Adventure looks a little different in Billings. One day you can be rafting through river rapids, the next you can be standing where history was made or winding your way through some of the state’s most scenic landscapes.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or adding a few stops to your road trip, Billings puts you within easy reach of some of Montana’s most memorable experiences.
Here’s 5 that belong on your summer bucket list.
Distance from Billings: Approximately 50 miles
Summer in Montana is best spent on the water, and rafting the Yellowstone or Stillwater River is one of the most exciting ways to experience Big Sky Country.
Local outfitters, including Absaroka River Adventures, Adventure Whitewater, and Yellowstone River Adventures, offer guided trips for a variety of experience levels. Earlier in the season, the Stillwater River comes alive with exciting Class II-III whitewater as mountain snowmelt fuels the rapids. Later in the summer, the Yellowstone River offers a scenic float featuring stretches of calm water, fun splash-filled rapids, and sweeping Montana landscapes.
When to go: May through September (weather and river conditions permitting)
Distance from Billings: Approximately 25 miles
Step into history at Pompeys Pillar National Monument, home to the only remaining visible, on-site physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
In 1806, William Clark carved his signature into the sandstone butte during the expedition west – a signature that can still be seen today. Climb the boardwalk to the top for panoramic views of the Yellowstone River valley, then explore the visitor center to learn more about the monument’s history and the cultural significance of the region.
When to go: May through September
Distance from Billings: Approximately 65 miles
Frequently ranked among the most scenic drives in America, the Beartooth Highway is a bucket list day trip that delivers unforgettable views around every turn.
Climbing to nearly 11,000 feet with sharp curves and steep switchbacks, this legendary highway winds past alpine lakes, colorful wildflower meadows, and more than 20 mountain peaks.
Continue your adventure all the way to Yellowstone National Park‘s Northeast Entrance for an epic, multi-day excursion.
When to go: Memorial Day through mid-October (weather permitting)
Distance from Billings: Approximately 85 miles
Towering canyon walls, deep blue water, and incredible wildlife sightings make Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area a must-add to your summer adventure list. Explore the canyon by boat, kayak, or paddleboard, with seasonal boat rentals available for those looking to get out on the water.
Along the shoreline, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, wild horses, mule deer, black bears, and soaring birds of prey as you take in the miles of scenery stretching across Montana and Wyoming.
When to go: Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting)
Distance from Billings: Approximately 7 miles
Just minutes from downtown Billings, Pictograph Cave State Park offers an incredible glimpse into Montana’s ancient past.
A short walking trail leads visitors to three caves featuring rock art created by Indigenous peoples, some more than 2,000 years ago. Along the way, interpretive displays share the stories of the people who lived here and the history preserved within these caves.
When to go: Mid-May through mid-September for extended summer hours
Big adventures come in all forms, and Billings puts them all within reach. From rushing rivers and mountain highways to stories written into the landscape, discover the diversity of experiences waiting when you visit Montana’s largest city.
