Things To Do
in Billings
Billings is Montana’s largest city, set along the Yellowstone River and anchored by the nearby Rim Rocks, offering a blend of western heritage and modern city amenities. It serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and the wider Yellowstone region. The city has a lively downtown, family-friendly parks, and a growing craft beverage scene.
With four distinct seasons and a sun-drenched prairie climate, Billings invites visitors to explore, dine, and relax outdoors year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll along Billings’ historic Main Street, admiring the charming storefronts and vibrant street art. Stop by a local café for a freshly brewed coffee and a hearty breakfast made with Montana-grown ingredients. Engage with friendly shop owners and learn about the city’s pioneer history as you wander through unique boutiques.
Savor lunch at an artisanal deli before heading to the Moss Mansion to explore its ornate rooms and period furnishings. Continue to the Western Heritage Center to immerse yourself in interactive exhibits that chronicle regional ranching and Native American culture. Spend time browsing specialty gift shops for handcrafted souvenirs reflecting local craftsmanship.
Dine at a downtown bistro renowned for farm-to-table cuisine and communal atmosphere. Afterward, catch a live jazz or folk performance at one of the intimate music venues scattered throughout the district. Wrap up with a leisurely evening walk beneath the historic neon signs, enjoying the warm glow of Billings after dark.
Kick off the day with a sunrise hike along the Rimrocks, marveling at panoramic views of the Yellowstone Valley. Breathe in crisp mountain air as you explore sandstone ledges and hidden alcoves carved by ancient rivers. Capture stunning photographs of Billings framed by rugged cliffs bathed in golden light.
Refuel with a riverside picnic beneath towering hoodoos, sampling local cheeses and freshly baked bread. Continue your adventure on the Monarch–Mittlestadt Trail to discover serene groves and wildflower meadows. Pause at an overlook to soak in the vast sky and rolling prairie hills stretching beyond the city.
Descend into town for a celebratory dinner at a farm-to-fork eatery highlighting Montana beef and fresh salads. Toast to your hike with a locally brewed craft beer at a cozy taproom just off the main square. End the night on a high note with stargazing atop the Rimrocks, letting the Milky Way twinkle above the Billings skyline.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $90-150 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week for two | $120-180 |
| 🚗Gasoline per gallon | $3-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access to outdoor recreation in every season
- Strong western heritage and friendly locals
- Good value for meals and lodging compared to larger cities
- Limited public transit outside downtown; a car is often needed
- Weather can be highly variable and winds can be strong
- Smaller nightlife scene compared to big metropolitan areas
Places to Visit in Billings
Visit one of these nice places.
Sweeping vantage points above Billings with dramatic views of the city, river, and surrounding plains—best at golden hour.
A grand historic home with period details and manicured grounds—excellent for architectural photography.
Promenade and riverbanks along the Yellowstone for sunset portraits or reflective water shots.
Early-20th-century commercial buildings and colorful storefronts provide charming urban backdrops.
Ancient rock art and natural formations offer a combination of culture and landscape photography.
Food in Billings
Billings Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A lean, flavorful burger made with local bison meat; widely available at casual eateries and bars around downtown Billings.
Must-Try!
A robust chili featuring elk or a mix of game meats; popular in many Montana cafes and pubs.
Desserts highlighted with Montana’s iconic huckleberries, often found in bakeries and cafes.
Freshwater trout from regional rivers, often served with seasonal sides at riverfront restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal Saturday market featuring local produce, honey, baked goods, and prepared foods from regional vendors.
Weekly market offering local produce, dairy, meats, and street-style bites in a family-friendly setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Friendly greetings, a straightforward conversation style, and respect for privacy are common. Please hold doors open and offer a courteous nod or handshake when meeting new people.
Respect wildlife and stay on designated trails. Leave no trace and consider local rules for fires and camping.
Safety
Tipping in Billings
Ensure a smooth experience
In the US, a 15-20% tip at restaurants is standard for good service. For other services (taxis, hotel staff), tipping a few dollars per service is customary.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cool evenings. Chinook winds can bring dramatic temperature swings; afternoons are ideal for outdoor activities and riverfront strolls.
Mild days with vibrant fall colors; great for hiking and city photography. Evenings grow cooler; layering is advised.
Cold conditions with possible snow; plan for heated indoor options and winter sports nearby. Dress in insulated layers and waterproof footwear.
Chilly with variable weather; expect rain showers and budding greenery. Pack a light rain jacket and versatile layers.
Billings at Night
Hiking in Billings
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible rim trails with panoramic views of Billings and the plains; suitable for casual hikes and photo opportunities.
Short, interpretive hikes that pair natural scenery with ancient rock art.
Higher-elevation hikes and scenic routes, weather permitting, offering alpine scenery within a couple of hours' drive.
Airports
How to reach Billings by plane.
Primary airport serving Billings with domestic flights and some seasonal international service; convenient for travelers to the city.
A larger regional hub about a 2.5–3.5 hour drive from Billings; good for connections to national and international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A growing mix of families, professionals, and students, with a strong presence of rural-urban transplants from nearby regions.
Nearby tribal histories and presence of Indigenous residents contribute to the region’s cultural diversity.
Montana State University Billings and local employers attract a student and career-focused demographic.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular at high school and college levels with local enthusiasm for MSUB Yellow Jackets games.
Strong college and community programs; often played in local arenas and schools.
Rodeos and other western-style events are part of the regional culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Billings.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for veggie burgers, pastas, salads, and vegetable-forward dishes. When in doubt, ask for sides like grilled vegetables, beans, or quinoa bowls.