Places to visit in Billings, MT.
Billings is the largest city in Montana. Its unique location on the banks of the Yellowstone River makes it a top destination for outdoor activities. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, or biking, you’ll find something you love.
A fun, family-friendly activity is horseback riding. Several ranches in the area offer guided tours and lessons. Horseback rides are perfect for history buffs and animal lovers. You can choose from various tour options, including a private ride, a group ride, or even an hour-long introductory lesson.
Billings, Montana, is a city that has much to offer visitors. The Yellowstone River winds through town, and the rimrocks and sandstone cliffs provide a backdrop for the scenery. You can also enjoy the Moss Mansion Museum, showcasing early 20th-century interiors. For more historical information, visit the Western Heritage Center, which displays local history.
ZooMontana
ZooMontana in Billings, Montana, is home to many species of animals from all over the world. The zoo is located on a 70-acre site in Billings, MT.
You can find over 40 species of animals at ZooMontana. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredits the zoo. In addition to the animals, the zoo is also home to hundreds of plant species.
The zoo has several exhibits and a discovery center. Visitors can participate in hands-on animal interaction. A playground is also available. ZooMontana also has a botanical garden, which is full of native plants. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy the zoo’s concession stands. There is also a petting zoo.
The zoo has several events throughout the year. If you plan to visit, you may want to check out the monthly Wild Wine Walk and the annual Zoofari.
Pictograph Cave State Park
Pictograph Cave State Park is a fascinating historical site in Billings, Montana. This park features three caves and over 100 pictographs. It is an easy hike through a natural setting.
Amateur archeologists discovered the caves in 1937. They were the first major archaeological excavations on the Northern Plains. These early discoveries helped historians understand how prehistoric people lived in this area.
In 1964, the Pictograph Cave site became a national historic landmark. Today, this park has paved trails and interpretive displays. There are also artifacts from the caves dating back thousands of years.
Pictograph Cave State Park is an excellent destination for those who love history, rock art, and nature. In addition, the park is a perfect destination for birding, picnicking, and hiking.
Moss Mansion Museum
Moss Mansion Museum is a cultural center in Billings, Montana. The mansion houses more than 45,000 artifacts from the past. There are also a variety of events held at the museum.
This historic house is a red-stoned mansion that was built in 1903. Preston Boyd “P.B.” Moss constructed it for his wife, Ursula Woodson. They had six children.
The home is built from red sandstone that was shipped from Lake Superior. It includes marble fireplaces, columns, and wood paneling. Throughout the house, there are also hand-painted walls and gold threading.
Moss Mansion has three stories. First, the interior of the Moss family mansion features original furniture, fixtures, and decor. A gift shop sells souvenirs from the house. In addition, several seasonal events are held at the house.
Yellowstone Art Museum
The Yellowstone Art Museum is one of Montana’s most important visual arts centers. Its collection features artworks from all historical periods and emphasizes contemporary artists working in the Northern Rocky Mountains and Montana. Located in downtown Billings, the museum is accessible to all visitors.
Founded in 1964, the museum is located in a building that once housed the Yellowstone County Jail. In 1998, it expanded into a new facility accessible to the public. Since then, it has been recognized as one of the premier regional art museums in the Rocky Mountain West.
With a staff that is knowledgeable, courteous, and engaging, the museum offers a wide array of interactive experiences to its visitors. In addition, it is the only gallery in the state that features Boundless Visions, a long-term exhibition exploring Montana’s cultural landscape through works from its permanent collection.
Yellowstone County Museum
The Yellowstone County Museum is located in Billings, Montana, and offers visitors an array of cultural artifacts. Its displays showcase the state’s rich natural history. In addition to exhibiting historical and prehistoric specimens, it features exhibits relating to Native American and cowboy culture.
The museum itself is housed in a 19th-century log cabin. Its 5,000-square-foot facility includes a whole lower level and features a variety of exhibitions and displays. Visitors can also tour the museum’s vast collection of artifacts.
The museum also has many events taking place throughout the year. These include a Western Saloon exhibit, a chance to ride a horse, and a steam engine from the Northern Pacific Railway. Other notable events include the museum’s annual feature exhibits in its Landmarks Art Gallery.