Billings Journals

America's Best Kept Secret: Montana

A July 2005 trip to Billings by Beltway Buddy

Pompeys Pillar Photo - Billings, Montana More Photos
Quote: There are parts of this state that haven't changed that much since Lewis and Clark criscrossed it nearly 200 years ago. I am pretty much confident that the awe that those explorers felt at this state's breathtaking beauty can still be felt in today's Montana.

America's Best Kept Secret: Montana

Overview

Pompeys Pillar Photo - Billings, Montana
Quote:
Billings, MT, is a small, clean town with state colleges and universities. It also has a major hospital and medical center that serves as a central point for health care for much of the state. The town is nestled in a valley at the foot of rock cliffs ("rimrocks") that look like they were built that way by a long-dead race of gifted architects. The Billings International Airport sits on top of the rock cliffs. Yet it's just a short (and cheap) taxi-ride into downtown Billings. Quick Tips: Bring binoculars and good walking shoes.Best Way To Get Around: When you're in Billings, the best way to get around is to walk. Sidewalks here are the widest I've seen anywhere in the U.S. -- fou...Read More
Quote:
This is an unassuming but clean and safe motel across the street from Deaconess Hospital, about a quarter-mile (4 blocks or so) from downtown. Parking, of course, is free. The Cherry Tree Inn is not housed in a new building, but the plumbing and physical plant in general is updated, and all is very clean. The room was a good deal more spacious than anything I got in L.A.! Room amenities included a a full-size ironing board and steam iron, a spotless bathroom with a tub (not just a shower), a magnifying make-up mirror, cable TV, and a clock radio. And everything was in working order. There is a free breakfast bar and communal kitchenette with muffins, donuts, bread, bagels, coffee, juices, and ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 25, 2005

Cherry Tree Inn
823 N 28th St
Billings, Montana 59101
800/237-5882

Gambling

Attraction

Quote:
They have nickel and quarter slots here! If you are a serious gambler, go to Vegas. (Slots are probably why there is no sales tax or restaurant tax in Billings.)

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on July 25, 2005

Gambling
Downtown
Billings, Montana

Pompeys Pillar

Attraction | "Visit Pompeys Pillar"

Quote:
Pompeys Pillar is a National Monument maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. It's famous for Captain William Clark's graffiti, which he carved on this massive tower of sandstone in 1806, during the Lewis & Clark Expedition. There are boardwalk stairs that lead up to the very top of the pillar, rewarding the tourist with a spectacular view of Montana forests and the Yellowstone River on one side and vast farm and ranchlands on the other. At the foot of the Pillar is the Yellowstone River, picnic tables, a visitor center with drinking water and a gift shop, and ample parking for RVs. Bring the kids and bring the camera. (Captain Clark named this sandstone tower "Pompeys Pillar" after the young ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 28, 2005

Pompeys Pillar
25 miles east of Billings, Montana
Billings, Montana
(406) 875-2233