Laurel MT

Laurel, Montana – a charming small town nestled in the Yellowstone Valley, where community spirit meets breathtaking natural beauty. From scenic views of the Beartooth Mountains to the winding Yellowstone River, Laurel offers a peaceful gateway to outdoor adventures and a close-knit lifestyle. Whether you're exploring local parks, enjoying a hometown festival, or simply watching the sky light up during a Montana sunset, Laurel welcomes you with open arms and a slower pace that's easy to fall in love with.

• Population: ~7,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers (20–85°F)
• Places To Visit: Laurel Riverside Park, Two Moon Park, Yellowstone National Park (nearby), Beartooth Highway Scenic Drive
• Top Activities: Fishing on the Yellowstone River, hiking and biking local trails, attending Laurel’s 4th of July Fireworks show, exploring historic downtown
• Famous Food: Classic American fare at Owl Junction, down-home meals at Sid’s East Side Eatery, and handcrafted brews at High Plains Brewing

Laurel, MT is a thriving small city in Yellowstone County, known for its welcoming community, strong industrial presence, and proximity to major employers in Billings. From healthcare to rail transport, Laurel offers a variety of stable and rewarding career paths. Here are the top 5 jobs in Laurel, Montana.

Whether you're seeking hands-on technical work or a position in education or healthcare, Laurel offers a mix of career opportunities with solid pay, especially when paired with Montana’s lower cost of living. The city continues to grow and attract talent across key sectors.

Laurel, Montana might be a small town, but that doesn’t mean students don’t have awesome places to unwind and have fun. Whether you’re looking for chill outdoor spots, tasty local eats, or low-key hangouts with friends, Laurel has a little something for everyone.

Thompson Park – Right off the Yellowstone River, this park is perfect for tossing around a frisbee, enjoying a relaxing picnic, or simply watching the water go by. It's peaceful, green, and ideal for catching a mental break from schoolwork.

Fat Fender Freddy’s – This quirky, retro-style diner serves up burgers, fries, and shakes with serious 50s vibes. It’s a fun place to grab lunch with classmates or just hang out after school.

Laurel Skate Park – Whether you skate or just want to chill and watch others pull off some cool tricks, this spot is a big hit with local teens and college students. Bring your board or just bring good vibes.

The Back Porch – A favorite local coffee shop where you can sip a latte, knock out some homework, or catch up with friends. They’ve got comfy couches, free Wi-Fi, and killer pastries that make studying feel way less painful.

South Pond – When the weather’s nice, South Pond is a peaceful escape for walking, fishing, or taking photos with friends. It’s a laid-back hangout where you can recharge between classes or on weekends.

Red Lodge Mountain (just a short drive away) – If you're up for a bit of adventure, round up some friends and head to Red Lodge for skiing or snowboarding in the winter and hiking in the summer. It’s a great day trip when you need a break from everything.

Fireman’s Park – This park is a local gem. During community events like the annual Laurel 4th of July Parade or music nights, it turns into a vibrant space full of food, fun, and friendly faces. Grab a group and go enjoy the festivities.

Even in a small town, you don’t need big-city buzz to have a good time. Laurel is full of cozy, friendly spots where students can relax, connect, and just enjoy the simple things in life. Sometimes, those low-key hangouts are the best kind.

Laurel, MT, is a close-knit community with access to excellent higher education options in the surrounding region. Although the city itself is smaller, students can find both public and private colleges and universities nearby, offering a wide variety of programs to launch or further their careers.

Top Public Colleges & Universities near Laurel, MT

Montana State University Billings (MSU Billings) – Located just minutes from Laurel, MSU Billings is one of the leading public universities in southeastern Montana. It’s known for strong programs in business, health professions, education, and liberal arts. The university offers a welcoming campus and supportive faculty.

City College at MSU Billings – Also in Billings, City College is the two-year college division of MSU Billings. It’s a great option for technical, trade, health, and transfer programs, helping students start or advance their careers with hands-on learning.

Montana State University (Bozeman) – While located a little over two hours from Laurel, MSU Bozeman is Montana’s flagship public research university. Its highly regarded science, agriculture, engineering, and business programs attract students from throughout the state.

Rocky Mountain College (Billings) – Though a private school, it’s important to note that RMC collaborates extensively with MSU Billings on joint programs and shared resources, making the public-private educational network robust in the area.

Gallatin College Montana State University – Situated in Bozeman, Gallatin College offers valuable 2-year degrees and certificates in high-demand fields, making it a popular choice for students seeking affordable, practical education.

Top Private Colleges & Universities near Laurel, MT

Rocky Mountain College – As the region’s premier private college, Rocky Mountain College in Billings is recognized for personalized attention, small class sizes, and excellent programs in aviation, education, and health sciences.

University of Providence-Great Falls – While located in Great Falls, this Catholic university is a popular choice for students seeking a private, faith-based education, particularly in nursing and health programs, with distance learning options available as well.

Carroll College – Based in Helena, Carroll is renowned for its liberal arts education and outstanding programs in health sciences, engineering, and pre-professional studies. Strong community service values make it a top pick for many students in the region.

University of Jamestown (Billings Center) – This North Dakota-based private institution offers nursing and health sciences courses in Billings, allowing students access to a respected curriculum close to home.

Montana Bible College – Situated in Bozeman, Montana Bible College offers theological, ministry, and Christian leadership programs in a close, faith-driven setting. It’s an excellent choice for students pursuing ministry or service-oriented degrees.

Whether you're looking for large public universities or intimate private colleges, the Laurel area offers access to diverse educational opportunities to help you reach your academic and career goals.

Laurel, Montana, may be a small town, but it offers access to excellent education for families who prioritize quality learning at both public and private high schools. Whether you're new to the area or a resident looking for the best options for your teen, we've rounded up a list of the top-rated schools around. Each of these schools is known for its academics, supportive environment, and opportunities for personal growth.

Top Public High Schools in Laurel, MT

• Laurel High School – The main public high school in town, Laurel High offers a wide range of academic courses, career and technical education (CTE) programs, and extracurricular activities. With a strong sense of community and dedicated educators, it's a great choice for local families.
• Billings Senior High School – Just a short drive from Laurel, this school is one of the largest in the region. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a strong athletics program, and extensive college prep resources.
• West High School (Billings) – Serving a diverse student population, West High has a solid academic reputation and a range of clubs, sports, and music programs to help students discover their passions.
• Skyview High School – Located in Billings, Skyview is known for its welcoming culture, technology-integrated learning, and programs focused on college and career readiness.
• Park City High School (Park City, MT) – A smaller school near Laurel, this high school offers a close-knit learning environment with personalized attention, making it appealing for students who thrive in smaller classrooms.

Top Private High Schools Near Laurel, MT

• Billings Central Catholic High School – A highly regarded private school rooted in Catholic values, this college-preparatory school focuses on academic excellence, leadership, and faith-based education.
• Mount Olive Christian Academy – Located in Billings, this small Christian school offers individualized learning and promotes strong moral development alongside academics.
• Heritage Christian School (Bozeman) – Though a bit of a drive, it's a wonderful option for families seeking a private school that incorporates faith, solid academics, and a nurturing environment.
• Foothills Community Christian School (Great Falls) – Known for its rigorous academics and values-based education, this school helps students grow spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually.
• Cornerstone Christian Academy (Billings) – With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, this Christian-based school emphasizes personal responsibility, academic achievement, and faith in action.

Choosing the right high school is a big step in your child's future. Whether you opt for a public or private school in or near Laurel, each of these options provides a supportive and enriching learning environment. Your teen will be well-equipped for the next chapter—whether that’s college, a trade, or a career. Keep exploring, ask questions, and trust that the right fit is out there for your family’s needs and values.

Laurel, Montana may be a small town surrounded by the scenic beauty of Big Sky Country, but when it comes to professional sports teams, fans here often look to support franchises from nearby major cities like Billings, or even broader regional teams from the Mountain West and Pacific Northwest. While Laurel doesn’t host its own major league pro sports teams, its community has a strong sports culture and passionate fan base that follows national and regional teams closely.

Baseball – Billings Mustangs (Pioneer League)

• Billings Mustangs – Based just 15 minutes from Laurel, the Billings Mustangs are a beloved minor league baseball team with deep roots in the region. Founded in 1948, the team spent nearly seven decades as a Rookie affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds before transitioning to an independent Pioneer League team. With games held at Dehler Park, fans from Laurel often make the short trip to cheer on the Mustangs in the warm Montana summers.

Football – Montana Grizzlies & Montana State Bobcats (NCAA Division I FCS)

• Montana Grizzlies – Although not a professional team, the University of Montana Grizzlies football team is one of the most successful programs in the FCS division. Based in Missoula, their games draw fans from across the state, including Laurel. The Grizzlies have won two national championships (1995 and 2001) and are known for their fierce rivalry with Montana State.
• Montana State Bobcats – Located in Bozeman, the Bobcats are the Grizzlies’ biggest rivals and also have a strong following in Laurel. They boast three national titles (including a shared title in 1956) and have a deep postseason history. Fans in Laurel often proudly wear blue and gold to support their Bobcats.

Basketball – Closest NBA Teams

• While Montana doesn't have its own NBA team, basketball fans in Laurel typically root for nearby franchises like the Denver Nuggets or the Utah Jazz. The Nuggets, fresh off their first NBA Championship in 2023, have gained popularity in the region due to their exciting play and superstars like Nikola Jokić.

Hockey – Billings Bulls (Junior Hockey)

• Billings Bulls – For local hockey action, the Billings Bulls offer thrilling games right next to Laurel. Competing in the NA3HL, this junior hockey team helps develop young talent and gives fans in the area a close-up hockey experience. The team has a loyal local fan base and draws consistent support from nearby towns, including Laurel.

Soccer – Regional Support

• Soccer is growing in popularity in Montana, and while Laurel doesn’t have a pro team, fans often follow Major League Soccer franchises like the Seattle Sounders FC, the Portland Timbers, or even Sporting Kansas City. Youth soccer programs in Laurel are also expanding, helping nurture the next generation of fans and players.

Though Laurel, MT may not have its own pro teams, the town is surrounded by a rich sports culture and strong connections to regional favorites. Whether it’s catching a Billings Mustangs game, following the Grizzlies and Bobcats on Saturdays, or cheering for the Nuggets during playoff season, sports are very much alive and well in this tight-knit Montana community. For Laurel residents, sports offer a way to come together, celebrate local pride, and stay connected to the bigger leagues beyond the state borders.

Laurel, Montana may be a small city, but it’s packed with charm, history, and some surprising fun facts that make it a unique little gem in Big Sky Country! Whether you're a local, planning a visit, or just curious, here are 10 fun facts about this friendly Montana town:

1. Gateway to Yellowstone – Laurel is just a short drive from the world-famous Yellowstone National Park, making it a great starting point for epic outdoor adventures.
2. Railroad Roots – The city’s history is deeply tied to the Northern Pacific Railway. Laurel was once a major hub for train traffic and even had one of the largest rail yards in Montana.
3. Fireworks Capital – On the Fourth of July, Laurel . Thousands of people come from all over to celebrate with music, parades, and an epic fireworks display.
4. Riverside Charm – The scenic Yellowstone River flows right by Laurel, offering great spots for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking with a view.
5. Small Town, Big Community – Laurel has a population of just over 7,000 residents, but it boasts a tight-knit community that comes together for local events, high school sports, and holiday festivals.
6. Home to the Little Red Caboose – You'll find a cute red caboose on Main Street, a nod to the city’s rich railroad past and a favorite photo op for both locals and visitors.
7. Handcrafted Art Scene – Laurel has a growing group of local artists and crafters who showcase their talents at weekend markets, fairs, and art walks throughout the year.
8. Education Pride – Laurel High School’s mascot is the Locomotives, another tribute to the city’s birthplace on the rails. Go Locos!
9. A Veteran’s Tribute – The Laurel Veterans Memorial is a touching monument located in the city park that honors those who have served in the U.S. military.
10. Neighbors With a Big City – Though Laurel has that cozy small-town feel, it's only about 15 miles from Billings, the largest city in Montana, giving residents quick access to shopping, entertainment, and big-city amenities.