Located in south-central Montana, Billings is the Treasure State’s largest city. It offers a unique mix of urban and natural attractions that captivate visitors from all walks of life. From outdoor activities to historic sites to the local cuisine, these are the best things to do in Billings.
Explore Billings’ rich history, art and culture
Billings offers a wealth of cultural attractions. From historical mansions to art museums, experience the city’s past preserved in stone and on canvas.
Moss Mansion
The historic Moss Mansion is an early 20th-century red sandstone landmark featuring 28 rooms and elaborate décor with original furnishings. It includes advanced amenities for its time, such as an electric bell system and heated indoor plumbing. Visitors can enjoy guided or self-guided tours of this preserved family home, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Western Heritage Center
The Western Heritage Center is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum in the Parmly Billings Memorial Library building, a Romanesque sandstone structure. The center offers diverse exhibits highlighting the region’s Native American heritage and pioneer past. Don’t miss the 1930s replica dude ranch and the log cabin studio of artist James Kenneth Ralston, whose works vividly capture Montana’s late 19th-century frontier life.
Yellowstone Art Museum
Established in 1964, the Yellowstone Art Museum houses more than 7,300 pieces of American art, emphasizing progressive contemporary works from the Northern Rocky Mountain and Northern Plains regions. Don’t miss the Visible Vault for a unique behind-the-scenes look at how the museum preserves and prepares exhibitions.
“Billings might be the largest city in Montana, but it has a small-town feel that still manages to combine art, history and culture with a great food and beer scene. A few of my favorite things to do in Billings include taking in the gorgeous scenery along the Yellowstone River Valley, hiking up Rimrocks and visiting the Western Heritage Center.”
— Michelle Marine, Simplify Live Love
Outdoor adventures in Billings
Serving as a gateway to the great outdoors, Billings is known as Montana’s Trailhead. Here are some of the best things to do in Billings in terms of outdoor activities.
Zimmerman Park
Zimmerman Park provides an easy escape from the city with its panoramic views of Billings and beyond. Ideal for hiking and mountain biking, the park’s trails offer both gentle walks and challenging routes, allowing visitors to appreciate the unique geological features of the Rimrocks.
ZooMontana
Perhaps it’s because Montana is home to several national parks full of animals in their natural habitat, like Glacier and Yellowstone, but ZooMontana is the state’s only zoo. The zoo focuses on education and conservation with natural habitat enclosures for rescued animals and creatures native to the 45th parallel north around the world.
Pictograph Cave State Park
At Pictograph Cave State Park, discover ancient history where prehistoric Native Americans left behind vivid pictographs over 2,100 years ago. Explore the caves to see early rock paintings depicting animals, hunters and daily life, and learn about the 30,000 artifacts once unearthed here, offering a glimpse into Montana’s distant past.
Pompeys Pillar
Just a short drive from Billings, you’ll find Pompeys Pillar National Monument, one of the nation’s smallest national monuments. The 51-acre site features a 200-foot sandstone pillar famously inscribed by Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Named after Sacagawea’s son, Jean Baptiste, nicknamed Pomp, the site offers stunning views of the Yellowstone River and a poignant connection to early American exploration.
Savor the local flavors
Check out Billings’ food scene, where you can taste everything from classic hometown dishes to new twists on old favorites. There are plenty of eateries, whether you’re in the mood for a big breakfast or a fancy dinner.
City Brew Coffee
Known for its robust coffee blends and local flavors, City Brew Coffee is a favorite among residents and visitors alike. Their menu features a delightful range of huckleberry-infused drinks, delivering the taste of Montana in every sip.
Sophie’s Kitchen
Sophie’s Kitchen is a cozy, family-owned spot that’s one of the best breakfast spots in Billings. Enjoy unique dishes like Ericka’s Famous Chilaquiles or a hearty breakfast sandwich with options for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. Don’t miss their homemade coffee cake — a local favorite.
Chalet Market
Inside this unassuming A-frame building that resembles a ski cabin, you’ll find one of my favorite sandwiches in Billings — the berrylicious turkey sub. It fills a freshly baked French bun with thinly sliced turkey, cream cheese, sunflower seeds and huckleberry jam. And I promise it will be love at first bite!
Montana Rib and Chop House
In a state with more cattle than people, you can expect some of the best beef in the country when you visit Montana. Try it for yourself at Montana Rib and Chop, known for its premium steaks, fresh seafood and award-winning baby back ribs. The chicken-fried chicken is also a deliciously filling option for guests who don’t eat red meat or seafood.
Uberbrew
Did you know that Montana consistently ranks in the top three states for number of breweries per capita? I guess that makes sense based on its wheat, barley and hops yield in a state with a lot of thirsty cowboys and vacationers. Stop at Uberbrew to pair a generously sized flight of award-winning craft beers with several delicious Montana-inspired dishes.
Big Dipper Ice Cream
Big Dipper has been scooping up handcrafted ice cream since 1995. Top one of the basic flavors with hot fudge, crushed Oreos or rainbow sprinkles. Or, fill a cone with a scoop of something more daring like cardamom or black licorice. And, as you’d expect from an ice cream shop in Montana, Big Dipper has some of the most delicious huckleberry ice cream in the state.
Experience the best of Billings
Billings invites you to explore its many wonders, from its historical insights and vibrant arts scene to its stunning natural landscapes and rich culinary delights. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of its historic sites or the call of the wild, Billings is ready to welcome you with open arms and unforgettable experiences.
Sage Scott was bitten by the travel bug as a preschooler when her family moved abroad for the first time. Now settled in America’s Heartland, Sage is a travel writer, world wanderer and photographer whose favorite color is golden hour. Follow her adventures at Everyday Wanderer.