MORNING:

Consider enjoying a local breakfast spot before heading out on your ride.

Experience the west the way the cowboys did while taking in the Yellowstone River Valley on horseback. Bitter Creek Outfitters offers fun outdoor recreation and authentic Montana moments, only ten minutes from downtown Billings.

Extra: Take the short drive from Bitter Creek Outfitters to explore history at Pictograph Cave State Park or check out unbelievable Yellowstone River views during a short hike at Four Dances Recreation Area.

AFTERNOON:

There is no better place to hit the trails than at Montana’s Trailhead. Experience big sky views atop the sandstone Rimrocks that outline much of the city. On a clear day, five mountain ranges can be seen from the trail: Pryor, Big Horn, Bull, Crazy and the Absaroka-Beartooth. Zimmerman Park offers more challenging hiking or mountain biking options. Rent a mountain bike from The Spoke Shop head off to breath-taking views. For more challenging mountain biking check out Acton Recreation Area.

Option2: Montana’s Trailhead is shaped by the Yellowstone River. This legendary river is the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. Take in the trails and the scenery or stop by Sunshine Sports or The Base Camp to rent kayaks, rafts, or canoes plus all the additional equipment needed to enjoy a day on the river.

Option 3: Lake Elmo State Park is an urban playground for outdoor adventurers—and four-legged pups. Walk the 1.4-mile nature trail around the lake; cast a line off Roger’s Pier; or set sail or SUP on the lake’s calm waters.

EVENING:

Set out on a leisurely walk along the paved trails at Swords Rimrock Park and watch the sunset over Billings before heading downtown to enjoy Billings’ food scene. From the world’s best burger to seasonal farm-to-table cuisine there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Be sure to stop by Big Dipper for locally made ice cream before calling it a day!

MORNING:

Retrace the Lewis and Clark Expedition at Pompeys Pillar National Monument, where William Clark carved his name into a sandstone lookout rock, some of the only remaining physical evidence of the Expedition.

Located an hour away, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument* memorializes the site of the Battle of the Little Bighorn which took place on June 25-26, 1876, between the United States Seventh Cavalry Regiment led by Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer, and the Sioux and Cheyenne under the political and spiritual leadership of Sitting Bull.

Directions: Continue east on I-94 and take exit 49 toward Hwy47 to Hardin, MT where you will get on I-90. Take exit 510.

Stop at the Custer Battlefield Trading Post & Café for lunch before heading back to Billings.

AFTERNOON:

The Yellowstone County Museum is a treasure chest of Montana’s past. Enter an authentic pioneer log cabin to see more than 15,000 artifacts representing the area’s history. The museum sits atop the rims at Logan International Airport overlooking the city of Billings and the scenic Yellowstone River Valley.

Take in the historical Western Heritage Center . This museum used to be the Parmly Billings Memorial Library. Built in 1901, the museum houses a collection of artifacts about the history of the Yellowstone River Valley.

Interested in more historic buildings? Visit the Moss Mansion built in 1903 by Preston Boyd Moss.

EVENING:

Consider taking a walk along the sandstone cliffs to visit the gravesite of Yellowstone Kelly at the Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site. The interpretive site sits atop Swords Rimrock Park and overlooks downtown Billings.

Head back downtown to enjoy local cuisine, the Billings Brew Trail, and the live music scene. Check out the events page for a list of events and music happening in Billings.

Adventure for the whole family awaits around every corner in Billings.

MORNING:

Start your morning at a local favorite breakfast spot.

All year round, Billings provides visitors with opportunities to forge their own path outside and encounter mighty beasts in their natural habitats at the states only Zoo – ZooMontana.Be sure to stop and say hi to the newest resident. ZooMontana is proud to welcome its first Sloth! The Sensory Garden is designed so that sight and hearing-impaired visitors can enjoy the experience as well. Pack a lunch and enjoy the playgrounds and fresh air!

Drive up to Shiloh Crossing to eat lunch. Be sure to stop by SCHEELS to ride the indoor Ferris wheel and grab local fudge.

AFTERNOON:

Spend the afternoon immersed in an engaging experience at Wise Wonder’s Children Museum. This is a great opportunity to engage your child’s curious and creative mind in playful, educational exhibits that focus on learning through play.

Looking for an outdoor swimming experience, check out Oasis Waterpark and soak up some sun.

If your kids are older, check out The Grand Escape Room or the Billings Escape Room to get their minds and detective skills going. If they are thrill seekers, make sure to schedule a time at Steepworld Climbing & Fitness, Billings’ indoor climbing gym.

EVENING:

Consider taking an evening walk at the Montana Audubon Center and Norm’s Island. Experience the beauty of the Yellowstone River or observe Montana wildlife at the Helen Carlson Cummins Bird Garden.

Then indulge a delicious scoop at Big Dipper Ice Cream because let’s face it, you’re on vacation.

Billings has many family-friendly lodging options with indoor pools, so be sure to check out area hotels here.

Day 1:

Start your day with breakfast or coffee at one of our amazing local spots. After that, venture up to the trails at Swords Rimrocks Park for easy paced hikes and scenic views of the city.

Park at the Swords parking lot or drive all the way up to Billings newest attraction, Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site. Luther Sage Kelly, or Yellowstone Kelly, was on of Montana’s most notable veterans. Enjoy the views of five mountain ranges while you take in this incredible site.

Take in some history of the city at Yellowstone County Museum before heading back downtown for lunch! Dine in or grab and go and head up to Pictograph Cave State Park and explore the amazing ancient caves while enjoying their amazing picnic space!

Experience the west the way the cowboys did while taking in the Yellowstone River Valley on horseback. Bitter Creek Outfitters offers fun outdoor recreation and authentic Montana moments, only ten minutes from downtown Billings.

Before heading back into Billings stop at Four Dances Recreation Area for a small hike to epic views of the Yellowstone River.

Hiking or biking around Zimmerman Park is another great weekend activity. Just moments from downtown Billings, you can enjoy an array of different trails for every level of enthusiast.

DAY 2:

Scenic Views await you as you take the Beartooth Highway as far as Vista Point. The highway provides breathtaking vistas from start to finish. Forbes calls it one of the country’s most dazzling drives. Reaching a peak of 10,977 feet through the Beartooth Pass, the Beartooth Mountains are home to over 20 mountain peaks reaching more than 12,000 feet. A morning well spent soaking in the mountains. On your return trip to Billings stop in Red Lodge for lunch, ice cream, or just a main street stroll.

DAY 3:

Wander through the tranquil ZooMontana and visit their latest addition, the sloth! Continue exploring along the Yellowstone River at River Front Park. If you want a little more adventure, be sure to visit the Montana Audubon Center (visit mtaudubon.org/center) for information on campfire talks and enjoyable walks.

Yellowstone Art Museum is in downtown Billings. At one time, this beautiful building was the Yellowstone County Jail but is now a state-of-the-art museum. The YAM has traveling exhibits as well as a visible vault where their artist in residency works.

Enjoy a well-deserved stroll along the Billings Brew Trail and enjoy the shops and galleries between stops. End your day with delicious authentic cuisine from our local food scene. Then indulge a delicious scoop at Big Dipper Ice Cream because let’s face it, you’re on vacation.

DAY 1:

Start your day with breakfast or coffee at one of our amazing local spots, then venture up to the trails at Swords Rimrocks Park for easy paced hikes and scenic views of the city. Park at the Swords parking lot or drive all the way up to Billings’ newest attraction, Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site. Luther Sage Kelly, or Yellowstone Kelly, was one of Montana’s most notable veterans. Enjoy the views of five mountain ranges as you learn more at this site.

Take in some history of the city at Yellowstone County Museum before heading back downtown for lunch! Dine in or grab and go and head up to Pictograph Cave State Park to explore the ancient caves while enjoying their picnic space.

Experience the west the way the cowboys did while taking in the Yellowstone River Valley on horseback. Bitter Creek Outfitters offers fun outdoor recreation and authentic Montana moments, only ten minutes from downtown Billings.

Before heading back into Billings stop at Four Dances Recreation Area for a small hike to epic views of the Yellowstone River.

Hiking or biking around Zimmerman Park is another great activity. Just moments from downtown Billings you can enjoy an array of different trails for every level of enthusiast. For those looking to rent mountain bikes or explore more trails, be sure to check out our outdoor enthusiast itinerary or the dedicated page.

DAYS 2-3:

Hit the road early to Yellowstone National Park via the scenic Beartooth Highway, where America’s first national park provides endless wildlife and spectacular natural beauty. Spend a day exploring the amazing scenery and once in a lifetime experiences.

DAY 4:

Wander through ZooMontana and visit their latest addition, the sloth! Continue exploring along the Yellowstone River Valley at River Front Park. If you want a little more adventure, be sure to visit Montana Audubon Center (mtaudubon.org/center) for information on campfire talks and enjoyable walks.

Yellowstone Art Museum is located in downtown Billings. At one time this beautiful building was the Yellowstone County Jail but is now a state-of-the-art museum. The YAM has traveling exhibits as well as a visible vault where their artist in residency works.

Enjoy a well-deserved stroll along Billings Brew Trail and enjoy the shops and galleries between stops. End your day with delicious authentic cuisine from our local food scene.

If the theater is more what you enjoy filling an evening with, the historic Babcock Theatre shows movies in downtown Billings seven days a week!

DAY 5:

Explore two amazing National Monuments just outside of Billings. First stop is the historic Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument*. From there head up Pompeys Pillar National Monument via Highway 47 for beautiful drive along the Bighorn River.

Spend the afternoon at Chief Plenty Coups State Park. This state park is about an easy 45 minute drive from Billings. Situated within the Crow Reservation, this park was the home of Plenty Coups, last Chief of the Crow Indian Tribe. Plan at least an hour to walk the grounds and learn more about the story of Chief Plenty Coups’ life and how his leadership and vision helped bridge the gap between two cultures. There’s a great gift shop, too!

If you are looking to keep your historic afternoon closer to Billings, be sure to check out the historic Western Heritage Center, formerly the Parmly Billings library, named for the son of Frederick Billings, our city’s namesake.