# Laurel (Montana)

Laurel is a town in southern Montana. About 7,200 people lived there in 2020. Though some refer to it as a suburb of Billings, the town is a uniquely different place.

## Understand

Laurel is home to a Cenex Harvest States oil refinery as well as one of Montana's major freight rail yards. The railroad formed Laurel and remains a part of the town's fabric. High school sports are a major event. Go Locomotives! A large outdoor arena is used for regional competitions. The stadium lights are the tallest structure in town.
While the number of businesses started increasing with the addition of a Walmart Supercenter, many of the residents still commute to Billings.

## Get in
### By air

Laurel Municipal Airport is strictly for private aviation use, and no commercial flights land at the airport. Instead, travellers use nearby Billings Logan International Airport (BIL).

### By car

* From the east and west - I-90 connects Laurel to Billings heading east, and with Bozeman, Butte, Missoula and Idaho heading west.
* From the south - U.S. 212 connects Laurel to Red Lodge, which ultimately leads to Beartooth Pass.

## Get around

Laurel has a couple of options for rides into Billings, but these are limited. There is no taxi service.
It is possible to bike to most locations in good weather. A car usually is the best option.

## See

* 45.653584-108.7571421 Riverside Park, 1425 US 212. A park along the southern banks of the Yellowstone River. Camping sites are available. Horseshoe pits are in the park. (updated Mar 2023)

## Do

* 4th of July, Parade on Main St., activities around town, fireworks at high school, ☏ +1 406 628-8105, lchamber@rbbmt.org. Biggest parade and one of the largest fireworks displays in Montana.
* Palace Bar & Lanes, 305 E Main St, ☏ +1 406 628-8788, palacebarandlanes@gmail.com. Bowling Alley, bar & grill. (updated Mar 2023)
* Rock the Block, Town Square (north of Main St on First Ave). Friday nights, May through Sept. Live music, food and drinks.
* South Side Pond. Daylight. Fishing access and picnic areas. Free.
* The Vue and Brew, 101 W 1st St, ☏ +1 406 633-4436, vueandbrew@gmail.com. Friday, Saturday, Sunday. 3-screen theater and coffeehouse.

## Buy

* Dynamic Designs, 206 1st Ave, ☏ +1 406 628-4718, don@dynamicpromoproducts.com.
* The Front Porch, 109 W 1st St, ☏ +1 406 696-7678. Tu-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-2PM (could be closed for private events). Boutique featuring women owned businesses, handmade items and clothing
* The Yogurt Shop, 105 W Main St, ☏ +1 406 633-4477, laurelyogurt@gmail.com. Primarily frozen yogurt but features many local handmade items.

## Eat

* 45.66561-108.762811 Carlton Depot, 331 S Washington, Suite A, ☏ +1 406 633-7050, info@carltondepot.com. M-Sa 11AM-9PM, closed Su. Traditional classics served in an innovated way, brewery beers, wine, and cocktails. (updated Jan 2024)
* 45.65166-108.756662 Fat Fender Freddy's, 1517 U S Highway 212 S, ☏ +1 406 628-8766. 9AM-2AM. Burgers, steaks, and an occasional car show in the summer. (updated Jan 2024)
* 45.67155-108.762763 The Pelican Cafe, 701 E Main, ☏ +1 406 628-6683. Daily 6AM-3PM. Traditional diner food with a big menu. (updated Jan 2024)
* 45.67537-108.747244 Sid's East Side Bar & Grill, 1701 E Main, ☏ +1 406 628-8946, sidseastside@gmail.com. Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F,Sa 11AM-10PM. Good quality bar food made from scratch, family owned since 1966 (updated Jan 2024)

## Drink

* Caboose Saloon, 704 West Main, ☏ +1 406 628-7414. Amazing bronze sculptures, live music, pool tables.
* Fowl Play Sports Bar & Casino, 220 S 1st Ave, ☏ +1 406 628-8241.
* High Plains Brewing, 601 E Main St, ☏ +1 406 633-4594, rockpile1@outlook.com. M-Sa 4-8PM. Brewery.

## Sleep

* 45.665647-108.7690671 Best Western Yellowstone Crossing, 205 SE 4th St, ☏ +1 406 628-6888, toll-free: +1-877-574-2464. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Wireless internet, breakfast, hot tub, truck parking.
* Fairfield Inn & Suites, 310 South Washington Ave, ☏ +1 406 743-7100. Check-in: 3PM (or earlier, if rooms are available), check-out: noon. Wifi, breakfast, pool, hot tub, fitness center.
* 45.66641-108.7724392 Locomotive Inn, 310 South First Ave, ☏ +1 406-628-8281, gm@locomotiveinn.com. Check-in: 3PM (or earlier, if rooms are available), check-out: 11:30AM. Wifi, pool, hot tub.

## Connect

* Laurel Montana Chamber of Commerce (108 E. Main), ☏ +1 406 628-8105, laurelchamber@rbbmt.org.