17 of the Absolute Best Things to Do in Billings, MT
My parents lived for a number of years in Billings, and it has recently been starting to get more attention due to TBEX a few years ago.
It is often the starting place for many a road trip to Yellowstone National Park and beyond since it’s easy to fly into Billings from some major cities and is Montana’s largest “city.”
There are a lot of fun things to do in Billings, such as the Western Heritage Center, Riverfront Park, Yellowstone County Museum, Yellowstone Art Museum, visiting the Yellowstone River Valley, and so much more – and when you only have a day or two, you want to make sure that you make the most of your time there! If you want to see all the things to do in Billings, Montana near Yellowstone National Park, you might want to spend even longer.
Here are my recommendations for things to do when you visit Billings, Montana.
Things to do in Billings, MT you can’t miss
Keep in mind that you will need a car to get around from one place to another. Everything is a little spread out, so renting a car will be necessary.
[lwptoc hideItems=”1″]
Moss Mansion
Designed by a New York architect for the entrepreneur P.B. Moss, this spot now gives daily tours and information about this mogul and his family. Registered on the National Register of Historic Places, it also hosts haunted nights during the month of October, events, and more. It’s worth it for a glimpse into the important role historic Billings, Montana played in the creation of the west.
Western Heritage Center
Speaking of the history of Billings, if history is your thing, you have to check out the Western Heritage Center. Open Tuesday through Saturday, the Western Heritage Center offers plenty of information and tours from experts on the creation of the city and southwestern Montana’s past. Back in the old West days, Billings was considered quite the city, and the Western Heritage Center highlights how it was built and how it affected the railroad system.
Yellowstone Art Museum
After learning about history at the Western Heritage Center, hop on over to the Yellowstone Art Museum for some artistic inspiration! The Yellowstone Art Museum is the largest contemporary art museum in Montana, and it features female, local, and Native American artists as well as tours.
Not only is visiting the Yellowstone Art Museum a chance to see some up-and-coming artists before they get big, but if you’re a local, they often change out exhibitions to feature new work so there is always something new to see. Yellowstone Art Museum is one of the best things to to do in Billings, Montana if you live there as a local.
The Rimrocks
The Rimrocks are famous geological formations that are located throughout different areas of the city, including downtown Billings, Shiloh, North Park, and more. What they are best known for is the amazing hiking trails that weave from one area of the city to another. Each of the five main hikes offers something unique, so if you have the time, you might want to check out two or three of them.
Pictograph Cave State Park
Located five miles from the Billings downtown is the Pictograph Cave State Park, which includes three caves with artwork from prehistoric peoples. While you can’t get up super close, if you take a pair of binoculars you can see the outstanding depictions of animals dating back to 2,000 years. There is also a visitor center and a short hike that makes for the perfect afternoon activity.
ZooMontana
Known as the only zoo in Montana, ZooMontana provides educational resources for those looking to learn more about their resident animals. Along with tours, the zoo features creatures like tigers, red pandas, sloths, and more.
After you are done checking out and learning about the menagerie here, take a stroll through the included botanical gardens. It’s the perfect thing to do with your kids in tow!
Oasis Waterpark
If you’re looking for an alternative to Yellowstone River swimming, this fun waterpark has plenty of waterslides, pools, and activities to keep your kids entertained throughout the summer months. For parents, it can be a nice break to relax by the side of one of the many pools while your kids take a ride on one of the four waterslides available. It’s also a super cheap activity and costs only $6 USD for children under 42 inches and $8 for everyone else over.
Yellowstone County Museum
If Yellowstone Art Museum wasn’t enough for you, check out the Yellowstone County Museum! This cute little museum offers free admission and a chance to walk through an old cabin where artifacts from the American West are stored. Exhibits include a steam engine located outside, one devoted to the Native American ghost dance, and this history of baseball in the state of Montana, and several more. It’s another fun way to get to know some Billings, Montana history.
Lake Elmo State Park
Along with 64 acres of water for swimming, boating, and more activities, the lake also includes a 1.4-mile hike around the perimeter. This offers some of the best hiking near Billings, Montana, and the area is also known for its dog park, which is 200 square feet and visitors can bring two of their furry friends. In the winter, you are also allowed to go ice fishing and skating, as well.
Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park is a beautiful outdoor space with almost every activity you could imagine, including trails for running and walking, swimming in Lake Josephine, and picnic places for kids and families. Right nearby is also the Montana Audubon Center, where you can learn about some of the local wildlife and natural resources that make up Southeast Montana. Visiting Riverfront Park also a favorite among things to do in Billings, Montana with locals. If you love exploring the local spots, don’t miss Riverfront Park!
Four Dances Recreation Area
Noted as a special recreation area from the BLM, this spot offers a chance to get out in nature with hiking, rock climbing, paintballing, and more. If you want to experience some of the best hikes in Billings, Montana, this is the spot to do so. With over 765 acres of undeveloped land, there’s plenty to see and do.
The best part is that it is located only two miles from the Billings downtown, so you can easily set out on a hike and come back in the evening in time for dinner at some Billings restaurants.
Norm Schoenthal Island
If Riverfront Park wasn’t enough nature time for you, check out Norm Schoenthal Island! This spot right off the Yellowstone River has a large dog park, hiking, and more. Its most popular trail is a 1.7-mile loop and offers beautiful views of the Yellowstone Valley and an easy walk for those looking to enjoy the area. This Yellowstone River area is a favorite spot among locals since it’s super close to the Billings downtown.
The island is accessible all year around and it’s one my my favorite things to do in Billings, Montana near the Yellowstone River and Yellowstone Valley.
Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum
Made for kids who are interested in STEM, this fun museum offers plenty of activities for kids looking to learn. They also offer birthday parties, field trips, and scholarships for those looking to further their education in the sciences. The best part? It’s only $5 USD to enter at any age, so you can get some time playing, as well.
Get Air
This trampoline park in Billings is great for birthdays, an afternoon of play, and getting some exercise. Visitors of all ages can enjoy bouncing on one of the many trampolines offered, as well as enjoy some of the other activities available like monkey bars, slacklining, and more. For those over 46 inches, the price to jump for an hour is $15 USD, while younger kids can jump for an hour for $10 USD.
Reef Indoor Water Park
Reef Indoor Water Park is the largest indoor water park in Montana! This big-as-a-football-field park offers three stories of pure fun. Speed down the Barracuda Blaster or the Tropical Twister or enjoy the waves at the 55,000-gallon wave pool. If you have small children, don’t worry – they don’t have to miss out on the fun! Reef Indoor Water Park has an interactive playhouse with mini-tubes, squirt guns, and more. When you get hungry, the Shark Shack has food for you, and the patio has plenty of tables for relaxing.
Reef Indoor Water Park is found at Big Horn Resort right outside Billings, Montana; perfect for an adrenaline-infused afternoon!
Alberta Bair Theater
If you’re looking for an indoor activity, check out the historic Alberta Bair Theater. This elegant theater with chandeliers and Art Deco design used to house live plays and musicals and then was renovated and reopened in 1978. The Alberta Bair Theater now is decked out as a three-screen, modern-modern-day movie house. Now, the Alberta Bair Theater offers symphonies, dance performances, plays, and movies. Don’t miss the quintessential Alberta Bair Theater Billings, Montana experience!
Have you tried any of these activities in Billings, MT? Let me know in the comments!
Like this post? Save it for later!
Want more information on Montana? Check out these articles:
- The Ultimate Glacier National Park Itinerary
- The Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
- Best Things to Do in Missoula, Montana
- Camping in Montana: Staying at Under Canvas Glacier
