Location: Billings
Top Things to do in Billings
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10 Things to Do in Billings That You Shouldn't Miss
Lewis & Clark, Custer, Sitting Bull and Calamity Jane may be long gone, but they are not forgotten in Billings. Museums, galleries and landmarks honoring these legendary characters from the Old West dot the city, making it a history buff's dream destination. Surrounded by six breathtaking mountain ranges, Billings also offers plenty of opportunities for fresh air recreation, including hiking, biking, golf and viewing rare Montana wildlife. Spend time at the Western Heritage Center, an interactive museum full of clothing and remarkable artifacts from the Yellowstone River Valley. In the early 1900s, the railroad brought wealth to Billings and testaments of this prosperity are still standing. Be sure to visit the regal Moss Mansion, designed by architect H.J. Hardenbergh (who also designed the Waldorf-Astoria and Plaza Hotels in New York City). In the more modern realm, MetraPark offers horse racing, rodeos, concerts, fairs and other types of entertainment everyone will enjoy. And kids of all ages will enjoy the animals and games at ZooMontana.
Restaurants in Billings
1. Moss Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Our rooms are filled with details from a bygone era, our docents and staff excited to share history, stories, and more, and our grounds are peaceful and splendid. Every visit to the Moss Mansion holds a new treasure to discover, with interesting exhibits and special events, educational tours and volunteer projects, rental opportunities for weddings and private meetings and parties, and a lovely little gift shop!
Reviewed By Christopher F - Los Angeles, California
The well-preserved home that has stood for over 100 years has been maintained for the public to see!
2. The Rimrocks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By Robert V - Ave Maria, Florida
Overlooking Billings and miles of the northern plains surrounding east/central Montana is this natural phenomenon of a cliff and plateau, which stretches for miles far above the plains and Billings. The local regional airport is on Rimrock Road, as the view dominates the entire local landscape. The road from the airport is Broadway, as it passes through downtown Billings, and out to I-90.
There are opportunities for free parking and hikes along the cliff separating the plains from the plateau.
3. Dehler Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By freightdude - Billings, Montana
I grew up going to Cobb Field, now Dehler Park. Granted, Cobb Field needed a lot of updating but this new facility, the layout, everything about it leaves much to be desired. I would highly encourage you to pass up the opportunity to attend any event held at Dehler Park
4. Yellowstone Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
This extensive permanent collection of contemporary and historic art of America's Rocky Mountain West includes more than 3,000 significant paintings and drawings including the works of cowboy illustrator Will James(1892-1942).
Reviewed By lfiebert - Lansdale, Pennsylvania
Yellowstone Art Museum -(YAM) has a nice collection of contemporary western art. It was a pleasant surprise to see the work of several modern artists including Warhol and Maplethorpe. YAM’s special exhibit on superheroes as seen by contemporary artists was outstanding!
If you are an art lover and you are in Billings, Montana, a visit to The YAM is a worthwhile way to spent an hour or two.
5. ZooMontana
Overall Ratings
4 based on 272 reviews
ZooMontana is a zoological and botanical garden and educational facility dedicated to the conservation of wildlife throughout Montana and the 45th parallel of earth. ZooMontana cares for over 100 animals of 51 different species, including wolves, grizzly bear, otter, eagles, and Lynx. Located in the picturesque tourist destination of Billings, MT, ZooMontana offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Yellowstone ecosystem fauna through direct observation, interpretive displays, and experiential educational programs. Annually, community and educational programs serve over 12,000 students and over 100,000 visitors, most of whom hail from the northern Rockies. Led by a 16 member staff, ZooMontana enjoys strong community support through volunteerism, donations, and outreach.
Reviewed By sixty7gt500 - Billings, Montana
I'm already not a big fan of zoo's, so take this lower review with a grain of salt. Nothing special about this zoo, and fairly pricey for the typical Billings attractions. If you are on the fence, I would avoid this one.
6. DanWalt Gardens
Overall Ratings
5 based on 59 reviews
We are primarily a public garden for daily visitors to view our expansive garden areas, fountains, koi pond and seating areas. We are also the premier garden wedding venue for our area. Our indoor reception pavilion is also available for corporate training and other meetings as well as anniversaries and birthdays. Our gardens change every few weeks depending on what is currently in bloom. Visit us in the spring for tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Summer months give us hydrangeas, shasta daisies, echinaceas (coneflowers), rudbeckia, black-eyed susans, roses, lilies, day lilies and clematis. Fall flowers are amaranths, dahlias, chrysanthemums, asters, hardy hibiscus, angel’s trumpets (brugmansia), rudbeckia, black-eyed susans, and roses We are open April to October daily 9:00 - 6:00 for garden tours. Call ahead for information on special events/weddings.
Reviewed By Patt-Mike H - Worland, Wyoming
DanWalt Gardens is a must see! This well kept secret needs to be shared!!! The gardens take up an entire city block with landscaping that can't be rivaled by professionals. This has been a labor of love that has evolved with time and shared with everyone who stops by. If Dan and Walt are out on the grounds, they'll stop their work, walk up, and make your acquaintance. They answer all questions, give great advice, and make you feel like you're a friend. The gardens are rented out year or so out for weddings and other celebrations. There is a little white scottie dog, Ceremony, that is so friendly and greets you also along with some pet chickens that help them with their bug control. Plan on taking a good hour for your visit, so much to see and take in. Definitely a two thumbs up place to visit. Reminder, the gardens were just opened and its mid-spring here. So they were still planting and sprucing when we visited. In fact, there was a thin film of ice on our windshield that morning. The gardens will only get more beautiful as the weeks pass. Entrance fee: $7.50 The gardens are Open from 10 - 5, 7 days a week for walk through touring and luncheons by reservation only through the summer months. Call 839-4163.
7. Pictograph Cave State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 314 reviews
Pictograph Cave State Park is a National Historic Landmark known for its importance to Northern Plains Archaeology. Come learn about the rock art and artifacts found here dating thousands of years old. This 23 acre park features walking trails, stunning scenery, a green-design visitor's center, picnic grounds, museum displays, everything you need for a fun and educational visit! The site is well-known for its' spirit writing. Soluble minerals leach through the sandstone veiling the rock art, but when the wall becomes wet on rare instances, that veil of minerals will lift (becomes transparent) revealing what is hidden beneath. On a dry day you may see 5-9 pictographs, but on the brief, wet occurrences, 10-15 more images may appear in better detail. The Crow people believe that many of these images are drawn by the spirits, and whichever ones you see are meant to give you a personal message or even foretell future events.
Reviewed By Brian M - Regina, Canada
The park is short drive from Billings on paved road and country side is scenic. The drawings in the caves are fading with time but the site provides some interesting history. The trail thru the park is fairly short so does not take a lot of time or effort.
Overall, we thought it was a nice park providing some intriguing historical information.
8. Yellowstone Cellars & Winery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Tom M - Santa Rosa, California
We had a delightful tasting experience on a busy Saturday afternoon, including an extended conversation with the owner, Clint Peck. We enjoyed all of the wines, and found them drinkable and reasonably priced. The business model is a little different from most of the wineries we are familiar with in California. Here, the emphasis is not just on the wine, but also on the social experience, enhanced on some nights with entertainment. And you certainly won't find a tasting room in California that stays open until 9 P.M. on weeknights and 11 P.M. on weekends. All in all, we were pleased with the experience, and impressed with the wines.
9. Riverfront Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 75 reviews
Scenic city park that is located by the Yellowstone River in downtown Billings, Montana.
Reviewed By Sean P - Billings, Montana
Just off I90 & south of Billings, Riverfront Park is one of the city's outdoor treasures. Walk, run, bike or just relax in the park that has an extensive trail system. Wildlife abounds as the park sits along the Yellowstone River. No real hills in the park & much is accessible to wheelchairs (with a little effort).
10. Alberta Bair Theater for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By palenakamikale - New York City, New York
Wonderful venue for a variety of shows, local and global entertainers. Ticket prices are reasonable, the lovely multi level facility has ample volunteers on hand for seating, concessions and for questions. Located near restaurants, parking garages and in a historic area this is the place to see and be seen. Enjoy the culture brought to Billings often and enthusiastically!
