Billings: Hotels for Culture, History, and Nature

Billings offers a variety of ways to plan a stay: museums tell the story of the region, the Rimrocks shape the landscape, and nature activities connect trails with educational programs. Art and tastings of local beverages are also among the possibilities.

History and Culture in Billings

The Western Heritage Center brings together exhibits, artifacts, and stories about the history and cultures of the Yellowstone River Valley and the Northern Plains. As a Smithsonian-affiliated museum, it also offers historic walking tours and public programs. Visitors can choose between exploring the exhibits and taking a guided look at the city’s history.

The Yellowstone County Museum focuses on the history of Montana’s Yellowstone River Basin. Educational programs and storytelling exhibits convey this regional perspective. Its collections include archaeological materials, artifacts from Montana’s Tribal Nations, historic photographs, archives, and works of art, as well as firearms and other weapons. Those interested in the area’s history can explore a range of objects and forms of storytelling.

One specific historical landmark is the McCormick Cabin: Paul McCormick built it in 1893 in what was then downtown Billings, as a place for social gatherings. In 1953, the cabin was moved to its current location, where it serves as the entrance to the Yellowstone County Museum. The dates therefore tell not only of when the cabin was built, but also of its later use.

Moss Mansion was built in 1903. The Yellowstone Art Museum brings together contemporary and historic works, with a focus on artists connected to Montana and the Northern Plains. The museum offers multisensory experiences. Its building is ADA-compliant and fully accessible. Billings’ cultural offerings thus differ both in subject matter and in how they provide access to history and art.

The Rimrocks, Trails, and Nature Activities

The Rimrocks are sandstone cliffs along the northern edge of Billings. They offer views of the Yellowstone River Valley and the Beartooth Mountains. The paved, multi-use Skyline Trail makes it easier to access the sandstone formations. For general trail exploration, Billings offers more than 50 miles of trails for hiking and exploring.

The 60-acre Swords Park combines a historic site with paved and unpaved jogging trails. The grounds also include a nature area, a picnic area, and restrooms. This makes the park a different kind of destination from the Rimrocks: in addition to the landscape, it features designated facilities for exercise and an outdoor break.

The Montana Audubon Center is about ten minutes from downtown Billings. Its offerings include a peaceful outdoor setting, a learning center, and an accessible trail network. Nature-based educational programs explore birds, other wildlife, and natural ecosystems. Summer camps and programs for families and adults round out the offerings; if a specific program is important to your plans, check the current schedule in advance.

ZooMontana also focuses on the wildlife of the Yellowstone ecosystem. Its offerings include up-close animal viewing, interpretive exhibits, and experiential educational programs. Together with the nature-based offerings at the Montana Audubon Center, visitors can choose between a focus on animal viewing and exhibits or on ecosystems, trails, and educational programs.

Art, Nature, and Local Tastings

The Billings Brew Trail combines tastings of craft beer, spirits, wine, and cider with exploring local neighborhoods. This is a different way to experience the city than visiting a museum or spending time outdoors: the focus is on beverages and the neighborhoods visitors can explore along the way.

When choosing your hotel, it may help to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay. If you’re primarily interested in regional history and art, the museums offer a range of collections and ways to engage with them. If you’re interested in landscapes and wildlife, you’ll find designated trails and park facilities, as well as educational and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Those who want to combine different interests can add tastings and explorations of local neighborhoods to their plans.

For an overview of the wider trip: Yellowstone.