Built on the banks of the Yellowstone River, Billings (named after Frederick Billings, a one-time president of Northern Pacific Railroad) is the gateway to Bighorn Canyon and calls itself the Montana Trailhead. Its population has nearly doubled every 30 years since its founding in 1882. Transportation, agriculture, energy, and health care are significant industries in the main Montana business district. With direct flights to 10 U.S. cities, it made our top 10 for Connectivity (#7). With Montana State University and Rocky Mountain College among its educational institutions, it ranked #68 for Universities, yielding an overall #34 spot in our Product category. The city has a colourful artistic side, ranking high for Attractions (#23) and Culture (#35; check out the 1903 Moss Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places) for an overall Programming rank of #55. On the city’s to-do list: the West End Reservoir, for fishing, canoeing, swimming, tubing and as an assurance that water will never run out (as it did in 2011 after an oil leak into the river). With a walking trail and water treatment plant, it’s expected to cost $120-million and be completed in 2024.