Numerous sites and buildings have been restored or transformed to protect the history they represent, but few have been able to do so in a way that impacts the surrounding community as much as the Historic Billings Depot. In becoming one of the top venues in the region for weddings, fundraisers, and community special events of all kinds, the Historic Billings Depot showcases what it means for a monument to utilize the past to positively impact the culture and economy of a region in the present.
Part of the Historic Billings Townsite
What is now known as the Historic Billings Depot is tied to the legacy of Billings’ first depot that was built in 1883, a year after the arrival of the Northern Pacific. In 1909, the Northern Pacific began to upgrade its facilities and built a passenger station to be used by three railroad companies. The facility became a hub of activity in the community.
The complex featured a spacious waiting area for 200 passengers, gentleman’s smoking room, ladies’ waiting room, baggage area, and service offices. Red roofs, gabled dormers, and stepped parapets long provided travelers with a grand first impression of this busy railroad hub. It served as the venue of choice for many of the most important visitors in Billings’ history including presidents, governors, Hollywood celebrities and even visiting royalty. The last regular Amtrak train, the North Coast Hiawatha, departed in October 1979.
As part of the Billings Townsite Historic District, the Historic Billings Depot contains literal pieces of history along with various plaques that highlight this history which visitors can engage with in multiple ways. It has been part of this Townsite since 1978, listed as the Northern Pacific Depot “Union Station”.
The experiences that have been enabled at the site for both residents and visitors are based on this history. The economic and cultural impact they represent has positively influenced the entire community.
Community and Special Events
Today, Billings Depot has been restored and once again plays host to many of Billings’ most memorable celebrations. One-off and annual events like the Symphony at the Depot, Steamfest, National Train Day and Taste of Billings pull together the Billings community from near and afar.
That community engagement extends to the Wild Women of the West, which is a membership organization founded with the intent of supporting the ongoing preservation and community enrichment activities of the Historic Billings Depot. The Wild Women of the West pulls together ladies of all ages and backgrounds who get together once a month for fun and entertaining girls nights out.
The Historic Billings Depot can also be reserved for weddings, meetings or special events. The building is comprised of two main event spaces: the passenger station, with its towering vaulted ceilings, roman columns, terrazzo floor and a signature high-arched window. The second space is the baggage room featuring high ceilings, and original brick walls and wood floors. The Billings Depot also features two outdoor courtyards and a back-patio area so groups can enjoy both indoor and outdoor environments.
The Historic Billings Depot is supported by these considerable economic opportunities as well events of all sizes, but those are in addition to direct donations. All of these elements have come together to protect and augment a legacy that the Billings Depot represents to the Billings community and all of Montana.
Celebrating the Legacy of “Magic City”
Billings was nicknamed “Magic City” for its early rapid growth, and Union Station came to signify what this growth actually looked like. By preserving and celebrating this history, the Historic Billings Depot has been able to create opportunities for residents and visitors that are continuing to make a positive impact on the city and region.
