4 Fun-tastic Rainy Day Activities in Billings, MT

As the last few weeks have shown, June can be an especially wet time of year in Yellowstone country. I like to see these rainy days as a chance to explore the myriad indoor adventures available in the Magic City!

Are you looking for somewhere to spend a rainy afternoon? Do you need good indoor activities to enliven a Montana weekend? Then look no further than my 4 Fun-tastic Rainy Day Activities in Billings, MT!

A Meditative Mood: The House of Books

Imagine curling up with a good book, a steaming beverage, and the pattering of rain outside your window. If you’re like me, this sound like a splendid slice of paradise. If you’re in Billings on a rainy day, this sounds like a visit to The House of Books on Broadway. This small local bookstore has a wide-ranging collection of everything from history to young-adult to romance novels. They also feature a broad collection of expertly curated teas, served to your liking from their in-house café. With plentiful seating and a convenient downtown location, the House of Books is a great place to spend a rainy Billings afternoon.

History Galore: Western Heritage Center and Yellowstone County Museum

Did you know Billings is home to two immersive museums of the Wild West? The Western Heritage Center, located inside of a beautifully converted historic library, boasts impressive displays from the early days of Montana settlement. Recent exhibits have included historic artifacts from the Crow Nation and informative expositions on the pioneer women’s experience. Located right on Montana Ave, the Western Heritage Center makes a great stop on any tour of the Billings downtown. If you’re still looking to get your frontier fix, consider a stop by the Yellowstone County Museum next to the airport. With their sprawling collection of Native American artifacts, stagecoach relics, and antique firearms, you are sure to be enlightened. Don’t forget to watch their film on Joe Medicine Crow!

For the Aesthetes: Yellowstone Art Museum

When the weather is cloudy, it’s great finding ways to brighten your mind. The countless exhibits at Billings’ major art museum are an excellent opportunity to do just that! These historic premises once lodged the Yellowstone County Jail, with such infamous inmates as Calamity Jane. Today, they are home to the renegade artists of our Western skies, such as Will James and Bently Spang. One could get lost in this artwork for hours, making the YAM an outstanding place to spend a rainy day in Billings. Regardless of the weather, no other art museum in Montana boasts such extensive collections. Why not be a tourist in your own city and go explore their works?

Family Fun: Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum

Looking to entertain your rambunctious little ones without tracking mud all over the house? Perhaps you can check out Billings’ own children’s museum! Wise Wonders has been operating out of their current location since 2019, engaging the curiosity of kids in Billings with interactive science exhibits. Kids can explore water dynamics in a recreation of the Yellowstone River, learn the power of flow through a winding series of air pipes, and even pile up smiles while brushing a gigantic set of teeth. Best of all, Wise Wonders has an excellent coffeeshop under their roof so adults can catch up to the energy of the kids they’ve taken there! This children’s museum is a great activity for families in Billings, no matter the forecast!