Billings MT

Billings, MT – Known as the Magic City, Billings blends rugged natural beauty with a growing urban charm. Surrounded by rolling plains and dramatic sandstone cliffs, it's a place where history, adventure, and community come together. Whether you're exploring the wild outdoors, discovering local art, or enjoying a hearty Montana steak, Billings offers a welcoming and down-to-earth experience for all.

• Population: ~120,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; cold winters (20–40°F), warm summers (60–90°F), low humidity, and plenty of sunshine.
• Places To Visit: ZooMontana, Pictograph Cave State Park, Moss Mansion, Yellowstone Art Museum, Rimrocks.
• Top Activities: Hiking the Rimrock trails, fishing on the Yellowstone River, attending local rodeos, discovering craft breweries, exploring Western heritage sites.
• Famous Food: Prime rib at The Rex, burgers from Stacked, huckleberry treats, steaks from Jake’s, and local brews at Thirsty Street Brewing Co.

Billings, Montana, is the largest city in the state and serves as a regional center for commerce, healthcare, and energy. Its economy is diverse, with strong demand in medical, trade, and skilled labor professions. Below are the top career opportunities in Billings.

Top 5 Jobs in Billings, MT

Billings, Montana might not be as bustling as some other cities, but it offers a range of chill spots perfect for students looking to unwind, socialize, and have a good time. Whether you're into nature, arts, or a lively food scene, Billings has something for every student.

Pioneer Park – This spacious park offers plenty of room for a picnic, a game of ultimate frisbee, or just lounging in the sunshine with a good book. It's a great spot for catching up with friends or enjoying some alone time.

The Rims – For breathtaking views of the city and beyond, head to the sandstone cliffs known as The Rims. It's the perfect place for a hike, a jog, or simply sitting and watching the sunset.

Rocky Mountain College's Great Lawn – A favorite chill spot among students, the Great Lawn is ideal for relaxing in between classes, hosting study groups, or enjoying outdoor events.

ZooMontana – Want a change of scenery? ZooMontana offers a laid-back experience where you can stroll through natural habitats and observe animals like red pandas and grizzly bears.

The Pub Station – For music lovers, The Pub Station is the go-to venue for live music and an eclectic lineup of local and touring acts. It's a lively nighttime destination where students can unwind and experience the local music scene.

Cisel Hall – Located on the campus of Montana State University Billings, Cisel Hall offers student art exhibits, theater productions, and concerts. It's a hub of cultural activities that's perfect for artsy students looking for inspiration.

Montana Brewing Company – While small gatherings over craft brews are delightful, don't forget they also serve non-alcoholic options. Grab a group of friends for trivia nights or just to savor some delicious local food and beverages.

Billings, Montana serves as a regional hub for education in the Northern Rockies, with institutions that offer strong programs in liberal arts, healthcare, business, and technical trades. Students in Billings benefit from smaller class sizes, hands-on learning, and personalized academic support.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Billings

Montana State University Billings (MSU Billings) – A leading public institution offering over 100 degree programs in the arts, business, education, health professions, and liberal studies. Known for its flexible online programs and strong connections with local employers, MSU Billings plays a central role in higher education across eastern Montana.

City College at MSU Billings – The two-year college division of MSU Billings focuses on career and technical education, providing associate degrees and certificates in areas like nursing, welding, and automotive technology. It is ideal for students looking to enter the workforce quickly or transfer to a university.

Miles Community College (Satellite Programs in Billings) – While headquartered in Miles City, this institution offers some remote and dual-enrollment programs in Billings. Known for its programs in agriculture, nursing, and general studies, it serves students across eastern Montana.

Gallatin College MSU (Select Programs in Billings) – A two-year institution based in Bozeman offering workforce development programs, it occasionally partners with local industries in Billings for technical and trade-related courses.

University of Montana (Outreach & Dual Enrollment in Billings) – Though based in Missoula, the University of Montana maintains a presence in the region through outreach education and dual enrollment opportunities for high school students in Billings.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Billings

Rocky Mountain College (RMC) – The oldest college in Montana, RMC is a respected private liberal arts college located in Billings. It offers strong programs in aviation, education, equestrian studies, and business, with a focus on experiential learning and leadership development.

University of Providence (Billings Campus) – A private Catholic institution with a campus in Billings affiliated with Providence St. Vincent Healthcare. The campus specializes in healthcare degrees, especially nursing and healthcare administration, and integrates faith-based ethics into professional training.

Yellowstone Christian College – A small, faith-based private college offering degrees in Christian Leadership, Business, and General Studies. It emphasizes personalized instruction, ministry-based training, and character development.

Newman University (Nursing Programs in Billings) – Based in Kansas, Newman University partners with Billings-area hospitals to offer accredited nursing degree programs. It provides students with clinical learning opportunities in local healthcare facilities.

University of Mary (Billings Campus) – A private Catholic university based in North Dakota with a growing Billings extension campus. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, business, and education, focusing on working adults and online learners.

Billings, Montana, offers a range of quality high schools that focus on academic success, student development, and college readiness. Whether you're looking for a public or private school, the city has excellent options for families seeking strong educational foundations.

Top Public High Schools in Billings, MT

• Billings Senior High School – Known for its large student body and strong Advanced Placement (AP) program. It offers diverse courses and robust extracurricular activities.
• Skyview High School – Offers a comprehensive academic curriculum and multiple Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, helping students prepare for both college and careers.
• Billings West High School – A top-performing public school with high graduation rates. It provides a strong athletics program and a wide variety of AP and honors classes.
• Career Center – While not a traditional high school, it partners with area schools to provide focused training in areas like health sciences, engineering, and business, offering great hands-on experience.
• – A smaller charter school offering personalized learning with a strong focus on student support and academic growth.

Top Private High Schools in Billings, MT

• Billings Central Catholic High School – A Catholic preparatory school offering faith-based education along with high academic standards in small class sizes.
• Heritage Christian School – Provides a Christ-centered education with excellent academics and strong character development, popular among families seeking a religious foundation.
• Trinity Lutheran School – Known for its nurturing environment, Trinity Lutheran offers strong academics and a focus on Christian values through middle and high school levels.
• Mount Olive Lutheran School – A smaller Lutheran school offering individualized attention and a welcoming learning community for students through 8th grade, sometimes extending high school level courses.
• Yellowstone Academy – Offers an alternative educational environment for students with emotional or behavioral challenges, focusing on personal and academic growth in a structured setting.

Billings, Montana is not home to any major league professional sports teams like those found in big cities such as Los Angeles or New York. However, it boasts a passionate sports culture and supports a variety of minor league and semi-professional teams that bring excitement and community pride to the area.

⚾ Baseball – Billings Mustangs (Independent Baseball)

• Billings Mustangs – A staple in the Billings sports scene, the Mustangs are a professional baseball team that currently plays in the Pioneer League, an MLB Partner League. The team has a rich history, having served as a farm team for the Cincinnati Reds from 1969 to 2020. Fans flock to Dehler Park during the summer months to enjoy affordable and family-friendly games.

🏀 Basketball – The Billings Wolves (Upcoming ABA Team)

• Billings Wolves (Basketball) – Billings is set to host a new American Basketball Association (ABA) franchise, also using the name "Wolves." While the team is still in development, it promises to bring excitement to the local basketball scene by offering community engagement, indoor entertainment, and aspiring talent from the region.

🏈 Football – Billings Outlaws (Champions Indoor Football)

• Billings Outlaws – The Outlaws are an indoor football team that competes in the Champions Indoor Football (CIF) league. Originally founded in 2000, with multiple championship titles under their belt, the franchise made a comeback in recent years. They play at the First Interstate Arena at MetraPark, offering a thrilling, fast-paced version of gridiron football.

🏒 Hockey – Billings Bulls (Junior Hockey)

• Billings Bulls – Once a popular junior hockey team that competed in the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL), the Bulls played an important role in developing young hockey talent. They are currently inactive, but efforts have been made to revive junior hockey in Billings, reflecting the community’s interest in the sport.

⚽ Soccer – Local and Amateur Leagues

• Soccer in Billings – While Billings does not have a professional soccer club, it has a growing soccer community thanks to local adult leagues and youth programs. Organizations like Magic City Soccer Club and school-level competitions provide opportunities for athletes and fans to stay involved with the world's most popular sport.

Billings, Montana may not be as big as Los Angeles, but it has a charm and spirit all its own. With its mix of history, nature, and small-town warmth, there’s more to discover here than meets the eye. Here are some fun facts about Montana’s magic city:

1. Montana’s Largest City – With over 100,000 residents, Billings is the biggest city in Montana by population.
2. Rimrocks Views – The giant sandstone cliffs known as the Rimrocks offer breathtaking sunset views and a favorite spot for hiking and photo ops.
3. Yellowstone Connection – Billings is just a short drive from Yellowstone National Park, making it a great jumping-off point for outdoor adventures.
4. Magic City Nickname – People call Billings the “Magic City” because of its rapid growth after being founded as a railroad town in 1882.
5. Western Art Central – The Yellowstone Art Museum holds one of the biggest collections of contemporary and historic Western art in the region.
6. Dinosaur Country – Billings is near the Montana Dinosaur Trail, and it’s a hotspot for fossil hunters and dino fans.
7. Cowtown Roots – With a strong cattle industry past and present, Billings still hosts rodeos, stock shows, and cattle auctions.
8. Home of Pictograph Cave – Just outside of town is the Pictograph Cave State Park, where ancient cave art dates back over 2,000 years.
9. Big Sky Brews – The city has more than a dozen craft breweries, making it a fun place for beer lovers to explore local flavors.
10. Historic Billings Depot – Once a key train terminal in the West, the Billings Depot now hosts events, weddings, and concerts in a beautifully restored space.