A small-town city
Billings was founded as a railroad town, in fact the main street cutting through town still runs along that railroad. There is so much history surrounding this area, and Billings has made a great effort to restore and revitalize the town while maintaining its historical integrity. Meanwhile, farmers markets, live music, and a burgeoning art scene all keep Billings young.
Start your adventure in Billings
You don’t have to wander far to find outdoor recreation in Billings. With over 40 miles of paved and gravel trails, it’s easy to get out for a bike ride, walk, or run. If you want to play on the water, the Yellowstone River flows right through town. Splash around with your kayak or paddleboard. Fly fishing is hot sport around Billings as well, with great opportunities on multiple rivers in the area. There’s a reason many people associate Montana with world-class fly fishing, and you need look no further than Billings.
Mountain bikers thrive in Billings, especially with Zimmerman Park and Swords Rimrock Park on the outskirts of town. You’ll be able to ride many miles in these scenic parks. Hiking is another great activity in and around Billings. While there are loads of shorter hikes in the immediate Billings area, additional picturesque trails are accessible via a short drive from town. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and Custer National Forest offer more than 700 miles of trails and about 1,000 alpine lakes… perfect for overnight trips.
Rock climbing, skiing, rafting, and golfing are just a few of many other activities to get you outside while visiting Billings. Furthermore, you’ll find multiple state parks, county parks, and other recreational areas in and around Montana’s trailhead.
End your adventure in Billings
You’ll likely want to stay outside until the last light fades, but returning to Billings at the end of an adventurous day is totally rewarding. The Burger Dive is a great place to earn back some calories if you can make it there by lunch (not open for dinner). This joint won ‘best burger in the world’ at the World Food Championships. The food scene doesn’t stop here though; eateries in Billings are totally underrated. Many restaurants boast made-from-scratch dishes and there is also a huge variety of dining options.
When you’re ready to head out for a beer, you’ll have a hard time choosing one spot. There are several breweries in town, also a cidery, and a couple of distilleries. Fortunately, you can explore this craft liquor scene on a downtown walking tour. Breweries in Billings have taken home a lot of medals from the world-renown Great American Beer Festival, so you know you’re sampling some of the country’s finest suds.
So whether you’re in town for the outdoors, the food, the beer, or the people, Billings will welcome you warmly, then beckon you back again.
