Featured Article
Western Heritage Center
June 1, 2022
The Western Heritage Center is pleased to announce that the “Hoof It with a Historian” Walking Tour program is back for another Billings summer. The program will kick off on Friday, June 3, at 10 am with an updated tour, “Celebrities & Scandals in Downtown Billings.” In this tour, the Prohibition era, sedition, and local deaths share the walk with famous names like Charles Lindbergh, Calamity Jane, Tom Cruise, and more.
“We hope to see a great mix of locals and visitors again this year,” says Cecelia Gavinsky, WHC Collections Manager and guide for the “Celebs & Scandals” tour. She adds that “between hosting out-of-town guests and planning staycations, both Billings newcomers and long-time residents will find that they have a lot of fun and learn something new at each of our Historic Walking Tours. We will offer at least one tour a week until mid-September, with several available in the evenings, and our topics cover everything from architecture to local history to geology. And you’ll get a great walk in an interesting local spot!”
The WHC offers over ten tour options, including Swords Park on the Rims, historic Mountview Cemetery, Minnesota Avenue and the old restricted (“red light”) district, residential architecture in both North Elevation and Moss Mansion neighborhoods, and Riverside Park in Laurel. Those interested in joining the June 3 tour, or any other dates, may call the WHC to reserve a spot or may purchase tickets online through the museum website (https://www.ywhc.org/museum-programs/historic-walking-tours/). Space is limited to 15 guests. Ticket prices include WHC museum admission for the same day, and are $10 for adults, $5 for students (age 13-college), $3 for children 6-12, and free for children under 6.
The Western Heritage Center is located on 2822 Montana Avenue, and is open Tues-Sat, 10 am – 5 pm, with admission fees of $5 or less, including free admission for active duty military families and SNAP recipients. Information on discounts, accessibility, exhibits, resources, and upcoming programs can be found at ywhc.org or by calling the WHC at (406) 256-6809.