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 ^IATA).

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

• 1 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

• 1 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)
• 2 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)
• 3 The Pelican Cafe, 701 E Main, ☏ +1 406 628-6683. Daily 6AM-3PM. Traditional diner food with a big menu. (updated Jan 2024)
• 4 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

• 1 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. 
• 2 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. 

Go next

Routes through Laurel

Bozeman ← Big Timber ←	W  E	→ Billings → Buffalo
Yellowstone N.P. ← Red Lodge ←	W  E	→ Billings → Belle Fourche