Western Heritage Center
2822 Montana Ave, Billings, MT, 59101
Through permanent, traveling, and virtual exhibits, the Western Heritage Center in Billings, Montana, shares the stories of people living in the Yellowstone River Valley and Northern High Plains. The museum has a collection of 400-plus oral histories and more than 40,000 artifacts, including photographs, Native American beadwork, architectural drawings, textiles, and clothing.
The basics
The Western Heritage Center is housed in the former Parmly Billings Memorial Library, an impressive Richardsonian Romanesque building. Through interactive exhibits, monthly lectures, and educational programs, guests can more deeply understand the area's interesting history. In addition to its regular programming, the museum offers historic walking tours of downtown Billings based on different themes, where you can see mansions and hear about interesting characters from Billings' past. Tour tickets can be purchased online in advance and last about 80 minutes.
Things to know before you go
The accessible entrance is located to the right of the main staircase. Ring the bell for assistance.
On-street parking is available in front of the museum.
A museum social story is available on the website to assist autistic travelers in preparing for their visit.
The museum is on the small side, so you might want to combine your visit with nearby museums like the Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum or the Moss Mansion Museum.
How to get there
The Western Heritage Center is located in downtown Billings on Montana Avenue, next to the train tracks. Street parking is available near the museum. Bus stops for Billings MET Transit lines 7, 9, 10, and 19 are within a few blocks of the museum. Taxis and rideshares are also an option.
When to get there
The museum is open seasonally between March and December, Tuesday through Saturday. Saturdays can be busy at the museum, so your best bet to avoid the crowds is to visit on a weekday. Later in the afternoon tends to be the least busy time of day, though you should not encounter too many crowds in the morning as well. The museum is closed on public holidays.
Where to eat near the museum
When you have worked up an appetite, there are plenty of dining options in Billings. Head to Bernie's Diner in the Northern Hotel for milkshakes, waffles, and retro diner vibes. Montana Brewing Company is a local favorite with a menu of delicious options like burgers, mac and cheese, and chicken wings. When you're ready for dessert, Big Dipper Ice Cream is nearby, offering unique flavors like maple walnut and black licorice.
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