article and photos by Jamie Blotske

November can be a bit… unpredictable. If you’ve lived in Montana for any amount of time, you are fully aware of how quickly the weather can shift. Sunny and warm one day, snowy and cold the next. November is especially known for this type of behavior. It’s very likely to see snowfall in the first week of the month. In the same breath, it’s also very likely to see 50 degrees on Thanksgiving Day. The weather can make it a little tricky when planning activities for the month of giving thanks. With that being said, here are some “this or that” options, depending on what the weather decides to throw our way.

SUNNY AND CRISP

When the sun is out and a slight fall breeze is in the air, it’s the perfect time to soak up the season in the great outdoors.

TAKE A SCENIC HIKE OR WALK

There are plenty of local trails and parks to freely roam around on right here in the Magic City. Grab a hot coffee and a friend to stroll some of Billings’ best trails leisurely. Top recommendations include Phipps Park, Four Dances Recreational Area, Riverfront Park, and Norm’s Island.

DISC GOLF

Billings is home to several disc golf courses. This is a great activity to enjoy with your family or a group of friends when the sun is out in November. Check out the course at Pioneer Park, the Diamond X course at Phipps Park, or the course in the heights at High Sierra Park.

GO FOR A BIKE RIDE

Don’t put away that bicycle just yet! Bundle up in your cozy fall jacket and pedal around the neighborhood before finding your way to a local coffee shop. Meet up with a friend or spend some alone time with a good book. If you’re seeking a little more adventure, load up your bike and head up the hill to explore the trails of Zimmerman Park. Make time for stops along the way to bask in the beauty of the city below.

COLD AND RAINY/SNOWY

When the skies turn gray, the wind picks up, or the snow starts to fall, there are still plenty of ways to stay active indoors.

LET’S GLOW PUTT

Bring your golf game inside with this 18-hole 3D Pirate Blacklight Mini Golf course. Turn this activity into a family-friendly competition (loser buys a round of ice cream at the nearby Red Robin!). The fun doesn’t stop when the game is over. There is an on-site arcade that will keep the good times rolling.

BACK NINE LOUNGE

Speaking of golf, Back Nine Lounge, connected to The Den Sports Bar on the very west end of Billings, has over 90 courses on its golf and multi-sport simulator. If golf isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options. Games include rally baseball, slap shot hockey, foot golf, and breakaway soccer. Order a pizza and a pint while you enjoy an afternoon or evening playing your favorite outdoor activities, indoors.

STEEPWORLD CLIMBING & FITNESS

Rock climbing is a popular sport here in Billings, with a strong community of dedicated climbers. The rims offer several excellent climbing routes, making this a popular outdoor activity among many. But when the weather isn’t favorable for outdoor climbing, head indoors to get your climbing fix at Steepworld! No experience or appointment is needed, so feel free to drop in when the weather turns south to test your skills and potentially learn a new sport!

Regardless of the weather, there is always something to do to stay active. While the warm November days are nice, don’t let the chilly ones deter you from going out to do something you love or try something new. Start with this provided “this or that” list and continue to add to it, as ideas or opportunities come your way. Make sure to check out this month’s local events, as well. Rain or shine, make the most of what November has to offer!

Originally printed in the November 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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