Trip Planner
Joliet sits along Highway 212, right between Billings and Red Lodge. This quiet Montana town offers access to year-round recreation — from river rafting and fishing to hiking, horseback riding and skiing. Nearby Cooney State Park draws visitors for swimming, boating, camping and trout fishing. And when the sun goes down, the skies light up — Joliet is one of the region’s best spots for stargazing.
The town is grounded in history, with a large residential historic district and downtown buildings like the old Rock Creek State Bank listed on the National Register of Historic Places. History buffs traveling to or from Yellowstone National Park often stop here for a stretch, a snack and a look around. There’s a laid-back energy in Joliet, the kind that invites you to slow down and explore.
One of the town’s more unexpected claims to fame is the work of local sculptor Charles Ringer, who moved to Joliet in 1971 and transformed a junkyard into a creative playground. His massive metal sculptures have become roadside landmarks along Highway 212 — so much so that winter travelers have nicknamed one of them “The Snow God.”
Cast your line into Rock Creek for some quality fishing. Afterward, head to Jane Dough’s for a slice of pizza.
Craving a local bite? Head to the J-Bar and Grill on Main Street for the Bonnie Burger and biker specials. Or try the 212 Bar and Grill for a hearty meal, full bar, and attached casino — perfect fuel before or after a ride through the Beartooth.
Joliet may not host a signature annual festival, but The Cottonwood Equine Center keeps the calendar full. From barrel races and roping clinics to concerts and holiday celebrations, it’s the go-to spot for live music, good food and community connection.
