Billings Historic Site Tour


	Billings Historic Site Tour — Scenic Drive

1. NORTHERN PACIFIC DEPOT — In 1977, the Billings City Council created the Billings Historical District — Montana Avenue from North 25th Street to North 22nd and north to First Avenue North. Since then, the Historic District has been accepted by the National Register of Historic Places. Cobblestone bricks and horseshoes are the theme behind the new streetscape. The arrival of the railroad in 1882 signaled the real beginning of the private townsite of Billings, named for its President, Frederick Billings. This depot built in 1909 replaced the first temporary station.

2. MetraPark — MetraPark Arena, Pavilion, Expo Center and fairgrounds is a community facility hosting events from ice shows, sporting events and concerts, to large trade shows. It is the site of the annual August MontanaFair and rodeo.

3. BOOTHILL CEMETERY-MONUMENT — Boothill Cemetery is a burial ground for two score residents of Coulson—a rough and ready cow town and forerunner of Billings—most of whom "cashed it in with their boots on." Tradition has it that the cemetery was started when one gent in a Coulson saloon called another a liar. Nearly all of those interred at Boothill met with violent deaths. The most famous person to be buried here is Muggins Taylor, the scout who carried the news of Custer's Last Stand to the world. The last burial at Boothill was in 1882.

4. BLACK OTTER TRAIL — A scenic drive starting from U.S. 318 at the east end of the city, the road-way passes Boothill Cemetery, climbs Kelly Mountain, and follows the edge of the Rimrocks, where it descends to the valley. Black Otter Trail is named after a Crow chief who was killed here by a Sioux war party. He was given a tree-top burial on a site overlooking the Yellowstone River.

5. YELLOWSTONE KELLY'S Grave — Yellowstone Kelly, who lived from 1849 to 1928, was the epitome of frontiersman, army scout, dispatch rider, and hunter. At his own request, he is buried on Kelly Mountain overlooking the Yellowstone River, where his most interesting days were lived. Five mountain ranges can be viewed from here — clockwise from the southeast, the Bighorns, the Pryors, the Beartooths, the Crazies, and the Snowies.

6. YELLOWSTONE County MUSEUM — Yellowstone County Museum in the historic McCormick log cabin is at 1950 Terminal Circle. Interpretive exhibits depicting the life and material culture of Native Americans - Lewis and Clark, exploration and settlement of the West, transportation, ranching, military artifacts, and everyday life of the pioneers. Landmarks Gallery exhibits artwork of local, national and international artists. The YCM is open with a new look. Follow the roundabout through the airport and loop to the museum. ycm@tctwest.net. 256-6811.

7. YELLOWSTONE ART Museum — The "solid” building which now houses the Yellowstone Art Museum was formerly the Yellowstone County Jail built in 1884. In 1964 the building became the present museum. The museum completed a $6 million expansion in 1998. It is a nationally accredited art museum with changing exhibitions, both contemporary and historic. Both traveling and local shows in painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, prints and photography are shown. The museum collection includes the most comprehensive works by cowboy illustrator Will James. The art museum, 401 N. 27th St., is open Tu., Wed., Sat. 11-6, Th.-Fri. 11-8, Sun. 11-4, closed Mondays. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, and $3 for children, under 6 free. 256-6804.

8. ALBERTA BAIR THEATER — The Alberta Bair Theater for Performing Arts (ABT), at 3rd and Broadway opened in January of 1987. It is now the largest performing arts theater between Minneapolis and Spokane and is home to the Billings Symphony and Community Concerts. 256-6052.

9. THE MOSS MANSION — The Moss Mansion is a beautiful historic home at 914 Division Street. As you enter the elegant mahogany entrance, you are transported to turn-of-the-century Billings as the wealthy Preston B. Moss family lived in it. Tours are given 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Tues.-Sun., or by appointment, with the last tour starting at 3 p.m. Christmas tours Thanksgiving Week through Dec. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Easter. Tours begin on the hour. A gift shop is open during tour hours. Admission $7 adults, $5 seniors, $5 age 13-up, $3 age 6-12. 256-5100.

10. WESTERN HERITAGE CENTER — The Western Heritage Center is housed in the historic 1901 Parmly Billings Library “castle” in downtown Billings. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate. It is a regional museum where the stories of the peoples of the Yellowstone River Valley are told through changing museum exhibits, public archives and educational programs. 2009 exhibits include Eastern Montana history exhibits, regional photographic exhibits and the permanent studio cabin and artwork of western artist J.K. Ralston. Open Tues. through Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. $5 adults, $3 seniors and students, $1 children, members free. 256-6809. 2822 Montana Avenue.

11. Chamber of Commerce

Visitor Information

Center — open Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m., 252-4016, 815 South 27th Street, near I-90, Exit 450.