Billings

Montana

United States

North America

Destinations

Considered a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Montana offers visitors gorgeous natural scenery and some of the best access to outdoor recreation.

There’s a reason Montana is known as Big Sky Country. This sparsely populated state is one of America's most majestic, with natural, rugged beauty and abundant wildlife. Considered a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Montana offers visitors gorgeous natural scenery and some of the best access to outdoor recreation.  If civilization is needed, you can explore the art and culture of cities like the capital Helena or Missoula. With access to two of America’s most famed National Parks, visitors can revel in nature’s beauty at a destination that's both active and relaxing.
<h2>1. Glacier National Park</h2>
Called “Disneyland for nature-loving adults” by one Google reviewer, Glacier National Park is more than a million acres of nature in its most breathtaking form. Hiking and camping are simply the tip of the iceberg of activities you can experience at the “Crown Jewel of the Continent Ecosystem." Take in the soaring mountain peaks and vast stretches of pine and fir trees from a historic boat tour on one of the park’s glacial lakes. There are also short or all-day hikes that showcase the abundant wildlife.  Not to be missed is the drive along the 50-mile long Going-to-the-Sun Road, complete with stunningly scenic views of St. Mary Lake and the Rising Sun peaks, two of the most photographed park vistas.

[caption id="attachment_25376" align="alignnone" width="3840"]<img class="size-full wp-image-25376" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-628608032-1.jpg" alt="Grinnell Glacier at Glacier National Park, Montana." width="3840" height="2562" /> JeanMarieBiele / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Museum of the Rockies</h2>
Let your inner dinosaur-lover run wild at the Museum of the Rockies, home to the most extensive collection of North American dinosaurs anywhere in the United States. You’ll be greeted by Big Mike, the first Tyrannosaurus Rex found in Montana. Kids and adults alike will also find much more than dinosaurs to explore; the museum features special, interactive events and activities. There is also the Taylor Planetarium, which lets visitors experience the cosmos close up with a brilliant light, color, and motion display.

[caption id="attachment_25377" align="alignnone" width="3840"]<img class="size-full wp-image-25377" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-147648507-1.jpg" alt="A life-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex Skull cast in Bronze is on display at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana." width="3840" height="2560" /> powdr_dayz / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Little Bighorn National Monument</h2>
Considered one of the most important historical U.S. landmarks, the Little Bighorn National Monument commemorates the Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s last stand. The site is a memorial for the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Native Americans who died fighting during the 1876 battle. Begin your trip at the visitor center, where you’ll watch an orientation video. Attend the Park Ranger talk, then take either a self or guided tour of the 765-acre park, stopping along spots like Deep Ravine to see the markers remembering the final resting places of both Native Americans and US troops.

[caption id="attachment_25378" align="alignnone" width="3840"]<img class="wp-image-25378 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-482350310-1.jpg" alt="Gravestones in the cemetery look out over the battlefield at Little Bighorn in Montana" width="3840" height="2560" /> searagen / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park</h2>
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is the oldest park in Montana and home to one of the most intricate and awe-inspiring caves in the United States. The caverns are accessible by guided tours from May through September, with special candlelit holiday tours during December. Get your fill of the geological wonders with options for everyone, from beginner spelunkers to advanced caving explorers. Bring a picnic lunch or grab a bite at the cafe or extend your visit with an overnight stay at the campground. Other ways to explore include the two state-of-the-art visitor centers or the numerous outdoor excursions, including canoeing or fishing on the Jefferson River. You will also want to take a hike on one more than 10 miles of available trails.

[caption id="attachment_25379" align="alignnone" width="3840"]<img class="wp-image-25379 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-1168704284-1.jpg" alt="Limestone formations in the cathedral room of Lewis and Clark caverns in Montana, USA" width="3840" height="2160" /> crbellette / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Helena, the State Capitol</h2>
Nestled at the foot of Mount Helena is Montana’s capital. Boasting an impressive number of parks and sites of natural and architectural beauty, Helena is a must for any trip to Montana. Begin your visit with a stop at the State Capitol building, where granite columns frame an impressive example of Greek neoclassical architecture. Inside, you’ll marvel at notable artwork, including Montana’s Charles M. Russell’s painting of Lewis and Clark meeting the Salish Native Americans. Explore Helena’s historic Reeder’s Alley. Originally constructed to house miners looking to get in on the Montana gold rush, the red brick buildings are now home to local businesses, including eclectic shops and restaurants. There’s also plenty of regional as well as national and international art to be found at the Holter Museum.

[caption id="attachment_25380" align="alignnone" width="3840"]<img class="wp-image-25380 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-482932748-1.jpg" alt="Montana State Capitol Building in Helena, Montana" width="3840" height="2103" /> powerofforever / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. West Yellowstone</h2>
The gateway to Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone, has earned many accolades for its breathtaking scenery and numerous activities. Winter is the perfect time for snowmobiling or skiing among the frozen waterfalls and snow-covered trees. Your camera is a must for snapping pictures of the wildlife. Fishing enthusiasts will find no better place to catch trout than on the picturesque streams and crystal-clear mountain lakes.

West Yellowstone is as much fun to visit in the spring as it is winter, spring, or fall. Spring is ideal for watching newborns in the wild. Summer offers long days for hiking, biking, and kayaking. There are also numerous activities during the summer months, such as the Yellowstone Museum, weekly rodeos, and live music. Adventurers can get their fill here with a choice of white water rafting, horseback riding, or helicopter tours; there is something for everyone.

[caption id="attachment_25381" align="alignnone" width="3840"]<img class="wp-image-25381 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-824236104-1.jpg" alt="The arid landscape of the prairies with sagebrush, mountains, grasses, on a bright sunny day in summer near Cooke City, Montana, USA." width="3840" height="2477" /> Danielrao / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center</h2>
Within West Yellowstone is the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, where you can get up close to Grizzly bears, wolves, and other wildlife. Open year-round; the Center is home to six Grizzly bears, five wolves as well as raptors and the latest addition, river otters. There are a number of talks or tours you can join. There is a new riparian exhibit that features aquariums, playful otters, and a simulated wetland environment.

[caption id="attachment_25382" align="alignnone" width="3840"]<img class="wp-image-25382 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-1136721628-1.jpg" alt="Close up of the head and neck of a white wolf, taken at a rehabilitation center in West Yellowstone Montana" width="3840" height="2880" /> Teresa Otto / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Big Sky Resort</h2>
If skiing or other winter outdoor activities interest you, you won’t want to miss Big Sky Resort. Considered one of the biggest skiing spots in America, it offers more than 5,000 skiable acres. If skiing’s not your thing, the resort offers every imaginable winter activity. You can take the famed Lone Peak Tram that rises more than 11,000 feet in elevation for views of the surrounding states and National Parks. Afterward, enjoy a massage or soak at the Spa and grab a hot meal at the onsite restaurant.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-25790 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/shutterstock_521178730.jpg" alt="Big Sky Montana side country skier with Rocky on the background" width="1000" height="563" />


<h2>9. Garden of a Thousand Buddhas</h2>
Montana is also home to the Buddhist spiritual sanctuary, Garden of a Thousand Buddhas. The 1,000 Montana-made Buddhist statues spaced evenly along the eight spokes of the dharma wheel, and encircling a sculpture of the Buddhist goddess Tara create a feeling of peace and tranquility. Considered an International Peace Center, it is free and open to the public and people of all faith.

[caption id="attachment_25384" align="alignnone" width="3840"]<img class="size-full wp-image-25384" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-844973650-1.jpg" alt="Ewam Garden of 1,000 Buddhas North of Missoula, Montana" width="3840" height="2560" /> Sarah Klein / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Beartooth Highway</h2>
This unique part of Route 212 has been dubbed “the most beautiful drive in America.” The dramatic scenery along the Montana Wyoming border, with breathtaking views of lakes, forests, valleys, and waterfalls, makes this section of the highway a destination in itself. There are several places where you can stop and appreciate the views before you reach the Beartooth Corridor, where there’s an abundance of fun, outdoorsy things to do, such as hiking, skiing, fishing, and camping.

[caption id="attachment_45416" align="alignnone" width="5071"]<img class="wp-image-45416 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/alex-gorey-8FqB4trkqA8-unsplash.jpg" alt="A hiker in Beartooth Wilderness, Montana, United States" width="5071" height="3710" /> Photo by Alex Gorey on Unsplash[/caption]


<h2>11. Bannack State Park</h2>
The old mining town Bannack was founded in Beaverhead County founded in 1862 but later abandoned in the 1970s. Today, Bannack is a ghost town, and as such, is attracting visitors from all over the world. Visiting this Wild West town is a truly unique experience; it's almost like time has frozen as you walk around among the over 60 authentic buildings that remain. If you're even the slightest interested in the Old West history of America, Bannack is a must-visit.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BlJR7WHBtFZ/" caption="bannackstatepark" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/bannackstatepark/"]


<h2>12. City Beach</h2>
Visiting the lake in Whitefish known as City Beach is a definite must while in Montana. About seven miles long, it feels more like an ocean than a lake, and with its sandy beach and shaded grass areas, it’s a perfect setting for a picnic day. Swim in the clear water, relax on the sandy shore, or go kayaking with the mountains as a beautiful backdrop. If you get hungry, head on over to the visitor center, where you can buy snacks and refreshments.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUvIVTjDyDb/" caption="donaldcope" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/donaldcope/"]


<h2>13. Ousel Falls</h2>
Ousel Falls Park is named after the small ouzel birds that live in the area. This park is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, as it offers visitors a variety of things to see and do. Here you’ll find a waterfall, beautiful areas for picnicking, and you can hike along the Gallatin River. The Ousel Falls Park Trail of 2.6 kilometers is popular among hikers of all skill levels. If you follow the trail, you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery and nature experiences. The trail meanders along the Gallatin River and entails three bridges before you reach the stunning waterfall.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAna5NyMC5D/" caption="bigskyresort" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/bigskyresort/"]


<h2>14. Yellowstone Hot Springs</h2>
Yellowstone Hot Springs is a popular tourist attraction located in the Yellowstone National Park. The hot spring pools are mineral-rich from the underlying volcanism, and a soak in the warm water is sure to wash away your stress and worries. Relaxing in the water and enjoying the mountain view, watching the eagles soar in the Montana sky, is a truly memorable experience. No need to make any reservations; you can just show up and get in the water. And if you get hungry, there are snacks and refreshments readily available.

[caption id="attachment_45417" align="alignnone" width="4032"]<img class="wp-image-45417 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/jt-ray-wCmmOL6K_Qk-unsplash.jpg" alt="Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA" width="4032" height="3024" /> Photo by JT Ray on Unsplash[/caption]

Experiences That Make Montana Unique

Known as Montana's Trailhead, Billings is the gateway to the world famous Yellowstone National Park as well as unlimited opportunities for stellar outdoor recreational activities. Enjoy breathtaking vistas and sites of great historical significance.

Known as Montana's Trailhead, Billings is the gateway to the world famous Yellowstone National Park as well as unlimited opportunities for stellar outdoor recreational activities. Enjoy breathtaking vistas and sites of great historical significance. Bring the family for a vacation of fun and discovery. Take a self–guided, walkable brewery tour in Montana's unofficial brewery district located in downtown Billings. Dine in exceptional restaurants ranging from casual fare to international cuisine.

&nbsp;
<h2>1. Yellowstone National Park</h2>
No trip to Billings would be complete without a visit to Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone was the first National Park in the United States. Established in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant, Yellowstone spans 3,741 square miles through Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. Enter into Yellowstone via The Beartooth Highway, located less than an hour from Billings. The drive is nearly as spectacular as the park itself. Yellowstone is home to grizzly bears, elk, bison, wolves, and other wildlife, as well as bald eagles and over 300 different species of birds. With several beautiful camping areas and endless miles of hiking trails, Yellowstone can be enjoyed in a day, a week, or longer.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/835853658-1024x684.jpg" alt="Billings National Parks" width="1024" height="684" /><span class="image-caption">Anna Pietrzykowska / Getty Images</span>
<h2>2. The Buffalo Bill Historical Center</h2>
This center offers five museums under one roof and serves as a wide-angle view of the incredible history of Billings.
<ul>
 	<li>The Buffalo Bill Museum is devoted to the life and historic significance of W.F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, a Civil War soldier and showman whose legacy remains a part of American culture.</li>
 	<li>The Whitney Gallery of Western Art houses original paintings, sculptures and prints focused on the American West from the early 19th century to today.</li>
 	<li>The Plains Indian Museum holds one of the nation's most extensive collections of Plains Indian art and artifacts.</li>
 	<li>The Cody Firearms Museum contains the world's most comprehensive collection of American and European arms dating back to the 16th century.</li>
 	<li>The Draper Museum of Natural History interprets the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and adjacent intermountain basins.</li>
 	<li>The Harold McCracken Research Library assists with the understanding, appreciation, and study of the American West.</li>
</ul>
<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/163852120-1024x683.jpg" alt="wild west Billings" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">powerofforever / Getty Images</span>
<h2>3. MetraPark Arena</h2>
MetraPark is a complex that covers 189 acres and houses multiple facilities on the property. Located in the Yellowstone County Fairgrounds, MetraPark hosts a variety of entertainment options from concerts to WWE Wrestling shows to Pro Rodeo Events. While you're there, stop by the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame, located just outside of the entrance to MetraPark Arena. Check out the larger than life bronze statue of six-time World Champion Bronc Rider ban Mortensen riding his horse Tee Box. The statue was unveiled October 15, 2002, along with the memorial wall containing the names of previous professional rodeo champions.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/157294081-1024x608.jpg" alt="touring Billings" width="1024" height="608" /><span class="image-caption">epicurean / Getty Images</span>
<h2>3. Pompeys Pillar</h2>
A location of historical significance, Pompeys Pillar is the only site available where the public can view visible evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Located 30 miles east of Billings, Pompeys Pillar is a rock outcropping that rises 200 feet above the Yellowstone River. The sandstone pillar serves as a history book of western frontier history. The remains of animal drawings created by people who used the area for rendezvous, campsites, and hunting can be observed on the rock face. Most famously, Captain William Clark carved his signature and the date in this rock in 1806.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/172461391-1024x634.jpg" alt="visiting Billings" width="1024" height="634" /><span class="image-caption">powerofforever / Getty Images</span>
<h2>5. Walkable Brewery Tour</h2>
Take a self–guided, walkable brewery tour in Montana's unofficial “brewery district” located downtown Billings. The tour includes six breweries, two distilleries, and a cider house, all in an easily walkable 1.5-mile route. Locations include:
<ul>
 	<li>Yellowstone Valley Brewing Co. / Spirit of Montana Distilling</li>
 	<li>Überbrew</li>
 	<li>Billings Depot, Inc.</li>
 	<li>Trailhead Spirits</li>
 	<li>Carter's Brewing</li>
 	<li>Angry Hank’s</li>
 	<li>Thirsty Street Brewing Co.</li>
 	<li>Montana Brewing Co.</li>
</ul>
<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/961324762-1024x695.jpg" alt="tours Billings" width="1024" height="695" /><span class="image-caption">PeopleImages / Getty Images</span>
<h2>6. Little Bighorn Battle National Monument and Custer National Cemetery</h2>
Visit one of the last armed efforts of the Northern Plains Indians to preserve their way of life. In 1876, on this land, 263 soldiers and attached personnel of the U.S. Army, including Lt. Col. George A. Custer, lost their lives at the battle now known as Custer's Last Stand. The battle was between the U.S. Army's 7th cavalry and several bands of Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho. Just south of here, you can see Garryowen, the only town within the Battlefield and a registered historic site.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/183832381-1024x683.jpg" alt="Billings local" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">ftwitty / Getty Images</span>
<h2>7. The Reef Indoor Water Park</h2>
Enjoy The Reef Indoor Water Park year-round in Billings! The largest indoor waterpark in the state of Montana, the facility is as large as a football field. Speed down the Barracuda Blaster or the Tropical Twister into the plunge pool when you emerge from the tubes. Challenge your friends to a round of water basketball. Catch some waves in the 55,000-gallon wave pool, or relax in the 20-person hot tub where the water is always 102 degrees. There is an interactive park just for the smaller kids that includes slides, mini-tubes, squirt guns, tunnels, and a 250-gallon dumping bucket. The Reef Indoor Water Park is open Thursday-Sunday all year long.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/187237184-1024x683.jpg" alt="Billings MO" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Casarsa / Getty Images</span>
<h2>8. Pictograph Cave State Park</h2>
The Pictograph Cave State Park is a 23 acre Historical Landmark that contains approximately 30,000 artifacts ranging from stone tools, weapons, paintings and the instruments used to create them. Contemplate the origins of human habitation of Montana as you gaze upon pictographs that are more than 2,100 years old. The park contains three main caves - Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost cave complex, which was home to generations of prehistoric hunters. The caves were carved from the Eagle sandstone cliff by the forces of water and wind erosion, and in 1936 the artifacts and paintings in the caves were discovered. Hike through the area surrounding the caves on well-groomed trails.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/157522846-1024x683.jpg" alt="must see places Billings" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Pgiam / Getty Images</span>
<h2>9. Moss Mansion Historic House Museum</h2>
Step back in time in a one-hour guided tour of the Moss Mansion Historic House Museum. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home was designed by the New York architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, known for his work designing the original Waldorf Astoria, Plaza Hotels, Willard Hotel, and Copley Hotel. The tour captures the life of the Preston Boyd Moss family, who lived in the home at the turn of the century. The original draperies, fixtures, furniture, Persian carpets, and artifacts are displayed in the 1903 red sandstone structure. The Moss Mansion has been used in many period films such as <em>Son of the Morning Star</em> and <em>Return to Lonesome Dove</em>.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/175264845-1024x683.jpg" alt="museums Billings" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">powerofforever / Getty Images</span>
<h2>10. ZooMontana and Botanical Gardens</h2>
Walk on the wild side at ZooMontana. With over 70-acres, the accredited zoo is home to both native and non-native species with a focus on northern-latitude animals. State-of-the-art exhibits allow visitors to admire animals in a natural setting. The zoo is one of the region's most popular tourist attractions and currently hosts over 80,000 visitors each year. Major exhibits include a turn of the century homestead stead house, a barn, and tons of animals. ZooMontana also houses many botanical gardens, including the ever-popular Sensory Garden.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/641513036-1024x683.jpg" alt="gardens Billings" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">TriggerPhoto / Getty Images</span>

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Experiences That Make Montana Unique

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