Billings, Montana
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Getting Here //
Just east of Bozeman is the thriving metropolis of Billings, Montana. Nestled in the Yellowstone River Valley, Billings is Montana's most populated city with over 100,000 residents. Located along the I-90 corridor, Billings is easy to get in and out of from all directions. I-90 runs along the southern rim of downtown, and where I-90 leaves off, I-94 goes eastward towards North Dakota. There is also an airport here that serves Delta, Big Sky, Horizon, Sky West, Northwest, and United Airlines. Greyhound Bus Line also offers between-city service throughout Montana. There are numerous car rental agencies that are ready to fit you with the perfect SUV, minivan, or sports car to take you over the burley mountain passes which Montana is so famous for.
Billings was founded in 1882 and is named for Frederick Billings who was a promoter of the Northern Pacific Railroad. As the a head for the Northern Pacific Railroad, Billings' population steadily grew into the bustling city it is today. Billings is currently the banking, cattle-shipping, an retail center for all of Montana as well as western North Dakota, and northwestern South Dakota. Because of its importance to commerce and business, Billings is not the prettiest city in the West. There are refineries located west of town with smoke stacks and huge structures. There are also many high rises downtown.
Although Billings isn't the best looking city, it is easy to get around. The one-way streets are helpful to tourists and there is a wonderful visitor's center just north of Exit 450 off I-90. There is also a trolley car tour that takes you around the city and an on-board guide informs you of historic sites and points of interest. The city of Billings radiates a lively cowboy atmosphere. About $150 million of stock are sold every year.
Nearby attractions include the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. This monument commemorates the famous battle between the Seventh Calvary and the Cheyenne, Lakota (Sioux), and Arapaho Indians. This bloody battle brought victory to the Native Americans and is also known as "Custer's Last Stand." There was much controversy over the fact that the monument recognized only the fallen US soldiers and gave no honor to the Native American who fought. An Indian memorial is in the process of being built.
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Red Lodge, Montana is just a short drive from Billings, at the base of the Beartooth Highway.
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