23 Best Things To Do In Billings, Montana

things to do in billings
Ibrahim
Ibrahim 
Updated
| 11 min read

Billings, Montana, is known to all in America and beyond, as one of the best places in the world to live. Not only does this city have a booming oil sector, but it also doubles as Montana’s largest city. It is also famous for its very affordable housing sector. For those thinking of relocating; there is also a thriving health tourism industry. Just before you think that it is all that the “Magic City "is known for, hold your breath. Billings, Montana, is the topmost destination to visit if you are in love with nature or natural attractions. It must be noted that there may be many reasons you may want to travel to Billings - either because of Oktoberfest beer hunt or the famous Segway ride, one thing is for sure, you cannot exhaust the fun things to do in Billings, Montana. Check out some of the most-enjoyed adventures:

1. Admire rock paintings at Pictograph Cave State Park


When the ancient man used their stone tools to make the paintings and inscriptions that now adorn the caves in Billings Montana over two thousand years ago, little did they know that they were leaving something permanent on the rocks but most importantly, a memorial for generations to come. Today as a tourist visiting Billings, Montana, one of the essential features to look out for is none other than these rock paintings at the Pictograph Cave State Park. Whether you are hiking or planning to use the location as a picnic spot, be prepared to visit the three different caves housing close to 30,000 artifacts and animal bones and more than 100 wall paintings. You can’t beat that, can you?

Pictograph Cave State Park

Address: 3401 Coburn Rd, Billings, MT 59101, USA

Website: Pictograph Cave State Park

Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 35 USD

Visited this place?

2. Tour the picturesque DanWalt Gardens


Here is a warning: if you are not a lover of serenity or nature, stay out of Billings, because almost everywhere you turn in the “magic city” has an abundance of flora or fauna in all their resplendence. DanWalt Gardens is one of these spots where you should check out, if you are a nature lover or if you need a little quiet time to meditate or share quiet time with your loved one. Roses, hibiscus, sunflowers, you name it, and you will find an abundance of these flowers alongside lush greenery hanging from baskets, and you can watch your kids chase after the chickens on the premises when they are on break from any of the science workshops that the garden organizes.

DanWalt Gardens

Address: 720 Washington St, Billings, MT 59101, USA

Website: DanWalt Gardens

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Visited this place?

3. Catch a cultural show at the Alberta Bair Theatre


Once known as the Fox Theatre about 80 years ago, the Alberta Bair theatre is a significant part of Montana’s culture and landscape, and if you want to enjoy the best of art and drama, you surely know where to go. For many years, individuals and visitors in the community ensured that they never miss the numerous plays, live shows, musicals and other kinds of performances that attracted notable names such as Ray Charles, BB. King, Quincy Jones, and their contemporaries. There are also many programs locals and visitors alike can participate in to learn about music and the arts. There is so much to learn, there is so much to enjoy, and there is much more space to sit in the 1400 seater auditorium.

Alberta Bair Theatre

Address: 2801 3rd Ave N, Billings, MT 59101, USA

Website: Alberta Bair Theatre

Visited this place?

4. Shop farm fresh at Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market


You have hiked several kilometers, you have binged on junk and soda, and you’re thinking of fruits; in some places getting farm-fresh fruits and vegetables may be such a daunting challenge or a quasi-impossible situation but not in Billings. Just the way you can always find big mac and chips in a Macdonald outlet, you will always find fresh farm fruits in the best quality in Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market and at the best prices no matter how early or how late. Check them out, and you will want to pay them another visit.

Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market

Address: Intersection of 2nd Ave N and N Broadway Billings, Montana

Website: Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market

Visited this place?

5. Explore the historic Pompey’s Pillar

Posted by Pompeys Pillar Historical Association on Friday, 10 May 2019

Ever heard about Pompey’s Pillar? If you haven’t, well, don’t be surprised if you discover it is not found in Greece but in faraway Billings, Montana. Check out this monument made from sandstone. It stands 45 meters (150 feet) above the Yellowstone River and is estimated to be over 70 million years old. This site attracts several tourists who troop to one of the smallest National monuments in the United States to take pictures, take a tour and take home every lesson that is available on the day of the visit.

Pompey’s Pillar

Address: 3039 US Highway 312, Pompeys Pillar, MT 59064-8000

Website: Pompey’s Pillar

Opening hours: May - Sep: 8am - 6pm (daily); Oct: 8am - 4:30pm

Price: 20 USD onwards

Visited this place?

6. Discover the age-old Moss Historic House Museum

Posted by Moss Mansion on Monday, 13 June 2016

Sometime in the year 1903, entrepreneur Preston B. Moss built an edifice that stood out in all of Billings then and even today. This mansion made from red-stone was known as the Moss Mansion then, but today it is known as the Moss Historic House Museum. If you ever find yourself in the beautiful city of Billings, Montana, do not fail to check out the 28-room mansion with its state-of-the-art furnishings such as the high-quality wood interiors, laced and adorned with gold and the exotic floor and ceiling designs. Believe it or not, you can still find some of the personal effects of Moss in the Mansion.

Moss Mansion

Address: 914 Division St, Billings, MT 59101, USA

Website: Moss Mansion

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 3pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 7 - 10 USD

Visited this place?

7. Catch a spectacular baseball match at Dehler Park

things to do in billings | catch a spectacular baseball match at dehler park
Source: instagram

The home of the Montana State University Billings Baseball Team and Billings Mustangs, members of the Pioneer League, is called Dehler Park. It is a 6000-seat stadium, opened barely eleven years ago. Grab your yellow jackets and be ready to scream at the top of your lungs as you cheer for your favorite team to victory. When Dehler Park is not hosting concerts or shows, you can enjoy a baseball game from any portion of the field, sipping on soda or munching on a bugger. Who knows you may even get an autographed T-shirt or have the ball fall on your lap.

Dehler Park

Address: 2611 9th Ave N, Billings, MT 59101, USA

Website: Dehler Park

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: 35 USD onwards

Visited this place?

8. Admire contemporary art at Yellowstone Art Museum

Posted by Yellowstone Art Museum on Wednesday, 26 June 2019

Get ready for something unique, especially if you are an art lover, and interested in what Montana has to offer in terms of art. The city of Billings certainly has something you would adore. This museum has the most extensive collection of contemporary art in Montana, and you can always check out whenever they are open. You stand a chance to see and learn about, close to 8000 contemporary art pieces from the northern Plains and the northern Rocky Mountains at the Yellowstone Art Museum. Also look out for other artworks from celebrated artists like Deborah butterflied, Rudy Autio and more.

Yellowstone Art Museum

Address: 401 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101, USA

Website: Yellowstone Art Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Wed, Fri - Sun: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 6 USD

Visited this place?

9. Cool off at Reef Indoor Water Park


If water is your thing or you are looking for a place to cool off or take the kids to for an afternoon of water-inclined fun, you will make an ideal choice by including Reef Indoor Water Park to your itinerary. Enjoy yourself in the sprawling complex that houses waterslides, water playhouses, wave pools, and other water paraphernalia that makes the fantastic park, a destination for bringing out the water baby in you. The park is open from mornings and even at night on weekdays and weekends. Don’t worry about an empty stomach; there are spots for a quick grub and drinks.

Reef Indoor Water Park

Address: 1801 Majestic Ln, Billings, MT 59102, USA

Website: Reef Indoor Water Park

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 7pm; Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm

Visited this place?

10. Delve into history at Western Heritage Center

Posted by Western Heritage Center on Friday, 29 March 2019

Looking like a medieval castle but holding more treasures than a castle does, there is so much history contained within the walls of one of the Billings’ most visited centers. The Western Heritage Center can be found in Billings’ historic district and if you are looking for information and materials about Yellowstone River valley then visit there, whenever you visit Montana and immerse yourself in history. The 118-year-old facility is home to over 1000 photographs documenting historical events and almost 20,000 artifacts. Don’t forget to purchase any of the books or educational materials that the center publishes.

Western Heritage Center

Address: 2822 Montana Ave, Billings, MT 59101, USA

Website: Western Heritage Center

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: 10 - 15 USD

Visited this place?

11. Gaze at the mighty Yellowstone River

yellowstone river under the rims...billings, mt

Posted by Dixie Wilson on Friday, 19 October 2012

About 100 million years ago, almost all of the Downtown Billings was buried under water or were partly a beach area. The waters may have receded, and the fields may have developed, but the waters of Yellowstone River is still a prominent feature in Billings, Montana. If you are up for some rock skipping, bird watching and other waterside activities other than swimming, you are welcome to explore the mighty Yellowstone River, to catch sight of some indigenous species found in the crystal clear waters. You might see a peculiar sea creature for the first time.

Yellowstone River

Address: Billings, Montana, USA

Website: Yellowstone River

Visited this place?

12. Hike or bike through Swords Park Trail


Vacations are the perfect moments for doing something strange for a change. For you, it might mean going for long walks and breaking the monotony of your triangular life from the office to the cafeteria and then home which may be responsible for the extra fat in all the wrong places and the unhealthy gain in weight. The 24-hectare (60-acre) Sword Park Trail is a natural environment that is perfect for hikers and bike-riders who can undertake a journey of adventure with nature. Awaken your adventurous spirit here

Swords Park Trail

Address: Billings, MT 59105, USA

Website: Swords Park Trail

Visited this place?

13. Have a fun family day at Zoo Montana


This animal sanctuary doubles as a zoo and botanical park, and it is home to over 100 different animals, almost all of which are different species. Zoo Montana is a spot for education and entertainment for kids and their adults’ guides also. If you are looking to have an exclusive adult-themed activity or “me” time, any day of the week. You can always send the kids off to the zoo for the right fee per head, and they can explore different regions of the zoo on different days.

Zoo Montana

Address: 2100 Shiloh Road, Billings, MT 59106, USA

Website: Zoo Montana

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

Price: 61 USD onwards

Visited this place?

14. Shop till you drop at Rimrock Mall

things to do in billings | shop till you drop at rimrock mall
Source: instagram

This destination seems to be the highlight for most vacationers. Nothing compares to the feeling of carrying shopping bags loaded to the brim with niceties from clothes to shoes, from accessories to groceries. Contrary to what you thought, Billings, Montana, is not just for activities and antiquities, it is also for shopping and shopping your heart out at Rimrock Mall. Make sure you don’t forget your credit card.

Rimrock Mall

Address: 300 S 24th St W, Billings, MT 59102, USA

Website: Rimrock Mall

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

Visited this place?

15. Watch a movie at the Amusement Park Drive In

Shout out to Amusement Park Drive-in Theatre for winning Top 5 LocalBest Movie Theaters in Billings! YOU have the...

Posted by LocalBest - Billings, MT on Thursday, 27 June 2019

Sometimes, vacations call for a sit-at-home with friends or loved ones, other times it calls for going out for movies. At The Amusement Park Drive In, you can enjoy an old-school movie which comes with the best sound and perfect picture quality. Try to book ahead, and you will be able to watch any of the latest films which are available from 10:30 pm. Your stomach has needs; there are eateries nearby to meet such requirements.

The Amusement Park Drive In

Address: 335 Mossmain Ln, Billings, MT 59106-4274

Website: The Amusement Park Drive In

Opening hours: 8:30pm - 12am (daily)

Price: 5 USD onwards

Visited this place?

16. Become a wine connoisseur at Yellowstone Cellars and Winery

Posted by Yellowstone Cellars & Winery on Saturday, 13 July 2019

Do you want to boost the wine connoisseur within you? Do you want to go to the spot where the wine and other liqueurs you love, is processed and preserved? If you visit the Yellowstone Cellars & Winery, you will find fresh grapes crushed less than a day after they are harvested. You will also find out how they are pressed, fermented, cellared, and bottled. This is only possible in the exotic and exclusive Yellowstone Cellars & Winery, and there is a tasting room too.

Yellowstone Cellars and Winery

Address: 1335 Holiday Cir, Billings, MT 59101, USA

Website: Yellowstone Cellars and Winery

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 1pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 1pm - 11pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm

Visited this place?

17. Hike through Four Dances Recreation Area

Day two of the Andy Austin - Photographer takeover and today I'm taking you to Four Dances Recreation Area in Billings,...

Posted by Visit Southeast Montana on Friday, 2 December 2016

You should skip all the other trails and go for this one because of the smooth roads and sparse vegetation that dominate this trail. If you are on the quest for an uninhibited hike with minimal human interaction, try out the Four Dances Recreation Area. With easy to locate roads because of the easy to read signage, there is no more fear of getting lost, and it is a perfect location for nature photography and skating during the winter.

Four Dances Recreation Area

Address: Coburn Road, Billings, MT 59107

Website: Four Dances Recreation Area

Visited this place?

18. See a performance at Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale

If you said I would feel more comfortable on the stage than the audience 10 years ago, I wouldn't believe you. Now, I...

Posted by Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale on Thursday, 11 April 2019

You may not be able to sing soprano flawlessly or play violin seamlessly - why bother when you can pay and watch the pros play the orchestra while you listen. Founded in the early 1950s, the Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale (BSO&C) is in charge of concerts and performances which is held every year. During such performances they serenade residents and visitors with live symphonic music – you don’t want to miss the New Year’s Eve concerts if you’re in town.

Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale

Address: 2721 2nd Ave N #350, Billings, MT 59101, USA

Website: Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: 24 USD onwards

Visited this place?

19. Go on a Segway tour adventure

Segway tour in heidi's village(4591578318 b1a9e6b527 o)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [1] used under CC BY 2.0

If you are tired of hiking or biking around the city and still thinking of a thrilling inter-city adventure, a perfect alternative is Montana Segways. First, you should start with a video training on safety and helmet testing because you are about to embark on an unforgettable journey. Tour through the Black Otter Trail, Josephine Crossing, Shiloh Adventure and Alkali Creek, and admire the best of the city’s architecture, beautiful gardens, parks and much more.

Montana Segway

Website: Montana Segway

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5pm - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 9pm

Visited this place?

20. Gorge on traditional specialties at Oktoberfest German Restaurant

things to do in billings | gorge on traditional specialties at oktoberfest german restaurant
Source: instagram

Do you have German roots, visiting Billings for the first time? Or are you craving traditional German cuisine? You can have all your wishes come true and all your cravings satiated. There is a popular Oktoberfest German Restaurant which serves the best of traditional German specialties with a German atmosphere and beer to match; you should hurry to visit as soon as the time is 11 am. Enjoy some of the best Kinder Schnitzel, Frankfurter, and chicken strips as you would when in Germany.

Oktoberfest German Restaurant

Address: 3839 Grand Ave, Billings, MT 59102, USA

Website: Oktoberfest German Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 11 - 30 USD

Visited this place?

21. Spice up the night at Hooligan's Sports Bar

Happy March!! Come on down and check out our new seasonal drink menu....try the Pot O’ Gold Mule featuring Bushmills...

Posted by Hooligan's Sports Bar on Friday, 1 March 2019

What will, Billings be without a sports bar, well, we can’t imagine. At Hooligan’s Sports Bar you have the best helping of comfort food with drinks of your choice and the large screen television tuned to your favorite sport. Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds with exciting lights and relaxing music - check this spot yourself. For a fun night out, bring in your friends or your loved one too.

Hooligan's Sports Bar

Address: 2043, 109 N Broadway, Billings, MT 59101, United States

Website: Hooligan’s Sports Bar

Opening hours: Mon: 4pm - 2am; Tue - Fri: 11am - 2am; Sat - Sun: 10am - 2am

Price: 11 - 30 USD

Visited this place?

22. Go for a family picnic at Riverfront Park

Duck Parade July 27, 2013 Riverfront Park, Billings, MT

Posted by Shane Noble Photography on Saturday, 14 March 2015

Have you listed any of the above-mentioned activities on your itinerary? Some of them did not seem family-friendly right? That is why we listed a specific activity that is completely family-oriented. Check this one out. Riverfront Park in Billings is a fabulous facility that is open for family sit-outs, get-togethers and picnics. Relax in the shades that nature provides and enjoy the chirping of birds, the gurgle of water, and the tranquility it all brings. The park is active all year round to serve you.

Riverfront Park

Address: 7277-7337 State Secondary Hwy 416, Billings, MT 59101, USA

Website: Riverfront Park

Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)

Visited this place?

23. Get your caffeine fix at Rock Creek Coffee Roasters

things to do in billings | get your caffeine fix at rock creek coffee roasters
Source: instagram

How do you like your coffee - black or white, cold or hot? It doesn’t matter at all, so far you have a coffee craving, Billings has a provision and a solution in the form of the best and classiest coffee shops in Downtown Billings. You can always take your coffee with pastry like jam donuts, croissants, and cakes at any of the fun-buffing coffee spots. Here is one for a great overall experience.

Rock Creek Coffee Roasters

Address: 124 N Broadway, Billings, MT 59101, USA

Website: Rock Creek Coffee Roasters

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 5pm; Sat: 7am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

Visited this place?

Make your getaway wish come true

It is no gainsaying that Billings is indeed a magical city filled with so many activities which are suitable for the body and great for the mind. It doesn’t matter if you love indoors for shopping or the outdoors for sightseeing or hiking, you certainly can have whatever you wish for.

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Ibrahim is a passionate writer with a keen interest in traveling. He not only travels to discover the world but also himself. And when it comes to writing, Ibrahim loves to keep it simple with a...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Billings
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.