Discover Billings and Yellowstone County! Join our walking tours of historic locations. Tours run about one hour twenty minutes and require comfortable walking shoes. These popular tours will interest both Montana residents and visitors to the State. We are limiting how many people can go – up to 15 people per tour. To reserve your spot please purchase your tickets online or call 406-256-6809.
Most tours are scheduled each Friday morning at 10:00am, June through September. Custom times are also available by request (minimum 7 people). Contact us at 406-256-6809 for more information (Lauren Hunley).
Tickets are available online or at the time of the walk (space permitting): $10 for adults, $5 for students, $3 for children, children under 6 are free (up to 2 per paying adult). We encourage participants to purchase tickets to reserve your tour spot.
Bars, Brothels, and Bok Choy: Exploring Minnesota Avenue
June 16 (10am), August 11 (10am), September 8 (10am)
Before the skate park and businesses, Billings’ Southside was filled with bars, brothels and even a Chinatown. We’ll wander the remnants of these establishments and bring back to life the stories of these large, and almost forgotten, communities.
This popular tour begins at the Western Heritage Center.
Celebrities & Scandals in Downtown Billings (Billings Depot Neighborhood)
July 7 (10am), July 28 (10am)
Explore the celebrity visits and shocking scandals of the Billings Historic Depot Neighborhood! Prohibition, sedition, and local deaths share the walk with famous names like Charles Lindbergh, Calamity Jane, Tom Cruise, and more! Cecelia Gavinsky, the museum collections manager, leads the tour.
This tour begins at the Billings Depot at 2310 Montana Avenue. Call 256-6809 if you need directions.
Exploring Pioneer Park
June 23 (10am), August 18 (10am)
The development of Pioneer Park holds a unique place in the story of Billings. Designed by the first female landscape architect in Billings, the Park featured numerous, ground-breaking ideas of its time. Explore these features and learn more about the Park’s place in Billings history.
Co-hosted by Billings Parks & Rec Department
Swords Rimrock Park
June 9 (10am)
Take a break from your routine and celebrate Billings’ magnificent Rimrocks with a stroll along the east end of Swords Rimrock Park. Enjoy Billings’ most visible parkland, just east of the airport, learning about Crow Indian historic sites and Yellowstone Kelly’s gravesite.
This tour begins at Sword’s Rimrock Park Picnic Area, east of the Airport. Call 256-6809 if you need directions.
Co-hosted by Billings Parks & Rec Department
Historic Moss Mansion Neighborhood (Historic Architecture)
July 14 (10am)
Still some of the most beautiful residences in town, Clark and Yellowstone Avenues were home to Billings’ most influential business and civic leaders. We will explore the stunning architecture and share stories of the legendary residents who called them home.
This tour begins at the corner of Division Street and Clark Avenue. Call if you need directions.
McKinley School and North Elevation Neighborhood Architecture
July 21 (10am)
Take a walk with us through Yellowstone County’s first National Register residential district! We’ll explore the history and development of the North Elevation neighborhood and learn about the many architectural treasurers it holds.
This tour begins at the corner of 9th and 32nd, near McKinley School. Call 406-256-6809 if you need directions.
Grave Side Stories – A Walk Through Mountview Cemetery
August 4 (10am), August 25 (10am)
Join us for a walk through Billings’ Mountview Cemetery located on Central Avenue. We’ll look at the original layout of Billings’ first cemetery, hear some of our past citizens stories, and view the historic mausoleum.
This popular tour begins at Mountview Cemetery, near Veteran’s area, off of Central Avenue. Call 256-6809 if you need directions.
Co-hosted by Billings Parks & Rec Department
Hidden in Plain Sight
June 30 (10am), September 1 (10am)
Explore the hidden histories of things you walk by every day. This tour features items throughout downtown Billings.
This tour begins at the Western Heritage Center
Born a Railroad Town
Available upon special request. Minimum 7 people.
Billings’ was created in 1882 by the Northern Pacific Railroad. The city was split into two by railroad tracks running through the center of downtown. This tour explores the founding of Billings and explains how the railroad continues to impact us today.
This tour begins at the Western Heritage Center.
The Lights of Broadway
Available upon special request. Minimum 7 people.
Take a morning walk through the heart of downtown Billings to learn about the development of North Broadway and the historical characters who walked the streets.
This tour begins at the Western Heritage Center.
South Park Stroll
Available upon special request. Minimum 7 people.
Explore the rich history of the south side! On this tour, we’ll look at the remnants of Billings’ railroad beginnings, see the influence of the sugar beet factory, and learn about the role of South Park in our community.
This tour begins South Park on South 28th (east side). Call if you need directions.
Co-hosted by Billings Parks & Rec Department
