Montana isn't a state I've gotten to explore all of yet - not surprising, since this northern state is one of America's largest! That means it's full of beautiful natural landscapes and wonderful small towns to explore - as well as some great cities. When visiting a huge, spread-out state like Montana, it helps to have a home base city - and I can't think of a better one than Billings. This city is Montana's largest, with over 117,000 people. It's also a hub of industry and trade, so you can expect it to keep growing. That's helped it build a fantastic collection of attractions, stores, and restaurants - and there are so many great things to do in Billings, Montana, that you probably won't be able to see it all in just one day! Read on to discover the perfect itinerary for your next visit to Billings.
Located in the southern central region of the state, Billings is a wonderful city surrounded by some of the most beautiful nature in the country. But you don't have to leave the city to discover some stunning sights. One of the most famous spots in the city is Moss Mansion, a historic home that has been turned into a botanical garden. The city is also home to Lake Elmo State Park, an accessible state park with a wheelchair-accessible trail and a stunning lakefront popular for recreation and fishing.
The Billings city center is full of culture to explore, with the Babcock Theater showing classic and modern films. The town is also home to plenty of festivals, including the annual Strawberry Festival that happens every June. If you're still a kid at heart, we definitely recommend making a visit to Candy Town USA, the largest candy store in Montana.
For dinner, there are plenty of options here. One of the biggest surprises is Cajun Phatty's, a unique restaurant bringing authentic New Orleans specialties to Montana. The most popular restaurant in town is probably Montana Jack's, a small local chain serving up hearty steak dinners and a delicious all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. But whatever you do, make sure you get a sweet huckleberry dessert before you go!
What are your favorite things to do in Billings, Montana? If you haven't been to this charming city yet, tell a friend about this article and plan a trip for yourself! If you're looking for an acclaimed hotel to stay in while you're here, the Northern Hotel has a wonderful rustic vibe and consistently gets some of the highest ratings of any hotel in Montana.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
advertisement
Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
advertisement
If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
If spontaneously packing your bags, tossing them in your car, and hitting the road sounds like a grand adventure, you might be wondering how to get away for just a weekend of exploring. If your time is more limited, there is still plenty of beauty to see and explore over a couple of days, especially in the Treasure State. So hit the road and enjoy a weekend road trip in Montana that offers more than enough natural beauty, great food, and quality time with loved ones to go around.
Begin your weekend journey in the bustling tourist town of Whitefish. This town has been popularized due to it being one of the gateway towns to Glacier National Park, but even without visiting the park, there is much to do in town. I recommend you start your day bright and early so that you can enjoy a hearty breakfast (the culinary scene in Whitefish is top-tier) before you check out the great fishing at Whitefish Lake. For a truly memorable hiking experience, I recommend riding the gondola at Whitefish Mountain Resort for some truly stunning mountain views and a scenic hike back down the mountain.
Stop for lunch and enjoy one of the most delicious burgers in Montana at Lindsey’s Prime Steak House in Seeley Lake. While this restaurant is famous for its steak, the burgers are just about as good as it gets. And you really can't beat these views. If you leave Whitefish by around 11:00 a.m., you'll arrive at Seeley Lake just in time for a late lunch around 1:00 p.m., giving you plenty of time to relax and take in the scenery.
Visit a cathedral, grab dinner, and soak in hot springs in Helena
The end of your first day of roadtripping leads you to Helena, Montana's capital city, where you'll find plenty to explore. I recommend touring the gorgeous Cathedral of Saint Helena first for a taste of Neo-Gothic architectural beauty. Then, head over to The Springs Taproom & Grill for dinner and cocktails. Lastly, enjoy a rejuvenating soak in the mineral waters at Broadwater Hot Springs and Fitness. There are plenty of hotels around town, but I recommend reserving a night at The Sanders, an adorable bed and breakfast that will provide all the comfort you need for a good night's sleep, and then start you off right with freshly prepared breakfast in the morning.
After breakfast and before you depart from Helena, you owe it to yourself to jog a little to the north of town toward Upper Holter Lake and take a famous boat tour through Gates of the Mountains. This area is rich in history and natural beauty, and a boat tour is the best way to see it all.
advertisement
Stop for lunch and a stunning scenic hike in Bozeman
Stunning scenic scenic in Bozeman Montana
After about an hour and 40 minutes into your drive, you'll want to stop in Bozeman for a bite to eat. I recommend grabbing some trout tacos, beef short ribs, or a delectable burger at Little Star Diner (be sure to ask for a seat on the sunny patio if one is available). The surrounding mountain scenery and endless hiking trails beg for exploration. I suggest checking out the College M Steep Trail for amazing views throughout that can be done in an hour and a half.
The tiny unincorporated community of Emigrant is a remote paradise that is surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is situated along the idyllic Yellowstone River just north of the Wyoming border. It is worthy of truly stopping to enjoy the peacefulness of this area before your final stop.
Visit Mammoth Hot Springs in Mammoth, Wyoming
Close-up of travertine terraces, Mammoth hot springs, Yellowstone national park, USA.
For the last stop of your journey, you'll cross just a few miles over the Wyoming border to explore Mammoth Hot Springs — because this place is too cool to miss even if it isn't quite in Montana. Not only are the travertine terraces of the hot springs beautiful and geologically fascinating, but the entire area is a hot spot for wildlife. The last time I visited this area, I saw herds of elk meandering through the entire town of Mammoth, as well as bighorn sheep along the mountainous terrain of the valley as you drive into town from the north.
Stay in the Historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins
To round out the end of your trip, you'll want to stay at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins. Staying here post-June of 2022 is even more meaningful after a devastating flash flood ravaged the area and portions of the hotel had to be rebuilt. It looks even more beautiful than ever before, and I personally can't wait to visit again to see all the painstaking efforts to restore this entire area.
advertisement
What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and embark upon this incredible weekend road trip in Montana. You'll explore some of the state's most beautiful landscapes, eat some delicious food, immerse yourself in the state's fascinating history, and enjoy plenty of quality time with whoever you decide to travel with, even if you embark on the journey alone!
And if you'd like to explore more of the western reaches of Montana, including Glacier National Park, you'll find it all on this road trip to some of the most magical destinations in Montana.
