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19 Jun 2026

10 Best Places for Weekend Trips From Billings, MT

Weekend Trips From Billings, MT Overview

This collection of weekend trips from Billings offers a great mix of scenery, history, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences. If you want iconic landscapes, Yellowstone National Park delivers unforgettable geysers, wildlife, waterfalls, and scenic drives, while Beartooth Highway adds one of the most breathtaking mountain road trips in the country. Red Lodge Mountain is ideal for travelers who enjoy alpine recreation and a welcoming mountain-town atmosphere.

For history-focused travelers, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and Pompeys Pillar National Monument provide meaningful connections to the American West, Native history, and the Lewis and Clark era. Pictograph Cave State Park adds an archaeological dimension with ancient rock art and accessible trails. If you prefer canyons, boating, fishing, and quieter outdoor escapes, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a standout choice.

The trip list also includes excellent museum and badlands experiences. Buffalo Bill Center of the West and Museum of the Rockies are strong choices for world-class exhibits on Western heritage, dinosaurs, science, and regional history. Makoshika State Park rounds out the itinerary with rugged badlands views, fossil discoveries, and a landscape very different from the mountains and forests closer to Billings. Together, these destinations create a varied and memorable set of easy weekend getaway options.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Yellowstone National Park

    Visit for world-famous geothermal features like Old Faithful and colorful hot springs, abundant wildlife including bison and elk, and dramatic landscapes with waterfalls, canyons, and scenic drives that make it an unforgettable weekend adventure.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

    Visit to experience one of the most significant historic sites in the American West, where you can learn about the 1876 battle, understand both U.S. Army and Plains Tribal perspectives, and explore a powerful landscape filled with memorials and history.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Beartooth Highway

    Visit for one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the United States, with high alpine vistas, switchbacks, mountain lakes, hiking access, and incredible photo opportunities that make the journey itself the main attraction.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Red Lodge Mountain

    Visit for a classic mountain getaway with excellent skiing and snowboarding in winter, scenic chairlift views and hiking in warmer months, and easy access to the charming town of Red Lodge for dining, shopping, and relaxing after outdoor adventures.
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

    Visit for striking canyon scenery, quiet boating and fishing waters, dramatic overlooks, wildlife viewing, and a less-crowded outdoor experience that is ideal for hiking, camping, and peaceful weekend exploration.
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Pompeys Pillar National Monument

    Visit to see a unique and accessible historic landmark featuring William Clark’s famous 1806 signature, impressive sandstone formations, Yellowstone River views, and exhibits that connect the site to the Lewis and Clark expedition and regional history.
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Pictograph Cave State Park

    Visit to see one of Montana’s most important archaeological sites, with ancient rock paintings, short scenic trails, and exhibits that reveal thousands of years of human history in a compact and easy-to-explore setting.
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  • Trip Point Pin8

    Buffalo Bill Center of the West

    Visit for an outstanding museum complex that brings the American West to life through world-class art, Plains Indian history, natural history, firearms collections, and Buffalo Bill’s legacy, making it a rewarding cultural stop for all interests.
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    Makoshika State Park

    Visit for dramatic badlands scenery, dinosaur fossils, unique rock formations, and peaceful hiking opportunities in Montana’s largest state park, offering a striking landscape that feels very different from the mountains near Billings.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    Museum of the Rockies

    Visit for one of the top natural history museums in the region, especially renowned for its exceptional dinosaur exhibits, impressive paleontology collections, engaging Rocky Mountain history displays, and family-friendly planetarium programs.
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Restaurants

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    The Fieldhouse

    3.85
    $$$$

    The Fieldhouse

    A strong stop in Billings for seasonal New American cooking, thoughtful cocktails, and a polished but relaxed atmosphere that makes it a dependable choice before or after regional road trips.
    3.85
    $$$$
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    Blackbird Kitchen

    4.3
    $$$$

    Blackbird Kitchen

    Worth visiting in Bozeman for its wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and locally focused menu; it is a frequent favorite for travelers who want an upscale meal without feeling overly formal.
    4.3
    $$$$
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  • MontAsia

    A popular Billings option for flavorful Thai cuisine, generous portions, and a cozy setting, making it a good pick if you want something different from classic Western fare.
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    Prerogative Kitchen

    4.7

    Prerogative Kitchen

    A standout in Red Lodge for creative comfort food, quality ingredients, and a mountain-town dining experience that pairs well with a Beartooth Highway or Red Lodge Mountain weekend.
    4.7
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    The Bread Board

    4.6
    $$$$

    The Bread Board

    A reliable Cody choice for hearty breakfasts, baked goods, sandwiches, and a casual local feel, ideal if your weekend trip includes Yellowstone or the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
    4.6
    $$$$
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Hotels

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    Northern Hotel

    4.15

    Northern Hotel

    A well-regarded historic stay in downtown Billings with stylish rooms, a central location, and an upscale yet comfortable atmosphere that works especially well for starting or ending your weekend trip.
    4.15
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    The Pollard Hotel

    The Pollard Hotel

    A classic and highly popular hotel in Red Lodge known for its historic character, walkable location, and easy access to Beartooth Highway and Red Lodge Mountain.
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    The Cody Hotel

    3.9

    The Cody Hotel

    A dependable and comfortable option in Cody with spacious rooms, convenient access to Yellowstone-area attractions, and amenities that make it a strong base for regional sightseeing.
    3.9
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    Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites

    Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites

    A solid Bozeman stay valued for its comfortable accommodations, convenient location, and reliable quality, making it a practical choice if your trip includes the Museum of the Rockies.
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    Yellowstone Valley Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection

    4.7

    Yellowstone Valley Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection

    A scenic lodging option near Livingston that stands out for its river setting, mountain views, and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for travelers heading toward Yellowstone from Billings.
    4.7
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Max McNown

    Max McNown

    The event will take place at The Pub Station in Billings.
    Map IconThe Pub Station in Billings (19.15 mi)
    Calendar Icon21 Jul 2026
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  • Event Icon

    Goo Goo Dolls

    Goo Goo Dolls

    The event will take place at First Interstate Arena in Billings.
    Map IconFirst Interstate Arena in Billings (19.15 mi)
    Calendar Icon31 Jul 2026
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  • Event Icon

    Luke Bryan: Word On The Street Tour

    Luke Bryan: Word On The Street Tour

    The event will take place at First Interstate Arena in Billings.
    Map IconFirst Interstate Arena in Billings (19.15 mi)
    Calendar Icon1 Aug 2026
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  • Event Icon

    Yungblud

    Yungblud

    The event will take place at First Interstate Arena in Billings.
    Map IconFirst Interstate Arena in Billings (19.15 mi)
    Calendar Icon8 Aug 2026
    Picture for Yungblud
  • Event Icon

    Hairball

    Hairball

    The event will take place at First Interstate Arena in Billings.
    Map IconFirst Interstate Arena in Billings (19.15 mi)
    Calendar Icon9 Aug 2026
    Picture for Hairball
  • Event Icon

    TobyMac

    TobyMac

    The event will take place at First Interstate Arena in Billings.
    Map IconFirst Interstate Arena in Billings (19.15 mi)
    Calendar Icon10 Aug 2026
    Picture for TobyMac
  • Event Icon

    Shinedown: Dance, Kid, Dance Act II

    Shinedown: Dance, Kid, Dance Act II

    The event will take place at First Interstate Arena in Billings.
    Map IconFirst Interstate Arena in Billings (19.15 mi)
    Calendar Icon13 Aug 2026
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    I am moving to Billings soon here, and I have been exploring some of the things nearby as well as within Billings (nature destinations). I was

    Day Trips/ Yellowstone National Park

    I am moving to Billings soon here, and I have been exploring some of the things nearby as well as within Billings (nature destinations). I was

    /r/Billings
  • Reddit Icon

    Red Lodge and Beartooth Highway, Pryor Mountains (wild horses), Yellowtail Dam and Big Horn Canyon, Pompeys Pillar, Cody, WY and Whitey Gallery and Museum, Hart Mountain Reloc...

    Weekend trips from Billings?

    Red Lodge and Beartooth Highway, Pryor Mountains (wild horses), Yellowtail Dam and Big Horn Canyon, Pompeys Pillar, Cody, WY and Whitey Gallery and Museum, Hart Mountain Reloc...

    /r/Montana
  • Reddit Icon

    Hi everyone, following the advice received on this post (

    Seeking advice to get the most out our trip to Yellowstone!

    Hi everyone, following the advice received on this post (

    /r/nationalparks
  • Reddit Icon

    Dont miss Virginia City/Nevada City. The Grizzly Encounter is great but if youre up for the drive to West Yellowstone, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is worth the trip. ....

    Things to do in Billings & bozeman after 2 week road trip with 18 & 22 year old

    Dont miss Virginia City/Nevada City. The Grizzly Encounter is great but if youre up for the drive to West Yellowstone, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is worth the trip. ....

    /r/Montana
  • Reddit Icon

    26 votes, 67 comments. 4.1M subscribers in the roadtrip community. /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle, car,...

    Mt Rushmore to Yellowstone, what are some things to stop and do along the way?

    26 votes, 67 comments. 4.1M subscribers in the roadtrip community. /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle, car,...

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    Columbus, Absorkee, Roscoe, Red Lodge, Beartooth Pass. Driving along the Rocky Mountain front is awesome. ... Where the hell is Roscoe, MT?! (Seen on a bumper sticking in Boze...

    Best way to experience Beartooth Highway?

    Columbus, Absorkee, Roscoe, Red Lodge, Beartooth Pass. Driving along the Rocky Mountain front is awesome. ... Where the hell is Roscoe, MT?! (Seen on a bumper sticking in Boze...

    /r/yellowstone
  • Reddit Icon

    If you can swing some extra miles/time another option is to keep going East to Billings down to Red Lodge and over the Beartooth Highway into Cooke City then drive the Lamar V...

    Missoula>Yellowstone route tip

    If you can swing some extra miles/time another option is to keep going East to Billings down to Red Lodge and over the Beartooth Highway into Cooke City then drive the Lamar V...

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    Enjoy!!! ... Make sure to head over the Beartooth Pass. You should probably look at modifying Day 5 to do this. It is one of the most spectacular drives in the United States. ...

    Anything we should add? Suggestions for the trip home to MN from Yellowstone?

    Enjoy!!! ... Make sure to head over the Beartooth Pass. You should probably look at modifying Day 5 to do this. It is one of the most spectacular drives in the United States. ...

    /r/yellowstone
  • Reddit Icon

    ... Pictograph state park is a 1-2 hour time filler. If youre a dam fan (I am) I would recommend the time to drive to Yellowtail Dam. Its taller than the Cody dam (525 ft vs 3...

    Attractions in Billings, MT

    ... Pictograph state park is a 1-2 hour time filler. If youre a dam fan (I am) I would recommend the time to drive to Yellowtail Dam. Its taller than the Cody dam (525 ft vs 3...

    /r/yellowstone
  • Reddit Icon

    What are some fun day trips from Yellowstone. We have a few extra days to explore Share ... Head towards Jackson, WY. Plenty to do down there. ... What time of year? When the ...

    Day trips from Yellowstone

    What are some fun day trips from Yellowstone. We have a few extra days to explore Share ... Head towards Jackson, WY. Plenty to do down there. ... What time of year? When the ...

    /r/yellowstone
  • Reddit Icon

    From Canyon, or Lake, its pretty easy to do a loop over the Beartooth to Red Lodge, to Cody and back to base in a day. Wife and do this loop from Billings, MT several times a ...

    Whats your favorite way to split the loop? East/West, North/South?

    From Canyon, or Lake, its pretty easy to do a loop over the Beartooth to Red Lodge, to Cody and back to base in a day. Wife and do this loop from Billings, MT several times a ...

    /r/yellowstone
  • Reddit Icon

    Fly into Billings, drive over the Beartooth Pass, maybe stop in Red Lodge for breakfast or whatever. Phenomenally beautiful drive, pops you out right in Lamar Valley. Enjoy mo...

    First time visit

    Fly into Billings, drive over the Beartooth Pass, maybe stop in Red Lodge for breakfast or whatever. Phenomenally beautiful drive, pops you out right in Lamar Valley. Enjoy mo...

    /r/yellowstone
  • Reddit Icon

    I did that trip last fall - 7 days isnt much time, even 10 would be better. My highlights were Badlands, Devils Tower, Tetons, TenSleep Canyon, and hot springs at Thermopolis ...

    Roadtrip to Yellowstone from Madison

    I did that trip last fall - 7 days isnt much time, even 10 would be better. My highlights were Badlands, Devils Tower, Tetons, TenSleep Canyon, and hot springs at Thermopolis ...

    /r/madisonwi
  • Reddit Icon

    ... Highly recommend driving the Beartooth Highway between Cooke City and Red Lodge, then taking the Chief Joseph Byway on the return to the park. Stunning views. ... Yellowst...

    First trip to Yellowstone

    ... Highly recommend driving the Beartooth Highway between Cooke City and Red Lodge, then taking the Chief Joseph Byway on the return to the park. Stunning views. ... Yellowst...

    /r/yellowstone
  • Reddit Icon

    My wifes cousin just went out with their family and theyre having an amazing trip. They even got to see a grizzly bear chase down in elk calf in Yellowstone. I cant wait to go...

    Best route to travel in

    My wifes cousin just went out with their family and theyre having an amazing trip. They even got to see a grizzly bear chase down in elk calf in Yellowstone. I cant wait to go...

    /r/yellowstone
  • Reddit Icon

    It's slightly out of the way as far as this loop goes, but the Beartooth Highway is one of the best drives in the US. Also the two towns that bookend it, Red Lodge and Co...

    Just finished booking accomodation for this 12 day Yellowstone + Teton trip. Any must sees along the way?

    It's slightly out of the way as far as this loop goes, but the Beartooth Highway is one of the best drives in the US. Also the two towns that bookend it, Red Lodge and Co...

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    Some day I would LOVE to lodge inside the parks, we thought about camping, but these days it feels a little risky for young women. Thank you so much for your insight! I apprec...

    Yellowstone/ Grand Teton Trip May 2026

    Some day I would LOVE to lodge inside the parks, we thought about camping, but these days it feels a little risky for young women. Thank you so much for your insight! I apprec...

    /r/yellowstone
  • Reddit Icon

    I also love the person who recommended Beartooth Highway - just make sure it's opened by then. It's an incredibly long drive from Mammoth Hot Springs to Red Lodge, b...

    Is it worth going into Montana?

    I also love the person who recommended Beartooth Highway - just make sure it's opened by then. It's an incredibly long drive from Mammoth Hot Springs to Red Lodge, b...

    /r/yellowstone
  • Reddit Icon

    Stopped at Theodore Roosevelt NP (really wish we had spent a full day there) then on to Red Lodge MT. We saw a few sights at Red Lodge, then took Beartooth Pass into Yellowsto...

    Yellowstone Trip Advice

    Stopped at Theodore Roosevelt NP (really wish we had spent a full day there) then on to Red Lodge MT. We saw a few sights at Red Lodge, then took Beartooth Pass into Yellowsto...

    /r/NationalPark
  • Reddit Icon

    Miner saloon in Cooke has good pizza and other bar food. the beartooth cafe is also a good option for food. If you are up for a full day of driving, you can take the Chief Jos...

    Short trip to Yellowstone from Red Lodge

    Miner saloon in Cooke has good pizza and other bar food. the beartooth cafe is also a good option for food. If you are up for a full day of driving, you can take the Chief Jos...

    /r/yellowstone