Billings MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Billings, Missouri.
1. Moss Mansion
HISTORIC FAMILY ESTATE
Moss Mansion is a speciality museum filled with details from a bygone era where docents and staff share history and lore. The mansion offers guided tours that provide interesting information about the family and house that visitors wouldn't know without a guide. Its grounds are described as peaceful and splendid, making every visit to the Moss Mansion a unique experience.
2. The Rimrocks
STUNNING GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
The Rimrocks are impressive geologic formations that offer panoramic views of Billings. They provide a perfect spot for an afternoon drive or hike, especially for first-time visitors to the city. The natural landmark is a defining feature of Billings' landscape and a popular outdoor recreation area.
3. ZooMontana
WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION
ZooMontana is a compact wildlife sanctuary featuring interactive encounters including goat and koi feeding. The zoo showcases primarily rescued animals in a tranquil garden setting. Visitors have opportunities to observe rare species while learning about conservation efforts.
4. DanWalt Gardens
TRANQUIL FLORAL OASIS
DanWalt Gardens is a lush garden space showcasing vibrant flora and a tranquil koi pond that changes with the seasons. The gardens provide an ideal setting for relaxation amidst nature's beauty. This picturesque location is also popular for private events and gatherings.
5. Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site
WESTERN HISTORICAL LEGEND
The Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site at Swords Park tells the story of Luther Sage Kelly, a notable veteran and Billings legend. Born to an affluent New York family, Kelly received fine education but yearned for adventure in the American west. The site commemorates this historical figure who became one of the country's most notable veterans despite his privileged upbringing.
6. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
HISTORIC MILITARY CONFLICT
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, located less than an hour from Billings, memorializes the site of the famous 1876 battle. The monument commemorates the conflict between the United States Seventh Cavalry Regiment led by Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and the Sioux and Cheyenne under the leadership of Sitting Bull. This historical site preserves and interprets one of the most significant battles in American western history.
7. Yellowstone County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Yellowstone County Museum acquaints visitors with important figures of Billings' past, like Yellowstone Kelly and Frederick Billings. The museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region through various exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can learn about the development of Billings from its early beginnings to the present day.
8. Coulson Park
HISTORIC TOWN ORIGINS
Coulson Park allows visitors to explore the early origins of Billings through the story of a town that was on the wrong side of the tracks. The park includes access to Boothill Cemetery, the burial ground for what would become the ghost town of Coulson. This historical site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains open to visitors interested in local history.
9. Pompeys Pillar National Monument
LEWIS AND CLARK LEGACY
Pompeys Pillar National Monument contains the only remaining physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Visitors can examine Captain William Clark's signature and date carved into the sandstone pillar. The monument offers a tangible connection to this famous journey of exploration through the American West.
10. Historic Montana Avenue
PRESERVED DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Historic Montana Avenue represents an important part of Billings' architectural and commercial heritage. The street features preserved historic buildings that showcase the city's development since its establishment in 1882. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and cultural experiences while taking in the historic atmosphere of this downtown district.
11. Missouri Botanical Garden
HISTORIC PLANT COLLECTION
The Missouri Botanical Garden, founded in 1859, is a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States. Spanning 79 acres, the garden features an extensive collection of plants from around the world. Visitors can explore various themed gardens, conservatories, and educational exhibits throughout the beautifully maintained grounds.
12. Swords Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Swords Park offers scenic views of Billings and surroundings from its location near the Rimrocks. The park features trails for walking, running, and biking that are popular with locals and visitors alike. Home to the Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site, the park combines recreational opportunities with historical significance.
13. Boothill Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUND
Boothill Cemetery served as the burial ground for what would become the ghost town of Coulson, the precursor to modern Billings. The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and preserves an important part of local history. Visitors can explore this solemn site to learn about early settlers and the challenges of frontier life.
14. Downtown Billings
URBAN CULTURAL CENTER
Downtown Billings serves as the cultural and commercial heart of Montana's largest city, known as the "Magic City" for its rapid growth since 1882. The area features a mix of historic buildings, modern amenities, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Visitors can experience the vibrant atmosphere that reflects both Billings' rich heritage and its contemporary energy.
15. Ancient Caves
NATURAL UNDERGROUND WONDERS
The ancient caves near Billings offer visitors a chance to peek into underground geological formations formed over millennia. These natural wonders serve as windows into the region's prehistoric past and natural history. Explorers can observe unique rock formations and potentially discover evidence of early human or animal activity in the area.