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Summer Road Trips from Billings
Cue the playlist, grab your favorite gas station snacks, and let’s hit the road! This guide is your go-to for short, sweet, and adventure-packed day trips from Billings that are as unforgettable as they are easy to reach.
Pompeys Pillar National Monument
3039 US Highway 312, Pompeys Pillar, MT 59064
Just about 30 minutes from Billings, this sandstone butte is more than a scenic stop-it’s a literal mark in time. The only remaining on-site physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Captain William Clark carved his signature here in 1806, and you can still see it today. Climb the boardwalks to take in sweeping views of the Yellowstone River, check out the interpretive center, and imagine the stories this land could tell.
Learn more about them: Pompeys Pillar: A Mark in Time
Red Lodge Mountain
305 Ski Run Road, Red Lodge, MT 59068
Think ski resorts are only for winter? Think again. In summer, Red Lodge Mountain transforms into a laid-back alpine escape. Enjoy hikes with panoramic views, quirky local shops in town, and the kind of small-town charm that feels like a breath of fresh mountain air.
Learn more about them: Red Lodge Mountain: Where Adventure Feels Like Home
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center (West Yellowstone)
201 S Canyon Street, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
If you’ve got animal lovers in the car, this stop is a must. The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is an AZA-accredited wildlife park where you can safely observe bears, wolves, and raptors up close. The best part? These animals can’t survive in the wild, so your visit directly supports their care and education efforts.
Learn more about them: Grizzlies, Wolves, and Wonder
Carbon County Historical Society & Museum
224 Broadway Avenue North, Red Lodge, MT 59068
Located in a historic old jailhouse, this small-town museum packs a punch. Learn about coal mining, rodeo legends, and local law enforcement history through engaging exhibits and artifacts. This is the kind of place that turns your quick stop into a deep dive.
Learn more about them: Honoring Heritage in Carbon County
Meats of Montana
209 E 1st Ave, Big Timber, MT 59011
Need a snack break or want to load up your cooler with something local and delicious? Make a pit stop at Meats of Montana in Big Timber. Their premium, Montana-raised meats-including signature bacon and bratwursts-are made with care and plenty of heart. Old-fashioned customer service and top-tier flavor? Yes, please.
Learn more about them: Meats of Montana: Flavor with a Side of Heart
Greycliff Mill
11 Greycliff Creek Ln, Greycliff, MT 59033
Halfway between Billings and Big Timber sits this picturesque mill, café, and boutique shopping spot. Nestled beside a river and surrounded by fields, Grey Cliff Mill is the definition of a hidden gem. Enjoy fresh bakery goods, browse artisan goods, and enjoy a ride on their iconic swing. No matter your age, it’s guaranteed to make you smile.
Carter County Museum
306 N Main St, Ekalaka, MT 59324
Dinosaurs? In Montana? You bet. Ekalaka’s Carter County Museum is part of the Montana Dinosaur Trail and has been showcasing local fossils since 1936. It’s educational, fun, and totally worth the drive for dino-obsessed kids (and adults).
Final Tip Before You Hit the Road
Montana miles feel shorter when the company is good, the snacks are packed, and your playlist is on point. Whether you're craving outdoor adventure, local flavor, or quirky roadside stops, there's something incredible waiting just beyond the Billings city limits.
Want more trip ideas? Keep checking back at Billings365.com all summer long for events, eats, and even more road trip magic.
