Located in south-central Montana, Billings is the largest city in the state, with a population of roughly 105,845 as of a 2009 census. Settled along the Yellowstone River and nestled in a valley encircled by six majestic mountain ranges (Bull Mountains, Crazy Mountains, the Big Snowy Mountains, Beartooth Mountains, Pryor Mountains, and Big Horn Mountains) Billings is the county seat of Yellowstone County. Yellowstone National Park lies to the south of Billings; Glacier National Park is to its north. The Grand Tetons are southwest of Billings; and Custer Battlefield is to its east.

Billings' city motto is “Star of the Big Sky Country.” The city is 33.8 square-miles and is considered a "steppe climate" (hot summers and cold dry winters) with four seasons. Its elevation is 3,123 feet.

Founded in 1882, incorporated in 1885, Billings was built by the Northern Pacific Railway Co. The original three-building town was named after Fredrick Billings, president of the Northern Pacific. Known as “The Magic Town” because of its amazing growth from its humble beginnings, town, Billings seemed to appear out of nowhere. The city soon blossomed into a major shipping point and fur-trading center.

Today, Billings’ economy is fed by a number of industries. Health care, energy, finance, engineering, hi-tech, retail, tourism and agriculture all play a role in the city’s growth and prosperity. The largest coal reserves in the nation are found in Billings.

In 1992, Billings was honored with “The All-American City” designation. In 2007, the city was deemed to be a “Preserve America Community” as historic downtown structures were “restored to their former glory.” Fortune Small Business magazine in 2009, declared Billings “The Best City in Which to Start a Business.” With an arena that seats 10,000, Billings welcomes national touring shows and entertainers traveling the circuit between Seattle and New York. Billings is home to Minor League Baseball, football, and rodeos. For arts and culture, Billings boasts an opera, a symphony, performing arts and community theaters and several museums. Coffeehouses and cafes, casual and ethnic cuisines, fast food and fine dining are all available in abundance in Billings.

The city's educational community includes Rocky Mountain College, founded in 1878, Montana State University, established in 1927, and Yellowstone Baptist College, started in 1974.

Written by Kathleen Cooney

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All Montana City Guides

Newspapers are Billings Gazette, Billings Outpost
Billings Sports teams are The Outlaws, The Yellowjackets, The Broncos
Local Schools are Montana State University—Billings, Rocky Mountain College