Couples’ Getaway Weekend in Billings: A Perfect Blend of Adventure and Relaxation

This post is sponsored by Visit Billings.

We are always up for a getaway weekend in Billings. In the past, we’ve gone as a family or I’ve gone with one kid. On this Billings visit, Henry and I got away – just the two of us. That’s one of the many advantages of living with teenagers. They can stay home alone.

Nestled in the heart of Montana, Billings is a city that boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural charm, and vibrant local scenes. It’s the perfect destination for couples looking for an urban and natural setting and to enjoy a romantic getaway. 

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through our weekend in Billings, filled with music, food and drink, and time outside.

Obviously, there is too much to do in just one weekend, so check out these other posts for more things to do in Billings.

• Three Days in Billings with Kids

• Things to do in Billings

• Southeast Montana Roadtrip  

Couples’ Billings Getaway Itinerary

Friday: Attend a Festival or Enjoy Live Music

Our weekend adventure began on Friday evening. Billings is known for its lively cultural scene, and there’s no better way to start your getaway than by attending a local festival or enjoying live music. 

We attended the Ales for Trails beer tasting, concert, and fundraiser for the city’s urban trail system. It was a blast! 

On the gorgeous grounds of ZooMontana, there were many regional craft beers to taste, a fun band to dance and sing along with, a silent disco, giant beer pong, food trucks, and more. 

Since we are always looking for ways to be more sustainable, we appreciated the metal cups they hand out with your entry fee.

This is a popular event, so get there early. It’s well worth planning a weekend around. 

Check the Billings event calendar to see if there are any festivals or concerts happening during your visit. Whether it’s a folk festival, a jazz performance, or an outdoor music event, Billings offers a wide range of options to your taste.

After enjoying the festival or concert, head back to your cozy accommodation and prepare for an exciting day ahead.

Saturday: Adventure and Exploration

Breakfast at The Local Kitchen 

Start your Saturday with a delightful breakfast at The Local Kitchen, a charming eatery that specializes in serving locally sourced and farm-fresh ingredients. 

We love that they support community charities, host fundraising dinners for local groups, involve small local producers in their food sourcing, and provide cooking classes, such as how to prepare wild game.

This cute restaurant is a bit hidden away in northwest Billings, but it gets busy. Recommendations are recommended for the weekend. 

Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market

After breakfast, we made our way to the Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market. This vibrant market is a local favorite, featuring an array of artisanal goods, fresh produce, and unique crafts. We explored the stalls and picked up some local treats to enjoy later.

Bike Ride on the Rimrocks

Montana is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, and the Rimrocks —  70-million-year-old sandstone formations that wrap around Downtown Billings — offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

Rent bicycles (or bring your own as we did) and embark on a scenic ride from Swords Rimrock Park to the Skyline Trail. This leisurely bike ride not only provided us with big views but also offered a perfect opportunity to connect and enjoy each other’s company.

Visit the Yellowstone County Museum 

For history buffs and culture enthusiasts, a visit to the Yellowstone County Museum is a must. Explore the rich history and heritage of the region through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.

We discovered that the museum had been renovated since our last visit and enjoyed newly discovering the stories that have shaped Billings and the surrounding area. (Don’t worry, the two-headed calf is still there!)

Late Lunch at Spitz Restaurant

After our museum visit, we treated ourselves to a delicious late lunch at Spitz. This restaurant offers a yummy menu of Mediterranean-inspired street food and mouthwatering kebabs. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and savor a satisfying meal and an adult beverage. The atmosphere is really fun.

Nap at the Hotel

We needed to regroup and take a well-deserved nap, so we returned to the hotel for a bit and recharged our energy for the evening ahead.

Dinner at Buffalo Block at the Rex 

For a romantic dinner, make reservations at Buffalo Block at the Rex. This upscale steakhouse is known for its high-quality cuts of meat and exceptional service. While I am mostly vegetarian, I loved the classy cocktails and salmon. It was lovely to enjoy a sumptuous meal in an intimate atmosphere. You may want a reservation here on the weekend.

Live Music at Craft Local

We ended our Saturday on a high note by enjoying some live music at Craft Local. This cozy venue often features local bands and artists, providing the perfect ambiance for a relaxing and enjoyable evening.

“Craft Local believes in supporting local art, music, dance, poetry and other cultural events. Their mission is to foster, educate, support and develop the local arts scene in Billings. Opened in 2017 as a community minded non-profit, this business has become a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Serving local craft beer, cider, seltzer and wine.”

Sunday: A Leisurely Morning

Coffee at Roots Garden Center

On Sunday morning, start your day with a leisurely visit to Roots Garden Center. Sip on a warm cup of coffee or tea as you wander through the lush greenery and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

“Roots Garden Center is the Billings Neighborhood Garden and Coffee Shop. A place for artists, coffee lovers, and plant enthusiasts, this is a great spot for a morning coffee and stroll.”

Walk at Riverfront Park

We concluded our couples’ getaway with a peaceful stroll at Riverfront Park. This scenic park along the Yellowstone River offers serene views, perfect for quiet reflection and quality time together. We watched the river flow and took in the natural beauty of the area before heading back home, rejuvenated and with cherished memories of our weekend in Billings.

Billings, with its mix of cultural experiences and outdoor adventures, provides the ideal setting for a memorable couples’ getaway. Whether you’re exploring the local culture, enjoying scenic bike rides, or savoring delicious cuisine, this city has something to offer every couple seeking a romantic escape. 

Additional Activities to Enhance Your Billings Getaway

While the itinerary we’ve outlined offers a fantastic blend of adventure and relaxation, Billings has even more to offer couples seeking diverse experiences. Here are some additional activities to consider during your romantic getaway:

We have done most of the activities and experienced these places on other trips. You can see those stories here:

• Three Days in Billings with Kids

• Things to do in Billings

• Southeast Montana Roadtrip  

• Trail to Little Bighorn

Art and Culture

Yellowstone Art Museum: Immerse yourselves in the local art scene by visiting the Yellowstone Art Museum. Explore a wide range of contemporary and historical art exhibitions that showcase the region’s artistic talent.

Wine Tasting and Breweries

Yellowstone Cellars and Winery: Yellowstone Cellars produces wine from Pacific Northwest grapes and offers free tastings without reservations.

Local Breweries: If you’re a beer enthusiast, explore Billings’ robust craft brewery scene. Enjoy a beer as you wander around Billings. Download the Billings Brew Trail app and win prizes, too!

Outdoor Adventures

Lake Elmo State Park: This 64-acre Reservoir inside the city limits of Billings is a great place to swim, boat, paddleboard, fish, picnic, birdwatch, or stroll on the 1.4-mile hiking/nature trail.

Hiking and Bird Watching: Billings is surrounded by scenic trails and parks. Consider hiking in nearby natural areas, like Pictograph Cave State Park, Four Dances Natural Area, Dover Park, or even Zoo Montana.

Historical Sites

Pompey’s Pillar National Monument: Take a short drive to see Pompey’s Pillar, a historic site featuring the only physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The inscriptions and the breathtaking views make for a memorable visit.

Shopping and Antiquing

Downtown Billings: Explore the downtown area, where you’ll find a variety of shops and boutiques offering unique gifts, antiques, and Montana-made products.

Scenic Drives

Beartooth Highway: If you have an extra day and an adventurous spirit, consider a day trip to Beartooth Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Marvel at breathtaking mountain vistas and pristine wilderness.