5 Reasons to Plan Your Next Ride to Billings, MT

When you find yourself perched atop millions of years old sandstone bluffs encircling a buzzing city below, with views of rolling plains and snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks on the not-so-distant horizon, you’ll know you’ve made it to Billings, MT. Although this one view alone is worth a visit, descending into the city reveals much more about Billings that makes it a bucket-list destination for any motorcyclist.

Epic Trails

If you liked that view from the Rimrocks, you’re in luck. With more than 50 miles of multi-use trails and several parks throughout Billings, there are ample opportunities to get out and experience that quintessential Montana landscape. 

Take in the vastness and variety of terrain from higher elevations at Four Dances Recreation Area or Zimmerman Park. On clear days, you can see five mountain ranges—Pryor, Big Horn, Bull, Crazy and Absaroka-Beartooth—from these areas. 

Relax by meandering along the Yellowstone River with a picnic lunch in tow. At the riverside, you might get a glimpse of local wildlife, like jumping trout, birds, deer, and other species that make this region home.

Live Entertainment

Billings is Montana’s largest city, and that means big-time entertainment. MetraPark’s First Interstate Arena plays host all year long to some of the country’s top recording artists, comedians, rodeos and more. 

You can enjoy more quaint, intimate performances at Alberta Bair Theater, ranging from the Billings Symphony Orchestra to magic shows. During the warmer months, outdoor concerts and festivals abound throughout downtown Billings.

Beartooth Highway

Many motorcyclists are well aware of the Beartooth Highway, but it nevertheless warrants a place among the top reasons to plan a ride to Billings. Just an hour from the city, the highway twists and turns along some of the most extreme terrain in the world, with unmatched views at every mile. 

Forbes even calls it one of the country’s most dazzling rides, reaching nearly 11,000 feet among 20 mountain peaks.

Billings Brew Trail

In recent years, Billings has been building an enviable craft beverage scene that caters to more than beer drinkers. The Billings Brew Trail, much of which is in the walkable downtown region, boasts 11 breweries, three distilleries, a cider mill, and a winery.

Many of the locations have food options ranging from pub fare to full meals, while a food truck or restaurant is never too far from where you sit.

Western Heritage

One of the things most people say about Billings is that it still has that authentic Montana feel. That has a lot to do with the locals and the way of life in Billings, but also with the plentiful opportunities to explore Western heritage. 

Visits to major historic sites, such as Pompeys Pillar and Little Bighorn Battlefield national monuments, can easily be included in a day ride out of Billings. You should also check out the Yellowstone Art Museum, which hosts the largest collection of works by Will James, who earned fame for his illustrations depicting cowboy life.