Billings, Montana: Connecting to Authentic Western Culture

For an epic sightseeing experience, explore the rugged Montana landscape on horseback. Seasoned and novice riders can saddle up with tour companies like Bitter Creek Outfitters in Billings. The family-operated business leads horseback excursions on a 2,800-hectare cattle ranch just outside the city. Take in the grandeur and learn some local history as you traverse meadows and cliffs with your group.

Looking for more open-air adventures? You can connect with local experts to try hiking and biking on over 75 kilometers of trails, rock climbing up sandstone exposures and fishing in blue-ribbon trout waters. In winter, Montana’s mountain snow makes for great skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Walk in the footsteps of prehistoric hunters at Pictograph Cave State Park. Peer into the caves where the hunters camped and learn how they left their mark on the land. The park has over 100 rock paintings, or pictographs, to interpret. The earliest artwork is over 2,000 years old; more recent additions date back 200 to 500 years. Pictograph Cave State Park is a National Historic Landmark recognized for its archeological and historical significance. Stroll its gentle loop trail to visit Pictograph, Middle and Ghost Caves and enjoy informational displays along the way.

Continue your discovery at nearby historic sites like the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and Pompeys Pillar National Monument, where traces of the Lewis and Clark Expedition can be seen in the sandstone today.

Immerse yourself in Billings’ thriving art scene and learn how the landscape has inspired creatives for generations. Visit the Yellowstone Art Museum to view the Montana Collection: 1,200 pieces inspired by the state. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, ceramics, sculptures and mixed-media works.

For a uniquely western entertainment experience, head to the Tippet Rise Art Center in nearby Fishtail. Set on a working sheep and cattle ranch, the center unites art and environment at seasonal concerts and tours. Billings’ full calendar of festivals and events offers inspiration all year long. From summer fairs to spring art shows and winter features in the historic Babcock Theatre, there’s always something to stir you.

Boutiques, restaurants and breweries abound in walkable downtown Billings. Sip your way through the city on the Billings Brew Trail. Spanning just over two kilometers, this urban beverage trail includes five breweries, two distilleries and a cider house. Take the self-guided tour and see historic sites between stops.

For shoppers, Billings offers a mix of independent storefronts and national names. Local outfitters have sales and rentals to equip you for every activity. Whether you’re looking for luxury goods or western wear to commemorate your visit, you’ll find what you need and more in Billings.

Fly into Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) and rent a car or arrange a quick ride to your destination. The airport sits at the edge of the city. Plenty of ground transportation options are available.