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November 16, 2023
Heights - Discover the Montanan way of life
Where the prairie meets the rimrocks, revealing the indomitable spirit of the west.
Here, Americana is reflected in the grit and determination of the Montanan, and continues today with hearty fare, adventure and a celebration of the western way of life.
Where to Stay
Nestled at the base of the historic rimrocks, Boothill Inn & Suites will show you true Montana hospitality. Put your boots up by the fire and relax, or walk across the road to visit the historic Boothill Cemetery, and read about the history of a time and a town that is now part of the past. Stay across the way at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and enjoy the fabulous amenities including a pool for the kids. Both hotels are located within three miles of Billings Logan International Airport and just a 10-minute walk from MetraPark Arena.
Where to Eat
Taste the flavor of the old west, with slow-smoked locally raised beef over a fire that is sure to make your mouth water. Bull Mountain Grille roasts prime rib on the weekends and babyback ribs during the week, a true Montana steakhouse. Take a break and try Blues BBQ, with the hearty aroma of beef smoked low and slow over hard woods winning them several awards. Don’t forget the homemade fixin’s on the side. Montana Jack’s is your comfort food source, with Angus Beef gourmet burgers and with their famous hand-battered chicken tenders, you can’t go wrong. And if you’re looking for that sports bar vibe, then The Vig Alehouse is your stop. With almost more big screens than tables, they offer mouth-watering bar fare like handmade cheese curds, deep fried cream corn and pickles, and flowing brews on tap. Looking for some caffeine? Grab a cup to go at City Brew on Main and enjoy some of the best roasted coffee this side of the Mississippi.
Parks
Need a green space break? Try Castle Rock Park, the largest community park in the Heights. With 25 acres, it includes a horseshoe court, picnic site, playground, restrooms, athletic field, tennis courts and a sprayground for the summer heat. If your pooch is looking for a place to play, try High Sierra Dog Park featuring great natural terrain, a fenced doggie area, restrooms, and disc golf nearby. There are plenty of outdoor adventure spots to fill your nature bucket. Lake Elmo State Park is a popular urban getaway with a beautiful man-made lake where you can swim, boat, paddleboard, or fish, with picnic spots and trails along the lake’s edge. Two Moon Park, situated on the East side of the Heights, has over 4 miles of natural trails encircling the park. Enjoy views of the Yellowstone River while hiking or mountain biking, or take advantage of great boat access to the river. For more remote exploration, visit John H. Dover Memorial Park, a 120-acre area with miles of trails, access to the Yellowstone River, and a beautiful overlook of the river corridor. It also houses the Dover Activity Center along with plenty of benches, restrooms and picnic shelters along the trails.
For the Family
Whether it’s cold outside, or it’s in the heat of summer, the Heights has you covered for fun things to do with the family. Centennial Ice Arena is home to the Billings Amateur Hockey League, and is open for public ice skating most weekends. Rent some skates and take a turn on the ice! If it’s time for some fun in the sun, then a trip to Oasis Waterpark is your best bet. With splash pools, tower slides, the WaveSurfer, and summer concession treats, there is something for everyone. A beautiful 18-hole course with a long history, Lake Hills Golf Course gives every level of golfer a great day. Delight in antelope grazing on the fairways as you head to the green on this par 72 course.
Events
MetraPark First Interstate Arena is the state’s largest arena with a variety of events, from big-name musical concerts and entertainment to sporting events, trade shows, conventions and fundraisers - it’s where the magic happens. It’s also host to MontanaFair, a nine-day agricultural celebration with nearly 10,000 people earning cash and ribbons each year for fair entries from livestock to arts and crafts and everything in between. Don’t miss the traditional carnival rides with fair food like cotton candy, corn dogs and fresh lemonade, and the ever-popular PRCA Pro Rodeo. MontanaFair is truly a celebration of the western way of life.
In the fall, don’t miss the annual NILE Stock Show & Rodeo at MetraPark. This premier event is held in October and hosts hundreds of exhibitors from across the United States and Canada to show and sell their livestock. The week-long event features a Cattle Drive, the Gold Buckle Select Horse Sale, various horse and livestock shows, the Pro Rodeo, the Ranch Rodeo and many youth events. Dedicated to the promotion of the livestock industry, agricultural education and respect for the western tradition, the NILE exemplifies the spirit of the west.