Traveling While Black Across America RoadTrip: Stop #4 - Billings, MT
Us at Zimmerman Park in Billings, MT
Welcome to the last stop of our Traveling While Black Across America (Volume 1) series! A little background on this series, we decided to hop on the road to take (and document) a roadtrip from Wentzville, MO to Billings, MT.
If you’re new here, our show Traveling While Black usually has us in the Pacific Northwest or flying to international destinations, but we realized that many don’t know what middle America is like OR how safe it is for Black travelers. So, we decided it was time for us to expand our show to help those who may be wondering what it’s like to drive and stop in four cities: Kansas City, MO; Denver, CO; Cheyenne, WY; and Billings, MT. For each city will provide our typical ratings too: Drive Grade, Level of Fun, and Comfortability For Black People!
Here’s our experience in Billings, MT!
The Overview:
Billings drew us in with its history, amazing access to the outdoors, and vibrant craft beer scene. According to our research, Billings has a unique twist on the railroad industry story, with similarities to the other Rocky Mountain state cities we visited.
Just like Cheyenne (our 3rd episode), Billings' origins are tied to the railroad, specifically the Northern Pacific Railroad, which established the city in 1882.
Historical Impact of Redlining in Billings:
By that time the West had developed its own tactics for dealing with Black and immigrant populations, the railroad company divided the city with a railroad track. On the north side of the track were where white residents were able to live and on the south side of the tracks were where the Chinese, Japanese, and Black population were able to live.
Black History of Billings:
Despite the discrimination, Black pioneers like Walker Browning and his family played influential roles in the community, advocating for social mobility and helping to establish the city's only Black church.
Knowing the contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls to Montana's history, we were excited to see how these contributions were commemorated in Billings.
Drive Grade:
Cheyenne, WY to Billings, MT
The drive from Cheyenne to Billings took about 7 hours, excluding stops. Without the windstorm we encountered driving to Cheyenne, we were able to appreciate the beauty of the landscape along the way, even with a bit of rain. The Big Sky nickname for Montana is so true, as the expansive land makes the blue sky seem even larger.
Us in Douglas, WY!
Our drive included some unique stops, starting with the world's largest Jackalope statue in Douglas, Wyoming. However, a subscriber warned us that the city might not be Black-friendly, so we didn't stay long. We also made a quick stop to Sheridan, Wyoming, we were intrigued by signs for the Black Diamond Trail, though poor service prevented us from researching further what this was all about. But it could be a cool stop! The highlight of our drive was the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana, this was a powerful and educational experience that made us appreciate the area's history. We definitely recommend a stop at this National Monument!
Here's how the drive from Cheyenne to Billings fared against our rating scale:
Quality of Views: 2/2 points - The breathtaking landscape and expansive sky were as beautiful as we imagined. We can see why it’s called Big Sky!
Roadside Amenities: 1/2 points - There were a lot of options for gas and food on the drive. We did dock a point for this ride because of the potentially unfriendly stop in Douglas, WY.
Route Simplicity: 2/2 points - Even though we took three different highways, the open road and high speed limits made the drive feel easy and freeing. It was the first time we saw a speed limit of 80 MPH!
Roadside Attractions: 2/2 points - We stopped at three places, the one that stood out the most to us was The Little Bighorn Monument. This stop alone made this drive memorable!
Quality Parking Options: 1/2 points - There was a decent amount of parking in Billings, but we had to pay each time! You all know how Anthony feels about paying for parking!
Overall, we rated the drive an 8 out of 10, making it our favorite drive of the whole road trip.
Level of Fun Rating: Billings, MT
To try and enjoy Billings, we decided to dive into the local culture. Based on our research, we explored the city's history, craft beer scene, and outdoors.
We started with the Western Heritage Center Museum, housed in the historic Parmly Billings Memorial Library building. The museum offered intriguing exhibits, including ones focused on Native American experiences in the West. After the museum, we hit the Billings Brew Trail, a self-guided tour through the historic downtown that includes breweries, distilleries, a cider mill, and a winery. Our favorite stop was the local distillery, UnDammed!
For our outdoor experience, we headed to Zimmerman Park just outside the city for a hike. The park's loop trail offered breathtaking views and was a calming experience at the end of our road trip.
Here's how Billings scored on our Level of Fun scale:
Quality of Activities: 1/2 points - The museum and brew trail were interesting, but the activities left a lot to be desired.
Demographic Applicability: 0/2 points - Billings has limited options for fun and the abundance of casinos hurt the city's appeal across different demographics. There are casinos EVERYWHERE.
Affordability: 2/2 points - One good thing about Billings is it was affordable! Plus, Montana doesn’t have a sales tax, was a bonus!
Quality of Restaurants: 1/2 points - We enjoyed a few restaurants in Billings, but there weren’t a huge selection of options. If you want to support a Black-owned restaurant while there, check out Sassy Biscuit!
Special Events: 0/2 points - Billings does not have any professional sports teams. When we were visiting a PBR even was taking place, but we did not attend.
Overall, we rated Billings a 4 out of 10 for Level of Fun.
Comfortability for Black Travelers: Billings, MT
Comfortability for Black travelers is crucial. Billings has a very low Black population percentage (less than 1%)! Plus, the city's Black history wasn't visible, which was disappointing given Montana's rich history of Black cowboys.
Here's how Billings scored on our Comfortability for Black People scale:
Amount of Other Black People Seen: 2/2 points - Even though the population is less than 1%, we saw more Black people than expected! This was a pleasant surprise.
Most Recent Black Population Numbers: 0/2 points - As we mentioned before, the Black population percentage is only 1%, so we can’t give any points here.
Prevalence of Black History: 0/2 points - Billings didn’t show a lot about their Black history. We did learn more about a Black family that was visible in the city. You can learn more about them in our episode!
Visibility of Inclusion Signs: 1/2 points - Billings didn’t have a lot of inclusion signs, but we saw a few supporting the LGBTQ community.
Our Personal Feelings of Comfort: 1/2 points - Overall, Billings felt very cold. We don’t know if that’s because of the city overall or because of the lack of diversity.
Overall, we rated Billings a 4 out of 10 for Comfortability for Black People.
Our Final Thoughts on Billings
Overall, Billings, MT fell short in terms of inclusivity and comfort for Black travelers (in our opinion). Despite this, we appreciated the opportunity to explore this part of the country and gain new perspectives.
Billings was our final stop in volume 1 of our road trip series! This trip taught us a lot about America and ourselves. We encourage everyone to take a road trip, even if it's a short one, to see the diverse beauty and experiences our country has to offer.
Thank you for joining us on this adventure from Wentzville, Missouri, to Billings, Montana. Be sure to follow us for updates on our next journey and subscribe to our blog for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Watch our experience in Billings, MT!
Traveling While Black Across America RoadTrip: Stop #2 - Denver, CO
Welcome to the second stop of our Traveling While Black Across America (Volume 1) series! A little background on this series, we decided to hop on the road to take (and document) a roadtrip from Wentzville, MO to Billings, MT.
Our show Traveling While Black usually has us in the Pacific Northwest or flying to international destinations, but we realized that many don’t know what middle America is like OR how safe it is for Black travelers. So, we decided it was time for us to expand our show to help those who may be wondering what it’s like to drive and stop in four cities: Kansas City, MO; Denver, CO; Cheyenne, WY; and Billings, MT. For each city we will provide our typical ratings too: Drive Grade, Level of Fun, and Comfortability For Black People! This is our review of our stop in Denver, CO!
The Overview
Denver, also known as the Mile-High City, offers a lot of Black history and culture. To learn more about that Black history, we started our journey within the historic Five Points neighborhood, by taking a self-guided walking tour of the neighborhood!
Five Points: The Harlem of the West
The Five Points neighborhood was bustling with Black-owned businesses ranging from clothing stores to grocery shops and even dry cleaners. A notable landmark within this neighborhood is the historic Denver Fire Station No. 3, a symbol of safety and community for the residents (we got a chance to tour it too!).
Us on the Five Points District Walking Tour.
Jazz also played a pivotal role in shaping Five Points' identity. Thanks to a local musician, George Morrison, the district attracted legendary artists like Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald, thus earning its nickname “Harlem of the West.”
Unfortunately, like many historic Black neighborhoods across America, Five Points faced decline due to factors like continued redlining and the construction of a light rail. This led to the area being declared blighted in 2012. Despite these challenges, vibrant Black businesses and motivated individuals are working tirelessly to preserve the neighborhood’s character and heritage. To learn more about the Five Points District head here.
Drive Grade:
Kansas City, MO to Denver, CO
Let’s talk about our road trip experience, or what we call our Drive Grade Rating. Here’s how we broke down the drive from Kansas City, MO to Denver, CO. The drive is typically 9 hours, but ours took a lot longer because we decided to stop at some historic Black history landmarks along the way. The first landmark stop was in Topeka, KS at the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Park. This park and museum is housed at the historic Monroe school building where the landmark cases started. This is a stop you should definitely make! Not only is it history, but Topeka is the capital of Kansas - so there are ample restaurants and gas stations in this city.
Next we stopped at the Buffalo Solider’s Memorial in Junction City, Kansas. This memorial is great if you’re interested in the history of the Buffalo Solider’s and need a food or bathroom pit stop. Junction City is very close to Fort Riley, so you’ll see a big military presence in the city.
Us at the Nicodemus Historical Park
The last Black history stop in Kansas before we stopped into before Denver was in Nicodemus, KS. The Nicodemus, KS National Historical Park commemorates: (from the park website) “Formerly enslaved African Americans left Kentucky at the end of the post-Civil War Reconstruction period to experience freedom in the "Promised Land" of Kansas. Nicodemus represents the involvement of African Americans in the westward expansion and settlement of the Great Plains. It is the oldest and only remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River.” This is a wonderful place to visit! It is slightly off of 70, so you will need to go through many small towns before you make it to this park and to get back on I-70. So be sure to get gas in Hays, KS before you stop here. Also be sure not to speed through those small towns on the way to the park and on the way back to I-70.
Now let’s get into the drive grade rating:
Quality of Views: 0/2 points - Unfortunately, the drive through Kansas was flat and boring. Even though that was expected, we can’t give any points for views.
Roadside Amenities: 2/2 points - The abundance of gas stations and fast food options along I-70 makes this drive a lot less stressful. You won’t have to worry about going hungry or without gas.
Route Simplicity: 2/2 points - I-70 provided a straightforward route with minimal traffic and few highway switches (except on our stop to Nicodemus, KS).
Roadside Attractions: 2/2 points - We discovered some incredible stops that we spoke about above. Another attraction we saw was the OZ museum in Wamego, KS! Marlie loves the movie Wizard of Oz, so this was a must do!
Quality Parking Options: 1/2 points - While parking was ample in Kansas City, it was more challenging in Denver aka the cost of parking was steep!
Overall, we rated our drive from Kansas City, MO to Denver, CO a 7 out of 10.
Level of Fun Rating: Denver, CO
The sign at the entrance of the Historic Lincoln Hills
Denver offers a wide variety of activities for all demographics. During our time in Denver, we took a walking tour of the Five Points Neighborhood, had the chance to tour the historic Lincoln Hills Resort (Learn more about Lincoln Hills and Lincoln Hills cares here), and check out two Black owned establishments - LeFrench restaurant and Novel Strand Brewing and Taproom. LeFrench was one of the best restaurants we’ve eaten at in awhile! We even tried escargot for the first time, and to be honest… we liked it! Novel Strand Brewing had a great atmosphere. The beer was great and the people were super friendly. We recommend going to Novel Strand if you’re looking for some quality beer!
Here’s how we evaluated Denver's fun factor:
Quality of Activities: 2/2 points - From exploring the historic Five Points district to enjoying the craft beer scene, Denver has something for everyone. You won’t be bored here!
Demographic Applicability: 2/2 points - The city caters to a diverse audience, offering activities suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Affordability: 1/2 points - Denver is on the more pricier side, especially in comparison to midwestern cities. However, it is more affordable than our home city of Seattle.
Quality of Restaurants: 2/2 points - We had fantastic dining experiences, especially at the Black-owned establishments, Novel Strand Brewing Company and Le French.
Special Events: 2/2 points - Denver hosts numerous events, including a Juneteenth Music Festival and the Five Points Jazz Festival. Plus Denver has 5 major sports team. There’s always a special event happening in this city!
Overall, we rate Denver a 9 out of 10 for Level of Fun.
Comfortability for Black Travelers: Denver, CO
Us in front of the Denver capital building
Comfortability for Black travelers is crucial. Denver’s Black population is only 8%, however we did see and meet a lot of other Black visitors in the city. One of those interactions was with KweenWerk a Black outdoor creator and co-owner of the Inclusive Guide. The Inclusive Guide that helps you find inclusive destinations around the world!
Here’s how we rated Denver for our Comfortability for Black People Rating:
Amount of Other Black People Seen: 1/2 points - Although we saw a good amount of Black people, it was significantly less compared to Kansas City.
Most Recent Black Population Numbers: 1/2 points - As we mentioned before, Black or African American non-Hispanics make up only 8% of Denver's population. A pretty low population amount for a major US city.
Prevalence of Black History: 2/2 points - The rich history of Five Points and landmarks like the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library highlight Denver's contributions to Black history. Plus being known as the Harlem of the West, shows the significance of Black History in the city.
Visibility of Inclusion Signs: 1/2 points - There were fewer explicit signs promoting inclusion compared to other cities we’ve visited. We expected to see more in Denver.
Our Personal Feelings of Comfort: 2/2 points - We felt comfortable and welcomed throughout our visit to Denver, CO. The friendly interactions and diverse establishments made it a great and comfortable experience for us. We would definitely go back!
Overall, we rated Denver an 8 out of 10 for Comfortability for Black People.
Our Final Thoughts on Denver
Denver scored well across all categories, making it a destination worth exploring for anyone. We can’t wait to return and dive deeper into the city’s history and culture. Next up in our TWB Across America Roadtrip Series is Cheyenne, Wyoming – stay tuned to see how it compares to Kansas City and Denver!
Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for updates on our journey and follow us on social media for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Watch our full YouTube episode on our experience in Denver!
Traveling While Black Across America RoadTrip: Stop #1 - Kansas City, MO
Welcome to the first stop of our Traveling While Black Across America (Volume 1) series! A little background on this series, we decided to hop on the road to take (and document) a roadtrip from Wentzville, MO to Billings, MT.
If you’re new here, our show Traveling While Black usually has us in the Pacific Northwest or flying to international destinations, but we realized that many don’t know what middle America is like OR how safe it is for Black travelers. So, we decided it was time for us to expand our show to help those who may be wondering what it’s like to drive and stop in four cities: Kansas City, MO; Denver, CO; Cheyenne, WY; and Billings, MT. For each city will provide our typical ratings too: Drive Grade, Level of Fun, and Comfortability For Black People!
We started the journey from Anthony’s hometown of Wentzville, MO and here’s our experience!
The Overview:
When thinking of Kansas City you may not think it’s a large city, but in fact, it’s the 36th largest in the United States. It’s also pretty famous within Black culture and American history!
For example, when thinking of Kansas City, BBQ definitely comes into mind. During our visit, we had the chance to sit down with George W. Gates II, COO of the historic Gates BBQ. He proudly proclaims that "Kansas City is the BBQ capital of the world." He’s right, because the city boasts over 128 BBQ restaurants, which is a testament to its rich culinary tradition. BBQ in Kansas City isn’t just food; it's a cultural experience that has evolved from humble beginnings to a celebrated cuisine. We had the chance to try some Gates BBQ, and let us just say, be sure to add one of their locations to your list when you visit Kansas City!
The 18th and Vine District:
We were able to explore the 18th and Vine District while in Kansas City. This district was not only a hub for jazz and BBQ, but also a significant cultural landmark. It began as one of the few areas where Black families could live, work, and build businesses during Kansas City's early development. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Black community. This is why the American Jazz Museum and The Negro Leagues museum is housed in this neighborhood.
The American Jazz Museum offers a deep dive into the rich cultural history through interactive exhibits and artifacts. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum preserves and celebrates the rich history of African American baseball, highlighting the incredible impact it had on sports and civil rights. You MUST visit both of these museums if visiting Kansas City.
Drive Grade:
Wentzville, MO to Kansas City, MO
Let’s get into our roadtrip experience or how we call it, our Drive Grade Rating. Here’s how we broke down the Drive Grade from Wentzville, MO to Kansas City, MO.
Quality of Views: 0/2 points - The drive through Missouri did not offer great views. The route was mainly lined with gas stations and billboards. So, we didn't award many points in this category.
Roadside Amenities: 2/2 points - This was great! The abundance of gas stations and fast food options along I-70W made the journey convenient. It was easy to find places to stop for fuel and food, which added points to our score.
Route Simplicity: 2/2 points - Traveling on I-70W was straightforward. The highway provided a smooth, uninterrupted drive with minimal traffic and few highway switches.
Roadside Attractions: 1/2 points - On this route we stopped at two places: America’s National Churchill Museum in Fulton, MO & the Missouri State Capitol. Other than that, there weren't many attractions along the way that made us want to pull off the highway.
Quality Parking Options: 2/2 points - In Kansas City, we found ample parking options, often free. Which was a big positive to Anthony!
Overall, we rated our drive to Kansas City a 7 out of 10.
Level of Fun Rating: Kansas City, MO
Kansas City offers a wide variety of activities for all demographics. Here’s a deeper look at how we evaluated the city's fun factor:
Quality of Activities: 2/2 points - From a vibrant nightlife in the Power and Light District to numerous professional sports teams, Kansas City has something for everyone! The city's rich cultural attractions, like the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum, which we really enjoyed, add to the variety of experiences available.
Demographic Applicability: 2/2 points - The city caters to a diverse audience. Whether you're a family looking for kid-friendly activities, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or a solo traveler in search of adventure, Kansas City has plenty to offer.
Affordability: 2/2 points - The Midwest prices around the city were a welcome experience, since we live in Seattle now. Dining and entertainment options were reasonably priced, making Kansas City an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers.
Quality of Restaurants: 2/2 points - Kansas City's culinary scene is outstanding. We enjoyed delicious meals at Black-owned establishments like Mesob Ethiopian and Caribbean restaurant and Ruby Jean's Juicery. Of course, the BBQ was a highlight, particularly at Gates BBQ.
Special Events: 2/2 points - The city hosts numerous events throughout the year, adding to its appeal. During our visit, we found a lively atmosphere with plenty of ongoing activities.
Overall, we rate Kansas City a perfect 10 out of 10 for Level of Fun.
Comfortability for Black Travelers: Kansas City, MO
Comfortability for Black travelers is a crucial aspect of our travel experience. Here’s how we rated Kansas City in this category:
Amount of Other Black People Seen: 2/2 points - During our visit, we saw many Black people, contributing to a sense of community and comfort.
Most Recent Black Population Numbers: 2/2 points - According to 2021 statistics, Black or African American non-Hispanics make up the largest minority demographic in the city. It shows there’s diversity in this city.
Prevalence of Black History: 2/2 points - Kansas City's Black history is deeply embedded in its culture, especially in the 18th and Vine District. Museums like the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum highlight the city's significant contributions to Black history.
Visibility of Inclusion Signs: 1/2 point - While the city's Black history is prominent, we didn't notice many explicit signs promoting inclusion. This is an area where the city could improve to make all visitors feel more welcome.
Our Personal Feelings of Comfort: 2/2 points - Throughout our visit, we felt comfortable and welcomed. Interactions with locals were friendly, and establishments like the 21C Museum Hotel (where we stayed) featured diverse and inclusive staff.
Overall, we rated Kansas City a 9 out of 10 for Comfortability for Black People.
Our Final Thoughts on Kansas City
Kansas City was the perfect start to our cross-country journey. We highly recommend visiting Kansas City to experience its unique blend of BBQ, jazz, and Black history.
Stay tuned as we continue our Traveling While Black Across America series, with our next stop in Denver, Colorado!
Don't forget to subscribe to our blog for updates on our journey and follow us on social media for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes content.