Summary
- See Pompey’s Pillar National Monument
- Experience the Little Bighorn Battlefield
- Visit the Dam at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
- Learn About the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustangs
- Visit Chief Plenty Coups State Park
- Drive to Red Lodge, Montana
- Take a Scenic Drive to the Old West
- Hike the East Lake Rosebud Trail
- Visit the Wildlife
- Go Horseback Riding
Billings, Montana, is a fun place to visit with western museums, breweries, restaurants, and a wildlife sanctuary where you can see bears and wolves.
You don’t have to drive too far out of Billings, Montana, to find outdoor recreation and more wild west history. The region is diverse with terrains to explore including mountains, rivers, and canyons. History buffs, in particular, will find this region’s national monuments, historic sites, and old west atmosphere fun to delve into.
See Pompey’s Pillar National Monument
Address: 3039 Hwy 312, Pompeys Pillar, MT 59064, USA
Phone: +1 406-875-2400
This is a must-stop for history buffs. Located just east of Billings off of Interstate 94, Pompey’s Pillar offers unique physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark expedition. William Clark carved his name and the date on a sandstone rock formation, which has now become a national historical monument, featuring an interpretive center and trail.
Experience the Little Bighorn Battlefield
Address: Interstate 90, Battlefield Tour Rd, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA
Phone: +1 406-638-3236
This National Monument preserves the site of one of the most notorious battles of the 19th-century Indian wars. Visitors to the Little Bighorn Battlefield can learn more by taking a self-guided walking and auto tour, experiencing the exhibits and film at the official visitor center, and exploring key sites on the battlefield.
Visit the Dam at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Address: Fort Smith, MT 59035, USA
Phone: +1 406-666-2412
The Yellowtail Dam on the Bighorn River has created a vast reservoir offering diverse recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and wildlife watching, while the Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center provides valuable insights into the area’s natural and human history.
Learn About the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustangs
Address: 1106 Rd 12, Lovell, WY 82431-9757, USA
Phone: +1 307-548-9453
South of Billings, in Lovell, this area is home to a free-roaming herd of mustangs. Not only can visitors enjoy wildlife watching, but they can also explore interesting geology and historic sites. The Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center museum provides educational resources about these majestic creatures.
Visit Chief Plenty Coups State Park
Address: 1 Pryor Rd, Pryor, MT 59066, USA
Phone: +1 406-252-1289
This historic site, located within the Crow Reservation, preserves the farmland and home of Chief Plenty Coups, a renowned peace-making chief. Visitors will enjoy interpretive exhibits, hiking, wildlife watching, and fishing opportunities, as well as special events like Native American Heritage Day held in September.
Drive to Red Lodge, Montana
Address: 224 Broadway Ave N, Red Lodge, MT 59068, USA
Phone: +1 406-446-3667
The charming mountain resort town of Red Lodge is a delightful place to wander and explore. It features numerous shops and eateries in historic buildings and serves as the eastern end of the famed Beartooth Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the U.S.
Take a Scenic Drive to the Old West
There are several scenic driving routes available both east and south of Billings. These routes feature picturesque river and canyon scenery, providing an Old West ambiance. The Billings Scenic Drive is a marked route that connects several attractions, allowing for a convenient exploration of the area.
Hike the East Lake Rosebud Trail
The East Lake Rosebud Trail in the Custer Gallatin National Forest leads you to numerous scenic lakes. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike, this trail accommodates varying levels of hikers.
Visit the Wildlife
At the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary in Red Lodge, visitors can see and learn about various wildlife including black bears, foxes, wolves, and more. The sanctuary offers educational tours and programming designed to engage the public with wildlife conservation.
Go Horseback Riding
You can ride near Custer’s Battlefield National Monument or along Pryor Creek with experienced wranglers from various local companies. They offer scenic rides suitable for both beginners and seasoned riders, in addition to wagon rides and pack trips.
