Yellowstone County, Montana

Yellowstone County

Yellowstone County, located in south-central Montana, is the state’s most populous county.

As of the 2020 census, the population was 164,731, with recent estimates suggesting continued growth. The county seat is Billings, Montana’s largest city. The county is named after the Yellowstone River, which flows southwest to northeast through the region, deriving its name from the yellow sandstone cliffs found in the area.

Charles Fritz Captain Lewis Sighting the Yellowstone
Charles Fritz Captain Lewis Sighting the Yellowstone

Cities and Towns in Yellowstone County:

  • Billings (county seat)

  • Laurel

  • Broadview

  • Lockwood

  • Huntley

  • Shepherd

  • Worden

  • Ballantine

  • Custer

  • Pompeys Pillar

  • Acton

  • Molt

Yellowstone
Billings is a hub for history enthusiasts, featuring numerous museums, galleries, and landmarks honoring figures like Lewis and Clark, Custer, Sitting Bull, and Calamity Jane. The Western Heritage Center, housed in a historic building downtown, offers educational programs about the history of the Yellowstone River Valley and local Native American tribes. Nearby, Pictograph State Park, located five miles south of Billings, contains caves with over 100 ancient rock paintings, accessible via a short loop trail.

The Yellowstone Art Museum in downtown Billings provides family-friendly educational experiences, fostering a lifetime of learning.

ZooMontana, a 70-acre park, showcases local and exotic wildlife, including bears, otters, red pandas, and tigers. The zoo also hosts community events such as concerts, a Renaissance festival, and holiday attractions.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Billings offers several local trails, including Two Moon Park, Norm’s Island, Phipps Park, and Four Dances, all of which are dog-friendly and provide a quick escape into nature. A short drive away, Red Lodge serves as a gateway to the Beartooth Highway, described by Charles Kuralt as “one of the ten most scenic routes in the world,” leading to Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone County seamlessly blends historical significance with modern attractions, offering residents and visitors a rich tapestry of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities.

Learn more at Yellowstone County website Yellowstone County, Montana – Home Page

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