Located in the middle of Big Sky Country on the banks of the Yellowstone River, Billings is not only a regional hub for many industries, but also a vacation destination for people across the nation and world. Founded in 1882, Billings became known as the “Magic City” due to the substantial growth that took place once the railroad was completed through the city. Within the first six months after the trains arrived, 2,000 settlers had moved to Billings. Today, it is the largest city in Montana with 89,000 residents.
There are many historic and cultural attractions to enjoy in Billings and the surrounding area. This is the area in which famous characters such as Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, George Armstrong Custer, Wild Bill Cody and William Clark made names for themselves in the history books. Although visitors will be immersed in history when visiting the area attractions, they will also enjoy modern amenities and state of the art facilities and accommodations.
Billings is located along the routes of two Interstate Highways, Interstate 90 and Interstate 94. This makes Billings the perfect stop when tours come to Montana from the east, west or south.
Historic Attractions
There are many regional hub & spoke tour opportunities available for groups when planning a trip to Billings including historic attractions, unique dining and Old West activities and entertainment. Don’t plan on resting in Billings as you will find there is much to see and do.
The only remaining permanent physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Clark’s signature etched in a sandstone cliff, is located in southeastern Montana just 28 miles from Billings on Interstate 94. In 1806, on his return trip from the Pacific Ocean, William Clark climbed the rock, signed his name, and called the sandstone bluff Pompeys Tower, named after Sacagawea’s son whom Clark had nicknamed “Pomp.” Since then, it has come to be known as Pompeys Pillar. In May 2001, the site was officially designated as Pompeys Pillar National Historic Monument. Each year on the weekend nearest Clark’s date of visit, travelers can enjoy Clark Days. This event celebrates Clark’s visit to the area with reenactments, interpretive stations, botany and birding tours, and an authentic buffalo burger barbecue.
Another historically significant attraction located near Billings is the Little Bighorn Battlefield. This is the site of General George Armstrong Custer’s Last Stand against the Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. While we are unsure of the casualties of the Indians, all 210 cavalry men under Custer’s direct command died in that battle. The Battlefield is open to the public year-round. Within the Park is Last Stand Hill, Custer Battlefield National Cemetery, a gift shop, museum, and a new memorial honoring the Native Americans that fell in this battle is soon to be built.
Each year in Hardin, Montana (45 miles south of Billings) over 200 actors gather to replay the events leading up to the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The five performances of Custer’s Last Stand Reenactment draw visitors from around the country and internationally. The Reenactment takes place in conjunction with Little Big Horn Days. Throughout the weekend visitors will enjoy authentic Indian cuisine, a quilt show, musical entertainment, a parade and an 1876 Military Ball in which participants dress in period costume.
There are also many other historically significant battlefields located near Billings including the Reynold’s Fight (south of present day Broadus, Montana), the Battle of the Rosebud (located southeast of Hardin, Montana), and the Canyon Creek Battle (near Laurel). Today, many of these battle sites are marked by signs and available for visitors to view. Much of the land has remained unchanged after almost 125 years, so visitors can easily envision the elements that were encountered by both the U.S. Military and the Native Americans.
Battles of a different sort—between elk, moose, bears and buffalo—can still be seen at Yellowstone National Park. The nation’s first National Park is only three hours from Billings. With the wildlife, geysers, waterfalls, painted canyons and Old Faithful, this is the world’s most diverse park. The route to the park is a breathtaking experience in itself. Groups can travel from Billings over the Beartooth Pass, known as the most beautiful drive in the country, according to Charles Kuralt. Travelers will enjoy the mountainous scenery including Montana’s highest peak, Granite Peak.
Looking Back in Time
The museums in and near Billings also give visitors a glimpse of the history that shaped this region. The Western Heritage Center in Billings contains interactive exhibits and over 16,000 artifacts presenting unique stories of the Yellowstone Valley from 1880-1940. The Moss Mansion, also located in Billings, is a historic home created in 1903 that was designed by the famous architect H.J. Hardenbergh, also the designer of the Waldorf-Astoria and Plaza Hotels in New York City. The original owner of the house, P.B. Moss, spent $105,000 to build it back in 1903. Today that would equate to $15 million. The Moss Mansion remains authentically furnished and is open for visitation year-round. The Peter Yegen, Jr. Yellowstone County Museum in Billings also provides visitors with a look at the history of the region. Located atop the 500 foot high rimrocks (sandstone cliffs), visitors will have a great view of the city and surrounding area. Other museums in the area include the Range Riders Museum in Miles City, Montana; the Evelyn Cameron Gallery in Terry, Montana; the Big Horn County Historical Museum in Hardin, Montana; Custer Battlefield Museum in Garryowen, Montana; the Wild Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming; and the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana.
Old West Entertainment
If your group is interested in a true Old West experience, there are many local guest ranches ready to entertain you with cattle drives, wagon rides and stories by the campfire. Many of these guest ranches offer unique dining experiences including a traditional pitchfork fondue (cooking a jumbo steak with a pitchfork and a steel barrel filled with cooking oil), or a campfire cookout complete with baked beans, Montana beef and old fashioned dessert.
After a hearty dinner how about sampling another Montana experience: a western shootout! Local entertainers will show your group how legends like Rattlesnake Jake, John Wesley Hardin and Kid Curry made deals...with gun powder and six shooters.
Other entertainment options include the Venture Theater, a performance group specializing in musical and comedy productions; Billings Studio Theater Ensemble, a fourteen-voice ensemble that offers a wide variety of music; or Clark’s Fork Camp in which guests enjoy outdoor cooking, a scenic tour down the Yellowstone River and other special programs for groups.
The Billings entertainment experience is rounded out with exciting cultural events taking place in the city throughout the entire year. Whether it be off Broadway productions or professional symphony performances at the Alberta Bair Theater, or internationally acclaimed exhibits at the Yellowstone Art Museum, visitors to Billings are sure to find something to fulfill their cultural interests.
Places to Hang Your Hat
There are several options of hotels to fulfill your accommodations needs. The four largest hotels—Billings Hotel, Holiday Inn, Historic Northern Hotel and Sheraton—offer full service including pools, restaurants, lounges and exercise rooms. There are a total of 3,500 sleeping rooms in Billings, so we he plenty of options for places to hang your hat.
Big Sky Savings
In addition to the many attractions, accommodations, and entertainment options, Billings is also an affordable destination for groups. The fact that Billings has been listed as one of the most affordable places to live in the United States is also reflected in visitor’s spending.
On a national average, the cost of a first class night’s lodging would be $122. In Billings, visitors pay $69 for the same type of accommodations. The daily average for a room in Billings is only $52.31. Also, published in Facilities magazine, were the results of a study completed by Runzheimer International that stated visitors will pay the least amount for accommodations tax in Montana (4%) than any other place in the United States. “Groups can enjoy the same quality of accommodations and facilities they will find in larger cities, but Billings presents a more affordable alternative,” comments Rhonda Harms, Director of the Billings Convention and Visitors Council.
The Final Roundup
Stage coaches have turned into motorcoaches and the dusty travels on the open plains have become interstate highways, but the Old West hospitality and way of life has remained the same. Billings prides itself on providing some of the best Old West hospitality to be found. Groups will leave knowing they were welcome and appreciated. So when planning the next historical group tour adventure, make Billings, Montana your Passport to the Legendary West.
