City of Billings
January 18, 2022 2026-10-06 16:14CITY OF BILLINGS
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Billings is where Montana’s biggest city meets wide‑open country, and Rocky Mountain College sits right in the middle of it.
Bound on the north and east by 400‑foot sandstone cliffs called the Rimrocks, Billings offers big‑sky views, a relatively mild four‑season climate, and quick access to trails, rivers, and mountains. With a population of about 133,700, it’s large enough for concerts, internships, and coffee shops on every corner, yet small enough to feel friendly, safe, and easy to navigate.
For RMC students, Billings isn’t just where campus is. It’s part of why you come here.
The best of both worlds: urban and rural
Why Billings Works So Well for Students
In Billings, you don’t have to choose between a city and the outdoors:
Urban Advantages
- Montana’s largest healthcare, financial, and energy hub
- Regional center for shopping, dining, arts, and entertainment
- Airport, interstate access, and major employers all within a short drive of campus
- Airport, interstate access, and major employers all within a short drive of campus
Rural Access
- Minutes from open space, working ranches, and small towns
- Easy access to hiking, fishing, climbing, hunting, and camping
- A community where people know each other and look out for students
It’s a place where you can go from an internship downtown to a sunset hike on the Rimrocks in the same afternoon.
Internships, jobs, and career connections
Living in Billings gives RMC students real‑world experience before graduation. Within a few miles of campus you’ll find:
Healthcare & sciences
Major hospitals and clinics, labs, and health organizations that connect with our science, pre‑med, PA, and OTD students.
Business & finance
Banks, accounting firms, and regional corporate offices offering internships and part‑time roles.
Education & service
Local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations where students tutor, coach, volunteer, and complete field placements.
Outdoor & recreation industry
Outfitters, guide services, parks, and recreation programs that align with outdoor recreation, environmental science, and education programs.
Professors and staff regularly help students connect Billings‑area opportunities with their majors and career goals.
A livable, student‑friendly city
Billings is large enough that there’s always something happening, but small enough that students actually use the city:
- Manageable traffic and short commutes
- Affordable cost of living compared to many college cities
- Neighborhoods where you can walk, bike, or bus to campus and downtown
- A community that supportive of college students
Things To Do in Billings
Arts, entertainment, and local culture
As Montana’s largest city, Billings offers a full calendar of things to do when you’re not in class:
Performing arts – Live theater, concerts, and touring shows at venues like NOVA and the Alberta Bair Theater.
Movies & nightlife – Multiple movie theaters, local music, coffeehouses, and hangouts for late‑night study breaks.
Shopping & dining – Rimrock Mall, big‑box stores, and independent downtown shops, plus restaurants ranging from quick bites to local favorites and global cuisine.
Local events – Festivals, farmer’s markets, art walks, sporting events, and community celebrations throughout the year.
Outdoor Activities Right in Town
If you’re drawn to the outdoors, Billings makes it easy to spend time outside without a long drive:
- 69 miles of trails – Miles of paths wind through town and along the Rimrocks, perfect for walking, running, biking, and sunset views over the Yellowstone River Valley.
- Rimrocks – Hike, climb, or simply sit and study above the city on sandstone cliffs that define the skyline.
- River access – Nearby access points to the Yellowstone and surrounding rivers for fishing, floating, rafting, and kayaking.
- Disc golf & golf – Multiple folf (disc golf) and traditional golf courses within minutes of campus.
- Parks and open space – City parks, sports fields, and green spaces for pickup games, intramurals, or quiet time outdoors.
For many RMC students, “study break” means grabbing friends and heading outside.
Weekend & Break Adventures
Billings is a natural basecamp for exploring the region. From campus, you’re a short drive from some of the West’s most iconic landscapes:
- Red Lodge – About 50 minutes away. Small mountain town known for skiing, hiking, and a charming downtown.
- Yellowstone National Park – Approximately 2 hours 35 minutes from Billings to the park, with world‑class wildlife, geysers, and scenery.
- Beartooth & Pryor Mountains – Within an hour’s drive, ideal for hiking, fishing, climbing, and camping.
