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.
**Beartooth Highway is now closed. Please visit the National Park Service website for re-opening dates.
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.
*Due to COVID-19 Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument hours have been affected. Please visit their site for up to date information.
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