► Location:
Laurel is located in Yellowstone County, Montana (population 138,000). Laurel's population is 7,300. Laurel is located just 10 miles west of Billings, Montana's largest city. The elevation here is 3,515 feet above sea level.  See Laurel Demographic Statistics.

► Climate:
The weather stays fairly mild, with an average July temperature of 72° and average January temperature of 20°. While it does get hotter and colder than these, extreme weather rarely lasts more than a few days at a time. The average annual moisture is 15.09 inches, and the average growing season is 133 days — enough for growing a nice variety of vegetables and fruits. In fact, you'll find an abundance of them at our Downtown Farmer's Market every Wednesday 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., from mid-July to the end of September.

► Recreation:
The Laurel area offers a variety of family-friendly recreational opportunities, including Riverside Park, Thomson Park, Lions Family Park, Buffalo Mirage Fishing Access, Laurel Golf Club (private club), Cooney Dam, and five sports parks.

River rafting, fishing, hiking, camping, horseback riding, American Legion baseball games and a public outdoor swimming pool offer great outdoor fun. Lion's Family Park South Side Pond provides fishing access and picnic areas to while away a summer afternoon. Be sure to have your pole ready for the fishing derby there in September. It's lots of fun for the young (and the young at heart!). Also, c heck out Buffalo Mirage Fishing Access for boating (docks available) as well as excellent fishing.

Indoor recreation includes a bowling alley, a fitness center with
pool, a roller skating rink with arcade games, and various family restaurants.  A new community-built playground and picnic area in Kiwanis Park entertains kids of all ages.

For night owls, Laurel offers several night clubs with billiards and dancing to live bands. Also several taverns with casino-style keno and poker machines.

► Sports & Activities:
The Laurel public schools, and city recreational organizations, offer excellent sports programs, including football, basketball, fast-pitch softball, Little League baseball, soccer, cross-country, track, volleyball and wrestling.

Our city hosts the District 5-C boys' and girls' basketball tournaments in February, and the American Legion Baseball Tournament on July 4. We're currently building a new sports complex that will allow Laurel to host state-level competitions.

Additional activities include speech, drama and debate for which Laurel hosts divisional competitions.

► Vacation & Relocation Information:
Laurel's tourism center is located at the Laurel Chamber of Commerce log cabin, 108 E. Main. Here you will find current booklets, brochures, maps and other information on points of interest in Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. Call (406) 628-8105 or fill out our web forms to request information on a vacation in Montana or relocating to the Laurel area.

► Employment & Economy:
Cenex Harvest States Refinery, Montana Rail Link, Laurel School District 7-70, and Wood's Power Grip comprise the major employers in Laurel. Farming and ranching provide other important mainstays.  

Hope you enjoyed your introduction to Laurel. You'll find more information on Laurel city services on our Laurel Facilities page, and contact information for medical needs on our Laurel Medical Facilities page.

If you'd like demographic stats on the city of Laurel, see our Laurel demographics page.

Still have questions? Just call (406) 628-7178 — we'll be glad to help!

Get All the Facts About Laurel Here