Downtown Billings not only lies in the heart of this Western town, it creates its heartbeat. While a workday lunch may be hectic and reflect the weekday vibe, weekends reflect this city’s other side—art, history and culture prevail as presented by galleries, museums, street art, boutiques, theaters, coffee shops, brew houses, diners and elegant evening dining locales. Weekends have their own identity: less hurried and a tad more casual with the emphasis on fun and relaxation.
And here’s the best news: Downtown Billings is not shutdown on Sundays. As both the end of one week and the start of another, Sunday is the ideal day to soak in the true atmosphere of downtown—window shop, stroll the streets, grab a taste here, a sip there. Look up and wonder about the Montana Power Company building’s façade, see the Babcock Theatre’s neon marquee and recall days gone by or feel the cobblestones of Montana Avenue that touch both the past and the future.
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To prove the point, we created a “Sunday Fun-day” itinerary for downtown Billings. While this does not cover every opportunity, it does offer a sampling of a complete day’s activities. So, we challenge you: get off the couch and try a Sunday Fun-Day in Downtown Billings.
Don’t skip breakfast
Start off the adventure with a full belly. Places like Stella’s Kitchen & Bakery offer traditional and phenomenal fare. Or, deviate a bit with unique dishes at Bin 119 (think: crab, artichoke and Havarti omelet), Lilac (try: smoked trout scramble) or The Fieldhouse, which emphasizes local, fresh and in-season entrees such as a veggie frittata with greens, parmesan and kale pesto.
Start off your downtown adventure with a hearty breakfast from Stella's Kitchen & Bakery.
For brunch-a-la-elegant try the smorgasbord at TEN. Including items like organic chevre and bacon-studded pancakes or elk sausage migas, plus bottomless mimosas, your taste buds will be on overload and your midsection will need a long walk.
Dig up some history
Both the Western Heritage Center and Moss Mansion Historic House Museum are open on Sundays, offering visitors a peek into Montana’s past. Original furnishings and family letters provide an accurate snapshot of life during the early 1900s in Billings at the Moss. For a broader perspective, peruse the permanent and rotating exhibits at the Western Heritage Museum, which give in-depth and intimate details about native peoples, immigrants, homesteaders and cowboys alike.
Chances you will learn a bit more about your hometown, plus stellar tidbits you can use at the next trivia night.
Check out the scores
The Brew Pub, Hooligan’s, Überbrew, Tiny's Tavern and several other fine establishments offer big screen TVs and an opportunity to catch up on the game of the day. Football, hockey, lacrosse, golf or tennis—you are sure to find a fellow fan in the bar along with a tasty adult beverage.
Get your read on
If literary pursuits are more your style, the Billings Public Library will hit your sweet spot. Open Sunday afternoons from Labor Day to Memorial Day, this public institution is a veritable deep well of information. Check out the tech lab, historical room or simply relax in the bright, airy atmosphere and catch up on current events.
The Billings Public Library is hosting a series of workshops in January to teach teens how to make a movie.
Before you leave, be sure to get instruction on how to download library materials to your mobile tablet and grab a snack or coffee at Sweet Café.
Stroll for art
Yellowstone Art Museum stands as the icon of art in Billings. From Modern to Masters, including local and regional artists, the exhibits cover a complete breath of art unrivaled in the state. Immerse all your senses in the spacious galleries and relish the quiet for a truly moving experience. Be sure to take a peek into the Visible Vault—YAM’s super-sized closet of art collections.
View exhibits from local and regional artists at the Yellowstone Art Museum.
Final course
Bid farewell to the weekend with an innovative dinner, classic cocktail or tempting tapas while listening to Sunday Night Jazz at Walkers American Grill & Tapas Bar. There’s no cover charge, so you are welcome to wine, dine or simply enjoy in an urban setting. The music covers everything from bebop to Brazilian and soul to classic jazz. Surprise musicians join up with locals, sometimes even the establishment’s proprietor, to let it all flow.
It’s the consummate conclusion to an epic day.
Happy trails
Need some creamy sugary goodness before the trip home? Big Dipper Ice Cream is open until 10 p.m. on Sundays, serving seasonal flavors of homemade ice cream—sit inside to enjoy the experience or take one to go. Just don’t forget the napkins.
Big Dipper Ice Cream serves up a variety of homemade ice cream and is open until 10 p.m. on Sundays.
NOTE: Some locations have seasonal closings; be sure to consult the business to verify hours.
