theater
The Billings Amusement Park Drive-in Theater is an old-school drive-in theater with digital sound and picture. Visitors have the chance to soak their new favorite films in their own choice of seating, including the top of your vehicles. There is also a loaded snack bar with your average and unusual movie snacks.
Moss Mansion
The Moss mansion is a historic house museum built and named for Preston B. Moss who moved from Paris, Missouri in 1903. Visitors can still see original furnishings during the one-hour guided tour. Seasonal exhibits are also featured.