Billings

Day Trips

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.

Begin with a French-inspired breakfast at a cozy bistro before heading to the Yellowstone Art Museum. Wander through contemporary and historical exhibits, discovering works by acclaimed regional artists alongside abstract installations. Participate in a drop-in art demo, trying your hand at ceramic glazing or watercolor techniques under expert guidance.

Enjoy a gourmet lunch at the museum café with seasonal specials sourced from local farms. Stroll over to the nearby Alberta Bair Theater for a guided backstage tour or catch a matinee performance. Browse the museum store for unique prints, handmade jewelry, and art books to commemorate your visit.

Dine at a nearby tapas bar, sampling inventive small plates paired with boutique wines. Attend an evening gallery opening or artist talk back at the museum, mingling with curators and creatives. Cap off the night with a leisurely walk along the Yellowstone River at sunset, reflecting on the day’s artistic inspiration.

Savor a hearty breakfast at a family-friendly diner before venturing to ZooMontana. Encounter native species and exotic animals, joining an interactive feeding session or wildlife enrichment demonstration. Learn about conservation efforts as you stroll through scenic habitats set against the backdrop of the Beartooth Mountains.

Head to the Riverfront Park Rose Garden for a tranquil lunch amidst hundreds of blooming rose varieties. Wander along shaded walking paths that wind through colorful perennial beds and fragrant herb gardens. Capture macro photos of delicate petals and watch charming fountain displays sparkle in the afternoon sun.

Make your way to Lake Elmo State Park for a lakeside picnic dinner, grilling fresh local sausages over a communal fire pit. Glide across calm waters on a paddleboard or relax by the shore while listening to evening bird calls. As twilight falls, share stories around the campfire before returning to Billings under a canopy of stars.

Fuel up with a grab-and-go breakfast from a riverside bakery before meeting your rafting guide. Embark on a thrilling whitewater adventure down the Yellowstone River, navigating gentle rapids and admiring sandstone cliffs. Pause at a scenic sandbar for a quick nature walk and spot native wildlife along the banks.

Enjoy a riverside barbecue lunch prepared by your rafting crew, sampling smoked ribs and corn on the cob cooked over an open flame. Continue paddling to quieter stretches of the river, practicing roll techniques and soaking in the peaceful ambiance. Photograph the dramatic interplay of sunlight and water as you drift past secluded coves.

Change into dry clothes back at the outfitter and head to a casual brewpub overlooking the river for a pint and shared appetizers. Relish hearty burgers and local craft beers as you swap stories with fellow rafters. Cap the evening with a riverside bonfire arranged by the outfitting company, complete with s’mores and live acoustic music.

Drive out to a nearby working guest ranch for sunrise breakfast on the porch, enjoying farm-fresh eggs and locally cured bacon. Mount a horse for a guided morning ride across open prairie, spotting antelope and mule deer grazing in the distance. Engage with wranglers to learn roping techniques and saddle care in an authentic cowboy setting.

Sit down to a hearty chuckwagon lunch served under cottonwood trees, featuring slow-cooked brisket and coleslaw. Try your hand at hay bale toss or participate in a cattle drive demonstration led by experienced ranch hands. Explore the ranch’s outbuildings, discovering antique wagons and historical photographs dating back to Montana’s homesteading days.

Return to the ranch for a sunset dinner cooked over an open fire pit, pairing local vegetables with a grill-roasted steak. Gather around a large campfire in the corral for cowboy poetry recitals and sing-along folk tunes. Retreat to cozy cabin accommodations and fall asleep under a blanket of stars in true Western style.

Depart early for the breathtaking Beartooth Highway, stopping at scenic pullouts to admire cascading waterfalls and alpine meadows. Pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy near a crystal-clear tarn at 10,000 feet elevation. Hike a short mountain trail to fully immerse yourself in the subalpine environment and spot marmots darting among the rocks.

Descend into Cooke City and savor a lakeside lunch at a rustic mountain lodge, sampling homemade pie baked fresh that morning. Explore historic mining ruins and chat with locals about the area’s gold rush legends. Drive to the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park for wildlife sightings, keeping an eye out for bison, elk, and possibly wolves.

Return to Billings for a casual taco dinner at a lively food truck park with a variety of regional flavors. Sip on a signature margarita or craft soda under festival lights while listening to live bluegrass music. End the night with a scenic drive along the Yellowstone River with the moon illuminating the water’s surface.

Start with a gourmet coffee flight at a trendy downtown roast house, tasting beans sourced from around the world. Pair your cup with freshly baked pastries made by local artisan bakers. Chat with the barista about coffee roasting techniques and the story behind each blend.

Embark on a guided culinary walking tour of Billings’ historic core, sampling savory bites at beloved eateries and hidden gems. Visit a farm-to-fork restaurant for a cooking demonstration featuring locally raised beef or wheat. Spend time at a craft distillery touring the still house and tasting signature Montana spirits.

Cap off the evening at a bustling microbrewery, joining a tasting flight of seasonal ales and stouts brewed on-site. Pair each pour with upscale pub fare like bison sliders or beer-battered cheese curds. Wind down at a rooftop bar with panoramic city views, toasting to the flavors of Yellowstone Country as lights twinkle below.

Enjoy a hearty diner breakfast before traveling to Pictograph Cave State Park just south of Billings. Hike the half-mile trail to the cliffside caves, marveling at prehistorical rock art created centuries ago by Indigenous peoples. Read interpretive signs to uncover the significance of vibrant red and orange pictographs depicting bison, warriors, and mythic symbols.

Picnic in the park’s shaded picnic area, sharing sandwiches and fruit under cottonwood trees. Continue exploring the interpretive center’s displays of archaeological artifacts and interactive multimedia exhibits. Stroll through nature trails alongside the Yellowstone River, observing diverse bird species and riparian habitats.

Return to Billings and dine at a cozy Southwestern-style restaurant, sampling spicy carne adovada or enchiladas with piquant salsa verde. Attend an evening talk at the Montana Historical Society Museum to delve deeper into regional Indigenous art and history. Conclude your night with a twilight guided ghost walk through historic downtown, hearing eerie legends and frontier folklore.

Begin at the downtown farmers market, browsing stalls overflowing with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade baked goods. Chat with farmers and makers about their sustainable practices as you sip freshly squeezed juice. Pick up souvenir gifts like handwoven baskets or small-batch honey.

Savor a leisurely lunch at a waterfront café on the Yellowstone River, choosing from a menu that highlights seasonal salads and sandwiches. Stop by the nearby Four Dances Recreation Area for a scenic walk through rolling grasslands with panoramic city views. Reflect on your trip as you sketch or journal under a shaded pavilion overlooking the river.

Treat yourself to a grand farewell dinner at an upscale mountain-view restaurant on the city’s outskirts, enjoying a multi-course tasting menu of Montana lamb, wild-caught trout, and rich chocolate desserts. Raise a final toast with a glass of regional wine or craft cocktail infused with huckleberry syrup. As night falls, take a final stroll beneath twinkling outdoor lights, cherishing the memories made over ten unforgettable days in Billings.