Tracing the Old West: Historical Landmarks and Native American Heritage in Billings

Just a short drive from downtown Billings, Pictograph Cave State Park feels like stepping through a portal into another time. As someone who's spent countless hours studying the delicate art of Japanese wagashi patterns, I found myself equally mesmerized by the ancient pictographs adorning these sandstone walls—some dating back over 2,000 years.

The park consists of three main caves: Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost caves, with a well-maintained 1/4-mile loop trail connecting them. While my pastry training taught me patience with delicate creations, families should know that spotting the actual pictographs requires similar patience and a keen eye. The interpretive center provides crucial context before you head out, and I'd recommend bringing a pair of compact binoculars to get a better look at the more faded images.

What struck me most was how these caves served as a crossroads for various indigenous peoples over millennia—much like how certain dishes in my culinary background represent cultural intersections. The pictographs tell stories of hunting parties, spiritual ceremonies, and daily life long before European settlers arrived. For children especially, this tangible connection to ancient peoples sparks imagination in ways that textbooks simply cannot.

The hour-long drive east of Billings to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is a journey worth taking, especially for families wanting to understand the complexities of American history. As someone who grew up between two distinct cultures, I've always been drawn to places where different worldviews collide, and few sites embody this collision more powerfully than Little Bighorn.

Most Americans know this as 'Custer's Last Stand,' but the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho peoples who fought here have their own name for it: 'The Battle of the Greasy Grass.' This duality of perspective is brilliantly presented throughout the monument, with both Native American and U.S. Army narratives given equal weight.

The visitor center offers an excellent orientation film and displays that help contextualize the conflict, but the real power comes from walking the battlefield itself. White marble markers show where soldiers fell, while red granite markers honor Native warriors. For families with children, the Junior Ranger program provides age-appropriate activities that encourage critical thinking about this complex history.

I found myself particularly moved by the Indian Memorial, completed in 2003, which provides long-overdue recognition of the Native perspective. Standing there as summer prairie grasses swayed in the wind, I couldn't help but think about how the stories we tell about our past shape our understanding of the present—a lesson as valuable for children as it is for adults.

After days exploring outdoor historical sites under Montana's expansive sky, stepping into the Moss Mansion felt like entering another world entirely. This 1903 red sandstone mansion stands as a testament to the wealth and ambition that flowed through Billings during its early boom years.

As someone who appreciates the precision and attention to detail that goes into both architectural and culinary masterpieces, I was immediately drawn to the mansion's impeccable craftsmanship. Designed by New York architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh (who also designed the original Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel), the mansion features hand-carved woodwork, imported materials, and technological innovations that were revolutionary for the time.

What makes this mansion particularly special for families is how it captures the story of the Moss family who lived here for over 80 years. The guided tour brings to life tales of the five Moss children who grew up in this extraordinary home, making it relatable for young visitors. My favorite room was undoubtedly the kitchen—no surprise given my profession—where I could imagine elaborate meals being prepared for the family's frequent social gatherings.

For families visiting in summer, the mansion hosts special children's programs including scavenger hunts and period games in the gardens. I'd recommend bringing a travel journal for children to sketch architectural details or jot down interesting facts—something I wish I'd had during my childhood visits to historical sites in Japan.

Perched on a hill overlooking Logan International Airport, the Yellowstone County Museum might be modest in size but it's mighty in content. Housed in a historic log cabin, this museum packs an impressive collection of artifacts that tell the story of Billings and the surrounding region from prehistoric times through the settlement era and beyond.

What I appreciate most about smaller museums like this is how they often capture the authentic texture of local history better than larger institutions. As someone who's sought out family-run ryokans in the Japanese countryside precisely because they preserve traditions that luxury hotels cannot, I found similar authenticity here.

For families with children who might get museum fatigue, the Yellowstone County Museum is perfect—you can experience the highlights in about an hour. The exhibits are thoughtfully arranged to engage visitors of all ages, with plenty of visual interest for younger guests. My personal favorite was the collection of Native American artifacts, particularly the intricate beadwork that demonstrates the artistic sophistication of Plains Indian cultures.

Don't miss the McCormick Cabin, the museum's actual building, which is itself an artifact from 1893. Originally built as a hunting lodge, it offers children a tangible sense of pioneer life. Before your visit, I'd recommend picking up a field guide to help children connect what they're seeing to broader historical themes.

About 35 miles southeast of Billings lies one of Montana's most meaningful historical sites—Chief Plenty Coups State Park and Home. This was the residence of Plenty Coups, the last traditional chief of the Crow Nation, who lived here until his death in 1932. Unlike many historical sites that memorialize Native American history from a distance, this place feels alive with continuing cultural significance.

The modest farmhouse where Chief Plenty Coups lived represents his strategic adaptation to changing times while maintaining Crow cultural identity—a balancing act I found personally resonant as someone who has navigated between British and Japanese cultural influences throughout my life. The chief deliberately chose to farm here as a way to demonstrate how his people could adapt to new realities while preserving their core values.

For families, what makes this site special is its ongoing connection to the Crow community. During summer months, cultural events and demonstrations bring the grounds to life. The visitor center provides excellent context through exhibits that were developed with significant input from tribal members.

The sacred spring on the property remains a place of spiritual significance, and the park maintains a respectful atmosphere that helps visitors understand its importance. I'd recommend bringing a travel water bottle as there are lovely picnic spots where families can relax and reflect after touring the home and museum.

Children are particularly drawn to the park's natural elements—mature cottonwood trees provide welcome shade, and the grounds offer space to run and explore after behaving respectfully in the historic home.