Article and photos by Jessica Plance 

Just an hour south of Billings near Fishtail, Tippet Rise spans more than 12,000 acres of working ranchland where monumental sculptures, contemporary architecture, and classical music performances are thoughtfully woven into one of Montana's most spectacular landscapes. During the 2026 season, which runs from June 19 through October 4, visitors can explore the ranch by guided van tour, on foot, or by bicycle. For those looking to slow down and soak in every mile of prairie, an e-bike offers the perfect balance of adventure and accessibility. 

After picking up our e-bikes, we worked out a route with one of the many guides posted along the trails on site. We rolled onto the Meridian Trail, trading pavement for a winding ribbon of dirt that climbs through native grasslands beneath the Beartooth Mountains. The route is undeniably beautiful, though riders should know that portions of the trail are rocky and uneven. While our e-bikes handled the terrain, a traditional mountain bike with wider tires and suspension would have made the ride more comfortable. Still, the slower pace revealed details we'd never experience from a vehicle. 

Our first stop came sooner than expected. Nestled within a gentle swale, Causa Formalis, one of two new sculptures debuting for Tippet Rise's 2026 season, still stood under construction. Created by internationally celebrated Polish-German artist Alicja Kwade, the sculpture combines patinated bronze with powder-coated stainless steel in a form that appears to grow from the prairie itself. 

From there, the trail continued upward toward one of Tippet Rise's most recognizable landmarks: Domo. Designed by Spanish architects Antón García-Abril and Débora Mesa of Ensamble Studio, Domo is one of three monumental structures commissioned to serve as gateways and landmarks across the ranch. At nearly 100 feet long, its massive concrete shell rises from the hillside like an ancient geologic formation. Walking inside, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views across the ranch while the structure itself frames the landscape in unexpected ways. During the concert season, Domo also functions as an outdoor performance venue, its sculptural form carefully engineered to project sound naturally across the surrounding hills. 

The return trip offered a different perspective. Rather than tackling the rocky Meridian Trail again, we coasted back along the ranch road, where the rolling terrain made for an easier ride and allowed more time to stop and explore. 

Our final sculpture stop was Inverted Portal, another Ensamble Studio creation. Unlike a traditional gateway, the towering concrete structure appears to emerge directly from the earth before folding back into it. Standing beneath its massive opening, it becomes clear that the sculpture isn't meant to draw attention to itself. Instead, it frames the prairie, sky, and distant mountains, subtly shifting the way visitors experience the landscape beyond. It's a simple but powerful reminder of Tippet Rise's guiding philosophy: art doesn't compete with nature; it deepens our appreciation of it. 

As we continued toward the visitor area, another new addition to the collection came into view. Although we admired it from a distance, Scythian by renowned American sculptor Mark di Suvero was impossible to miss. Installed for public viewing for the first time since its exhibition at Storm King Art Center nearly 30 years ago, the monumental steel sculpture rises above the Cottonwood Campus with a kinetic element designed to turn with the Montana wind. Even from afar, its bold silhouette stands in striking contrast to the rolling prairie and expansive sky. 

By then, we had earned lunch. We parked our bikes near the visitor area and grabbed food from PREROGATIvE Kitchen. Sitting outdoors with the Beartooths in the distance, it was a fitting way to end the ride, reflecting on the miles we'd covered and the artwork we'd encountered along the way. 

What makes biking Tippet Rise so memorable isn't simply the sculptures themselves. It's the experience of traveling between them. On a bike, every rise in the trail reveals another sweeping vista, every curve offers a new perspective, and every stop feels earned. The landscape becomes as much a part of the gallery as the artwork. 

Visitors don't need to be avid cyclists to enjoy the experience, but they should come prepared. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes, and consider renting a mountain bike or an e-bike with wider tires if you plan to ride the Meridian Trail. Reservations are required to visit Tippet Rise. Several bike shops in Billings and Red Lodge offer rentals, making it easy to add a cycling adventure to your visit. 

Hiking, biking, or touring by van, visitors leave Tippet Rise with something increasingly rare: a chance to slow down.  

Bike Rental Round-Up  

Beartooth E-Bike Rentals in Red Lodge specifically advertises e-bike delivery and pickup service for visitors spending the day at Tippet Rise. They will deliver bikes to the art center and retrieve them afterward, making it one of the most convenient options for visitors without their own bikes.  

Billings-Area E-Bike Rental Options 

• Pedego Electric Bikes Billings: The most obvious dedicated e-bike rental option in Billings. They offer electric bike rentals, sales, and service.  
• The Spoke Shop: Longtime Billings bike shop that offers bike rentals and carries e-bikes. If you're looking for higher-end bikes or want local route advice, this is a good place to call.  
• The Bike Shop: Carries Aventon e-bikes and may have rental or demo options available. Worth checking ahead of your trip.  

Originally printed in the September 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Never miss an issue, check out SLM's digital editions here!  

related articles: