Billings

Billings is the largest city in Montana, United States, and the county seat of Yellowstone County. It is located in south-central Montana along the Yellowstone River and serves as the region’s commercial, cultural, and transportation hub.

The city was founded in 1877 during the expansion of the Northern Pacific Railway and was named for Frederick H. Billings, then president of the railroad. Billings grew as a railroad and cattle center and later diversified into agriculture, energy, and services, developing into a regional commercial center for a wide rural hinterland.

Geographically, Billings sits on the plains near the foothills of the northern Rocky Mountains, with an elevation around 3,000 feet. The area experiences a semi-arid climate, with cold winters and warm summers, and communities nearby rely on surrounding agricultural and outdoor-recreation opportunities.

Economy and infrastructure are characterized by a diverse mix of health care, retail, education, manufacturing, and logistics. Major employers include Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare, and the city serves as a regional distribution hub. Transportation infrastructure includes Interstates 90 and 94, Billings Logan International Airport, and freight rail lines. The city also hosts attractions such as ZooMontana, which contributes to tourism and local culture.

Education and culture are supported by institutions such as Montana State University Billings and Rocky Mountain College, along with cultural venues like the Yellowstone Art Museum and the Alberta Bair Theater. Notable local landmarks include Pictograph Cave State Park and the historic Moss Mansion, reflecting a blend of western heritage and contemporary urban life.

As of recent estimates, Billings has a population around 110,000, making it a central economic and cultural center for southern Montana and a gateway to outdoor destinations in the region.