Living in Billings • November 15, 2023

Rachel’s Spotlight – Global Village in Downtown Billings

by Rachel Court

Global Village, where do I even start? This is such a fun place to shop and find unique items and every time you do, you are supporting a non-profit that is truly changing lives.

For over 30 years, Global Village has been dedicated to supporting low-income artisans and farmers. The products they offer in their retail store downtown are from over 30 countries!! Many are made by survivors of human trafficking and are learning skills to provide for themselves. That is a cause I can get behind.

I had the chance to stop by this week to shine a light on the great things they are doing!

Make sure to add this to your stops when making your holiday shopping lists.

Living in Billings • May 22, 2023

Top 10 Summer Experiences in Billings Montana

by Rachel Court

Nothing beats a summer under the Big Sky! Especially when the sun is shining, there is no shortage of amazing experiences to enjoy right here in the Billings city limits.

Whether you’re looking to entertain family and friends, or simply enjoy a relaxing afternoon to yourself, our Magic City offers something for everyone. To get you started on that summer adventure, I’ve collected my Top Ten Summer Experiences in Billings, MT!

#1 Drive the Beartooth Highway

Technically, the Beartooths are an hour outside of Billings. But you can see their impressive peaks from basically anywhere in town, so I will include the Highway anyway!

Driving the Beartooth Highway is a life-changing experience; many locals make the pilgrimage on an annual basis. This “most scenic drive in America” cuts through the heart of Montana’s tallest mountain range, offering breathtaking views of glaciers and sweeping alpine valleys. Folks from Europe are even known to import their motorcycles to enjoy the breathtaking views found here. Best of all, by entering the Beartooth Highway via Red Lodge, you can support a Montana community devastated by the recent Yellowstone River floods. Their economy relies largely on tourism, making a trip through the Beartooths is an ethical as well as an aesthetic experience!

#2 Watch Mustangs Baseball at Dehler Park

Set against our city’s famous Rimrocks, Dehler Park is one of America’s most scenic minor league ballparks. This sunny stadium is conveniently located in our city’s downtown, at the northern end of N 27^th Street. In addition to Dehler’s premiere setting, the baseball action is great. The Mustangs have long been a victorious team in the Pioneer League. With tickets starting at $6 and the beers clocking in even cheaper, Mustangs games are also one of the greatest deals in town!

#3 Hike and fish at Riverfront Park

Looking to enjoy some iconic Montana nature in a matter of minutes? This quiet city park is perfect for a midday escape from the bustle of Billings. Riverfront, our city’s largest waterside park, boasts impressive views of the Yellowstone River as it cuts through the south side of town. This nature preserve encompasses great pond fishing in Lake Josephine, in addition to several miles of walking trails which wind through the groves of cottonwood in the sandy river soils.

#4 Go wild at ZooMontana

Billings is home to the largest zoo in the Treasure State. ZooMontana, located off the West End, hosts informative exhibits on 56 different species ranging from amur tigers to grizzly bears. Adding to its unique charm, the facility only features critters which naturally live along the Earth’s 45^th parallel. This keeps their animals healthy, happy, and all the more energetic for your visit! Keep an eye out for special events at the zoo throughout the summer; they often host educational events where you can get up close and personal with the residents.

#5 Celebrate the West at the MontanaFair

Billings prides itself as the biggest destination in the state. Every August, Montana’s largest city also plays host to the state’s largest annual fair. Fairgrounds and rodeos are the historic lifeblood of Western culture, and the MontanaFair pays homage to these traditions. With quilting exhibitions, country concerts, horsemanship events, and crafts markets galore, MontanaFair is a great opportunity to savor the Western lifestyle which still defines the Billings culture. For the younger audience, the fair also includes a pop-up amusement park with rides and games to entertain the entire family.

#6 Catch a Blockbuster at the Babcock Theater

The downtown Babcock Theater is one of Billing’s most beautiful historic buildings. It is also an amazing place to catch a summer flick. The proceeds from your tickets go towards the non-profit Arthouse Cinema Foundation, the local group responsible for refurbishing the Art Deco interior of this downtown landmark. In addition to new releases, the Babcock regularly show cinema classics – be sure to check out their website for the latest schedules!

#7 Enjoy some local summer ales on the Billings Brewery Trail

With leading harvests of wheat, barley, and hops, Montana is basically where America grows its beer. Thanks to our amazing community of local brewers, Billings is also where it’s turned into the good stuff! The best way to sample these local treats is by embarking on the Billings Brewery Trail, which leads you to the finest ciders, IPAs, and amber ales in the Northern Rockies. With nine stops along the way, you and your crew are sure to find something cold and delicious!

#8 Dan Walt Gardens

This pastoral enclave brands itself as “Billings Best Kept Secret,” which isn’t too far of a stretch. Nestled on the southeast edge of town, Dan Walt blossoms each summer into a colorful paradise of sights and scents. It’s a great place to visit on your own, but the gardens truly shine as a venue for group events. Looking to plan a summer wedding in Billings, MT? Take a long look at the Dan Walt Gardens!

#9 Hit the links at a Billings golf course

Billings is one of the best golfers’ cities Montana. Right within the city limits you can find half a dozen golf clubs, driving ranges, and par-three courses. Whether you’re trying to class up a Montana summer vacation or simply enjoy some afternoon beers with a neighbor, these courses are a great place to enjoy the best of Big Sky golf. The Yegen Golf Club is a great place to start, offering 9-holes and a cart for under $30 per player.

#10 Cool off at a Billings’ waterpark

This list would not be complete without some mention of the watery adventures in the Magic City. If you’re looking to get soaked this summer, I encourage you to check out my full post with the top water activities near Billings. However, if you aren’t interested in departing the city limits, you can still have a great time galivanting about our city’s several water parks. Whether you’re six or sixty, are you seriously going to pass on a chance to ride the water slide?

Living in Billings • May 22, 2023

7 Summer Splashdowns Near Billings, MT

by Rachel Court

No authentic Montana summer is complete without some waterborne recreation. This is especially true in Billings, Montana, close to many of the state’s finest water activities. To get you started on these adventures, I present to you my favorite Seven Summer Splashdowns near Billings, MT!

#1 Get your motor running at Cooney Reservoir

Summer means the sound of swarming jet skis at Cooney State Park, located 45 minutes southwest of Billings along Highway 212. This manmade reservoir is home to hundreds of acres for watery fun, such as motor boating, sailing, swimming, and water skiing. If you’re looking to enjoy some pristine views of the Montana starscape, the state park also has over 80 campsites to pitch your tent beneath the Big Sky.

#2 Paddleboard at Lake Elmo State Park

Situated at the northern end of the Billings Heights, Lake Elmo is a terrific spot for casual water day trips. Its calm waters are an especially great setting for paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes. When you get tired of paddling, this urban park also offers a 1.4-mile nature loop to explore the marshy ecosystem surrounding the picturesque pond. Lake Elmo is a favorite spot for birdwatchers, who will adore this wetland habitat replete with geese, gulls, and herons.

#3 Soak in the sun at an outdoor water park: The Billings Oasis

The Oasis, located along Aronson Avenue in the heights, is Billings’ most extensive outdoor waterpark. Operated by the Better Billings Foundation, a non-profit devoted to wholesome family activities in Yellowstone County, this facility serves a fantastic mission in our community. With three towering water slides, a lazy river, and the region’s largest outdoor pool, The Oasis is a perfect place for kids to get into the right kind of trouble!

#4 Beat the heat at an indoor water park: The Reef

Sometimes the sun burns a bit too bright to hit an outdoor pool deck. On days like these, if you’re clamoring to cool off beneath some waves, it’s time to hit The Reef on Billings’ West End! This sprawling indoor facility features 3-story waterslides, massive hot tubs, and a 55,000-gallon wave pool! (Just make sure to bring your own towel, as The Reef does not provide them.)

#5 Check out the neighborhood pool at Rose Park

Billings has dozens of outstanding city parks, catering to hikers, anglers, and swimmers alike. One of the greatest gems in this collection is the pool at Rose Park, located just north of Grand Avenue. Boasting its own set of waterslides, sprinklers, and diving boards, Rose Park is a great option for folks looking to beat the lines at Oasis. Moreover, its classic design and family clientele capture the community element so essential to living in Billings, MT.

#6 Take a float trip down the Bighorn River

The Bighorn River is a treasure of south-central Montana. Particularly in its stretch running north from the Yellowtail Dam, the Bighorn is a perfect place to cast your lines for rainbow trout, walleye, and sturgeon. The river corridor offers scenic views in every direction, encompassing the country rolling up to Bighorn Mountains. If you’re looking for a guided adventure, many great outfitters are located along the stream, such as the Eagle’s Nest Lodge based in Hardin, MT. If you feel prepared to ditch the guide, still make sure to stay up to date on Montana’s latest fishing regulations!

#7 Enjoy world-class alpine fishing at Lakes Timberline and Gertrude

If you’re up for a bit of a hike, Timberline Lake and the neighboring Lake Gertrude offer one of the finest alpine settings in Montana. Located along the scenic West Fork Road, 90 minutes southwest of Billings, the Timberline Trail winds 4.5 miles to a massive cirque at the foot of Silver Run Peak. At the foot of this mountain, fed by the chilly glacial melt, sit the two turquoise lakes. Both of these scenic lakes are abound with trout, so don’t forget your fly rods and cameras!

Living in Billings • May 22, 2023

7 Back to School Volunteering Opportunities in Billings, MT

by Rachel Court

The back-to-school season is an essential time for giving back to one’s community.

Returning students are leaving volunteer posts they manned during the summer. Food drives and shelter projects are rushing to maximize the remaining days of sunshine. Disadvantaged kids need help acquiring the supplies to learn.

Fortunately, in Billings there are many folks working hard to meet these needs. Great joy comes from serving your neighbors, particularly in a close-knit community such as our Magic City. This intrinsic motivation has led to the formation of many great philanthropies across Yellowstone County. As school heads back into session, many of these organizations are significantly ramping up their activities.

During this back-to-school season, are you looking to volunteer or donate around Billings, MT? Allow me to share a few of my favorite resources to launch your philanthropic fall!

#1 The Billings Family Service
It would not be the end of a Magic City summer without the Billings Family Service drive for school supplies. One of Yellowstone County’s largest philanthropic organizations, the Billings Family Service annually helps thousands of Montanans struggling with poverty. As impoverished students gear up to continue their learning and advance their lots in life, their back-to-school donations touch hundreds of lives. Their headquarters, located at 3931 1st Ave. S, runs a drive-thru donation center five days of the week. This center still needs volunteers to collect and distribute supplies to disadvantaged families across town! Even after the rush for school has subsided, the BFS will offer many impactful volunteering engagements throughout the fall.

#2 Billings Public Schools

What better way to support your community during back to school than serving in education yourself! There are dozens of volunteer opportunities in the Billings Public Schools, ranging from bus chaperones to elementary school art class. The best place to start is by filling out the volunteer application on the BPS website, then contacting the principals in your neighborhood schools. If you are looking to take an even greater commitment, you could also apply to become a substitute teacher. These paid, part-time positions are accessible through the Billings schools’ hiring website.

#3 Billings Partners in Education
In addition to our great public schools, Billings is home to a dedicated non-profit which supports our K-12 education. The Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools has been supporting parents, students, and teachers in the city since 1988. One of their cornerstone involvements is the terrific Partners in Education volunteer program. This streamlined program allows community members to support their local students by finding placement in the schools’ most needed areas. They accept volunteers and donations every month of the year, and are open to original ideas for philanthropy!

#4 Montana Food Bank Network BackPack Program
In addition to their notebooks and calculators, students need to bring a healthy body into the classroom. Unfortunately, many pupils in the Billings area lack the nutrition needed to keep their mind ready to learn. To help address the issue of youth hunger in our community, the MFBN recently inaugurated the BackPack Food Program. This program, which serves over 131 different schools across Montana, aims to provide food for disadvantaged students during weekends and holidays, when school cafeterias are not open. If you’d like to donate food to one of the 5,000+ students served by this program, reach out to a participating school or even start your own donation chapter.

#5 Tumbleweed

For many young people in Montana, the wayward dreams of youth have been crushed by the gritting reality of homelessness. Fortunately, Billings is home to the phenomenal organization Tumbleweed, which aims to serve homeless young people. Between their weekly soup kitchens to baked goods drives, this group is always looking for support from volunteers in town. As the students served by Tumbleweed deal with the pressures of a new school year, your compassion is more important than ever.

#6 Carbon County Disaster Relief Fund

Red Lodge, MT remains a cornerstone of the Billings community. As our nearest gateway to the Beartooth Mountains, this mountain town is our tether to Montana’s restorative wilderness. Sadly, this location recently led to devastation, as historic flooding from Yellowstone caused millions of dollars in damages to the Red Lodge downtown. Their local relief fund is still seeking volunteers and donations to repair their schools and roads.

#7 Billings Clinic

Among the other amenities of Montana’s largest metropolitan, Billings hosts the state’s largest independent hospital. The Billings Clinic serves thousands of patients from across Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. With this traffic comes a substantial need for volunteer help. Whether you are manning the information desk or comforting hospice patients, there is a role for you at one of the Billings Clinic locations. As their student volunteers conclude their summer program, the hospital could especially use your help this fall.

Living in Billings • May 22, 2023

5 Fabulous Winter Trails Near Billings, MT

by Rachel Court

Living near the mountains provides magical opportunities in the summer, spring, fall and WINTER! Neighboring wilderness is the perfect venue for recreation and relaxation. Its why people choose to move to Montana and Yellowstone country. In Montana, America’s finest winter wonderland, the fun really starts when the snow begins to fall!

From frozen alpine lakes to beautiful snow-swept valleys, Billings is surrounded by majestic winter scenery. Montanans who brave the snow are rewarded with some of the finest adventures available in our Treasure State. Indeed, winter is my favorite season to get outdoors! With a lifetime of experience in the Billings snowscape, I wanted to share a few of my favorite trails to explore during winter. All of these spots are within 90 minutes from downtown, and each will give you an excellent taste of the Mountain West lifestyle. So grab your skis, sling on your snowshoes, and check out the best of Billings’ winter trails!

West Fork Road (Best for: Cross country skis)

The West Fork Road is one of the most popular cross country skiing spots near Billings, and for good reason. Beginning from the Wild Bill Lake, this groomed causeway heads 5 miles west towards the Cascade Campground. With negligible elevation gain, this is a great winter hike for travelers of all ages. West Fork is also one of the most popular places to take your dog for a winter excursion; on weekends, it is not uncommon to see dozens of families toting their dogs alongside them! You may even see a cute little one being pulled on a dogsled. A challenging snowshoe hike also awaits those intrepid enough to head towards the Basin Lakes trailhead; that 4-mile path splits off a mile from the West Fork trailhead. West Fork Road is located just southwest of Red Lodge proper, with the parking lot located a mile past the final turnoff for the ski resort.

Lower Lake Fork Trail and Silver Falls (Best for: Snowshoes or Cross-Country Skis)

This easygoing, 2-mile trail is an excellent place for relaxed winter wanderings. Gaining only 400 feet in elevation, this one isn’t going to break any backs. However, with direct views of rocky peaks protruding from the further end of the trail, Lower Lake Fork offers outstanding views. A short jaunt up the trail (roughly 1.5 miles) you can also look for Silver Falls on your left-hand side, and snowshoe right up to the base! The babbling waters of the Lake Fork of the Rock Creek cascade alongside this trail, offering a serene soundtrack for your trek during even the icier parts of winter. Nothing says you’re living in Montana like the calm sounds of a mountain stream! This relatively popular trail is located at the end of Lake Fork Road, which turns off US-212 a few miles south of Red Lodge, MT, and runs up to the Lake Fork Trail Parking Area.

Mystic Lake (Best for: Snowshoes)

Mystic Lake is one of my favorite hikes. I make an annual summertime pilgrimage to its shores. In winter, this 5.5 mile out-and-back trail still offers one of the most sweeping views across any frozen lake accessible near Billings. The trail itself is a straightforward path uphill, gaining roughly 1,300 feet in elevation. It offers a great workout, as all snowshoeing does, but overall offers one of more pleasant winter hiking experiences in the Beartooth Mountains! The wide-open view is worth every step, but make sure to dress accordingly. Heavy winds batter the area during winter! Mystic Lake is part of the West Rosebud hiking area, located off of W Rosebud Lake Road south of Absarokee, MT.

Red Lodge Nordic Center (Best for: Cross country skiing)

Located just 2 miles west of Red Lodge, this cross-country skiing course is a relaxed place to enjoy alpine scenery from the foot of the Beartooth Mountains. Over nine miles of trails encompass this family-friendly reserve, which also features a warming hut and public restroom. While this won’t offer the same sort of downhill thrills available atop Red Lodge Mountain, the Nordic Center is the most extensive area for cross-country exploration near Billings. It is also among the most affordable; adults only require a $5 day pass, an entire family can purchase a season pass for $100, and all kids under 12 ski for free! You can access this area off Smith Road, on the westernmost edge of Red Lodge.

Phantom Creek to Slough Lake (Best: Snowshoes)

This trek offers a 5-mile round trip into one of the most sweeping valleys in the Beartooths. Past Slough Lake, the path continues all the way towards Froze-to-Death Plateau and the towering Granite Peak. For the mileage most accessible by snowshoes, you’ll primarily be ascending switchbacks. Once you close on the lake itself, you will hike between two massive, tree-lined escarpments surrounding the Phantom Creek and leading towards a magnificent view of Slough Lake. The lakeshore is a great place to set up a picnic, and depending on how heavy of snow drifts you encounter, is often a good site to build a snow cave! This trail is accessible by way of the East Rosebud Road, which is accessible from Montana St. Highway 78 near Roscoe, MT.

Living in Billings • May 22, 2023

4 Awesome Spring Hikes in Billings, MT

by Rachel Court

As a lifelong Montanan, I love the snow. But I also rejoice in watching the melting winter wonderland transform into the gushing fishing runs. I am excited for the opportunity to dawn my hiking boots again!

The recent snowfall notwithstanding, this year’s snowpack is well underway in disappearing from the trails. With spring apparently dancing on the horizons, it is time to start planning adventures from Montana’s Trailhead!

Billings is an amazing place to live, with the Beartooths (Montana’s tallest range) right in our backyard! We have thousands of miles of nearby trails to choose from, and I’m excited to share some of my favs in this latest blog post.

Grab your trekking poles, load up your ruck, and check out the Four Best Spring Hikes near Billings, MT!

Watery Wilderness: Stillwater Trail to Lake Sioux Charley

For the water-lovers out there, this is the ultimate hike to soak in views of snowmelt-buoyed waterways. The trail heads off from the bellowing Stillwater River, whose rocky rapids will greet your adventure. After a pleasant walk, gaining only 600 feet in elevation over 3.5 miles, you are greeted with stunning views of the extensive Sioux Charley Lake. The Stillwater River which borders the trail is a terrific site for anglers looking to cash in on the early springtime surge. The sweeping views at Sioux Charley (where the river widens significantly and thus called a lake) are an outstanding place to have a picnic and enjoy the calm of the waters. If you are feeling more adventurous, several other lakes await as the trail continues past Sioux Charley. Things get substantially steeper the further you trek up the trail, gaining as much as 3,000 feet if you hike to its terminus at Lake Abundance. For the meat of the mileage, however, things are relatively low elevation, allowing springtime hikers to enjoy a terrific experience.

History and Hiking: Pictograph Caves State Park

In addition to its natural landmarks, Billings hosts some of the richest history of any city in the entire United States. By visiting the Pictograph Caves State Park, located only 15 minutes southeast of town, you can combine the two! While waiting for the snow to melt from the region’s higher peaks, this lower elevation hike is excellent for the spring. The park is set into a magnificent sandstone cliff, whose sheer edges are hugged by a mile of maintained but relatively steep trails. The aptly named Pictograph Caves are home to drawings as old as 2,200 years and as recent as the 19^th century. Three distinct caves within the main loop hike offer such reflective drawings, which depict human life in stark relief against the geologic backdrop. A visitors center near the entrance also offers an excellent overview of the area’s Native history.

Sweeping Springtime Views: Palisades Trail under the Palisades in Red Lodge

This seven-mile out and back trail offers wonderful views of the famous Red Lodge Palisades. These beautiful sandstone pillars jut hundreds of feet out of the forests at the foot of the Beartooth Mountains. The trail itself begins from the Palisades Campground, accessible by a road of the same name, which sits a bit southeast of the Red Lodge Mountain ski resort. This moderately difficult trail gains roughly 1,600 feet of elevation as it climbs into the base of the Beartooths, and the views are worth every step of the way. From the top of the trail, magnificent vistas extend in almost every direction. To the north, across the rolling ranchland of Carbon County, you can make out the Rimrocks on the edge of the Yellowstone Valley. To east, you can soak in the wild Pryor Mountains. On a clear day looking towards the southeast, along the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River, you can almost gaze all the way into Wyoming. This relatively low-elevation hike (especially in contrast to the withering heights of neighboring Grizzly Peak) is a great place to enjoy a pastoral springtime picnic. Many also find it to be an excellent place to take their dog for an early summer adventure!

A Crazy Fun Adventure: Twin Lakes Trail

The Crazy Mountains, roughly two hours away from Billings, are perhaps the most photogenic range in all of Montana. The Crazies rise in stunning contrast against the tranquil country which I-90 traverses to the west of Billings. By traveling north from the highway along the Big Timber Creek via US-191, then west along the dusty Big Timber Canyon Road, you can access one of the most beautiful hikes in central Montana. At roughly nine miles out and back, with over 1,500 feet of elevation gain, you’ll want to make sure you get a fairly early start to make the most of your visit for a day hike. Beginning from the Halfmoon Campground, you follow a wide, gravel trail which takes a moderate grade into the mountains. Soon into this gravel trail, you can visit the cascading Big Timber Creek Falls, whose heavy snowmelt flow is an unforgettable sight for springtime visitors! The trail continues for several miles, crossing a number of quaint wooden bridges. You can also diverge towards the lovely Blue Lake, although this higher elevation hike is less advised until it has warmed later into the summertime. At the top of the Twin Lakes Trail, you are greeted with the magnificent cirque whose peaks you have observed along the trail, in addition to the namesake Twin Lakes. There are several terrific campsites on the approach to the trail, but since they rest in the coulees you may encounter lingering snow drifts which make it difficult to pitch a tent. Nonetheless, the beautiful views and easygoing grade makes this trail one of my favorite hikes for the later part of the spring!

Living in Billings • May 22, 2023

7 SPOOKTACULAR Halloween Activities In Billings, MT

by Rachel Court

During the Halloween season, Billings features dozens of frightful experiences for folks around the city. Many of these events are also hosted for a charitable cause. As the last of the aspen leaves flitter to the ground and the first northern winds blow in from the plains, it’s the perfect time for Montanans to get a little bit spooky!

Looking for ideas to explore the haunted fun around town? As Halloweekend approaches, I present Seven Spooktacular Halloween Activities in Billings, MT!

1.) Masquerade at the YAM

The Masquerade at the Yellowstone Arts Museum is Billing’s artsiest Halloween party! This event is for the elegant guys and ghouls who want to show off their costumes in a beautifully decorated venue and revel with potions mixed by the best of Billings’ artisan distillers and breweries. Tickets run $55 per person on the YAM’s website, and include hors d’oeuvres from the in-house Raven Café D’Art, locally-crafted beverages, and live entertainment. Ticket proceeds go towards the museum’s important cultural work. Best of all, the venue itself may even be haunted… The YAM is built into the old Yellowstone County Jail, and perhaps still houses the ghosts of inmates such as Calamity Jane.

2.) HauntedMoss Mansion

During the spooky season, Billings iconic Moss Mansion is transformed into a world-class haunted house. For the week leading up to Halloween, HauntedMoss allows folks of all ages to explore Billings’ most historic home in a haunted ambience. Visitors will avoid the monsters clustering in the mansion’s naturally dark and chilly hallways, then chart their course through the maze behind the house. Tickets are sold at the door for $20 per person. A classic family experience in Billings, this Halloween event is fun for kids and adults alike!

3.) Scarity Haunted House

Who said you can’t get spooked for a good cause?! With tickets at $20 per adult and $10 per kid, the Scarity Haunted House donates all of its proceeds to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yellowstone County and The Phoenix Sober Active Community. This year, Scarity is hosted at Oscar’s Park, an underrated events venue located due south of ZooMontana. For this year’s theme Apocalypse, visitors will escape the zombies haunting the foggy gravel on the edge of Yellowstone River. With its extra-potent jump scares, Scarity is great for the young adult crowd.

4.) The Maize at Grandpa’s Farm

No Montana fall would be complete without exploring a corn maze! The Maize at Grandpa’s Farm, located on the far West End of Billings, is the best in the biz when it comes to these family-friendly adventures. This year, in celebration of Yellowstone National Park’s 150^th Birthday, their maze was shaped to resemble the Old Faithful geyser when viewed from overhead. The craftsmanship of this maze is worth the visit on its own! For most of the autumn season, The Maize offers the utmost family-friendly experience. In addition to easygoing daytime walks through the cornfield, they also offer tractor rides around the property. During the last weekend of October, however, Grandpa’s Farm turns into a haunted maze replete with ghouls and goblins. Kids are still welcome during these scarier times, but you may want to keep an eye on the youngest ones. Admissions are $15 per person for these Halloween “Hauntings.”

5.) BOO at the Zoo!

With the largest menagerie in the state, Billings’ animal lovers have always flocked to this underrated West End treasure. On the last Saturday of October, however, ZooMontana becomes home base for all of the kids in our Magic City. Boo at the Zoo is “the safest trick-or-treating in town” and a marvelous opportunity for little monsters to show of their most horrific and hilarious costumes. 2022 is the first time this event has returned since Covid, so it should shape into one of their most happening Halloweens yet! Bring your candy baskets and some coffee to keep up with your sugar-happy kids. For the adults attending this event, which is targeted for visitors under 10 years old, just make sure not to wear anything too scary.

6.) Scary Movies at the Art House Cinema

Billings is home to some of Montana’s best movie theatres. This is thanks largely to the wonderful folks at the Art House Cinema. The non-profit creative group was founded on the idea that “great art stirs great conversations.” This year, their frightening holiday feature is John Carpenter’s eponymous Halloween, screening Saturday night at the Babcock Theater. In the past, around Halloween, they’ve also shown classics like the Rocky Horror Picture Show! Whatever the showing in a given year, Art House always puts on a spooky show – and as with many other Hallloweekend events listed above, the proceeds go towards a great community cause.

7.) Juliano’s Restaurant

Perhaps you find yourself in a more romantic bent this Halloween. Maybe your indulgence in sugary treats has given you a craving for some real food. Yet, with all the haunted spirits in the air, you still can’t help but get a dose of ghost. If that’s the case, consider a Halloween dinner at Juliano’s Restaurant. Located in the northwest corner of Downtown Billings, this historic home-turned-5-star-restaurant is one of Billings’ best kept secrets. In addition to their Hawaiian-inspired gourmet menu, Juliano’s is reportedly the home of a ghost named Murray. If you have any doubts about his existence, be warned: he is known to toy with nonbelievers!

Bonus: Haunted Hollows Around Montana

Outside of Billings, Montana has its fair share of ghost stories. Where better to hear those than a bona-fide ghost town!

Bannack State Park, located in Montana’s far southwest corner, is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the West. Bannack was founded in the gold rush of 1862 and served as the original capital for the territory of Montana. The remains of this historic site are excellent for exploring a spooky, abandoned era of Treasure State history.

Another great Halloween destination for Montanans is the Old Montana State Prison, located along I-90 in Deer Lodge, MT. Once the home for some of Montana’s creepiest characters, the Old Montana Prison is regarded as one of the most heavily haunted places in America. Ghost tours run from May to October, where visitors can hunt for paranormal activities. This one is not for the faint of heart. Real horror fans, however, will find it well worth the drive.

Living in Billings • May 22, 2023

7 Best Reasons to Live in Billings, MT

by Rachel Court

Billings has become the best real estate investment in Montana. This success draws many newcomers, who have come to recognize why Billings is a fantastic place to live and play. As a Billings real estate agent, it’s a privilege to show home buyers this beautiful corner of Montana. Having grown up in Montana, I’ve known this region my entire life. So, what are the best reasons to live in Billings, MT? Find out my top seven below!

Affordability

For all its growth in recent years, Billings is one of the most affordable cities in Montana. Buying a home in Billings is substantially cheaper than other major Montana cities. According to Realtor.com, median home prices in Missoula and Bozeman are respectively 162% and 235% more expensive! For less than half the price of homes in those markets, you can live at a substantial property in Billings. In most cost-of-living indices, everyday life in Billings is also rated 5% cheaper than the average US City. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more economical place to experience the Montana lifestyle!

Mountain Vistas and Adventures

Billings boasts amazing views of the Beartooth Mountains, Montana’s tallest mountain range. From many parts of town, you can even see Montana’s tallest mountain – Granite Peak. This picturesque range is also the perfect call to adventure. There are hundreds of trails to explore within the Beartooths, some of which I’ve profiled on my blog before! Only an hour away, the Beartooth Mountains make Billings an outstanding place for hikers, skiers, bikers, anglers, and mountaineers. You also cannot discount our city’s iconic Rimrocks, a series of sandstone bluffs which surround the Yellowstone Valley. These craggy cliffs add a scenic Western aura to Billings. Moreover, the Rims themselves are also full of hiking and mountain biking trails.

The History

Billings possesses some of the most remarkable historical connections of any city in the U.S. Here was the stomping grounds of Western icons like Will James, Calamity Jane, Yellowstone Kelley, and a visiting President Theodore Roosevelt. You can explore their legacy at Montana’s most renowned history museum, the Western Heritage Center. Native American history is also a major attraction. The Nez Perce Trail cuts rights through the western edge of town. And one cannot forget the Indians’ iconic victory at the Little Big Horn Battlefield, only an hour away from our downtown. Lewis and Clark even paddled through our city. At Pompey’s Pillar, 25 minutes east of town, you can see the only place with remaining physical evidence from their 8,000-mile voyage!

Amazing City Parks

Billings has outstanding city parks, boasting 47 in all! Phipps Park, located right next to our neighborhoods on the West End, offers miles of trails and an extensive disc golf course. Dover Park offers stunning views of the Yellowstone River and one of Montana’s best dog parks. Black Otter Trail and Zimmerman Park offer unbeatable views of the city, only minutes away from your office. Our countless ballparks and soccer fields also play host to a bustling youth sports scene, yet another hallmark of our tight-knit community.

Art and Culture Galore

Billings is the cultural capital of Montana. We are home to the region’s only opera and philharmonics, both situated inside the beautiful Alberta Bair Theater. To scratch your contemporary musical itch, both Alberta Bair and MetraPark host performing artists on a weekly basis. Our Yellowstone Art Museum houses the largest collection in Montana, and one of the largest in the entire country which is open to the entire public. Billings is home to a happening cinematic scene as well. Among other theatres, we proudly host the ArtHouse Cinema @ Babcock Theater, a magically refurbished Art Deco playhouse known for their eclectic screenings. For the avid photographer, beautiful murals and photogenic spots also dot the breadth of our city. There is no shortage of aesthetic exploration available in Billings!

We’re Montana’s Largest City

Billings is the largest city in Montana. In addition to our mountain idyll, you can enjoy many benefits of living in a major metro. You can dine at hundreds of restaurants, access every type of professional service, and visit Montana’s largest shopping mall. MetraPark Arena, the largest indoor stadium in a four-state region, hosts countless performers, rodeos, and trade expositions. Billings’ scaled up economy also offers great job opportunities. At 1.8%, Billings holds one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country!

Breweries

The Billings Brew Trail is a nationally-recognized highlight of our city. With nearly a dozen artisan spots in the heart of Billings alone, every weekend opens a new opportunity to explore their menus and the beautifully repurposed warehouse district where most of these businesses are. Red Lodge, less than an hour south of town, offers many of their own local brews and distilleries. Montana ranks among America’s largest wheat and barley producers. Billings breweries put those local crops to use!

Living in Billings • May 22, 2023

4 Fun-tastic Rainy Day Activities in Billings, MT

by Rachel Court

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!

Living in Billings • May 22, 2023

6 Great Spots for LUNCH in Billings, MT

by Rachel Court

It has been said “There is no love more sincere than the love for food.”

Perhaps this is why thousands of newcoming homeowners are falling so in love with Billings, MT!

Billings plays host to hundreds of fabulous restaurants. We boast some of the greatest breweries, classiest Italian restaurants, and best steakhouses in Montana. Perhaps during a busy workday, though, you may be looking for a lighter experience. In that case, our many lunchtime restauranteurs have you covered!

As a realtor in Billings, I know the importance of hosting a great lunch. Whether you’re looking to close a business deal or get to know your newest colleague, there is a restaurant in Billings with the ambience, location and grub to meet your needs!

So, what are the best restaurants for lunch in Billings? I present to you, my Seven Great Lunch Spots in Billings, MT!

Genuine European Charm: Caramel Cookie Waffles Co.

This Billings landmark was founded by a native of Utrecht in the Netherlands. Having moved to Montana to be with his sweetheart, a ranching gal from Roundup, Jan Boogman wanted to share the stroopwafel with his new American neighbors. His traditional caramel cookies were an instant hit, and the couple upgraded their 10’ food truck into the storefront bakery they occupy today. In addition to their unbeatable cookies, Caramel Cookie Waffles Co. also makes their own in-house breads, soups, and delicious sandwiches. The Curry Chicken Salad sandwich on sunflower bread is a delicious option to fuel a long afternoon in the office!

A Lunch Break Landmark: Athenian (iconic, been in billings forever)

For flavor from the other corner of the European continent, look no further than Athenian! This iconic Billings lunch spot has seemingly been around forever, dishing out their refreshing gyros. Their delicious food and pleasant ambience don’t take away from their quick service, making the Athenian an excellent choice for a quick paced lunch break. If you’re looking for something unexpectedly cool, make sure to try their Greek nachos with feta!

To Sneak an Afternoon Sip: Last Chance Pub and Cidery

Located along the historic Montana Ave, Last Chance is one of Billings most famous breweries. With beautiful brick décor and a central location, they are also one of Billings strongest lunch date options. Their menu is loaded with healthy, affordable dishes ranging from salmon salads to their Hawaiian flatbread pizza. Other classics like their chicken mac and cheese pair great with the in-house ciders and brews they keep on tap. If you’re looking to hold a longer one-on-one lunch, there is hardly a better venue than Last Chance!

Gold-Medal Burgers: The Burger Dive

Home of a world-famous burger! Seriously – in 2016, their Huckleberry burger was declared the “Burger Champion” in the televised competition for the World Food Championship. Their wide-ranging menu of iconic burgers have kept Billings residents satisfied for over a decade. Their name is apt for their atmosphere too, where 50’s era antiques and a bustling open kitchen give the Burger Dive the charm of an old-school diner. Feel free to sit at their kitchenside bar to enjoy your milkshake and an order of fries tossed in fresh garlic! The Burger Dive is a great solo lunch spot, or to catch up with a long-time friend.

Affordable and Authentic Mexican: La Tinga

This authentic Mexican joint comes straight from the imagination of a Mexico City chef. Whether you’re going for their namesake chicken tinga tacos, a shrimp burrito, or a hearty plate of chile rellenos, you are guaranteed to leave both full and happy. Just make sure you budget for an afternoon nap after downing their delicious corn tortillas! La Tinga’s prices are almost unmatched in town, but they do not compromise on their quality. They use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients for all of their dishes, which they also deliver from their downtown location.

The Brunch Superstar: The Sassy Biscuit

I can summarize Billings busiest brunch spot in three words: Worth. The. Wait. With weekend lines which often push out the door, it seems the secret is out on this decadent, Southern-inspired kitchen. They pair their namesake biscuits with a wide array of delicious gravies, grits, shrimp, and savory meats. The Sassy Biscuit also features a full lineup of mimosas, espressos, and bloody mary’s. This restaurant is an excellent venue for catching up with friends, perhaps even to cure a Sunday morning hangover. As a veteran-owned business, you can also feel good supporting its owners! If you’re running late, do not fear; on weekends, this “bruncherie” moonlights as a soul food joint known Jook, specializing in hot chicken dishes.

Rachel’s Spotlight – Global Village in Downtown Billings

Top 10 Summer Experiences in Billings Montana

7 Summer Splashdowns Near Billings, MT

7 Back to School Volunteering Opportunities in Billings, MT

5 Fabulous Winter Trails Near Billings, MT

4 Awesome Spring Hikes in Billings, MT

7 SPOOKTACULAR Halloween Activities In Billings, MT

7 Best Reasons to Live in Billings, MT

4 Fun-tastic Rainy Day Activities in Billings, MT

6 Great Spots for LUNCH in Billings, MT

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