The Up-and-Coming City in Montana That’s Perfectly Sized

Montana isn't a state I've been able to explore all of yet—not surprising, since this northern state is one of America's largest! That means it's full of beautiful natural landscapes and wonderful small towns to explore, as well as some great cities. When visiting a huge, spread-out state like Montana, it helps to have a home base city, and I can't think of a better one than Billings. This city is Montana's largest, with more than 121,000 people. It's also a hub of industry and trade, so you can expect it to keep growing. That's helped it build a fantastic collection of attractions, stores, and restaurants—and there are so many great things to do in Billings, Montana, that you probably won't be able to see it all in just one day! Read on to discover the perfect itinerary for your next visit to Billings.

Located in the southern central region of the state, Billings is a wonderful city surrounded by some of the most beautiful nature in the country. But you don't have to leave the city to discover some stunning sights. One of the most famous spots in the city is Moss Mansion, a historic home that has been turned into a botanical garden. The city is also home to Lake Elmo State Park, an accessible state park with a wheelchair-accessible trail and a stunning lakefront popular for recreation and fishing.

The Billings city center is full of culture to explore, with the Babcock Theater once showing classic and modern films. However, due to a portion of the ceiling collapsing in early 2025, this historic theater is temporarily closed until repairs have been completed. Visit the Babcock Theater website for the most current updates on the closure and repairs.

The town is also home to plenty of festivals, including the annual Strawberry Festival that happens every June. If you're still a kid at heart, we definitely recommend making a visit to Candy Town USA, the largest candy store in Montana.

For dinner, there are plenty of options here. One of the biggest surprises is Cajun Phatty's, a unique restaurant bringing authentic New Orleans specialties to Montana. One of the most popular restaurants in town is probably Montana Jack's, a small local chain serving up hearty steak dinners and a delicious all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. But whatever you do, make sure you stop somewhere in town to get a sweet huckleberry dessert before you go!

What are your favorite things to do in Billings, Montana? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I'd love to hear your recommendations. And, if you haven't been to this charming city yet, tell a friend about this article and plan a trip for yourself!

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.