Billings travel guide

Billings is the largest city in the U.S. state of Montana, located in the south-central portion of the state. Billings is rapidly growing; as of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 89,847 and a 2006 estimate indicates the city's population has grown to 100,148. Billings is the county seat of Yellowstone County and is the principal city of the Billings Metropolitan Area which encompasses all of Carbon, Yellowstone, Big Horn, Treasure, Musselshell, Golden Valley, Stillwater, Rosebud counties and Billings. In terms of population, it is the largest metropolitan area in Montana. According to the US Census, it is the 258th in population rank with cities over 100,000. It is nicknamed the Magic City because of its rapid growth from its founding as a railroad town in 1882. Billings is named for Frederick H. Billings, president of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Due to Billings' status as the largest city in a 500 mile radius (south-central and eastern Montana and northern Wyoming), it serves as a shopping and accommodation center for area residents and highway travelers. The city's proximity to Yellowstone National Park, Pompey's Pillar, and the area where the Battle of the Little Bighorn was fought also draws tourists, especially during the summer months. (...) more....