Billings serves as the perfect homebase for exploring some of Montana's most authentic experiences. Whether you're a local looking for a new adventure, in town for work with time to explore, or simply love scenic drives through Big Sky Country, southeast Montana offers history, culture, and natural beauty that's perfect for day-long adventures. Pack your camera, fill up the gas tank, and get ready to discover these four incredible destinations that showcase the heart and soul of Montana's frontier heritage.

Miles City: Where the West Comes Alive (150 miles east)

Drive time: 2.5 hours

Miles City stands as a testament to Montana's cowboy heritage, where the spirit of the Old West isn't just preserved—it's lived daily. This historic town offers visitors an authentic glimpse into ranching culture that has shaped the region for generations.

Start your visit at the Range Riders Museum, home to one of the most extensive collections of frontier artifacts in the Northwest. The museum's crown jewel is the Bert Clark Gun Collection, featuring over 400 firearms that tell the story of how the West was won. Don't miss the authentic frontier town replica, complete with a saloon, jail, and general store.

Don't miss the WaterWorks Art Museum, a unique cultural gem housed in a beautifully restored 1910 waterworks building that showcases rotating contemporary art exhibitions alongside the building's fascinating industrial architecture.

For shopping enthusiasts, Vintage and Rustics offers a treasure hunt through carefully curated antiques, vintage finds, and rustic home décor that captures the spirit of the West. After browsing their extensive collection, settle in at their cozy café for lunch—their burger is a proud stop on the Southeast Montana Burger Trail, combining local flavors with that perfect small-town café atmosphere.

Wine fanatics shouldn't miss Tongue River Winery, where you can sample locally crafted wines in a relaxed atmosphere. The winery offers a unique taste of Montana's growing wine scene, making it an unexpected and delightful addition to your Miles City adventure.

If you're visiting in May, time your trip with the world-famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, where the entire town transforms into a three-day celebration of rodeo culture, complete with street dances and some of the best bronc riding you'll see anywhere.

Hardin: Gateway to Little Bighorn (45 minutes southeast)

Drive time: 45 minutes

Located along I-90, Hardin was named for Samuel H. Hardin, a cattleman who leased tracts of land on the nearby Crow Reservation to range his cattle in the late 1800s. Today, while local industry still includes farming, ranching, and surface coal mining, the town increasingly draws visitors seeking immersion in the region's rich history.

The Big Horn County Historical Museum, opened in 1979 on what's now a 35-acre farm just outside Hardin, features 24 meticulously preserved historic structures. Explore Yellowtail's teepee, a 1915 doctor's office, and exhibits showcasing the region's cowboy and Native American heritage, plus collections of horse-drawn equipment, tractors, and classic automobiles.

For a unique local shopping experience, stop by the Farmer's Daughter General Store, where you'll find a charming mix of local goods, handcrafted items, and specialty products that capture the essence of rural Montana living. 

Just a short drive from Hardin's town center lies the site of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand—the Plains Indians' greatest triumph over U.S. military forces. Here, Lt. Col. Custer and many of his men perished against a much larger force of Lakota Sioux, Arapaho, and Northern Cheyenne warriors. Start your visit at the Custer National Cemetery, then take the 4.5-mile road to the Indian Memorial and 7th Cavalry Memorial, ending at the Reno-Benteen Battlefield Memorial. The visitor center is currently under renovation, park hours are limited, please check their site for updates.

After your battlefield tour, stop at the Custer Battlefield Trading Post located directly across from the monument. Established in 1985, this log and frame structure offers souvenirs and collectibles ranging from Custer keychains to beautifully beaded Crow-style cradles. Their onsite cafe serves tasty buffalo burgers and Indian tacos—the perfect pit stop to rub elbows with locals and visitors from around the world.

Forsyth: Yellowstone River Charm (100 miles east)

Drive time: 1.5 hours

Start your exploration at the Rosebud County Pioneer Museum in downtown Forsyth, which offers a comprehensive look at the region's heritage through exhibits on pioneer life, Native American culture, agriculture, mining, ranching, and railroading. The museum provides fascinating insights into how families carved out lives on the Montana prairie.

Take a self-guided historic walking tour through Forsyth's downtown district to admire beautifully preserved buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Pick up a map from the Rusty Dog Antiques, which doubles as the visitor center, and discover architectural gems and charming storefronts that bring the town's history to life.

Don't miss the stunning murals painted by renowned local artist Bob Watts scattered throughout downtown. These colorful and evocative paintings depict scenes of Western life, wildlife, and nature, adding character and charm to building walls, alleyways, and public spaces. You can even visit Bob Watts' studio on N 9th Ave to learn about his inspiration.

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the beautiful 9-hole Forsyth Golf Club, surrounded by rolling hills and panoramic views. 

For dining, don't miss two stops on the Southeast Montana Burger Trail: The Joseph Cafe with their famous 'Broken Knuckle Burger' and Six Gun Pizza's 'Smash Burgers,' both crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

Shopping opportunities abound in Forsyth's unique local establishments. Browse vintage treasures at Rusty Dog Antiques, find budget-friendly clothing and accessories at Style Alley boutique (which also features an on-site salon), and stock up on premium meats, jerky, and meat sticks at family-owned Cowboy Meats—perfect snacks for the drive back to Billings.

Roundup: Small Town, Big History (50 miles north)

Drive time: 1 hour

The Musselshell Valley Historical Museum, housed in the former St. Benedict's parochial school, brings the past to life in an interactive way that's far from your typical "look-but-don't-touch" experience. Step into a replica coal mining tunnel complete with wooden cars, carbide lamps, and lunch pails that tell the story of Roundup's coal-fueled boom. The museum features fascinating fossils, local Plains Indian artifacts, paintings by local artists, and special rooms showcasing the old Rothiemay Store and post office, a one-room rural school, a dressmaker shop, and original operating rooms from the historic Vicars Hospital.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the River Walk offers a scenic trail winding along the Musselshell River through towering cottonwood trees—visit in fall for breathtaking golden autumn colors. The Musselshell River provides excellent fishing for trout and catfish, and you can search for the oblong mussels that gave the river its name.

Shopping enthusiasts will love Main Street's Roundup Trading Post, offering authentic Montana treasures from handcrafted jewelry to Western wear. If you're visiting in summer, don't miss the annual Roundup Independence Days Extravaganza, featuring one of Montana's most exciting PRCA rodeos and enough Western spirit to fill the Big Sky.

For dining, Roundup punches well above its weight class. The Backporch is a James Beard Semi-finalist restaurant with seasonally changing menus that's gaining national attention. For heartier fare, The Grand Bar & Restaurant offers exceptional steaks and prime rib in a classic Montana atmosphere unchanged since the mining days. Don't miss The Diego, a spicy burger with brew fries featured on the Southeast Montana Burger Trail, or tackle the Big Ass Enchilada if you're up for a challenge.

Planning Your Perfect Day Trip

Each of these destinations offers unique attractions that can easily fill a full day. For the best experience, start early to maximize your time exploring. Most museums and attractions operate on seasonal schedules, so check ahead for current hours and availability.

Consider combining shorter trips—Hardin and the Little Bighorn Battlefield can be paired with a stop in the Crow Agency area, while Roundup makes an excellent half-day trip that can be combined with scenic drives through the Bull Mountains.

Pack layers, as weather in southeastern Montana can change quickly, and bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historic sites. Most importantly, take time to chat with locals—their stories and recommendations often lead to the most memorable experiences.