On the banks of the Yellowstone River in south-central Montana, Billings is Montana’ largest city, with over 100,000 residents. Off from crowded, though, Billings is thought as Montana’ trailhead and is encircled by massive Sky landscapes and public areas that cater to hiking, mountain biking, and simply escaping into nature. The town itself is back dropped by glorious sandstone cliffs referred to as the Rimrocks. It’ not simply the rugged and wild scenery that creates Billings a preferred destination of the region; an abundance of things to do draws guests from across the state. And therefore the attractions of Billings act to embody the western culture and wide-open areas of the American West.
The Rimrocks are a defining geological feature of Billings. This long wall of sandstone cliffs that runs across the northern edge of city is a favorite spot for sightseeing, sunset watching, and in-city recreation. Deposited by an ancient inland trade route and slowly carved over numerous years by the Yellowstone River, these scenic “rimrocks” are a placing backdrop. Various trailheads and parking areas are on the market to explore these outstanding symbols of the city.
Constructed in 1903 and currently on the National Register of Historic Places, the moss Mansion was designed for the entrepreneur Preston Boyd moss and his family. It’ currently an emblem of early history and development in Billings, and therefore the interior and plenty of the initial furnishings and decorations of the house are well-preserved. Self-guided and docent-led tours of the mansion are on the market throughout the year. Tours are solely available in winter by appointment. The museum also hosts many celebrations, together with the SpringFest artisans fair and Haunted moss in autumn. Check the official website for a full calendar of events.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the non-profit ZooMontana is a distinctive facility. It’ not a typical zoo experience at ZooMontana, that solely features natural habitats and animals adapted to the region. Its menagerie includes grizzly bears, grey wolves, and nice bicornuous owls. Several of the animals at ZooMontana were now not acceptable sleep in the wild and are given a second likelihood at this zoo. And therefore the facility’ mantra has a stress on quality, not amount once it involves animal care. Natural barriers, together with ravines and cliffs rather than cages and concrete walls, add to the wildlife habitat feel of ZooMontana.
This unique state park is a scenic five-mile drive southeast of Billings. One of the best state parks in Montana, it encompasses 23 acres and three caves crammed with archaeological wonder. about 30,000 artifacts are recovered from Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost Cave inside the park, together with a robust collection of over one hundred cave paintings (some over 2,000 years old). A less-than-a-mile interpretative path connects all three caves at the park, and whereas a lot of the remaining cave art is visible to the naked eye, guests are inspired to bring binoculars to relish the pictographs better. Plaques and different instructional resources sit at the entrance to the cave to assist guests higher perceive what they’re seeing. Restrooms and picnic area also are on the market at this day-use park.
In the downtown district of Billings, the Yellowstone Art museum (YAM) primarily highlights artwork from the northern mountain range and Northern Plains regions. With a permanent assortment of over 7,300 works, YAM options often rotating exhibits curated by native artists. Guests will fancy YAM in various ways, together with a self-guided tour throughout the facility. The museum also hosts an array of educational programs starting from children’ activities to course classes. Every 1st Friday of the month the museum options live entertainment and extended evening hours. Different events at the museum include Yoga at the Yam, an annual Art Auction, and YAM Free Days throughout the year.
DanWalt Gardens is one of Billings’ best-kept secrets. It’ on the southeast side of the city and features stunning gardens for the general public to enjoy. With one thing new continually in bloom between Apr and October, the gardens proudly show a collection of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees, additionally as decorative statues and hardscaping. DanWalt Gardens is a standard place to go to for a contemplative moment within the day. It’ conjointly popular for larger events and photoshoots, with reservable area available. Everyone seems to be welcome to bring their camera to the gardens, however skilled photographers with equipment need to schedule shoots in advance.
The Western Heritage Center proudly preserves the stories and history of the Yellowstone River valley and Northern High Plains. Over 35,000 artifacts comprise the gathering of this nationwide accredited museum. Guests are inspired to explore the exhibits on their own, and guided tours are available. The present museum is housed inside the historic 1901 former Billings Library. It options often rotating displays starting from indigenous cultural artifacts to life and biology research. The museum also hosts various community programs, together with a high noon Lecture Series and historic walking tours.
For sidewalk patio meals and distinctive native shopping opportunities, the downtown district of Billings continues to grow into a cultural hub of the larger Yellowstone River region. Cultural attractions just like the Yellowstone Art museum and therefore the Western Heritage Center are downtown, additionally as performance venues like the historic and recently restored Alberta Bair Theater. Various different venues are scattered throughout downtown, giving live performances in music and comedy, additionally as book readings. And a live music soundtrack is provided each Thursday in the summer with a weekly Alive when five street honest celebration.