Billings, MT

Answer 1

General Overview

Billings is the largest city in the state of Montana. Called the Magic City because of its rapid growth from its beginnings in the 1800s, Billings is a family friendly destination for any group. Whether you want to hike, boat, go whitewater rafting or go horseback riding, this Great Plains destination has everything for the outdoors enthusiast. There are festivals, historical tours, national parks and much more. The Battle of the Bighorn was fought close by, and Yellowstone National Park offers many activities. Billings has been named the third best place in the United States to raise a family, and those who have visited the city are quickly able to see why. As the most diverse city in the state, Billings continues to develop both in the business and residential areas as well as attractions to the many visitors that pass through every day.

Arts and Entertainment

Billings is the outdoorsman’s paradise. The Yellowstone River offers boating, whitewater rafting and fishing opportunities while the sandstone cliffs offer hiking and rock climbing adventures. There are many sporting venues throughout the city as well that offer golfing, Bowling and biking opportunities. There are sports arenas too if you want to catch one of the local team’s games.

If history is your passion, Billings won’t fail to disappoint you. Pictograph Cave National Historic Landmark is made up of three caves. Artifacts are still being found there in today’s times and tourists can still see the pictures that were painted on the walls over 2000 years ago. Tours of Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument are quite popular and those visiting Pompey’s Pillar are still able to see where William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition carved his name over 200 years ago.

There are scenic tours both on land and water and many visitors don’t leave without a trip to Yellowstone National Park. ZooMontana is also the only zoo in Montana and offers up not only animals but a botanical area as well. Museums, historical mansions and heritage centers are also entertaining venues to check out.

If it is a day of luxury you need after a long hike or tour, the spas in Billings will treat you like royalty. They offer relaxing settings where you can enjoy a number of different massages, mud baths, body wraps and many other comforting features. Whether you have just an hour to spare or the entire day, you will walk out feeling like a new person.

Food and Drink

Rightfully so, Montana often conjures up images of cattle roaming the Great Plains. With over 450 restaurants to choose from, there are places that will serve local beef cooked just the way you like it to ethnic eateries of nearly every kind. Steak, buffalo chili and cowboy beans are a must have, but if you prefer something other than chuckwagon food, never fear because there is something to satisfy every palate. There are Mexican cantinas, Asian noodle houses, Sushi restaurants, homey cafes, exquisite diners, delis and the standard American fare of drive thru and chain restaurants. There is a large selection of fine dining restaurants that include entrees such as ribs and seafood, and there are just as many family-friendly restaurants where you can have a great meal at affordable family prices.

Answer 2

Billings is the largest city in Montana with a population of nearly 90,000. Given the nickname Magic City due to its rapid growth, the city started as a railroad town in 1882. Frederick Billings, the president of Northern Pacific Railroad, inspired the city’s name. Most of what became Billings was carved out by the Yellowstone River. William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition visited the area during his famous expedition.

Billing is a great destination for visitors due to it’s closeness to Pompey’s Pillar, Yellowstone National Park and the area where the historic Battle of the Little Bighorn was fought. Billings is great for the adventurous vacationer with a number of choices for hiking, rock climbing, mountain climbing, biking and fishing enthusiasts. From wine and food to music and family fun there are a number of festivals year round.

Offering a touch of western charm with a slice of adventure and style, Billings is a great place to visit.