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!

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.

Billings, MT is truly the Star of the Big Sky Country. We are the region’s primary commercial hub, the most populated city in Montana, and only a scenic jaunt away from amazing sites like Yellowstone National Park or Custer Battlefield. In addition to our booming economy, Billings hosts a range of beautiful sites that underscore our Montana aesthetic. Indeed, we have many of the most photogenic sites in Montana.

As a Billings real estate agent, folks often ask me: “What are the best places to see in Billings?” or “Where can I find the Montana lifestyle?” As the mother of a photographer (and an amateur photo fanatic in my own right!) I often frame these questions in terms of a great place to capture in a picture. In this post, I’m excited to share my most photogenic spots around Billings, MT. These places run the gamut from natural beauty to western culture to the cosmopolitan high life of Montana’s biggest city. Whether you’re planning a business headshot or a chic Instagram post, these are my 14 best spots for photography in Billings!

1. Best Views Over Billings: Four Dances Recreation Area

My favorite place in the entirety of Billings is the Four Dances Recreation Area. This gorgeous park is situated atop the sandstone bluffs which overlook Billings from the southeast. With nearly 800 acres of wild terrain, you can explore a beautiful landscape of sagebrush and ponderosa pines. From the park’s precarious cliffs, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Billings’ sprawl from 500 feet above the magnificent Yellowstone Valley. Four Dances is only a ten-minute drive from Downtown, and the best overlooks are only a quarter-mile walk from the parking lot. This Billings park is Montana’s most accessible spot for rugged photography adventures.

2. Cowboy Nostalgia: The Cowboy Sign at Public Auction Yards

Billings is the capital of Montana’s livestock community. Cowboy culture bleeds into so much of what we do, from PBR rodeos at the MetraPark Arena to Ag conventions at our downtown hotels. Such events are one of the biggest draws for folks living in Billings. One of the most iconic symbols of Billings’ Western heritage is the cowboy billboard outside of the Public Auction Yards. At the intersection of S 18^th St and Minnesota Ave, you can greet this Stetson-wearing dude who beckons you into “The Livestock Center of the West.” If you go here to flex your ranching chops, just remember the cardinal rule: straw hats are good from April to September, but otherwise you need to stick to felt.

3. Voguish Greenery: The Roots Greenhouse

One of my favorite places to gather with friends is the beautiful greenhouse at Roots Garden Center. This lovely venue on Poly Drive features colorful plants, cozy modern seating, and a lovely soundtrack of tinkling windchimes. If you’re trying to enliven your Instagram page, the opaque siding of the greenhouse can even add a mysterious feel. Billings has a trendy side, and the Roots Greenhouse places that artistic attitude is fully on display. This highly photogenic business also features several artistic installations by local artists and the wonderful Black Dog Coffee shop.

4. Brick Backdrops: Last Chance Cidery

Billings was founded as a railroad town. Our Magic City earned this moniker when a flurry of brick warehouses sprung up, like magic, around the Billings Depot. While new industries define our city today, Montana Avenue underscores the beautiful continuum of Billings’ railroad history. One of the avenue’s most lovely standouts is the Last Chance Cidery. This brick-walled brewery pairs the historic vibes with a colorful array of modern features. Billings aesthetes love its famous green fireplace and large paned windows. The restaurant’s modern gastronomy and in-house ales also make for a charming addition to your next Instagram post.

5. Snazzy South Side Vibes: Rail Link Coffee

Rail Link Coffee is the South Side’s greatest hidden gem! Founded as a community development project for underprivileged families, Rail Link employs both local youth and a suave sense of photogenic charm. You’ll enjoy the coffee, as well as the industrial vibes from this café in Billings’ old manufacturing district. Metallic orange furniture and a weathered brick wall combine for a fascinating backdrop to your next study session. The melodies of passing railcars will further remind you that you are not just in a city, but in a Montana city – trains and all!

6. The Cozy Lap of Luxury: The Northern Hotel Lobby

The Northern hotel, at the heart of our downtown district, is an outstanding place for a winter photoshoot in Billings. With a roaring fireplace set against white marble tile, and an array of cozy leather furniture, the Northern Hotel’s lobby screams “Christmas in Montana!” This historic hotel is a standby of the Billings skyline, originally built in 1904, and a great place to visit in Billings if you are trying to get a sense of the town’s urban elements. With modern features in its lobby, The Northern does a good job appealing to our city’s chic crowd.

7. Rugged Americana: Cowboy’s of Huntley

Located twenty minutes east of Billings, Huntley, MT is one of the main ranching hotspots in Yellowstone County. As a testament to the hard work of this industry stands the excellent local steakhouse Cowboy’s. The place screams Western culture at its finest. Outside stand grain silos used to store malts for none other than Coors’ Light. Indoors, they feature a wall of Chris LeDoux memorabilia, an array of vintage neon beer signs, and barstools ornamented with the finest personalities in ranching. If you’re looking to capture a photo amidst the cowboys themselves, their namesake restaurant is an outstanding bet.

8. For Quirky Mementos: Prerogative Kitchen

Billings, MT has amazing access to the mountains. Indeed, Montana’s tallest range – the Beartooth Mountains – are only an hour away from town. You can access them by way of the lovely hamlet of Red Lodge, MT. Known best for its skiing and its proximity to the jaw-dropping turns of the Beartooth Highway, Red Lodge is also a great place for Billings residents to visit for a neat aesthetic. Among its many restaurants worthy of an Instagrammable visit, I have to throw out the Prerogative Kitchen. Their interior is full of every backdrop imaginable; peeling stucco walls, surreal pastel murals, and a burlesque-style seating area with red velvet chairs. By posting your next visit to Prerogative, you are sure to generate some Instagram likes – and perhaps a new perspective on Montana’s quirky, artistic side.

9. Soak In the Yellowstone: Dover Park

Located right along the Yellowstone River, Dover Park is my favorite place to absorb views of Billings’ most iconic waterway. One hundred miles upstream, this river connects with Yellowstone Lake. By driving only 5 minutes from our downtown, we can connect with this natural heritage that exemplifies our region. Dover Park, with Billing’s largest dog park and a pleasant network of human trails, is a nice spot to get up close and personal with the river. Feel to brag to your friends in the comments that you live in the county their favorite TV show is named after.

10. Baseball and Rimrocks: Dehler Park

Nothing quite beats a summer afternoon watching the Mustangs play! Billings premiere professional sporting venue also provides a premiere aesthetic perspective. From any seat in the park, you can absorb beautiful views of the rimrocks. The rims add a stunning sandstone relief to a ballgame, whose scale is probably unmatched by any other ballpark in the Mountain West. Often times, you can even watch the cliffs swallow an airplane gliding in for a landing at the airport above! Between the green outfield, the bustling crowd, and Billings’ iconic rimrocks, Dehler is an outstanding place for summer photography in Billings, MT.

11. A Taste of Finer Culture: Yellowstone Art Museum

Of all the reasons we make our homes in Billings, the fine arts may not be the first object which comes to mind. Against these expectations, however, Billings is home to a full-scale opera, a local philharmonic and Montana’s largest art museum. The Yellowstone Art Museum is an expansive place to explore contemporary art. Indeed, their collection is among the only ones in the entire nation whose entire catalog is available for public viewing! Among the collections you’ll find expressive landscape paintings by local Crow artists, sketching by Will James, and innovative photographs to inspire your next adventure for of the Gram.

12. Art Deco Amazement: The Babcock Theater

Billings is full of unique architectural sites, but few are so enticing as the Babcock Theater downtown. The colorful interior could have been designed by Gaudi himself, with bulging features that speak to the fantastical nature of our favorite dramas. This building, like many across our city, has been revitalized by recent development investors. However, its continued upkeep relies on the generosity visitors. Its marquee welcome sign alone is worth a visit to enliven your next shoot, so check out this highly photogenic location and contribute to the local Billings culture!

As the snow starts falling, Billings is transformed into a veritable winter wonderland. Icicles form along the Rimrocks and the snowcapped Beartooths emerge across the horizon. With the recent winter weather, it lately feels like time to cozy up beside the fireplace. With the holidays upon us, however, there is still time for some end-of-year excursions into town.

Billings, Montana is a community-oriented place. This means that there are always opportunities to celebrate in the company of our neighbors. The Yuletide is no exception! This winter, there are dozens of holiday adventures to explore in our Magic City. In this blog post, I’d like to share four of these Festive Holiday Activities in Billings, MT!

1) Holiday Nights at ZooMontana

ZooMontana is an underrated treasure of our town, hosting wonderful events at all times of the year. Starting just this year, they have decided to bring their magic touch to the holiday season.

As Jack Frost begins to nibble at our noses, the team there sets up a dazzling array of light displays for their Holiday Nights festival. Running from Thanksgiving to New Years, this pop-up Christmas village is perfect for family visits and perhaps even a romantic holiday date! In addition to the colorful exhibits, ZooMontana hosts sleigh rides, private s’mores tents, and photoshoots with Santa Claus himself! Tickets run from $12.50 for kids up to $21 for adults. Toddlers can enter for free!

2) Christmas Performances at the Alberta Bair Theatre

Another hidden treasure of Billings, MT is our world-class symphony hall at the Alberta Bair Theatre. During each holiday season, this fabulous venue hosts some sort of festive performance. This year, it’s a live performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol! The performance, directed by a seasoned team coming straight off Broadway, will recur several times during the week leading up to Christmas. Young people would especially enjoy this dose of culture, as student tickets start at only $17 a pop! Last year, the Theatre completed a major renovation project to beautify and enhance its interior. If you have not done so yet, this special holiday performance is an excellent chance to check out this refreshed Billings landmark.

3) Brewery Festivities!

No trip into Billings is complete without a trip into one of its premiere breweries! During the holidays, our local drafthouses give us all the more reason to swing by. Thirsty Street Brewing, Co. for instance will be hosting a Christmas Cookie Party on the Wednesday before Christmas. Attractions will include holiday sugar cookies, an ugly sweater contest, and live Christmas music performances by local musicians. Other breweries will be hosting similar events, all of which are worth checking out. Where else can you enjoy some holiday revelry to go along with your taste of Montana’s most enjoyable agricultural export?!

4) Evening Christmas Light Run with Yellowstone Rim Runners

Billings is an active community. Seriously – it is hard to find someone here who is not invested in their mountain biking, kayaking, trail running, rock climbing, or any number of other adventurous recreations. These energetic folks don’t let the cold weather put a stop to their fun, either. This winter, to burn off the milk and cookies, the Yellowstone Rim Runners (a local running club) are putting on a series of Christmas Light Fun Runs. These fitness devotees have put together routes going through the most audacious Billings neighborhood light displays. People in Montana tend to go big or go home – and it’s no exception with the Christmas decorations. Why not check out how your neighbors are celebrating, and get a little holiday exercise too!

Billings, Montana is a veritable mecca for coffee lovers. From boutique cafes to grab-and-go huts, Billings has a coffeeshop for everyone. I wanted to share some of my favorites which carry the most unique atmosphere. Hopefully they will inspire you to explore Billings’ coffee scene!

For unique indoor seating: Black Dog Coffee House (2147 Poly Dr, Billings, MT 59102)

This trendy haunt is a truly unique spot to work near the Rimrocks! Sharing a roof with the Roots Garden Center, Black Dog’s indoor seating has the feel of an urban botanical garden. During warmer months, Black Dog also sports a gorgeous outdoor patio where you can enjoy your Joe next to fountains and an array of plants. The coffee itself is top of the line, prepared by a knowledgeable crew of baristas. Situated in a tree-lined neighborhood, away from the chaos of Downtown, Black Dog is a lovely retreat to get work done amidst the sights and smells of plentiful greenery.

For artists and Instagram-able moments: The Annex Coffeehouse and Bakery (2601 Minnesota Ave Ste 4, Billings, MT 59101)

The Annex is made for the artistically-minded coffee enthusiast. Defined by the murals which enliven its brick walls, both inside and out, this colorful cafe was seemingly designed as the background for your next Instagram post. From their in-house bakery, they also boast an extensive menu of fresh-made pastries, sandwiches, and other treats! Located next to the train tracks, just past the downtown thoroughfare of 27^th Street, The Annex is an essential urban café.

For view of the Rimrocks: City Brew Coffee (1335 Golden Valley Circle, Billings, MT 59102)

My list would not be complete without a City Brew! Founded right here in Billings, this now-statewide chain has become an iconic part of Montana city living. With a cozy and replicable atmosphere at their many locations, I like to think of City Brew as Montana’s homegrown alternative to Starbucks. My favorite location of theirs stands right off the Zimmerman Trail. They have a nice outdoor firepit, making for cozy autumn seating, and plentiful space indoors. From this shop, you can enjoy views of the Rimrocks while you sip on your coffee – if not one of their many other flavored drinks. It’s also conveniently near many of Billings’ major thoroughfares!

For an uplifting story: Rail Line Coffee (104 S 29th St, Billings, MT 59101)

Rail Line owns the most fascinating story of any coffeeshop on this list. Opened in 2020 by the Christian community group CLDI, the Rail Line “Redemptive Coffeehouse” was envisioned as a vehicle for improving lives in Billings’ marginalized South Side. Through their Apprentice program, they employ baristas from challenged backgrounds, helping vulnerable women and youth to gain a leg up in the world.  It’s not just the spirited backstory that makes visiting Rail Line a feel-good experience. The spacious interior and modern seating in this repurposed garage create a positive setting to connect with friends and colleagues alike!

For productivity gurus: Legacy Coffee Roasters (1410 38th St W Suite 1, Billings, MT 59102)

The West End is one of Billing’s fastest up-and-coming areas for families. Legacy Coffee Roasters, located at the intersection of Grand and Shiloh, is one of the newest businesses catering to these newcomers. What really sets them apart is their plentiful workspace, designed just for students and young professionals. Legacy’s most unique feature is row of meeting rooms they host in the back, outfitted with a TV and board-room table perfect for group presentations. Next time you need to meet with clients on the western edge of town, or simply get a change of scenery to finish a project, Legacy Coffee Roasters provide an excellent setting!

There is something essentially romantic about the wintertime in Billings. The drifting snow and howling winds encourage us to cozy up inside with warm beverages and even warmer company. Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to relish that feeling with a special evening at one of the Magic City’s many unique venues. Even if you do not have a romantic partner, Valentine’s Day is a great time to connect with somebody close to you and treat yourself to some good memories out on the town.

Are you trying to think of Romantic Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day in Billings, MT? Then check out this list of my seven favorite romantic dates in Billings to get your thinking started!

1.) Fine Dining at Juliano’s Restaurant

Juliano’s, located in an unassuming neighborhood near the hospital district, offers some of the most dazzling cuisine in Billings. Chef Carl Kurokawa has been wowing our taste buds for nearly 30 years with his Asian-American fusion, serving up his creations in a historic building outfitted with gorgeous antique furnishings. Reservations can be hard to come by, but rest assured that your date will be impressed by an evening in this iconic Billings dinner spot.

2.) Hike to see the sunset at Four Dances

Are you looking for an inexpensive date idea in Billings, MT? Consider hiking up to the Four Dances Recreation Area! Perched atop the rimrocks on the eastern edge of town, the bluffs at this park provide a perfect view of the sunset over the Magic City. Bring a bottle of wine, a charcuterie board, and some blankets, then perch yourselves at one of the picnic tables for a romantic sunset you will never forget!

3.) Cap off a Red Lodge weekend by dining at Prerogative Kitchen

Red Lodge always makes for a great romantic getaway. After a day on Billing’s nearest slopes, nothing beats an evening relaxing in the sauna at the Yodeler Hotel. That is, except for dinner at Red Lodge’s spunkiest and most delicious restaurant! Last year, Prerogative Kitchen was a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard award, bestowed upon the most accomplished chefs in the United States. This Valentine’s Day, they will also be putting together a special gourmet menu, so book your reservations ASAP!

4.) Savor the Cuisine at the Marble Table

A recent addition to the Billings restaurant lineup is the Marble Table, located on the iconic strip of Montana Avenue. Opened for business in 2020, this family-owned restaurant is growingly becoming a staple for date nights family dinners alike. It’s downtown location also provides a perfect spot to pair with a pre-dinner beverage at nearby joints like the Last Chance Cider Mill. Beyond their delicately prepared entrees, the Marbles have also perfected the art of gourmet hamburgers and mac n’ cheese. This venue is sure to please any crowd.

5.) Valentine’s Day Soiree at Yellowstone Cellars & Winery

In addition to our world-class breweries, Billings also boasts several great spots for wine-lovers. One of my favorites is the Yellowstone Cellars & Winery, located on the south end of town. They always have an impressive collection of reds and whites from here in the Northwest region, and regularly put on lovely evening events. This Valentine’s Day they will be hosting a Soiree, featuring a live jazz band specializing in Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett covers, specialty wine cocktails, and complimentary “sweet treats.” No reservations allowed, so make sure to get there early!

6.) Get your Italian on at Ciao Mambo

When you enjoy the savory Italian fare from Ciao Mambo’s scratch kitchen, THAT’S Amore! Even if it’s been awhile since you have watched Lady and the Tramp, you can appreciate the quintessentially romantic aspect of dinner at an Italian restaurant. You could hardly do better than Billings’ favorite destination for the pastas served with red sauce and red wine. In addition to traditional Italian classics, the great chefs at Ciao Mambo make plenty of interesting twists on other meals, including seafood medleys and their famous “Italian nachos.” Not to mention, they have an impressive wine list, a bristling romantic ambience, and the best garlic bread in town.

7.) Bitterroot Sip and Paint

It never hurts to think beyond dinner and drinks when planning an outing with that special someone. Registering for a class at Bitterroot Sip and Paint is a great option for something unique to spice up your romantic season. During the class, a trained artist will guide you through the steps to paint a beautiful watercolor, a cash bar from High Horse Saloon will keep you refreshed, and your own creative powers will flourish on the canvas. Best of all, you get to keep the product as a lifelong Valentine’s souvenir!