Billings - Montana

Billings, Montana

Billings, Montana, is experiencing a building boom thanks to a strong growth pattern, especially over the past ten years. The moniker Magic City is sometimes applied because of the extremely rapid growth in the distribution industries and population statistics. This has been the case throughout its history and the in the present time there is no indication of a reverse in the longstanding trend. The 2000 census put the population at 85,247 and the stats from 2009 reveal a growth of about 20%, bringing the total population to 105,845.

Billings has a steppe climate which keeps the temperatures in summer and winter moderate, although extreme highs and lows have been recorded. In winter, Chinook winds prevent snow accumulation and keep temperatures above 0 degrees Celsius.

Some famous names associated with the city are George Armstrong Custer (general), Yellowstone Kelly (army scout) and Calamity Jane (scout, frontierswoman and associate of Wild Bill Hickok). Explorable historical sites remain from these periods of historysome from General Custer's various skirmishes, Lewis & Clark Expedition landmarks, and stretches of railroad.

The railroad was the largest single influence in establishing the city in its early days. Frederick Billings, president of the Northern Pacific Railroad, gave his name to the city which was a railhead in the second half of the 19th century. The Historic District, a stretch of five blocks, features restored buildings and store-fronts from its turn-of-the-century beginnings.

Historic District
Montana Zoo, boasts a 50:50 ratio of exotic to native species
Indian Caves State Park, with rock formations and pictographs as well as caves,
Moss Mansion Museum, a national historic place
Western Heritage Center
Museum of Women's History
Legacy Doll Museum
Yellowstone National Park
Glacier National Park
Billings Historic Trolley Tours
Riverfront Park
Pompey's Pillar, near Billings, a famous stop of the Lewis & Clark Expedition
Avenue of the Sculptures