Painted Rocks of Billings
May 2026
Article by Kara Schwalbe
Photos by Jessica Plance
Don’t just paint rocks with your kids, make it an adventure! Did you know that Billings has a couple of Rock Snakes in town and a Facebook page (Billings ROCKS!) dedicated to painted rocks?
Rock Snakes in Billings
A rock snake is a community creation where individuals paint rocks and lay them end to end to form a “snake.” Often the person who started the snake will start with the head and include a sign inviting others to add to it and help it grow over time. Visit a rock snake to admire the creativity in our city and then add your own art to it!
- Cliff the Rock Snake: at the corner of Fairmeadow Dr and 38th St W (the southeast corner of Poly Vista Park)
- Trajan the Rock Snake: at Rimrock West Park (he circles the playground)
- Jade the Memorial Caterpillar: behind Scheels on the pathway near Joel’s Pond
BillingsROCKS!
A facebook page in Billings dedicated to painting and “hiding” rocks in public places. If you find one, share a photo on the group page. Then you can keep it or re-hide it.
If you paint one to be found, write something like, “Keep or re-hide. Post a pic to Billings ROCKS!” on the back and then hide it somewhere outdoors, like a public park or trail.
The activity of rock painting can be a full day or multi-day activity for you and your littles depending on how you decide to do it. Here are some tips for making it fun.
What you'll need:
Bucket
Soap & Water
Scrub brush
Acrylic paint
Paint brushes
Optional: Sealant
Find Your Rocks
Smooth river rocks or landscaping rocks with a fairly flat side are usually best for painting. Be mindful of where you collect rocks, make sure you have permission to take them home.
Give Them a Bath
A simple soap and water bath with a scrub brush is an activity for kids in itself!
Get Creative
Depending on your design, you might want to paint your rock a single color first and let it dry before adding detail. The paint fills some of the small crevices and makes it easier to paint additional colors or designs easier. If you want your rock to stand up to the weather, use acrylic paints and consider sealing it with a clear acrylic spray or Mod Podge Outdoor after it’s painted. If you’d like to paint and start over after the next rainstorm, stick with washable paint!
Find the Perfect Home
Beautify your garden at home. Gift them to a friend. Add them to a Rock Snake. “Hide” them in a public place to be found by someone else. Even ask your HOA or neighbors for permission to start your own neighborhood rock snake and watch it grow.
Originally printed in the May 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine
Never miss an issue, check out SLM's digital editions here!
