We live and work in the Magic City, so when someone asks us what to do in Billings, Montana, we’ve got opinions. This guide covers the best things to do in Billings: where to eat, what to explore, and where the nights get interesting, all from people who actually live here.
Billings at a Glance: Western, outdoorsy, and proud of our local culture. Expect Rimrocks views that don’t get old, a food scene that punches above its weight, and easy access to wide-open Montana landscape. With around 120,000 people, Billings is big enough to surprise you but still feels like Montana through and through.
The Best Things to Do in Billings, Montana
Not sure what to do in Billings? From winters spent skiing and snowshoeing to summers along the rushing Yellowstone River, in Billings, you’re never far from a real adventure.
We’ve got Rimrocks hikes that feel genuinely wild, a downtown food scene that punches well above its weight, live music venues featuring local artists and big headliners, and a community that shows up for itself. Here’s what we love about our city.
Favorite Restaurants & Local Eats
Billings has a hearty, homegrown food scene. Fueling up before a day on the Rimrocks or settling in for a proper dinner after dark, these local spots are worth the stop.
Windmill & Bar 51
A bona fide Billings institution, the Windmill & Bar 51 serves steaks, chops, and some of the tastiest seafood you’ll find in all of Montana. It does an impressive job delivering great food without ever feeling stuffy. First opened in the 1930s as a dance club and drinking establishment, today the Windmill may be in a new location, but it’s still serving up the classics.
The Rib & Chop House
A Billings favorite for hearty cuts, fresh fish, loaded burgers, and comforting pastas. This popular steakhouse chain presents a real dilemma: Go for the juicy, USDA Prime steaks and chops, or the 24-hour marinated and slow-cooked ribs? With a robust drinks list covering cocktails and alcohol-free mocktails, The Rib & Chop House is the kind of place where you can bring the whole crew and everybody eats well.
Sandee’s Burgers
Opened in 1959, Sandee’s Burgers serves straight-up nostalgia. Though you’ll find fried chicken and fish sandwiches, plus some forays into mozzarella sticks and battered mushrooms, the focus is really on the burgers. With some options stacked so high as to be almost ridiculous (try the four-patty “4 Banger”) and topped with extras like ham, bacon, and turkey, these meaty handfuls demand some crinkle-cut fries on the side. Sandee’s is as close to the local taste of Billings as you’ll get.
Live Music, Nightlife & Culture in the Magic City
When the sun goes down, Billings doesn’t slow down. From intimate taprooms to arenas that pull national headliners, the city’s entertainment scene runs deep.
Pub Station
Whether it’s line-dancing to country, head-banging to rock, or singing along to pop, the Pub Station is one of the premier venues for live events in Billings. The Ballroom holds 1,000, while the 400-capacity Taproom feels more low-key. It also features a Seed of Life-themed green room, made to support artists backstage and inspire creativity, complete with rolling papers, original art, and more.
MetraPark
This sprawling complex hosts multiple events, concerts, and other popular attractions throughout the year. From top-billed concerts to job fairs to basketball tournaments, there’s always something happening at MetraPark.
Club Lux
With a full calendar of nightlife events, DJs, and more, Club Lux brings the high-energy vibe of a major metropolitan nightclub to Billings. Fans love its high-quality lights and sound, electric atmosphere, and all-around great vibes.
Hiking, Trails & Outdoor Adventures in Billings
You don’t have to go far to find the kind of wide-open Montana landscape that makes people fall in love with this state. Billings sits right at the edge of it, with rim trails, river access, and sweeping views just minutes from downtown.
Zimmerman Park
As one of the top-rated things to do in Billings, Montana, this easy-to-reach park and hiking area offers breathtaking views of the city and awe-inspiring rock formations. With hiking trails suited for adventurers of every skill and experience level, Zimmerman Park is one of the most inclusive outdoor experiences in the entire region.
Four Dances Rim Loop
A beloved trail that’s friendly to hikers across experience levels, the 1.7-mile Four Dances Rim Loop takes you through ponderosa pines and past rocky outcrops. The payoffs, though, are expansive views of Billings and wildlife sightings, including moose, birds, bears, and foxes.
Where to Go For Local Montana-Grown Cannabis
Looking to pair your day in Billings with fresh, Montana-grown cannabis? We’re here to help. Seed of Life has five locations across Billings, many of which are convenient to the local happenings listed above.
- Sugar Ave: In downtown Billings, our Sugar Ave location is close to Sandee’s Burgers and features ample street parking and other conveniences.
- Mullowney Lane: Just south of downtown, this location is close to the Billings Hotel & Convention Center and the Josephine Crossing neighborhood.
- Billings Heights: This is a prime location if you’re hitting hiking trails and outdoor attractions such as Zimmerman Park or the Four Dances Rim Loop.
- Lockwood-Billings: This location offers easy access from I-90 for visitors passing through; it’s also close to the Metrapark complex, Club Lux, and the Pub Station.
- Billings West End: Close to the Rib & Chop houses, Billings West End is an easy stop before heading down to Laurel or beyond.
Whichever Seed of Life you visit, you’ll find ample parking, an on-site ATM, and most importantly, a knowledgeable team that’s here to answer questions and provide guidance. Our dispensaries are open from 9am-7:50pm daily.
Cannabis in Billings: Laws, Etiquette & Travel Tips
When you’re getting ready to spend your days in Billings, it pays to plan ahead. Here are some top tips for the cannabis consumer on the go in Montana:
- Bring a valid ID (21+)
- Shop earlier in the day (avoid last-minute rushing)
- In Montana, public consumption of cannabis is not allowed and is only permitted on private property
- Don’t drive impaired and always store cannabis safely while traveling
For more tips on making your first dispensary visit a breeze, visit our guide to shopping for cannabis in Montana. And since cannabis laws can change quickly, review the current rules for out-of-state guests before you head to the shop.
Visit Seed of Life Dispensaries in Billings & Beyond
At Seed of Life’s dispensaries in Billings and across Montana, we’re as proud to be part of the local community as we are of our award-winning cannabis.
Trying to find the best things to do in Billings? Many guests pair a sativa with spending the day outdoors, or indulge in an edible before sampling the local eats. Whatever draws you to town, we’re here to support your relaxation and adventures with expert guidance.
You can also find us at any of our partner events or as a sponsor of the Downtown Billings Association, a local organization that hosts the Celtic Fair and St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the Alive after 5 concert series.
Looking for more things to do in Billings? Head over to our Billings events guide and see what’s happening year-round.
FAQ: Visiting Billings, Montana
Downtown Billings boasts a vibrant mix of arts, history, and local culture, including the historic Billings Depot. Catch live performances at the Alberta Bair Theater or NOVA Center, explore unique local shops, and enjoy downtown events like the Alive After 5 concert series. Check the Downtown Billings Association event calendar for details.
Yes. Tourists and visitors to Montana can purchase legally from licensed dispensaries, such as Seed of Life, provided they’re 21 years of age or older and have a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport).
No. Consuming cannabis in public is prohibited in the state of Montana. You may consume it on private property and in residences with the owner’s permission, but that doesn’t extend to outdoor public spaces or to any vehicles.
No. Because cannabis is illegal under federal law, you can’t transport it across state lines. Instead, we suggest you purchase it from a licensed dispensary and enjoy it responsibly within Billings or another locale in Montana.
In the colder months, things to do in Billings range from urban culture to rugged outdoor adventure, including skiing and snowboarding at nearby Red Lodge Mountain, hiking the snowy Rimrocks, and snowshoeing in local parks.
