With humble beginnings as a railhead for the Northern Pacific Railroad, Billings became known as the “Magic City” not long after its founding in 1881. The “magic” moniker was coined in response to the immediate and phenomenal growth of the blossoming town.  Over a century later, Billings has matured into a vibrant and cosmopolitan city.  Billings is the regional hub of commerce for an area in excess of 125,000 square miles.  Providing goods and services for a vast region, and having one of the largest primary trade AREAS in the nation, Billings is a destination for consumers. Excellent road, rail and air transportation infrastructure has helped to achieve this distinction.  Energy and agriculture both play an important role in the economy of Billings and the city is a regional center for both industries. Three oil refineries make Billings and Yellowstone County the oil-refining capital of the northern Rockies.

In addition to its role as a trade, service and energy center, Billings is the medical and educational center for the region. The city’s medical community provides the most advanced health care services in a four-state area. Two modern and fully-equipped hospitals, more than 40 clinics, and hundreds of physicians offer every major medical specialty and a complete range of medical services, surgical services and emergency care.

Quality education can be found for all levels in the Magic City. Montana State University-Billings, Rocky Mountain College, and Montana State University-College of Technology offer innovative and timely programs that draw students from a wide radius.  Elementary and secondary schools are a real source of community pride.  Billings high schools consistently rank in the top percentile nationwide in score achievement for the American College Test (ACT).

The recreational advantages of this area are hard to exaggerate.  Each of the four seasons offers something different: hiking, backpacking, biking, camping, rafting, skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, golfing and much more.  Yellowstone National Park, in the city’s backyard, is one of the most scenic and recreational wonders of Montana and the nation.  There is much to discover in our wide open spaces. Come join us!

Links:

Billings Inspired – Click on this link >> City Data – Click on this link >>