Affordable Travel

Affordable Travel

You don’t need a big budget to experience big adventure in Billings. From breathtaking landscapes to vibrant arts and culture, Montana’s big city born under big skies offers plenty of ways to explore, play, and unwind without spending a fortune.

Free & Affordable Adventures

find your perfect park

Take in stunning views on the Rimrocks at Zimmerman or Phipps Park, where hiking and biking trails wind through sandstone cliffs above the city. Stroll along the Yellowstone River at Coulson Park or relax by the water at Lake Elmo, where you can swim, paddle, fish, or just enjoy the sunshine. Spray parks and playgrounds across town, from Terry Park to Arrowhead, make it easy for families to spend the day outside for free.

Zimmerman Park

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Hike or bike along sandstone cliffs with panoramic city views.

Phipps Park

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A scenic spot for hiking, mountain biking and disc golf.

Lake Elmo State Park

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Enjoy swimming, paddling, fishing and a peaceful walking trail.

Coulson Park

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Riverfront access for picnics, kayaking and sunset views.

Riverfront Park

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Park – Wooded trails, fishing ponds and shaded walking paths.

Family Activities Kids Will Love

Billings is packed with kid-friendly fun that doesn’t cost a thing. Let the little ones run wild at local parks, cool off at splash pads at community playgrounds, or join in on free summer programming through the city’s Rec2U program. The Billings Public Library is another favorite, offering story times, creative activities, and teen tech programs year-round. You can also check out the Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market on Saturdays throughout the summer to enjoy balloon animals, food trucks, jams and pies, and so much more.

Terry Park Sprayground

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Splash pad and open green space for hot summer days.

Billings Farmers Market

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A celebration of local agriculture that’s fun for the whole family.

Rose Park Playground

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A large playground with tennis courts and open play areas.

Arrowhead Park

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Quiet neighborhood park with updated playground equipment.

Rec2U Mobile Program

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Free crafts, games and activities in local parks all summer.

Billings Public Library

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Storytimes, hands-on kids’ programming and tech fun for teens.

Culture Without the Cost

From public art to museum exhibits, Billings brings culture to the streets. Stroll through downtown during ArtWalk or First Fridays to explore galleries, murals, and live performances. The Yellowstone Art Museum frequently hosts free community events, and the Yellowstone County Museum offers a fascinating look at local history. For a bit of prehistoric awe, Pictograph Cave State Park provides a glimpse into the region’s ancient past.

ArtWalk Downtown Billings

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Free access to galleries, studios and street performances.

Yellowstone Art Museum

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Contemporary exhibits, family programs and free community days.

Yellowstone County Museum

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A free look into Billings’ frontier and Native American history.

Pictograph Cave State Park

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View prehistoric cave art and scenic walking trails.

First Fridays

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Monthly downtown event with live music, open galleries and pop-up shops.

Events & Festivals

Many of Billings’ top events are free or low-cost and open to all. Enjoy live music at Symphony in the Park, dance under the summer sky at Alive After 5, and browse booths of goodness at HarvestFest. Or treat yourself to one-of-a-kind experiences like the Sunflower Festival, Burn the Point and the Big Sky Balloon Rally – all free of charge. Whether you're into art, food, music or history, there’s always something going on, and most events won’t break the bank.

Big Sky Balloon Rally

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Colorful balloons take flight into big blue skies at Amend Park.

Burn the Point

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1950s nostalgia rumbles into downtown Billings with a celebration of classic cars.

Symphony in the Park

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Free outdoor concert in Pioneer Park with family activities.

Sunflower Festival

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Four days of picking your own flowers, tasting great food and enjoying awesome music.

Alive After 5

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Weekly summer concerts downtown with live bands and outdoor vibes.

HarvestFest

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Fall fun downtown with art, food, pumpkins and live entertainment.
visitor guide

PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE