Billings, the "Magic City", is Montana's largest city with a population of 109,577 (2019) and is located in Yellowstone County. Informally, Billings is divided into several areas as opposed to neighborhoods that stretch across approximately 45 square miles: the Heights, the North Side, Downtown, the South Side, Mid Town, Blue Creek, and the West End. Suburbs, or census designated areas surrounding Billings include Lockwood, Huntley, Shepherd, and Laurel. The Billings Metropolitan area covers Carbon, Stillwater, and Yellowstone counties.
Due to its size and location as the junction for Interstate 90 and Interstate 94, the greater Billings area serves as a major center for medicine and commerce. Major employers include Billings Clinic and St. Vincent’s Health Care, Montana University-Billings and Rocky Mountain College, and Billings is home to the corporate headquarters for Kampgrounds of America and First Interstate bank among others.
While the Beartooth Mountains are only visible in the distance, Billings is known for its "Rimrocks," a defining geographical feature that encircles half the city. The Rims feature trails for walking, hiking, rock climbing, and biking, and are also home to the Billings Logan International Airport. The Yellowstone River flows through Billing which gives residents an opportunity for fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. In 2016, Billings won Outside Magazine’s Best Town contest beating out Jackson, Wyoming and Bend, Oregon.
Billings has an active summer season and plenty of activities for the whole family. Major cultural activities include Yellowstone Art Museum, Alberta Bair Theater, Art House Cinema, the Western Heritage Center, and The Moss Mansion. Sports fans can catch a Billings Mustangs baseball game at Dehler Park, and ZooMontana not only educates the public about species native to our area but hosts myriad events like the popular and annual Renaissance Fair and a Holiday light display. Other annual festivals and activities include Alive After 5, Magic City Blues, Strawberry Festival, Billings First Fridays, Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market, MontanaFair, and the NILE Stock Show and Rodeo.
