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February 28, 2025
The Trail Guides' Guide: Billings Brew Trail
Have you heard of beer? Alright, that was an awkward question and start to this blog. Apologies. Let's try that again.
Have you heard of the Billings Brew Trail? If you have a passing knowledge of the beer or restaurant scene in Billings, I imagine you have some familiarity with one of our city’s many breweries. In fact, I don’t think it’s a stretch to imagine you have a favorite brewery (I know I do). But what makes that spot special? Obviously, a brewery’s success thrives on having great beverage options, but most of--if not all--of the breweries in Billings take things one step further.
I personally marvel at the unique identity each of our breweries has created. Whether they’ve crafted a unique venue, pair their beer with equally-as-mouth-watering food, or employ clever branding and naming conventions, each stop on the Billings Brew Trail does something to set itself apart. Even if you're not a frequent customer at any of the Billings' breweries, it's important to understand why this "trail" is an important feature for marketing our city to potential visitors (that's what Trail Guides is all about).
Read more for a top-level approach to the Billings Brew Trail, how Visit Billings markets this attraction, and why Billings always seems ready to welcome a new business in this industry.
Paving the Trail
Currently, the Billings Brew Trail is a collective attraction comprised of 11 breweries, 3 distilleries, 1 cider house and a winery.
Billings is a fantastic beer city, and before there was a ‘brew trail,’ there were plenty of breweries actively contributing to our city’s flavor (what a lame pun). But in recent years, it seems like our brew scene does more than contribute to Billings’ culture; it has become a cultural driver. We see this when it comes to travelers visiting our city. They actively seek out a wide variety of our breweries with an understanding that they’ll be experiencing something they can’t in their own hometown.
One of Our Favorite “Hikes”
Alright, I’ll admit it. The Billings Brew Trail isn’t an actual trail. In fact, most of the walking you do between stops is on paved sidewalk. Lightweight sneakers are a safer bet than leather hiking boots here. If hiking boots are your style though, I promise you won’t look out of place.
Luckily, the Billings Brew Trail has more on offer than just craft beer and specialty cocktails. With the walkable portion being located in the heart of downtown Billings, visitors are already in the midst of locally-owned restaurants, museums, and unique businesses. Naturally, these options can round out a ‘brew trail’ experience. Does anything sound better than grabbing a drink after catching a show at the Alberta Bair Theater?
As a Trail Guide, you should be aware that plenty of adventure seekers make downtown Billings their home away from home. For someone returning from an actual hike, suggesting they hit another trail may make their eyes roll into the back of their head. Instead, let them know of a nearby brewery. I promise that’s a much easier sell, and nothing sounds better than a cold beer to wrap up an adventure-filled day.
