Added: 04/11/2006 |
Billings, Montana -- Discover Significant Cultural Attractions and Recreation OpportunitiesHelena is the capital of Montana State. In 1864, Helena's first visitors were lured by the gold discovered in Last Chance Gulch. More than 140 years later, Montana's capital city is still filled with treasures to explore: mansions and historic architecture, outdoor adventure, unique family attractions, galleries and museums, performing arts, cultural events, and so much more.
Montana has many interesting cities to visit. The recorded history of Billings begins in 1877. Since then, Billings has enjoyed a rapid growth rate, supported by various economies, including energy and transportation.
The 100,000 people of the Yellowstone Valley enjoy a dry, sunny climate with spectacular views of four mountain ranges: the Beartooths to the southwest, the Crazy Mountains to the west, the Pryor Range to the southeast, and the Snowies to the north. Recreational opportunities abound. Outdoor enthusiasts can backpack in the nearby Beartooth-Absaroka Wilderness and Custer and Gallatin National Forests, fish along Rock Creek and the Boulder, Stillwater and Yellowstone Rivers or hunt elk, moose, whitetail deer and upland birds. Other forms of nearby recreation include downhill and cross-country skiing, canoeing and kayaking, snow shoeing and windsurfing on area reservoirs.
Those interested in higher learning can choose from a variety of programs at several institutions. Montana State University-Billings, MSU-Billings College of Technology, Rocky Mountain College and the Lincoln Adult Education Center are located in Billings. Three national parks are within a day's drive of Billings: Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton. Yellowstone, together with the Beartooth-Absaroka Wilderness Area to the north and Teton National Park to the south has become a last bastion for large predators such as grizzlies and wolves.
It is also the home of Old Faithful, the most famous of its geysers and Yellowstone Lake and the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone. In addition, the visitors can view large herds of bison and elk, mule deer and pronghorn antelope. Glacier National Park lies in the northwestern part of the state alongside Canada's Waterton Provincial Park, creating another vast area for those on the lookout for interesting wildlife and arresting scenery.
Cultural attractions in Billings are also in abundance. The Billings Symphony is in its 51st Season. As the world embarks on new frontiers in space exploration so it seems appropriate that the Symphony launch a musical voyage to welcome the new century and millennium.
Step into history with a one-hour guided tour of the Moss Mansion Historic House Museum. The tour captures early turn-of-the-century life as the Preston Boyd Moss family lived it. Visitors see original draperies, fixtures, furniture, Persian carpets and artifacts displayed in the 1903 red sandstone structure. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
ZooMontana is a 70-acre zoological and botanical garden along Canyon Creek that specializes in natural habitats, especially those of the northern latitudes.
Take some time to explore Billings; the city has a lot to offer!
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