Top 5 Attractions for First-Timers

Billings is more than a city. It’s a destination that combines natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture into one unforgettable trip. From cliffs and rivers to theaters and breweries, your first-time bucket list here is just the beginning of the mighty adventures that Montana’s largest city holds.

Take in the views from the Rimrocks

The Rimrocks are Billings’ signature landmark, and standing atop them is the perfect way to begin your first foray into the Montana experience. These sandstone cliffs stretch along the northern edge of the city, offering sweeping views of the Yellowstone River Valley and the Beartooth Mountains on the horizon.

Walk the trails at Zimmerman Park, stop at Swords Rimrock Park to follow winding paths along the cliff edge, or catch sunrise or sunset at Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site, where the light paints the stone in golden hues. From these high vantage points, Billings feels expansive yet intimate. It’s Montana’s “big sky” at its most powerful.

Step back in time at the Moss Mansion and Western Heritage Center

The history of Billings isn’t just written in books. It’s all around you. At the Moss Mansion, a 1903 red sandstone estate built by entrepreneur Preston Moss, you can wander through opulent rooms filled with original furnishings and marvel at stained glass, hand-painted walls, and early 20th-century architecture. A few blocks away, the Western Heritage Center offers hands-on exhibits and rotating displays that share the stories of the people who shaped the Yellowstone Valley, from Native American communities to railroad companies.

Experience the Yellowstone River up close

The mighty Yellowstone River, the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states, carves its way right through Billings. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to glide across calm stretches, try your luck fly-fishing for trout, or join a guided float trip to experience the river’s currents firsthand. On land, stroll the paths at Two Moon Park, relax with a picnic at Riverfront Park, or enjoy biking and birdwatching along the Yellowstone River Parks Association trails. The river invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and feel connected to Montana’s wild side.

Drive the legendary Beartooth Highway

If adventure is what you’re after, few experiences rival the Beartooth Highway, often called “the most beautiful road in America.” Begin in the charming mountain town of Red Lodge, with its lively main street, old Western architecture, and cozy cafés, then head into the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains. The highway climbs through a series of dramatic switchbacks, reaching nearly 11,000 feet in elevation. At every turn, the landscape transforms. Dense pine forests give way to alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, and glacier-fed lakes sparkle against jagged peaks. Pull over at viewpoints to spot mountain goats perched on rocky ledges, marmots scurrying through the tundra, and, if you’re lucky, moose grazing near the water’s edge. Whether you drive to the summit and back or continue west toward Yellowstone National Park, the journey feels like touching the edge of the world.

Savor the culture and energy of downtown Billings

To round out your Billings adventure, spend time in the heart of the city. Montana Avenue is lined with historic brick buildings that now house boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops and eateries. Stop for a meal at one of downtown’s acclaimed restaurants, or sample the local craft beer scene on the epic Billings Brew Trail. As evening sets in, catch a show at the Alberta Bair Theater or enjoy live music at a local venue. Downtown Billings blends history, creativity and modern energy, making it the perfect way to soak up Montana on your first visit to the state’s largest city.