Things to Do at ZooMontana

ZooMontana in Billings is one of those places that might surprise you - it's actually a wildlife conservation center that feels more like stepping into Montana's backyard than a traditional zoo. The facility focuses on native and northern climate species, which makes sense when you're dealing with Montana winters. You'll find yourself walking through habitats that house everything from Siberian tigers to North American river otters, all designed to give these animals space that feels reasonably close to their natural environments. What's genuinely interesting about ZooMontana is how it balances being a family destination with serious conservation work. The place has this relaxed, educational vibe where you can actually learn something without feeling like you're being lectured. It's not enormous - you can see everything in a few hours - but that intimate scale means you often get better views of the animals and more personal interactions with the staff who clearly know their stuff.

ZooMontana sits on Billings' western edge, roughly 10 minutes from downtown when traffic flows smoothly. Take Zoo Drive off Shiloh Road. Both roads are well-marked and straightforward to follow. Parking is decent on-site. Summer weekends get busy though. The drive from downtown Billings is easy and offers good views of the Rimrocks along the way. Public transportation options are limited here. You'll want your own vehicle. The route is simple enough that you won't need much navigation help.