My Last Trip in the USA: Bozeman! Suggestions? (Billings, Dillon: rental car, rental)

[Paumona]

Hi Guys.

I am leaving the US for Europe by the end of August. Will stop in Montana from 8/24 (noon) till 8/28 (noon).

I read...did my due diligence. I wanted to know from you, I always do that before traveling! Better to hear from people.

So I am thinking of doing this:

Sat 8/24: Arriving around noon. I will be having a rental car, driving around Bozeman and see the places... eating a burger probably at one of the best places there.

Sun 8/25: Driving to Yellowstone. I checked, it takes around 1h:20 min to get there...so this day is going to be dedicated to Yellowstone... Are there any towns that I must see on the road? Things to do?

Mon 8/26: I probably will go to Billings?! I checked it takes around 2h to get there.

Tues 8/27: Big Sky? I know it is a popular destination during wintertime. But what about summer?

Wednesday 8/28: Taking a trip to NYC (layover) then taking a trip to Europe...


PS:

I like animals...especially bears. I have seen bears but unfortunately only in sanctuaries. I'd like to see them directly, probably at Yellowstone not sure.

Since it is Montana, I'd love to go to Cowboys places. Bars/shops/or even farms/etc. Recommendations?

I like visiting exotic places: ghost towns, places like that...

Will be honored to hear your suggestions. Thanks!

[historyfan]

Skip the Billings day. Instead drive Bozeman to Ennis ---check that out, then quick drive to Virginia City & Nevada City.....
If you had time Bannack is an old ghost town state park & sometimes they have activities. But it is a long drive from Virginia City and would be hot, dry & dusty in August.

Here's what's going on -- on what days-- in which town's this summer..https://www.visitmt.com/things-to-do/events.html
Plus the others you mentioned.
Montana State Parks :: Bannack
https://virginiacitymt.com
https://bigskyresort.com/events
*Bears are not commonly spotted on hot days in summer in Yellowstone Park, but they do live there so perhaps you might see one.
Unfortunately you will be miss the Labor Day rodeo & County Fair in Dillon, but here are some Montana rodeos https://rodeosusa.com/rodeo/montana/

[Paumona]

Originally Posted by historyfan

Skip the Billings day. Instead drive Bozeman to Ennis ---check that out, then quick drive to Virginia City & Nevada City.....
If you had time Bannack is an old ghost town state park & sometimes they have activities. But it is a long drive from Virginia City and would be hot, dry & dusty in August.

Here's what's going on -- on what days-- in which town's this summer..https://www.visitmt.com/things-to-do/events.html
Plus the others you mentioned.
Montana State Parks :: Bannack
https://virginiacitymt.com
https://bigskyresort.com/events
*Bears are not commonly spotted on hot days in summer in Yellowstone Park, but they do live there so perhaps you might see one.
Unfortunately you will be miss the Labor Day rodeo & County Fair in Dillon, but here are some Montana rodeos https://rodeosusa.com/rodeo/montana/

Thank you very much! I will look into that and ask if I have any questions.

[NW Crow]

Look at Yelp (or another site) restaurant reviews to pick targets.

Consider a stop at Chico Hot Springs or other natural hot springs or swimming spots.

Big Sky has plenty of summer activity options. Should be several internet sites you can look at for them.

Red Lodge could be another possible stop for touristy stuff or hiking. Beartooth Highway.

Go to Billings briefly if you want to see city, museums, walk along Rim Trail. Maybe look at some you tube videos and decide if you really want to.

Want even more options? Look up Bighorn Canyon and / or Pyror Mountans (wild horses)



Bears and campers http://www.codyenterprise.com/news/l...15d4ac88a.html

[Redraven]

Look for the Computer Museum. I found it quite interesting.
Also the museum at the University.
Lewis and Clark Caverns isn't very far away, if you like caves.
If you have time, drive over to Deer Lodge and tour the many museums; Grant-Kohrs Ranch, Old cars, State Prison, cowboy bars, toys, etc. I would much rather drive over there than Billings. But then, I live near Billings.

[Paumona]

NW Crow, Redraven: Thank you!

[Paumona]

Guys, any piece of advice on Yellowstone? What time should I go there? (I am thinking of Monday 8/26). Is there one direct road from Bozeman or are there alternatives? Things to see on the road?

[normstad]

The only good thing about Billings is the view from the escarpment overlooking the city.

The city itself is one of the worst I've seen; it's just ugly. It does the rest of Montana a disservice.

[Redraven]

Originally Posted by normstad

The only good thing about Billings is the view from the escarpment overlooking the city.

The city itself is one of the worst I've seen; it's just ugly. It does the rest of Montana a disservice.

Of course, I believe you are absolutely WRONG! Billings is no more ugly than any other large town or city.
My step-father was right in 1950 when he said "Billings is an over-grown cow-town with delusions of grandeur!"
In a lot of ways, it still is.
But, IMO, Billings is NOT "ugly".

[normstad]

Originally Posted by Redraven

Of course, I believe you are absolutely WRONG! Billings is no more ugly than any other large town or city.
My step-father was right in 1950 when he said "Billings is an over-grown cow-town with delusions of grandeur!"
In a lot of ways, it still is.
But, IMO, Billings is NOT "ugly".

I've been in 46 of the 50 States, by automobile. I hate to diss your hometown, as I'm sure it has attributes that are not evident to a visitor, but it honestly sticks out like a sore thumb on towns I feel are ugly. I don't feel that about most other municipalities I've been to in Montana.

But the view from the escarpment truly is worth seeing, and I mean that.