In 1903, entrepreneur Preston Boyd Moss (better known as “P.B.”) commissioned the Moss Mansion, greatly influencing the culture of Billings, Montana. Designed by New York architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, designer of the original Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotels, the mansion showcases inspired architecture, unrivaled craftsmanship and exquisite décor. The mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has graced the silver screen on several occasions as the perfect site for period films such as Son of the Morning Star and Return to Lonesome Dove.
The youngest daughter, Melville Moss, resided in the home until the mid-80’s, and the house and its original fixtures remain intact. Modern day visitors marvel at the home’s amenities, which include heated indoor plumbing on each floor, a call button system for the servants, and other impressive feats of technology for the period. The museum reflects history of early Billings development and interprets the inner workings of the family as discovered in letters shared among its members, diaries, interviews and various other sources.
The museum is open year round - summertime 10am to 4pm Tues-Sat (12pm to 3pm on Sundays), year-round from 12pm to 3pm Tues - Sun (closed Mondays). Tours begin with a 13-minute video which describes the activities of the Moss family and the role of Preston Moss in the development of Billings. Trained docents accompany guests on entertaining tours: take a one-hour guided tour of the home for $15 per person at 10am and 1pm in summer, 1pm Friday and Saturdays in winter; enjoy self-guided tours at your own pace at $12 for adults, $10 for military and seniors (62 years old and over), $8 for students ages 6 to 18 (ages 5 and under are free). Special pricing and scheduling apply to Christmas Tree Tours from November to January - more detail can be found at www.mossmansion.com or by calling 406-256-5100.
Directions
Take Billings exit 450 from I-90 to 3rd Avenue North, a one-way street which will lead directly to the Moss Mansion. Parking is available on Yellowstone or Clark Avenues. (Clark Avenue is one-way going the wrong direction at Division Street so it is necessary to drive around the block.) The nearest airport is Logan International Airport at Billings.
From the Airport, follow Terminal Circle to the roundabout and on to N 27th Street down into the city to 3rd Avenue North, which is a one-way street leading directly to the Moss Mansion. Parking is also available at a designated parking lot located at 3rd Avenue North and 34th Street. Parking lot can accommodate campers and RVs.Take Billings exit 450 from I-90 to 3rd Avenue North, a one-way street which will lead directly to the Moss Mansion. Parking is available on Yellowstone or Clark Avenues. (Clark Avenue is one-way going the wrong direction at Division Street so it is necessary to drive around the block.) The nearest airport is Logan International Airport at Billings.
From the Airport, follow Terminal Circle to the roundabout and on to N 27th Street down into the city to 3rd Avenue North, which is a one-way str
