Billings Is Only 68 Miles to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park
But don’t head off to Yellowstone just yet! Here are a few suggestions for things to do and see while you’re in the “Magic City” of Billings, Montana, and the surrounding area.
Local Attractions
Museums:
Places to Visit:
Pompey’s Pillar National Historic Landmark – In 1806 Capt. William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition carved his name on “a remarkable rock” he called “Pompey’s Tower.” This sandstone lookout rock is the only remaining physical evidence of the expedition. Steps lead to Summit View Visitor Center. 28 miles east of Billings; 1-94 Exit 23
Pictograph Cave State Park – A group of caves featuring painted images and artifacts left by prehistoric hunters and their Native American descendants. 7 miles southeast of Billings; 1-90 Lockwood Exit 452, then south 6 miles
Black Otter Trail – A scenic drive that passes Boothill Cemetery and Yellowstone Kelly’s Grave, ascends Kelly Mountain and leads to the Peter Yegen, Jr. Yellowstone County Museum before descending to the Valley. The Trail was named for a Crow chief who was buried overlooking the valley after being killed by a Sioux war party. It follows the edge of the Rimrocks. Start at US 10 at the East end of Billings and travel west toward the airport.
Boothill Cemetery Memorial – The Boothill Cemetery Memorial served as burial ground for the small town of Coulson, which existed from 1877-1885. It’s called Boothill because many of those buried died with their boots on. It’s the famed resting place of military scout Muggins Taylor, famous for journeying to announce Custer’s last stand at the Battle of Little Bighorn. The memorial is located near Black Otter Trail and Airport Road.
Events:
There are a number of activities in and around Billings. Some annual events include:
- Wine & Food Festival at MSU-Billings – MAY
- Strawberry Festival under Skypoint – JUN
- Summer Fair at North Park – JUL
- Battle of the Little Big Horn Re-enactment near Crow Agency, Montana – JUN
- Farmers Market under Skypoint – Every Saturday JUN to OCT
- Big Sky State Games – JUL
- Skyfest (Hot air balloons) – JUL/AUG.
- Montana Fair at the MetraPark Arena fairgrounds – AUG
- Crow Fair & Rodeo in Crow Agency, Montana – AUG
- Burn the Point (classic car show) – SEP in Downtown Billings
- Harvest Fest – OCT
- Christmas Parade in Downtown Billings – NOV 24
- Festival of Trees – DEC
- The Christmas Stroll in Downtown Billings – DEC.
Shopping
- Cabela’s and Sam’s Club at Exit 447
