Billings, Montana: 10 Unforgettable Things To Do Nearby

on

10 Fun Things To Do Near Billings, Montana (Yellowstone County)

Looking for the best things to do in and around Billings, Montana? Whether you’re road-tripping through Big Sky Country or planning a long weekend, Billings is a great base for adventure, food, and classic Western scenery. I’ve put together 10 easy, fun ideas for things to do near Billings, all within a reasonable drive. From hikes along the rims to historic sites and local breweries, there’s a little something for everyone.

1. Walk the Rimrocks for Big Sky Views of Billings

If you do only one thing in Billings, make it a stroll along the Rimrocks (locals just say “the Rims”). These sandstone cliffs rise about 500 feet above the city and stretch for miles. It’s one of the best free things to do in Billings and a perfect way to get your bearings.
  • Head to Zimmerman Park or the Rimrock Road overlooks.
  • Enjoy easy walking paths with wide-open views of downtown Billings and the Yellowstone River valley.
  • Sunset here is especially beautiful — the sky feels huge and the rocks glow gold.
On my first trip, I parked at Zimmerman Park, walked just a few minutes, and suddenly the whole city opened up below. It’s the kind of spot where you just exhale and think, “Yep, this is Montana.”

2. Explore Pictograph Cave State Park

Just a short drive southeast of town, Pictograph Cave State Park combines light hiking, history, and cool rock formations.
  • Only about 5 miles from Billings.
  • Features three caves: Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost Cave.
  • Archaeologists have found artifacts thousands of years old here.
Inside the caves and along the walls, you’ll see ancient Native American rock art. Some of the drawings are faint, but the park has signs that help you spot and understand them. The loop trail is under a mile, with a few short climbs, so it’s manageable for most families. Bring water in warmer months — it can get toasty.

3. Step Back in Time at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

About an hour’s drive southeast of Billings, you’ll find one of the most important historic sites in the region: Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. This is the site of the 1876 battle between U.S. Army troops led by Lt. Col. George Custer and a combined force of Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. Here you can:
  • Walk the battlefield and see the markers where soldiers fell.
  • Visit the Indian Memorial, honoring Native warriors.
  • Stop by the visitor center and watch a short film about the battle.
It’s a powerful, sobering place. Plan at least 2–3 hours if you want to drive the tour road and listen to ranger talks in summer.

4. Stroll Downtown Billings: Local Shops, Art, and Coffee

If you prefer city vibes, downtown Billings has a relaxed, walkable core with historic brick buildings, murals, and plenty of places to grab a bite. Things to do downtown:
  • Check out local boutiques and Western-wear shops.
  • Pop into art galleries and look for public murals.
  • Sip coffee at a local cafe and people-watch.
On my last visit, I spent a couple of hours just wandering, ducking into bookstores and gear shops, then grabbing a late lunch. It’s not a flashy downtown, but that’s part of the charm — it feels real and lived-in. If you’re planning a weekend in Billings, staying downtown puts you close to restaurants, bars, and breweries.

5. Visit Moss Mansion Historic House Museum

If you enjoy history and old houses, put the Moss Mansion on your list. Built in the early 1900s for a prominent Billings family, it’s basically a time capsule of turn-of-the-century life. What to expect:
  • Guided or self-guided tours through richly decorated rooms.
  • Original furnishings, stained glass, and detailed woodwork.
  • Seasonal events like ghost tours and holiday displays.
The mansion sits right in Billings, so it’s easy to add to your itinerary. It’s a nice indoor option if the weather turns or if you want a break from hiking and driving.

6. Learn and Play at ZooMontana

Traveling with kids? Or just love animals? ZooMontana is a small but well-designed wildlife park on the west side of Billings. Here you’ll find:
  • Animals suited to colder climates, like wolves, grizzly bears, and river otters.
  • A peaceful, park-like setting with shaded paths.
  • Educational signs and programs that explain local ecosystems.
It’s not a huge zoo, but that’s part of the appeal — you can see everything in a couple of hours without rushing. It makes a great morning or afternoon activity before heading out for dinner.

7. Follow the Billings Brew Trail

Billings quietly has one of the better craft beer scenes in Montana. The Billings Brew Trail is a self-guided walking route through downtown and nearby streets that connects several breweries, a cider house, and a distillery. Some reasons beer lovers enjoy this:
  • Most stops are within about a mile, so you can park once and walk.
  • Plenty of styles: IPAs, stouts, sours, and lighter beers.
  • Casual, friendly taprooms — think picnic tables and board games, not fancy cocktail bars.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, you might catch live music or a food truck. Just be sure to pace yourself, drink water, and plan a safe ride back to your hotel.

8. Drive the Scenic Byways Near Billings

One of the best things about staying in Billings is how many scenic drives are within reach. While some famous routes are a bit of a haul, you can still enjoy classic Montana landscapes without driving all day. A few ideas:
  • Beartooth Highway (for a big day trip) – About 2 hours from Billings to Red Lodge, then up the Beartooth. In summer, this is one of the most stunning mountain drives in the U.S., with high alpine lakes and sweeping views. You can go as far as you like, then turn around.
  • Yellowstone River drives – Follow local highways along the Yellowstone River east or west of town, pulling off at fishing access sites for photos or a picnic.
Even just driving out of town for an hour in almost any direction gives you that wide-open Montana feeling — rolling hills, big sky, and hardly any traffic.

9. Hike and Bike the Local Trails

Outdoor lovers have plenty of options right in Yellowstone County and around Billings. Some popular choices:
  • Four Dances Recreation Area – A quieter bluff above the Yellowstone River with easy to moderate trails and beautiful views. Great if you want a less crowded version of the Rimrocks.
  • Riverfront Park – A peaceful park along the Yellowstone River, with walking paths, picnic spots, and cottonwood trees. Nice for a relaxed stroll or bike ride.
  • Two Moon Park – Another riverside spot with soft dirt paths and frequent deer sightings.
Most of these trails are more “pleasant walk” than hardcore hike, which makes them perfect after a day of driving or sightseeing. Just bring layers — Montana weather can change fast.

10. Take a Day Trip to Red Lodge

If you have extra time, a day trip to Red Lodge is totally worth it. This small mountain town sits about 60 miles southwest of Billings and has a classic Western main street feel. What you can do there:
  • Walk downtown and explore local shops and cafes.
  • Visit in summer to start up the Beartooth Highway or hike nearby trails.
  • Come in winter for skiing and snowboarding at Red Lodge Mountain.
The drive from Billings to Red Lodge is easy and scenic, and the town feels like a different world — closer to the mountains, cooler in summer, and very laid-back.

Planning Your Trip to Billings, Montana

Here are a few quick tips to make the most of your stay:
  • Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall offers the most options for outdoor activities. Summer is warm and sunny, while fall colors can be beautiful.
  • Getting around: You’ll want a car to explore beyond downtown and reach nearby parks and historic sites.
  • Where to stay: Downtown is great for walkable dining and the Brew Trail. West Billings has easy access to ZooMontana and the interstate.
Billings makes a great base for exploring Yellowstone County and beyond, whether you’re into history, breweries, hiking, or just soaking up that wide-open Montana landscape.

What Did We Miss?

Have you been to Billings or Yellowstone County?
  • Do you have a favorite hike along the Rims?
  • Is there a local restaurant or brewery that travelers shouldn’t miss?
Share your tips and stories in the comments — it helps other travelers plan a better trip. And if you found this guide to things to do near Billings, Montana helpful, please share it with a friend or on social media. It might just inspire someone’s next Big Sky adventure.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment