Top Five Places to Visit on a Road Trip between Billings and Missoula

If you’re planning a road trip between Billings and Missoula, Montana, you’ll be traveling through some of the state’s most scenic areas. But where should you stop along the way? Here’s a list of five must-see places on your journey.

Route Highlights

Before we dive into the top five, let’s take a quick look at the route. You’ll start in Billings, the largest city in Montana, and make your way west on I-90 for about 250 miles to Missoula. Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful mountain ranges, rolling hills, and historic towns.

1. Pompeys Pillar National Monument

About 30 miles east of Billings, you’ll find Pompeys Pillar National Monument. This towering sandstone pillar is a geological wonder, but it’s also an important historical site. Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition carved his name into the pillar in 1806, making it one of the few physical marks left by the famous explorers.

2. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Continue west on I-90 for about 70 miles from Pompeys Pillar, and you’ll arrive at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. This park is part history lesson, part memorial to the 1876 battle between the US Army and the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes. The museum and visitor center provide a detailed look at the events leading up to the battle, and the memorial markers scattered throughout the park pay tribute to those who fought and died there.

3. Helena

About 120 miles west of Little Bighorn, you’ll come to Helena, Montana’s capital city. While it’s not as well-known as other state capitals, Helena has plenty to offer. Take a stroll through the town’s historic district to see original Victorian-era buildings and local shops and restaurants. You can also visit the Montana State Capitol or take a hike in the nearby Helena National Forest.

4. Garnet Ghost Town

If you’re a fan of all things spooky, you won’t want to miss Garnet Ghost Town. This former gold-mining town has been abandoned for more than 100 years, but many of the original buildings still stand. Take a self-guided tour of the town to see old homes, saloons, and other structures. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a ghost or two.

5. Missoula

At the end of your journey, you’ll arrive in Missoula, a vibrant college town nestled between three mountain ranges. Take a stroll along the Clark Fork River or check out the shops and restaurants downtown. If you’re a history buff, be sure to visit the Fort Missoula Historical Museum, which chronicles the area’s military past.

Conclusion

The drive from Billings to Missoula is full of stunning scenery and historic sites. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or culture, you’ll find plenty to explore along the way. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for a trip you won’t forget!