Historic Landmarks in Billings

Billings, Montana, is a place where you can fall in love with natural history, American history, and the stories that evoke a pioneering spirit! However, you may be wondering about the best places to visit. This list of the top historic sites in Billings covers amazing attractions.

1. Moss Mansion Museum

Moss Mansion is a grand estate located at 914 Division Street in Billings, Montana. Look for the red-stone mansion that's been standing tall for more than 100 years! Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Moss Mansion was built by Preston Boyd Moss and his wife following a move from Paris. It was notably designed by the same architect behind the Waldorf-Astoria and Plaza Hotel. Visitors can enjoy self-paced and guided tours. Specially-themed tours are also peppered throughout the year.

2. Pictograph Cave State Park

Considered one of the most significant historic sites in Billings, Pictograph Cave State Park allows you to cover a loop trail that offers views of ancient rock paintings. The caves within the park provided shelter among the sandstone cliffs to the prehistoric hunters who called ancient Montana homes. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964, this 23-acre park reaches 3,500 in elevation at points. Its deepest cave goes down 45 feet into the earth. There's also a wonderful visitor's center with a gift shop.

3. Pompeys Pillar

Walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark! Pompeys Pillar National Monument is a 120-foot natural outcropping that was visited by William Clark at one point. The explorer even left behind an inscription. Of course, this geological wonder's history actually goes back much further than that. Archeologists believe that humans have occupied the site of Pompeys Pillar for millennia.

Pompeys Pillar is a seasonal attraction. It is only open to the public from May 1 through September 1. During its open season, the attraction can be visited seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Entry is charged by the number of passengers per vehicle. To access the site, visitors must follow a 1,000-foot boardwalk.

4. Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site

The Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site at Swords Rimrock Park offers views galore! From the Chief Black Otter Trail, you'll unlock stunning views of Billings. This is also a great place to learn about the legends of the Yellowstone River Valley. The Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site is dedicated to an iconic American veteran named Luther Sage (Yellowstone) Kelly, who was laid to rest overlooking the peaks right here in Billings.

5. Chief Plenty Coups State Park

Montana takes great pride in sharing the story of Chief Plenty Coups of the Apsáalooke (Crow) tribe. His bravery helped to foster peace in the region. He was also notably the first among the Apsáalooke to settle on a farm. Following his death at the age of 84 in 1932, Chief of Plenty Coup's wife oversaw the conversion of more than 190 of his 320 acres of farmland into a public park. Chief Plenty Coups stands today as a treasured National Historic Landmark. Visitors come today for picnicking, birding, fishing, hiking, and touring the Chief Plenty Coups home.

History Is Everywhere in Billings

History is simply in the soil in Billings. From amazing turn-of-the-century estates to prehistoric caves, this city and its outskirts offer it all! The best part is that there's no age limit for fun. If you're excited to expose your youngsters to the fresh air and open sky of this beloved Montana city, check out this list of things to do in Billings Montana with kids.