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What's the best way to spend some time in Billings? Whether you have a few hours or several days, Billings offers a gateway to culture, history, and fun with a streak of that unmistakable Big Sky charm. Downtown Billings is full of free or inexpensive activities for travelers of all ages. Check out a list of quintessential things to do in Downtown Billings, MT.
About Downtown Billings
What makes Downtown Billings, MT, so special? Like most iconic towns in the American West, Billings was once brought to life by the railroad's arrival. As a result, the centerpiece of present-day downtown is the Historic Billings Depot from 1909, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can enjoy a completely restored train depot with a 200-passenger waiting area, baggage areas, a women's waiting room, a gentlemen's smoking area, and many other fascinating features. Downtown is also home to a wide selection of terrific shops, restaurants, museums, galleries, historic estates, and special festivals. Downtown's notable landmarks include the Western Heritage Center, Billings City Hall, the Yellowstone County Courthouse, and the Yellowstone Art Museum. Don't miss the chance to shop from more than 60 vendors offering farm-raised meats, fresh-squeezed juices, jams, pies, and more at the iconic Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market on Saturdays from July through October.
Tour Some of the Best Museums in Billings, MT
If you love museums and historic estates, Billings will scratch your itch for traveling back in time amidst the Rockiest. Billings is also a hub for art and culture. The Moss Mansion Museum is a red-stone mansion built in 1903 by Preston and Ursula Moss on Division Street that is considered a must-visit attraction. Designed by a New York architect named Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Western Heritage Center is considered one of the best establishments in the country for "cowboy" history. Committed to sharing the
West's diverse stories, cultures, and experiences, the Western Heritage Center offers a wide range of permanent and rotating exhibits featuring artifacts and art. The Yellowstone Art Museum (YAM) in downtown Billings is Montana's largest contemporary art museum. Opened in 1964 in the former Yellowstone County Jail, YAM features works by both regional and international artists.
Dine in Downtown Billings
Billings offers an eclectic mix of restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. While finding a steakhouse in Billings is always easy, many visitors are surprised to learn that the city also offers everything from sushi to Mediterranean fare. The list of eateries here also includes everything from breweries to ice cream shops!
Shop in Downtown Billings
Downtown Billings offers more than two dozen specialty shops and outfitters. Whether you want to stock up on some mountaineering gear from an outfitter locals trust or you'd like to pick up some locally made gifts and chocolates, there's nothing like spending an afternoon browsing downtown shops.
Find Fun Activities in Downtown Billings
While many people land in Billings in pursuit of adventures at Rimrocks, the Yellowstone River, or Yellowstone National Park, there's plenty of adventure to find right downtown. Consider spending your time in Billings catching a show at the Art House Cinema, seeing a performance from the Billings Symphony, or watching a rodeo or concert at MetraPark. For families, the Wise Wonders Science & Discovery Museum in Billings offers a fun, hands-on environment for learning and playing.
Enjoy Big Sky Bliss in Billings: Start Planning Your Trip Now
While people come to Billings for the natural beauty, they often fall in love with the city because of its culture and history after finally visiting in person! While Billings, Montana, has evolved a lot since being founded by the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1882, its wild-at-heart nature has never changed. Don't miss a chance to learn about the city's culture and history with some time spent in gorgeous Downtown Billings, MT.
