Forge your own path to Montana’s Trailhead and let the adventure begin. Born in the shadows of the Rimrocks, fed on the waters of the Yellowstone River, Billings offers you unparalleled views, just moments from downtown.
Foster the foodie in you in historic downtown Billings, busy with retail and culture by day, and a lively hot spot at night. Whether you are seeking an unforgettable dinner with hand crafted cocktails, award winning burgers, or a brunch so tasty you will look forward to mornings, Billings will take care of you. Many of the city’s restaurants pride themselves on locally sourced ingredients and creative chefs who are sure to impress.
Speaking of locally sourced, Montana has certainly embraced the Craft Beer Scene, and the Billings Brew Trail is the only walkable brewery district in the state. Billings’ boasts six breweries, two distilleries, and one cider house, most of which are within a 1.5-mile radius. To the west of the Brew Trail you can take in three more breweries and another distillery.
Within an hour of Billings are two historic National Monuments, Pompeys Pillar National Monument and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Pompeys Pillar displays the only remaining physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, where William Clark inscribed his name in 1806. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument memorializes the site of the Battle of the Little Bighorn which took place is 1876 between the US Seventh Cavalry and Sitting Bull and the Sioux.
With over 50 miles of multi-use trails, Billings is an outdoor recreation town. For the mountain biker, Acton Recreation Area or Zimmerman Trail offer miles of trails for varying skill levels without the crowds. Hikers will enjoy it, too. Other popular biking and hiking spots include Phipps Park, Riverfront Park, and Dover Park. If you need paved trails, Swords Rimrock Park is a perfect place along the Rimrocks especially for sunrises and sunsets. And, don’t forget, some of the Montana’s best State Parks are easily accessed via Billings. Check out Pictograph Cave or Chief Plenty Coups State Parks. You can also rent a paddleboard, walk the trails, or enjoy the beach at Lake Elmo State Park.
Family-friendly adventures are around every corner in Billings, too. Start your journey at ZooMontana, the only zoo in the state! ZooMontana is home to more than 80 animal exhibits including Grizzly Bears, Amur Tigers, Red Pandas, Bison, Wolves and more. Most of the animals are rescues. ZooMontana’s newest resident is Montana’s first sloth. Come meet Winston while you explore ZooMontana which also offers amazing grounds including one of Montana’s only accredited arboretums. Families also love to stretch their legs on one of the many trails at Riverfront Park where you can cast a line into near-by ponds or the Yellowstone River. You can check out the Montana Audubon Center and canoe, hike, fish, or bird watch. Want to extend the day? Pack extra pillows and blankets and plan a movie night at the Amusement Park Drive-In Theatre, too.
Montana is full of scenic drives, but perhaps none more scenic than the incredible Beartooth Highway. Voted by the American Motorcycle Association and USA Today as the Most Scenic drive in North America, it is your scenic route to Yellowstone National Park. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, this scenic byway is sometimes open longer depending on the weather. The Beartooth Highway provides breathtaking vistas from start to finish. Reaching a peak of 10,977 feet through the pass, Roadtrippers or motorcyclists will take in Montana’s highest mountain range with 20 peaks over 12,000 feet.
