Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Dude Rancher Lodge
(415 N. 29th St., 406/259-5561 or 800/221-3302,
www.duderancherlodge.com
,
$70-110 depending on season) is a unique, independently
owned frontier hotel. It is within walking distance of downtown's shops, restaurants, and
nightlife and prides itself on offering Western hospitality. Each guest room is individually
furnished, and some come with refrigerators and microwaves.
Other budget-friendly hotels you may want to consider are the
Cherry Tree Inn
(823 N.
Broadway, 406/252-5603 or 800/237-5882, $50-75);
The Rimview Inn
(1025 N. 27th St.,
406/248-2622,
www.rimviewinn.com
, $55-89), which is close to the airport and boasts one
of the best vistas in town; and the
Riversage Billings Inn
(880 N. 29th St., 800/231-7782,
$80-85), which is also pet-friendly.
Native Ways Primitive Campground
(4055 High Trail Rd., 406/670-1209, May 15-Nov.
1, $50-70), four miles southeast of Billings, offers a unique take on camping: four tipis,
both Crow and Sioux style, on 25 wooded acres. Each site has its own tipi, fully supplied
with sleeping bags ($5) and other necessities, if you need them, plus a washbasin, water, a
picnic table, a lantern, and a garbage can.
The
Billings KOA
(547 Garden Ave., 406/252-3104 or 800/562-8546,
www.koa.com
,
Apr. 15-Oct. 31, from $34 tents, $45 RVs) is considered the world's first KOA and offers
40 tent sites, many of them on the banks of the Yellowstone River, along with 135 RV sites,
11 cabins, and two lodges that accommodate up to six people with bathroom, kitchen, and
linens provided. There is a swimming pool and a spa for campers to use, a barbecue, mini-
ature golf, a playground, and broadband Wi-Fi. The campground is conveniently close to
town and offers pancake breakfasts and barbecue dinners mid-June-mid-August.
As Montana's largest city, Billings has a lively dining scene and is a good place to splurge.
Right downtown,
Bin 119
(119 N. Broadway, 406/294-9119, 11am-10pm daily, bar until
2am) is a fairly new, European-influenced bistro and wine bar with 180 labels and more
than 30 wines sold by the glass. Started by local students, it's stylish but not at all preten-
tious. The food, primarily inspired by Spanish tapas, is geared toward appetizer-size dishes
that average $12-15. An expanded menu of entrées includes everything from crispy-skin
duck and braised short ribs to herb-roasted lamb chops, ranging $17-30.
M
Walker's American Grill and Tapas Bar
(2700 1st Ave. N., 406/245-9291,
www.walkersgrill.com
,
5pm-close daily, $9-30) is big-city chic with excellent food and
