Billings is the largest city in Montana, offering plenty to do and see. It is a hub for culture, history and outdoor adventure. Visitors can also find a thriving culinary scene and plenty of events throughout the year. Additionally, the surroundings in Big Sky Country boast stunning landscapes to explore.
If you plan to visit the area, you can find things to do near Billings, Montana, with kids or adults, from hiking through the beautiful outdoors to shopping downtown.
Nature Getaways
Despite being a reasonably large city, Billings offers many ways to escape into nature. The Rimrocks are a geological sandstone formation offering beautiful vistas. You can walk along the cliffside for panoramic views of Billings and the surrounding scenery.
There is also Sacrifice Cliff — an excellent free thing to do near Billings, Montana. As you look over the city, you can read about the Native American legend behind the name.
The Pryor Mountains provide more exploration opportunities, such as hiking, wildflower and butterfly viewing, geologic history and archaeological sites. The location has been sacred to the Apsaalooke (Crow) people for generations.
For a more laid-back outdoor experience, check out DanWalt Gardens. The botanical area has gorgeous flowers, shrubs and trees, with paths to wander and areas to sit and relax. Riverfront Park offers a place to spend time outside along the Yellowstone River. Grill some food for a picnic or walk the trails.
Spend even more time in nature by visiting:
- Lake Elmo State Park
- Four Dances Recreation Area
- Yellowstone Kelly Interpretative Site
- Montana Audubon Center
Points of Interest
In addition to the many outdoor sites around Billings, the city offers plenty of other attractions.
Arts and Culture
Check out the many rotating exhibitions of stunning contemporary art at the Yellowstone Art Museum. It also features a young artists gallery and a studio with an artist in residence. Celebrate the performing arts at the Alberta Bair Theater. Performances hosted at the venue include music, dance and theater.
Kids and Family
If you need kid-friendly things to do in Billings, Montana, head to ZooMontana, featuring animals like bison, Amur tigers and a bald eagle. You can also visit Montana’s largest indoor water park with a trip to the Reef — you will find slides, a wave pool and a play area for little kiddos.
Shopping
Get some retail therapy at the Rimrock Mall in Billings. It has over 60 stores, including many well-known favorites. Shiloh Crossing offers even more shopping opportunities, from Scheels to Ulta Beauty.
Historical Sites
History buffs can find plenty to explore in Billings, like:
- Moss Mansion: Visit the home of Preston Boyd Moss, constructed in 1903. It offers several self-paced and guided tours.
- Western Heritage Center: This museum, located in a historic library, features rotating exhibits focused on Billings and Montana history.
- Yellowstone County Museum: Explore the history of Montana’s Yellowstone River Basin from prehistoric times through pioneer days.
Nightlife
For things to do near Billings, Montana, for adults, check out nightlife attractions. Stop by the Crystal Lounge, a casino and karaoke bar. You also do not want to miss Daisy Dukes Saloon and Dance Hall.
Billings Happenings
Throughout every season, Billings hosts exciting events, from summer festivals to holiday celebrations:
- The NILE: The Northern International Livestock Exposition happens in October and features events like barrel racing, a rodeo and animal shows.
- HarvestFest: This October event celebrates fall in Billings with arts and crafts sales, live entertainment, food trucks and a beer garden.
- Billings ArtWalk: Explore galleries throughout downtown Billings with this local event.
- Shakespeare in the Parks: During July, actors offer various Shakespeare play performances at Pioneer Park.
- First Friday Holiday Stroll: Spend the first Friday in December in downtown Billings doing holiday shopping, taking pictures with Santa and gathering around fire pits.
- St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: Visit Billings in March for a Celtic fair, street party and St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Where to Eat
Whether you are hungry after a long day of exploring or want to fill up before you head out, Billings has plenty of options to serve you.
Cafés
Start the day off right with a visit to a Billings café. The Sassy Biscuit Co. has several brunch locations across the city. You will get superb food, incredible coffee and a funky atmosphere. Tippy Cow Cafe offers food all day but is a favorite place to stop for a hearty breakfast.
Food Trucks
Want an unusual thing to do in Billings, Montana? Try visiting a local food truck. The city has various options like:
- Luscious Layers
- The Pickle Barrel
- Tastes So Good
- Tup Tim Thai
- Totally Whipped
- Mac Shack
- Bahay-Kubo Chicha in Da Haus
- Opa Grill
Restaurants
Whatever flavor you crave, find it in Billings. Here are a few top local restaurants to check out:
Breweries and Bars
Sip some wine at Yellowstone Cellars and Winery, or grab a beer at Canyon Creek Brewing. Other options include Angry Hanks Microbrewery, 406 Kitchen and Taproom or Hooligan’s Sports Bar.
One-Day Excursions
If you want things to do near Billings, Montana, this weekend, consider a day trip to nearby areas, like:
- Yellowstone National Park: The northeast entrance of Yellowstone is within a three-hour drive from Billings. Sights near this entrance include Roosevelt Arch and Mammoth Hot Springs.
- Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument: Commemorate the Battle of Little Bighorn at this historic site about 60 miles from Billings.
- Red Lodge: This quaint town offers a historic downtown, gorgeous mountain views and attractions like the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary.
Traveler Tips and Tricks
Consider a few tips for a more successful exploration of the area:
- Check out the Billings Visitor Center or local blogs for insider travel tips.
- Plan for cell service limitations, especially when leaving the city.
- Enjoy the boundless night sky overhead.
- Be mindful of the high altitude and check the weather for when you plan to travel.
- Learn about local history before you visit sites to gain more from the experience.
- Respect local wildlife when exploring outdoors.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you are looking for romantic things to do in Billings, Montana, or family-friendly activities, use this travel guide to create the perfect itinerary. Once you have compiled a list of the top local sights, you will need a place to stay. Consider booking a site at a Kampgrounds of America location in Montana. Find a nearby campground and reserve online.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
