By Stacey Wittig
You won’t waste your time barking up the wrong tree when you sniff out these five tail-wagging adventures in Billings, which offers some of the best canine culture in the West. The historic city on the Yellowstone River has plenty of wide-open spaces, dog-friendly hotels and restaurants, and is the international headquarters of KOA Campgrounds, another pet-friendly operation.
Experience the Yellowstone River at Riverfront Park
Your four-legged globe trotters will love to stretch their legs at Riverfront Park in Billings. The woof-worthy natural and gravel trails are perfect for watery explorations of the Yellowstone River, where Lewis and Clark ventured. Other parks that welcome dogs include High Sierra Dog Park, Centennial Dog Park, and Zimmerman Park atop Billings’ iconic Rimrocks.
Follow in the Pawprints of Lewis and Clark’s Dog, Seaman
At Pompeys Pillar National Monument, just 33 miles northeast of Billings, you and Bowser can explore nature just like Lewis and Clark’s dog, Seaman, did. Pompey’s Pillar is a giant rock face that stands out in the rolling hills of southeast Montana. Captain William Clark etched his name on the colossal landmark that was important to the Native People. They left their mark on the rock with pictographs and petroglyphs. As usual, pets must be on a leash at all times at this National Monument on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Slurpy Fun at Big Dipper Ice Cream
Unleash your taste buds, but not Fido, at Big Dipper Ice Cream, and you’ll have to agree with Food and Wine Magazine, USA Today, and Budget Travel that this is one of America’s Best ice cream joints. Besides this downtown hangout, you’ll find plenty of pet-friendly eateries around Billings—over two dozen places allow leashed dogs on their outdoor patios.
Bowser on the Billings Brew Trail
You and your pooch can trot from your downtown hotel to breweries, distilleries, and one cider house on the Billings Brew Trail. Not all welcome furry patrons, so call ahead to check for a pet-friendly patio. Then simply print out a map or download it to your phone. In addition to those award-winning brewpubs on the walkable trail, Billings offers a spirit distillery and more craft breweries off the brewed path. Get the details about how to register for prizes and download the map to your phone at visitbillings.com/billings-brew-trail.
Big Snow: Big Sky Resort
If you’re planning on bringing your canine companion along on your next snowy ski or boarding trip, think Big Sky Resort. The resort offers pet-friendly rooms at Huntley Lodge and Whitewater Inn. Your furry friends will feel right at home with nutritional treats from a local feed store, plush dog beds, and complimentary water bowls, yours to keep. The friendly folk at the mountain retreat also provide doggie daycare at their Big Sky Pet Resort so you can ski or ride worry-free. Billings has earned the name “Montana’s Trailhead” because of its international airport and easy access to the surrounding backcountry adventures, like those offered at Big Sky Resort.
Stacey Wittig is an award-winning travel writer based in Flagstaff. Enjoy this article, then get more travel tips and inspiration at unstoppablestaceytravel.com.
