Valerie Vanr

Glacier National Park is one of the best places to experience pristine wilderness in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. There are alpine meadows, streams of cold mountain water running into clean, clear lakes, virgin forests and rugged mountains, all teeming with wildlife.

There are hikes available for all ability levels so anyone can get out and see this incredible place up close. Driving along the engineering marvel, Going-to-the-Sun Road, is a great way to easily access hiking trails and experience the splendor of Glacier National Park.

Take a week and experience this amazing place.

Glacier Trip Itinerary

• Days 1 to 3 Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Day 4 Two Medicine Lake and East Glacier
• Day 5 Many Glacier
• Days 6 and 7 Waterton Lakes National Park, Glacier’s Canadian partner in Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

Update for 2020

For 2020, there is no access to Glacier National Park from the east. Many Glacier, St. Mary and Two Medicine park entrances are closed. Vehicle access is only allowed from West Glacier. 

As of June 26^th, the entire east side of the park from the Continental Divide to the east park boundary is closed to all access and not all park services on Going-to-the-Sun Road are being offered. Check the park website for detailed closure information.

Glacier Road Trip Map

We’ve highlighted 11 fantastic hikes below. They are perfect for relatively active people. Happy Hiking!

Going-to-the-Sun Road

This scenic road is the main attraction of Glacier National Park.  The road has many spots where you can pull over to see park highlights along the way. Many of these pull-offs are also trailheads for some spectacular hiking options. This 2-lane, 50 mile long road connects West Glacier and St. Mary.  The engineering masterpiece, which took just over 10 years (1921 to 1932) to complete, is the only road across the park.  Be sure to stop at Jackson Glacier Overlook. You’ll see not only Jackson Glacier but Going-to-the-Sun Mountain, the road’s namesake. This stop is the best place to see a glacier from the road and learn about the glacier’s disappearance from the park.

Consider the “hop-on/hop-off” shuttle to avoid the frustration of finding parking.  The shuttle stops at most of the trailheads on the road.

The following 8 hikes and other must-see stops (from west to east) showcase the highlights of the impressive Going-to-the-Sun Road.

John’s Lake Loop

This easy 2-mile loop trail is a great way to see Sacred Dancing Cascade and McDonald Falls along McDonald Creek before it empties into Lake McDonald. The trailhead is 1.3 miles north of Lake McDonald Lodge.

Lake McDonald

This is one of the most scenic lakes in the park. It measures 10 miles long and is 464 feet deep. Enjoy a guided cruise on the lake or rent a canoe or kayak to paddle it at your leisure. On the lake’s northeastern shore is the rustic 3.5–storey lodge which was built in 1913. It is a National Historic Landmark.

Trail of the Cedars

This is a fully accessible boardwalk trail loop of 0.9 miles through old growth red cedar and hemlock forest. It is a beautiful shady forest path with Avalanche Creek running through the center of it. The trail is busy but you’ll be glad you took the time to explore it. The trailhead is located close to Avalanche Campground’s entrance.

Avalanche Lake Trail

This 4.6 mile round-trip hike along the creek to Avalanche Lake is excellent. At the opposite end of the lake, you’ll see several waterfalls plunging down the cliffs.  Many of these waterfalls are meltwater from the Sperry Glacier, which cannot be seen from the lake. The hike has some steep sections but overall it is not technically challenging. The trailhead is just south of where the Trail of the Cedars crosses the creek.

Hidden Lake Trail

Starting from behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center, you’ll hike through an alpine meadow, see jagged mountain peaks, waterfalls and, upon reaching the overlook, Hidden Lake. There are sections of dirt trail and boardwalk with steps. This trail is not meant for wheelchairs (or strollers though we saw people attempting this). The trail is not technically challenging. The view is definitely worth it. It is a very busy trail, one of the most popular in the park. The hike to the overlook and back is about 2.6 miles.

If you want more, continue from the overlook down to the edge of Hidden Lake. You’ll navigate some steep switchbacks to descend about 750 feet. Just remember you have to come all the way back up. The total round-trip hike from the parking lot to Hidden Lake is about 5.0 miles.

Logan Pass

Logan Pass runs along the Continental Divide, the roughly north/south line separating the watersheds that drain into the Pacific Ocean from those that drain into the Atlantic Ocean.

The highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road is where it crosses Logan Pass at 6,646 feet above sea level. The Visitor Center here explains the flora and fauna of the alpine meadow area around it. This alpine meadow is filled with wildflowers and is an excellent place to see wildlife such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep and marmots.

The parking lot here is always busy so arrive early.

Highline Trail

The trail is along the continental divide through stunning scenery. Highline is very popular with some very narrow and challenging parts but the views are exceptional. People often park at the pullout called the Loop to the west of Logan Pass. From the Loop, hikers take the park shuttle to the Pass and then walk the 11.8 miles back to their car. This ensures they are walking mostly downhill with only a couple of gradual uphill sections. This route combines 7.6 miles of the Highline Trail with 4.2 miles from the Granite Park Chalet, a back country hostel, to the Loop parking area.

Sunrift Gorge Hikes

From the Sunrift Gorge parking area you have a couple options.  On the north side of the road, hike in just 200 feet to see the water-carved Sunrift Gorge. A short 0.6 mile round-trip walk on the south side brings you through the woods to Baring Falls, a hidden waterfall. We visited in the fall and the colours of the valley were quite lovely.

Sun Point Nature Trail

This short, easy trail runs along Saint Mary Lake for about 1.1 miles between Sun Point and Sunrift Gorge shuttle stops. The trail provides some outstanding views of the beautiful lake.

Saint Mary Lake and Wild Goose Island

Saint Mary Lake is the second largest lake in the park at 9.9 miles long and 300 feet deep. Wild Goose Island is in the middle of the lake and is one of the most photographed spots in Glacier National Park.

Two Medicine

This area on the east side of the park, south of St. Mary, has its own ranger station, campground and store. It is less visited than the areas around Going-to-the-Sun Road. There are 2 lakes here with Two Medicine Creek running between them and over Running Eagle Falls.

Running Eagle Falls Trail

A pretty 0.6 mile round-trip hike brings you to where Two Medicine Creek creates a waterfall which looks very different from spring to fall.  In the spring, when water flow is larger, there are actually 2 waterfalls here. One flows over the upper cliff and a second flows from a hole in the cliff wall.  By the end of summer, the upper waterfall is dry making it appear that the water is falling from solid rock. This area also has a wheelchair accessible loop.

East Glacier Park

The town is just outside the park, south of Two Medicine and is worth visiting.  Many park visitors arrived here by train in the early part of the 20^th Century. The railroad station is directly across from Glacier Park Lodge which was built by the railroad between 1913 and 1915. The lodge and the rail station continue to serve park visitors today.

Drive 45 minutes north of East Glacier Park to discover Many Glacier, another less-visited area of the park which is worth the trip.

Many Glacier

The view of the mountains from the back of the Many Glacier Hotel on Swiftcurrent Lake is spectacular. Dominating the view is Grinnell Point with Mount Gould to the left and Swiftcurrent Mountain to the right. In between Grinnell Point and Mt. Gould is the cirque where Grinnell Glacier lies.

Swiftcurrent Lake Trail

You can start this easy 2.6 mile loop trail around Swiftcurrent Lake at either the Many Glacier Hotel or the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead. The views from the hotel looking west are simply staggering, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the beauty surrounding you.

Hike to Grinnel Glacier

This hike is very strenuous but very popular. From the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead, at Many Glacier campground, it is 10.6 miles round trip with a net elevation gain of about 1800 feet. However a popular alternate is to take the shuttle boat from the Many Glacier Hotel’s dock across Swiftcurrent Lake. Walk the short path from the dock southwest to Lake Josephine and take a second shuttle boat across this lake.  You will save about 3.6 miles of hiking. There is a cost for the shuttle boat rides. In general, the hike to the glacier is uphill and return trip downhill.

Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada

Glacier’s northern neighbor is Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta Canada. In 1932 advocates of the 2 parks worked together to create Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. The Peace Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 2017 became an International Dark Sky Park. Like Glacier, Waterton offers outstanding Rocky Mountain scenery and great biodiversity.

Check out our itinerary here for the Best Things to do in Waterton.

Glacier Hiking Summary

Know before you go

Map of Glacier National Park

Accommodations near Glacier National Park

There are a number of “in-park” options available; hotel, motel, cabins and campgrounds but reserve early as they fill quickly.

Looking for an accommodation near Glacier National Park?

Whitefish Hotels

Make Whitefish your home base while you explore Glacier National Park. Check out these great options.

• Duck Inn Lodge – Whitefish – Where We Stayed
• The Garrison Inn – Kalispell – Highly rated
• Here are other great hotels in Whitefish
• Here are other hotels in Glacier National Park Region

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Where can you find 4 waterfalls, 5 hydroelectric dams and a multi-use path connecting them? It’s all in Great Falls Montana.

Lewis and Clark encountered a series of 5 waterfalls here in 1804 on their journey up the mighty Missouri River. Although thrilled by the site of these ‘Great Falls’, the expedition had to make a huge portage around them to continue west.  You can hear about this entire journey at the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail Interpretive Center. Afterwards, visit the waterfalls yourself and marvel at the dams built to harness their power.

If you love outdoor recreation, Great Falls is the destination for you! Cycle or hike on the 50-mile long River’s Edge Trail.

With all this, Great Falls is the perfect place to enjoy a weekend!

Great Falls Montana Weekend Itinerary

• Day 1 Visit the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center.  Head west to explore the paved River’s Edge Trail and see Black Eagle Falls and Dam.
• Day 2 Visit Giant Springs State Park.  Explore the waterfalls and dams downstream from the state park. You can reach all waterfalls and dams on the River’s Edge Trail, but the section of trail east of the state park is more suitable for mountain biking.
• Optional Day 3 First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park.

We’ve also added some worthwhile side trips at the end if you have more time.  Have fun exploring the best things to do in Great Falls!

Top 5 Things To Do in Great Falls

At these top attractions you will learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition which rode the Missouri River through Great Falls in 1805, on their epic journey to the Pacific Ocean. You’ll discover the waterfalls, the dams and the importance of the bison to the story of the American west.

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center

The Interpretive Center’s exceptional interactive displays make you feel like a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The center is organized such that as you walk through it you are travelling the expedition’s entire route, learning about the successes and hardships along the way. The 2-storey diorama of a replica boat being pulled up a hill on the portage around the 5 waterfalls, highlights the difficulties of the Great Falls portage for the expedition.

The Interpretive Center is built into the bank of the Missouri River. A nature trail running down the river bank showcases native plants and wildlife of the area. This trail connects to the River’s Edge Trail, which runs along the Missouri River.

River’s Edge Trail

The trail is over 50 miles long on both sides of the Missouri. It has long paved sections which are wheelchair accessible and perfect for walking, jogging, rollerblading and cycling. Other areas are unpaved and great for mountain biking or hiking. Be sure to pack your walking shoes, bikes or blades (or rent them)!

There are city parks, trailheads and rest areas along the trail, with parking, restrooms and picnic tables. This trail is one of Montana’s best urban trail systems and allows easy access to the city’s beautiful waterfalls.

Waterfalls and Dams

The waterfalls and dams of Great Falls occur along 12 miles of the Missouri River. Over this distance the river bed drops around 450 vertical feet. Black Eagle Falls is the first waterfall as you head downstream.

Black Eagle Falls and Dam

The falls are about 25 feet high and 600 feet wide. For a closer look, visit Black Eagle Memorial Island Park at the bottom of the falls which you can reach from the north side of the Missouri River.

In 1890 the first hydroelectric dam in Montana was built here.  The current structure, built on top of the first dam, opened in 1927. It is over 30 feet high and 780 feet long.

The building of Black Eagle Dam and Rainbow Dam, just downstream, gave the city its nickname ‘Electric City’.

Rainbow Dam, Colter Falls, Rainbow Falls and Crooked Falls

Rainbow Dam is about 30 feet high and 1,000 feet long. It began producing electricity in 1910.  The upgrades in 2013 boosted electricity production and added safeguards to protect fish traveling down the Missouri River.  Colter Falls is a half-mile upstream from the dam. Today, it is covered by the waters of the dam’s reservoir and is rarely, if ever, seen.

Just downstream from the dam is Rainbow Falls which are about 45 feet high and 1,300 feet wide. Crooked Falls are a half mile further downstream where the Missouri flows over an irregular rock shelf around 19 feet high.

Cochrane Dam is the next dam downstream.

Cochrane Dam

It is close to 60 feet high and 750 feet long and is the newest dam at Great Falls. Construction was completed in 1958.

Ryan Dam was completed in 1915 and is 1.6 miles further downstream.

Great Falls, Ryan Dam and Ryan Island

Great Falls, also known as Big Falls, is impressive with a height of more than 80 feet. With Ryan Dam, built just above it, the total water fall is about 148 feet. Ryan Dam is over 1,300 feet long. Ryan Island Park is the best place to see Great Falls and Ryan Dam. A suspension bridge over the dam’s spillway gives access to the park. It’s a great place for a picnic.

As the river moves east, the river valley narrows and deepens. The Morony Dam was built in the late 1920’s about 3.5 miles downstream.

Morony Dam and former town site

Wander through the remains of the “town” which began as a shanty town in 1926 filled with makeshift structures housing the families of the men working to construct the dam. It is the tallest of the dams, about 100 feet high and 880 feet long. Construction was completed in 1929 and electricity generation began in 1930.

When the construction workers moved on, they left their shanty town shacks behind. More substantial company houses were built for dam operators making the town more permanent. Better monitoring systems and increasing automation at the dam, along with the growth of the city of Great Falls, led to this town being abandoned as well. You’ll see the ruins of concrete foundations, sidewalks and fire hydrants.

There is fishing below the Morony Dam and a 3.4 mile loop trail leads to a natural spring.

Giant Springs State Park

The park is one Montana’s most popular state parks. You’ll find its namesake, Giant Springs, the Fish Hatchery and what is left of the first industrial site in Great Falls. The park has a small visitor center, picnic tables and restrooms.

Giant Springs and Roe River

Giant Springs is one of the largest natural springs in the US sending over 150 million gallons of water a day into the Missouri River. The water is a constant 54F degrees so it never freezes and provides a guaranteed winter water source for wildlife and, in the past, humans. The Local Plains Tribes used the area as a winter camp as did the fur traders and trappers who came later. The area continues to be a great place to see wildlife.

The springs are the source of the Roe River, one of the shortest rivers in the world at only 200 feet long. Given the huge volume of fresh water here, the springs were a natural place to locate the fish hatchery.

Giant Springs Fish Hatchery

The fish hatchery began operations in 1922 and continues its important work today supporting the health of the fisheries of Montana. In its visitor center you’ll learn about the various stages of fish growth and the whole hatchery process. The hatchery raises millions of fish each year for release into bodies of water throughout Montana. The hatchery’s show ponds often have food stations so that you can feed the fish.

The first major industrial site in Great Falls was located on the opposite side of Giant Springs Road.

Montana Smelter Ruins

The ruins of 2 furnace stacks are all that remain of the silver and lead smelter which operated here between 1888 and 1902.  The operation had over 75 buildings and its most prominent feature was the stacks which each stood over 100 feet tall. The smelter processed ore mined in the mountains southeast of Great Falls. You can walk to the ruins from the state park’s picnic area.

About 15 miles west of Great Falls is the final attraction you don’t want to miss on your visit to Great Falls.

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

The highlight of this state park is the massive sandstone cliff with heights between 30 and 50 feet along its one mile length. It is one of the largest bison jump sites in North America. The state park itself is almost 1500 acres of prairie grassland. There is a 3-mile loop trail through the grassland between the cliff and the modern visitor center. At the visitor center, displays and hands-on activities explain the relationship between the bison and the people of the Northern Plains Tribes. You’ll learn about these people and successful efforts to save the bison from extinction.

You can reach the cliff by car or by taking the loop trail from the visitor center.

Archaeologists have found evidence of jump sites all along the cliff. In some places, piles of stone organized in v-shaped “drivelines” lead to the edge of the cliff.  In other places, there is evidence of up to 18 feet of compacted bison bones at the cliff base.

The view from the cliff edge is stunning.  You can look east to the Highwood Mountains and south over the grasslands of the Missouri River Valley, which teemed with bison until 200 years ago.  The Rocky Mountain Front Range is behind you.  To the west, you’ll note the stark monolith of Square Butte. Some Plains Tribes consider this place sacred. When you stand on the cliff, enjoying the quiet peace of the area, you may feel the same way.

More Great Falls Attractions

These points of interest in the city are perfect to round out your visit to Great Falls.

Broadwater Bay Park

This beautiful wide section of the Missouri River is close to hotels, restaurants and the River’s Edge Trail.  The boat launch here provides easy river access for paddle boarding, canoeing or kayaking. Its parking area is quite large offering a convenient place to leave your car while you explore the trail.

The trail crosses the Missouri River at 1^st Avenue. Here you’ll find some interesting art.

Painted Buffalo Art

Rainboffalo by artist Chris Miller combines his love of water and his respect for the freedom enjoyed by wild animals. You’ll find pieces like this throughout the city.  Artists have created them to celebrate the importance of bison in the history of the area.

Bridge Murals

Colorful murals have been painted by local artists on the concrete supports of the pedestrian bridge over the Missouri River and the walls of the railroad underpass at 1^st Avenue. The Children’s Museum of Montana is just east of the railroad at 1^st Avenue.

Here are a couple of other museums in Great Falls.

CM Russell Museum

See one of the most complete collections of the work of cowboy artist Charles M Russell.

Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art

The museum displays contemporary art by local artists. The building, built in 1896, was the city’s first high school. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The History Museum

Learn about the history and folk heritage of north central Montana.

Background History

Lewis and Clark Expedition

A small party of explorers led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark left from just north of St. Louis, Missouri on the Mississippi River in May 1804. President Jefferson commissioned Lewis and Clark to explore the new western territory purchased from France in 1803. He hoped they would find a water route to the Pacific Ocean through the continental United States. The expedition arrived at the Pacific Ocean in November 1805 where they stayed for the winter. They journeyed over 4,000 miles, traversing water, mountains, and enduring incredible hardships along the way. The expedition returned to St. Louis in 1806 and was an unparalleled success.

All the expedition’s routes are now protected as a national historic trail.

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

The trail is part of the National Trails System and is about 4,900 miles long, extending from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River, near Astoria, Oregon.  It includes all the areas visited by Lewis and/or Clark.  This includes outbound and inbound routes, and the route from Pittsburgh as Lewis gathered people, equipment and supplies for their epic journey. The trail protects the historic corridor and provides sites where the public can connect with the story through education and recreation. There are many visitor centers and museums, each highlighting the expedition’s activities in that area.  

The 18 mile portage at Great Falls

Typical portages are short walks around a single waterfall. At Great Falls, the size and number of waterfalls meant that the expedition needed to walk around 5 waterfalls and 7 miles of river. This was an unexpected and major barrier. The final portage route was 18 miles long with many small gullies and 2 steep hills!

The men hauled heavy canoes and bulky equipment over the hills and through prairie covered with prickly pear cactus.  Their hands and feet quickly became blistered and lacerated. The portage took 11 days and several round trips to complete. The total distance walked was likely around 130 miles. The experience taught them hard lessons about cooperation, deadlines and the struggle of man against nature. The expedition stayed 19 days in the Great Falls area on its journey west, the most time spent in one place (excluding for winter camps).

Bison and Buffalo Jumps

Northern Plains People have gathered for thousands of years to celebrate, hunt and feast on bison, their center of life. The bison provided food, shelter, tools, materials and a spiritual connection to nature. Bison were hunted with spears and bows. This was a dangerous and often unsuccessful way to hunt. Driving the bison over a cliff to kill them was a much more effective method of hunting and it provided bison for large numbers of people all at once.

The tribe set up drivelines of stone cairns leading to the cliff edge. People would start the bison running into the driveline opening where more people lined the drive route, screaming and waving hides and blankets to keep the bison moving to the cliff edge.  At the bottom of the cliff, hunters would kill those bison not already dead. The monumental task of butchering and skinning the animals followed.  Almost all parts of the bison were used.

Great Falls Montana Map

Great Falls Accommodations

Looking for an accommodation in Great Falls?

Great Falls Hotels

Check out these great options in Great Falls.

• Hampton Inn – Great Falls – Exceptional
• Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites – Great Falls – Highly rated
• Here are other great hotels in Great Falls

Side Trips from Great Falls

If you have another day, visit Helena, the Montana state capital.  If you love unspoiled nature and have more time, take a trip to Glacier National Park.  You won’t regret your decision.

Helena Montana Side Trip

Enjoy a road trip south on Interstate 15 from Great Falls to Helena. It is only 1.5 hours away. See the Capitol building, constructed of Montana sandstone and granite, with its striking copper-covered dome.

Gorgeous historic buildings line Last Chance Gulch, the main street downtown.  In 1864 gold was discovered here. The Last Chance Gulch mine produced about $19 million worth of gold in just four years, the second biggest placer gold deposit in Montana. The town sprang up quickly and prospered even after the gold ran out. 

See the fire tower built in 1874 to protect the town. You’ll see the twin spires of the Cathedral of Saint Helena from a distance. They are 230 feet high and have 12-foot gold-leafed crosses on top. This is a great way to spend a day.

Glacier National Park Side Trip

Glacier National Park is 2.5 hours northwest of Great Falls. You’ll see untouched forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, spectacular lakes and waterfalls. This is a hiker’s paradise with hikes for all ability levels. Travel the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, a park highlight itself, to Logan Pass and Lake McDonald.

Click here to find out more about Glacier National Park.

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Travelling to Billings Montana? These are best things to do in Billings!

You’ll hike on the Rimrocks, visit the battlefield of Custer’s Last Stand, see ancient cave paintings and be awestruck by the stunning Beartooth Mountains. After a long day in the beautiful Billings area come back to downtown Billings to enjoy a brew or two.

Billings is waiting for you!

Billings 3-Day Itinerary

• Day 1 Explore Billings and the Rimrocks
• Day 2 Old West History Loop: The Crow People, General Custer and more
• Day 3 Take a scenic drive through the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains

Looking for more stunning scenery? Our side trip, the famous Beartooth Highway, is the perfect route directly to Yellowstone National Park.

Have a great trip to beautiful Billings, Montana

Best Things to do in Billings

With the Rimrocks and the Yellowstone River on its doorstep, there are plenty of fun outdoor activities in Billings.  Here are our top things to do in Billings.

Four Dances Natural Area

This is the best hiking in Billings. Hiking trails crisscross the Natural Area at the top of the beautiful sandstone cliffs of the East Rimrocks. There are 765 acres of sagebrush and ponderosa pines on the plateau ready for you to explore. Some paths lead to Sacrifice Cliff on the western edge where you can look down to the Yellowstone River, 500 feet below. Bicycles, motorized vehicles and horses are not allowed in Four Dances.  Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are winter activities here.

North Rimrocks

The best views of Billings and the Yellowstone River Valley are from the top of the North Rimrocks. In the distance you can see five mountain ranges (Pryor, Big Horn, Bull, Crazy and Absaroka-Beartooth). They offer infinite amounts of outdoor adventure: camping, fishing, hunting and mountain biking.

The Rimrocks are also popular with rock climbers. Watch for ropes tied off along the edge as people climb up or rappel down the face of the cliff.

Black Otter Trail

Cycling or walking this multi-use paved trail is a great way to explore the top of the North Rimrocks. The Black Otter Trail connects to a large network of urban trails running throughout the city. There are lots of parking areas nearby so it is easy to leave the car behind.

Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site

Learn about Luther “Yellowstone” Kelly’s contribution to the taming of the west. Interpretive signs near his gravesite introduce you to this trapper, hunter, guide, army scout, triple war veteran and businessman who traveled extensively in the late 1800s for the US Government.

Billings Walking Tour

A great way to experience this friendly social city is on a downtown walking tour. The map below is a walking loop linking downtown museums, interesting sites and the “Walkable Billings Brew Trail”. Many of the buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. Walk all or only a part, stopping at interesting points along the way.

To help you customize your tour, here are some noteworthy places along the route.

Billings Depot

The Billing Depot was a passenger rail station from 1909 until the last train stopped here in 1979.  Today, the Depot is a popular events facility.  Check out the information boards behind the building. They provide lots of information on the history of Billings.

Western Heritage Center

The center highlights the regional history of the Yellowstone River Valley. The building was built in 1901 and was originally the Billings Library.

Moss Mansion Museum

The museum highlights the influence that Preston Moss and his family had on Billings’ growth. Built for Preston Moss in 1903, this 28-room mansion was the Moss home until opening as the museum in 1986.

Skypoint

This tent-like structure over the intersection of North Broadway and 2nd Avenue North is 3 “sails” (one moves!) offering protection against sun and rain.

Alberta Bair Theater

This 1931 art-deco theater is now a modern performing arts center, offering performances by both professional and amateur artists.

Yellowstone Art Museum and Visible Vault

The museum is the largest contemporary art museum in Montana. YAM has opened its art storage facility to the public at the Visible Vault. It is a unique opportunity to see how art is handled and stored.

Old West History Loop: The Crow People, General Custer and more

The area southeast of Billings is rich with Native American and early West history. See ancient cave paintings at Pictograph Cave State Park. Chief Plenty Coups State Park provides a great introduction to the Crow People. Pompey’s Pillar National Monument was visited by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is the site of General Custer’s famous “Last Stand”. The Big Horn County Museum’s 35 acres showcase early 19^th century county history.

These world-class attractions are all within an hour’s drive of Billings! Visiting two or three of these will fill your day.

Pictograph Cave State Park

See ancient cave paintings in Pictograph Cave, one of three caves preserved in Pictograph Cave State Park. A short loop trail connects the caves which were visited by generations of Crow and other Plains Tribes’ hunters. The Exhibits in the Visitor Center showcase some of the many artifacts collected locally. You’ll discover what archaeologists believe these artifacts teach us about the lives of the early Plains People.

Chief Plenty Coups State Park

The Visitor Center introduces the Crow culture. Chief Plenty Coups was instrumental in building trust between the Crow and the US government as the reservation system was being implemented. You’ll see his two-story log home, medicine spring and gravesite. The state park is Chief Plenty Coups’ 195-acre homestead on the Crow Reservation.

Pompey’s Pillar National Monument

Pompey’s Pillar is a 150-foot high sandstone monolith in the Yellowstone River Valley. It has been an observation point for more than 11,000 years. See “graffiti” documenting some of its visitors: from descendants of the Crow to Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Take the interpretive trail to the top of the pillar as people have for thousands of years.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

This battlefield is the site of Custer’s Last Stand. Here, in June 1876, several thousand Lakota and Cheyenne warriors won a decisive victory over the 7^th Calvary of the US Army, killing Custer and most of his command. Learn about the events leading to this decisive battle and its consequences. Walk the battlefield, see monuments to the fallen, and the cemeteries for both sides.

Big Horn County Museum

This collection of over 20 historic structures, on 35 acres, highlights the early history of Big Horn County.  The museum includes a church, school, train depot, blacksmith shop, log cabins and barns full of historic vehicles and equipment including artifacts of frontier life in the 1800s.

Billings Scenic Drives

These are 2 excellent scenic drives through the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains. If you start out early enough you can do both.

Beartooth Front Scenic Drive

This drive connects the quaint towns of Columbus and Red Lodge. On the 46-mile paved Highway 78, you’ll travel through wide river valleys and see rolling grass-covered foothills with stunning views of the Beartooth Mountains in the distance. Opportunities for fishing abound as you’ll cross the Yellowstone River and travel along the Stillwater River and East Rosebud Creek.

Below is a quick introduction to some of the interesting places along the road as you travel south.  It is stunning in either direction!

Columbus and the New Atlas Bar

Columbus is a gateway to the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains. Make sure you stop at the New Atlas Bar, dubbed the “horniest bar in Montana”. Even a quick look at its collection of mounted animal heads will explain its fame.

Itch-Kep-Pe Park

If you plan to camp or just cannot wait to get that fishing rod out, check out Itch-Kep-Pe Park on the bank of the Yellowstone River at the edge of Columbus.

Absarokee

This is a great place to grab a quick bite to eat. It is the start of the Absarokee Loop Scenic Drive, described below.

Red Lodge

The town has an interesting mix of locally-owned shops and restaurants offering a wide range of food. Red Lodge Ales is a great place to have a meal and enjoy a locally-brewed beverage.  Red Lodge is the beginning of the Beartooth Highway, a beautiful route to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. See our side trip below for more information.

Carbon County Historical Society and Museum

Learn about local history, legendary local rodeo families (the Lindermans and the Greenoughs), see an interactive coal and hard rock mine exhibit and more. There is a lot packed into this 1909 building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Carbon County Depot Gallery

When you visit the Carbon County Depot Gallery, in the historic 1889 railroad depot, you’ll discover the area’s vibrant arts culture. The Depot displays original art in a variety of styles and media.

Absarokee Loop Scenic Drive

Drive through the scenic foothills and river valleys of the Beartooth Mountains. Starting in Absarokee, travel the beautiful Stillwater River valley on Highway 420 to Nye.  There are many fishing access points to the Stillwater, which is known for excellent trout fishing. To complete the 44-mile long loop, take highways 419 and 78 back to Absarokee.

Interested in a hike? There are 2 hiking options with trailheads less than 10 miles south of Nye on Highway 419.

Sioux Charley Lake Trail

This trail is a nice, easy 6-mile roundtrip hike. It is relatively flat with only a couple of short uphill pieces. The first part of the trip is along the Stillwater River rapids. A beautiful forest path leads you to sparkling Sioux Charley Lake. The large trailhead parking lot is at the end of Highway 419. Families will find this a great hike. It is best to wear proper hiking shoes.  

Woodbine Falls Trail

If you are looking for a shorter hike, try the nearby Woodbine Falls Trail.  This 1.4 mile roundtrip trail ending at Woodbine Falls is for all skill levels. The trailhead is located in the Woodbine Campground.

Side Trip – Beartooth Highway

The highway winds for 70 miles from Red Lodge through the Beartooth Pass to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The scenery you drive through is incredible regardless of the weather.

You’ll see some of the most rugged and wild areas of the lower 48 states, passing from lodge pole pine forest to alpine tundra. Grizzly and black bears along with elk, deer, moose, mountain goats, mountain lions, bighorn sheep and bobcats can all be found in the Beartooth Mountains. There are many alpine lakes and hiking trails to explore.

The highway has 7 miles of exhilarating switchbacks between Red Lodge and the Beartooth Pass.  The elevation change is almost a mile! Take your time and enjoy the scenery. From Rock Creek Vista Point, look down on the switchbacks you just climbed, to the stunning river valley. Signs here provide information about the natural history of the area and the story of the highway’s construction and opening in 1936.

Allow at least 2 or 3 hours for the trip, but plan on more as the views will have you stopping regularly. Trip length can also be affected by weather changes along the route. Weather can change dramatically along the drive so be prepared for cold weather, even in the summer.

The Beartooth Highway is usually open by Memorial Day and closes by mid-October, but snow and ice conditions vary greatly year to year so use these dates only as a guideline.

Know Before You Go

Best Time to Visit

Visit between June and September.  Outside of these months, you could see snow.

Directions to Billings Montana

Billings Logan International Airport has a modern terminal accepting domestic flights. All the major car rental agencies have cars on-site. Uber and Lyft offer service in Billings.

Hiking Tips

Make sure your hiking pack includes these items:

• First aid kit with blister treatments.
• Water and snacks – There are NO taps on the trail.
• Map
• Bear spray

Billings Accommodations

Looking for an accommodation in Billings?

Billings Hotels

Make Billings your home base while you explore the Billings area. Check out these great options.

• Northern Hotel – Exceptional
• Boothill Inn and Suites – Highly rated
• Here are other great hotels in Billings

Billings Montana Map

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