Are you’re tired of the same, old vacation spots? Do you crave a little something different? Well, this ain’t your typical guide to Billings, Montana. We’re diving headfirst into the unique, the wonderful, and the downright exciting experiences that’ll make your friends wonder how you found it.
We’ve got hidden gems that’ll spark your curiosity, challenges that’ll get your adrenaline pumping, and stories you won’t believe ’til you see ’em for yourself. So, forget your typical tourist vacation and get ready to uncover a new side of Billings. Let’s get started!
1. The Moss Mansion
- Location: 914 Division Street, Billings, MT 59101
- Website: https://mossmansion.com/
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but Christmas tours are extra special.
- Cost: $15 per person for Guided Tour
- Reservations: Recommended, especially for holiday tours.
- Duration: Allow about 1.5 hours for the guided tour.
Step back in time to 1903, where every room whispers tales of a bygone era. This opulent 28-room mansion, built for the Moss family (local bigwigs in their day), is a stunner. Some say the Moss family still roams the halls as friendly spirits. Spooky or fascinating? You decide.
The Deep Dive: The Moss Mansion is a window into Billings’ early history, a testament to the ambition and innovation of the time. You’ll hear stories about the family, their servants, and even some of the scandals that rocked the mansion’s walls. Keep your eyes peeled for a woman singing in the Billiard’s Room or the spirit of Preston Moss. Who knows, you might become part of the mansion’s ongoing story.
2. The Rimrocks
- Location: Montana 59101, USA
- Website: https://billings365.com/the-history-of-the-billings-rimrocks
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures.
- Cost: Free!
- Reservations: Not needed.
- Duration: Varies depending on your chosen trail.
The views from the Rimrocks might just leave you breathless and mesmerized. These sandstone cliffs tower over the city, offering panoramic views of the Yellowstone River Valley and surrounding plains.
The Deep Dive: The geological formations of the Rimrocks hold clues to Montana’s ancient past, with layers of rock dating back millions of years. You can explore on foot, bike, or even horseback (check local stables for guided tours). And if you’re feeling adventurous, try rock climbing. Just remember, respect the cliffs and the critters that call them home – leave no trace but your footprints.
3. The Yellowstone Art Museum
- Location: 401 N 27th St A, Billings, MT 59101
- Website: https://www.artmuseum.org/
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but check the calendar for special exhibits and events.
- Cost: $10 for adults, discounts available.
- Reservations: Not required for general admission.
- Duration: Plan for at least an hour, but you could easily spend half a day exploring.
The Yellowstone Art Museum (YAM) offers a unique collection of Western art with cowboys, landscapes, and wildlife, but they also showcase contemporary artists pushin’ boundaries and sparkin’ conversations. You might find a traditional oil painting hangin’ next to a neon sculpture, or a Native American beadwork display alongside a video installation. It’s a place where the old and the new collide, creating a unique and thought-provoking experience.
The Deep Dive: YAM is a cultural hub with workshops and lectures. Also, they host fun masquerades where you can wander among the art. And don’t forget to check out the museum store, where you can find one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artists.
4. Poly Vista Park
- Location: 390 N 23rd St, Billings, MT 59101
- Website: https://www.billingsparks.org/location/poly-vista/
- Best Time to Visit: Any sunny day!
- Cost: Free!
- Reservations: Not needed.
- Duration: However long you wanna play!
Poly Vista Park is a whimsical wonderland of colorful sculptures, playful structures, and interactive art installations. It features Billings’ first inclusive playground designed for the special needs community.
The Deep Dive: Poly Vista Park is a collaboration between Land Design Inc. and Let Kids Play, which includes ADA-accessible amenities and rubberized surfaces for wheelchairs and adaptive equipment. It’s a fun experience of blending fun and accessibility.
5. The Babcock Theater
- Location: 2810 2nd Ave N, Billings, MT 59101
- Website: https://www.arthousebillings.com/
- Best Time to Visit: Depends on the show! Check their calendar for upcoming showtimes and pop-up kitchens.
- Cost: $9 per person, $8 for seniors and students with ID, and $6 for members
- Reservations: Check the website for showtimes.
- Duration: Most shows range from 1.5 to 3 hours.
The Art House is a non-profit organization and the Babcock Theater ended up as a fun community project with a single screen. They are working on adding 2 more screens to have more shows in their theater.
The Deep Dive: Stepping into the Babcock is like traveling back in time. It’s a place where generations of Billings residents have gathered to be entertained, inspired, and maybe even shed a tear or two. Today, the Babcock is more alive than ever, hostin’ a diverse lineup of acts that cater to all tastes.
6. The Billings Brew Trail
- Location: Multiple breweries throughout Billings (See the map on the Brew Trail website!)
- Website: https://www.visitbillings.com/sites/default/files/brew-trail-bleeds-4%20%281%29.pdf
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime is a good time for beer! But spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor patios and events.
- Cost: Varies depending on how many breweries you visit and how thirsty you are!
- Reservations: Not typically needed, but check individual breweries for special events or busy times.
- Duration: Plan for a few hours (or a whole day, if you’re serious about your brews!).
The Billings Brew Trail is a 1.5-mile walk connecting several of the city’s best breweries. Each brewery has its own personality and vibe, from traditional ales to experimental brews.
The Deep Dive: Many of the breweries are housed in historic buildings with stories of their own. It showcases the rich brewing culture of Billings. This trail provides opportunities for brewery tours, live music, and community events ideal for any beer enthusiast.
7. Pictograph Cave State Park
- Location: 3401 Coburn Rd, Billings, MT 59101
- Website: https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/pictograph-cave/
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall offers the best weather for hiking and exploring the caves.
- Cost: $6 per vehicle for non-residents; free for Montana residents.
- Reservations: Not required for day visits, but check for guided tour schedules and special events.
- Duration: Plan for 1-2 hours to explore the caves and trails fully.
The Pictograph Cave State Park provides a glimpse into Montana’s prehistoric past. Three main caves are decorated with 2,000-year-old rock art. Visitors can hike the interpretive trail that provides stunning views of the Yellowstone River Valley and educational insights into the rich culture of the area.
The Deep Dive: Archaeologists discovered thousands of artifacts and more than 100 pictographs within caves, depicting animals and other important symbols used by early Native American inhabitants. The lifestyle and traditions of the region’s earliest inhabitants are revealed through this intriguing site.
Your Unexpected Adventure Awaits
These are the six reasons why Billings, Montana, is anything but ordinary. From haunted mansions to breathtaking cliffs, quirky art to local brews, this city has something to surprise and delight every traveler. Billings provides enriching experiences for everyone.
So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to ditch the predictable. Billings is callin’, and it’s got a whole lotta unusual fun in store for you!