Things to Do at Moss Mansion

The Moss Mansion stands as one of Billings' most impressive architectural treasures, a red sandstone Richardsonian Romanesque masterpiece that's managed to keep its original grandeur intact since 1903. Preston Boyd Moss, a successful entrepreneur who made his fortune in banking and real estate, spared no expense when he commissioned New York architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh to design what would become the family's showpiece home. You'll find yourself genuinely impressed by the craftsmanship - this isn't just another restored historic house, but rather a remarkably preserved time capsule that gives you a real sense of how Montana's wealthy elite lived during the early 1900s. What makes the Moss Mansion particularly fascinating is that it's remained largely unchanged since the family lived there, with original furnishings, fixtures, and even personal belongings still in place. The guided tours actually feel more like you're being invited into someone's home rather than walking through a sterile museum. It's worth noting that this level of preservation is pretty rare - most historic homes of this caliber have been stripped and refurnished over the decades, but the Moss family's belongings stayed put, creating an authentically immersive experience that tends to surprise visitors.

The red sandstone facade gives it away. The Moss Mansion sits at 914 Division Street in Billings' historic district, and you can't miss that dramatic exterior once you're in the neighborhood. Getting there is simple. Drive straight east on 1st Avenue North from downtown, then turn south. Takes maybe five minutes. From I-90 or I-94, you'll reach the mansion in about 10 minutes-both highways feed directly into the area without much hassle. Street parking works fine. Just expect tight spots during tourist season, when every visitor seems to have the same idea about timing their visit.