Location: Billings
Top Things to do in Billings
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Billings, Montana (MT)
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. Bitter Creek Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 194 reviews
Bitter Creek Outfitters is a family-operated business providing scenic, guided horseback trail rides 5 miles from downtown Billings, Montana. We'll treat you to a leisurely trek through our Angus cattle ranch - atop the area's distinctive rimrocks. We'll show you spectacular views of five different mountain ranges and a unique perspective of the city. We keep our group sizes small (max 6 people) promising a personalized, unforgettable experience for beginners & advanced riders alike! AGE, HEIGHT/WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS APPLY. PLEASE SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS. We are a full-time ranch, part-time trail riding outfit so advanced reservations are required. We do not keep our horses saddled in the corral & ready to go! Season runs June thru October, weather permitting. Rides typically start at 8 or 9am, 7 days/week, and we avoid afternoon rides during peak summer heat but we can be flexible with your travel plans. Let us know what works best & we'll do our best to fit you in!
Reviewed By M3125XFmichele
This was our 2nd visit to Bitter Creek Outfitters for a ride with Teresa and Kyle. Although our weather wasn't the best we were determined to get out and enjoy/explore the beautiful property they call their home. We had 5 of us adults, saddled up, western gear on and all and off we went. The 2 hour ride is so peaceful with breathtaking scenery and great conversation with both Teresa and Kyle learning all about the ranch lifestyle. This is a must do activity when visiting Billings, MT - it makes you feel like a local. Highly recommend !!!
2. Elk River Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 255 reviews
We offer great horseback riding on great horses in spectacular country. Our guests frequently comment that our horses are the best they have ridden. We offer rides in Billings and Red Lodge, Montana. Many of our guests have commented that horseback riding with us was their favorite thing they did while on vacation. Our rides are simply the best. Items to bring: · Boots (or enclosed shoes) · Hat or Cap (if desired) · Raincoat (as needed) · Sunglasses · Jeans · Water Bottle
Reviewed By 220mamabear - Billings, United States
We had the best time !! Beautiful, calm horses and friendly staff , Sleepy Hollow at the zoo is always so much fun!
3. DanWalt Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 95 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 PamnCecil - San Antonio, United States
We spent an hour and a half at this beautiful garden today. The lady tending the grounds was very welcoming and provided excellent information periodically and then allowed us to wander on our own. She allowed me to hold and pet a rooster --gorgeous bird! Pears are still on the tree and we were given some to take with us. Loved seeing the 125 year old apple tree that still bears fruit. Unbelievable selection of truly beautiful plants, most in bloom now. Do plan time to tour this lovely garden.
4. Yellowstone Cellars & Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
5. Pryor Mountains
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Located south of Billings, these mountains boast beautiful vistas, spectacular canyons and high mountain meadows for hiking, camping and hunting.
Reviewed By rogercR3801RB - Billings, United States
Taking our four wheelers loading them onto the trailer and heading for the priors mountains, best weekend ever. Roads going in or a little rough. Great riding for four wheelers. hiking is awesome. The wild flowers, certain varieties it's the only place in the world a grow. Camping, history, 4 wheeling, what else can you ask for? Close-by easy to reach give it a try sometime.
6. Moss Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 266 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 Adventure476157
Walking in the front door for the first time you will wonder if you could possibly be in Billings, Montana. Exquisite craftsmanship and fascinating history. You won't be disappointed! If you are in Billings June 6th, 2020 don't miss Moss Mansion's SpringFest! Now in its 32nd year, SpringFest is an outdoor festival featuring juried arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles, plus food and specialty booths. Live music, local entertainers, art and craft demonstrations, and children's activities make the day truly memorable and fun for the the entire family. It's a beautiful setting!
7. Yellowstone County Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
The mission of the Yellowstone County Museum is to collect, preserve, research, and interpret the natural history and diverse cultures of the Yellowstone Valley of Montana and the Northern Plains. We share this legacy through a full range of exhibits and educational programs for the enrichment of the cultural and intellectual life of our community.We make it our priority to keep the history personal and relatable. This history belongs to everyone and we're just the storytellers here at the Yellowstone County Museum
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Since 1956, the McCormick cabin has served as an entrance to the Yellowstone County Museum in Billings, Montana. Located at 1950 Airport Terminal Circle, across from the Billings Airport, the cabin and museum have a mission to collect, preserve, research and interpret the natural history and diverse cultures of the Yellowstone Valley of Montana and the Northern Plains. Stories of Indian nations, cattlemen and pioneers are told inside a log cabin that dates to 1893. Learn of the cultures and traditions that make the museum so unique, ranging from handcrafted saddles to rare firearms to pioneer wagons to tribal bead work. The McCormick cabin once belonged to a pioneer family of the early days of Billings. Paul McCormick built the cabin in 1893 for his family. It was a center for festive gatherings and Thanksgiving dinners, holding from 60 to 70 guests. In 1947, it was sold to the Billings YMCA, then to Socony Vacuum Oil, then to the Billings community for use as a museum. It was moved to his current location and has watched over the Yellowstone Valley since 1956. Among the exhibits are a dazzling display of authentic tribal bead work featuring designs from Sioux, Blackfoot, Northern Cheyenne and Crow tribes, beautiful examples of traditional regalia dating to the 19th century from tribes across the nation, a collection of 19th and early 20th century weaponry, including heavy artillery, military weaponry and guns from the days of Calamity Jane and Jesse James and highlights of research done in and around the Billings area of Lewis & Clark's Corps of Discovery, which came through the Yellowstone Valley on its historic trek to the sea. Finally, see how Billings evolved from an unruly town of the wild west to a center of industry. If you are a history buff, this is truly educational.
8. Yellowstone Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 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 Daydream500484
The YAM is a fantastic space — the main exhibit halls and the “Visible Vault,” where you can engage with and learn more about the gallery’s archives, and their preservation and conservation efforts. The rotating galleries from their collection were dazzling — impressive contemporary regional work. (I was particularly taken by Peggy Kelley’s paintings and multimedia work by Terry Karson.) They also had an exhibition while we there by photographer Clyde Butcher. Just a gorgeous place, well worth making part of your trip to Billings.
9. The Rimrocks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 349 reviews
Reviewed By LauraZB1977 - Billings, United States
If you are visiting Billings for the first time the rimrocks are fun for an afternoon drive or hike. Great views and good to get out in the fresh air!
10. Pioneer Park
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