Axe Throwing in Billings, Montana: Where Big Sky Country Meets Sharp Steel

Billings is Montana's largest city, but it does not feel like one. The Rimrocks loom over downtown, the Yellowstone River cuts through the valley floor, and the whole place carries the unhurried energy of a town that has never needed to prove anything to anyone. So when axe throwing arrived here, it landed differently than in coastal cities where the activity is just another option in an oversaturated entertainment market. In Billings, throwing a hatchet at a wooden target feels less like a novelty and more like something that should have always been here.

Two venues now serve the Billings metro -- one established, one brand new -- and between them they cover everything from traditional regulation throwing to high-tech projected targets that turn the lanes into an arcade. Here is what each offers and how to pick the right one for your crew.

Öx Indoor Axe Throwing -- The Original

Öx Indoor Axe Throwing at 119 Rhea Lane was Billings' first dedicated axe throwing venue and remains the one most locals know. The name (pronounced "ohx") nods to the Nordic roots of thrown-weapon sports, and the venue delivers a straightforward, no-frills experience: well-maintained lanes, coached sessions, and enough space for groups to spread out without bumping elbows.

Location: The Rhea Lane address sits in the commercial corridor on the west side of town, off King Avenue near the Rimrock Mall area. Easy access from I-90 and plenty of parking -- you will not be circling blocks looking for a spot.

Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 4-9 PM, Friday 4-10 PM, Saturday and Sunday 1-10 PM. Closed Monday. The weekend afternoon opening makes Öx the better option for daytime sessions, especially if you want to throw before dinner rather than after.

Age policy: Throwers must be at least 12 years old, and anyone under 18 needs an adult present. This makes Öx accessible for families with older kids -- a birthday party for a 13-year-old works perfectly here.

BYOB-friendly: Öx allows you to bring your own food and drinks, and they also sell snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on-site. This is a significant perk -- many venues outside Montana require you to purchase their bar offerings. Being able to bring a cooler of local craft beer from Angry Hank's or Uberbrew turns a throwing session into a proper hangout without the upcharge.

What sets it apart: The 4.9-star Google rating speaks to consistency. The coaches here invest real time in teaching proper technique, not just running through a safety script before disappearing. First-timers leave sticking throws consistently, and repeat visitors get coaching refinements that actually improve their game. It is the kind of attention that builds a loyal local following in a city where word-of-mouth matters.

Best for: First-timers, groups wanting the tried-and-true experience, families with teens, anyone who wants BYOB flexibility.

One More Throw -- The Downtown Newcomer

One More Throw at 2223 Montana Avenue opened in downtown Billings and immediately set itself apart with technology that no other Montana axe throwing venue offers. The centerpiece: Deluxe Lanes with state-of-the-art projectors that create interactive targets, track where your axe lands automatically, and keep score without anyone needing a clipboard.

The tech angle: These are not basic wooden targets. The projected system transforms each throw into a game -- think of it as what would happen if an arcade cabinet and a traditional axe throwing lane had a baby. Scoring updates in real time on screen, game modes rotate to keep sessions fresh, and the visual feedback loop makes the competitive element more immediate than staring at rings on a wood slab.

One More Throw also offers regular lanes with classic drawn targets measured to professional regulation dimensions, so purists who want the traditional experience can have it. But the Deluxe Lanes are the draw, and most first-time visitors opt for the projected experience.

Location: Downtown Billings on Montana Avenue, the city's historic main commercial corridor. The address puts you within walking distance of downtown restaurants, breweries, and bars -- which matters, because One More Throw is the venue you build an evening around rather than drive to in isolation.

Hours: Thursday 4-8 PM, Friday 4-10 PM, Saturday 1-10 PM. Closed Sunday through Wednesday. The limited schedule means this is a weekend play for most people, but the downtown location and the tech-forward experience make it worth planning around.

Coaching: Every session starts with a technique demonstration from trained, certified coaches. They stay with you throughout rather than drifting off to check their phone, which means real-time feedback and adjustment. Sessions accommodate up to six throwers per lane.

Food policy: Pre-packaged snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available, and you are welcome to bring food in from nearby restaurants. Given the downtown location, grabbing takeout from one of Montana Avenue's restaurants and eating between rounds is the move.

Best for: Tech enthusiasts who want the projected-target experience. Downtown evenings combining dinner and activity. Competitive groups who want automatic scoring. Anyone who has done traditional axe throwing and wants something different.

Choosing Between the Two

The decision comes down to three factors:

1. Schedule flexibility. Öx is open five days a week including weekend afternoons. One More Throw operates Thursday through Saturday only. If your timing is flexible, either works. If you need a Tuesday or Wednesday session, Öx is your only option.

2. Traditional vs. tech. Öx delivers the classic axe throwing experience -- wood targets, manual scoring, straightforward lanes. One More Throw adds projected interactive targets and automatic scoring. Neither approach is better; they scratch different itches.

3. Location vibe. Öx sits in the west-side commercial corridor -- drive in, throw, drive out. One More Throw is downtown, walkable to restaurants and bars, designed to be one piece of a night out. If you are building an evening itinerary, One More Throw's location does more of the work for you.

What to Do Before and After

Billings is not a city where the axe throwing venue needs to be your entire evening. The surrounding options are legitimately good:

Before your session:

• Swords Rimrock Park -- hike the 6-mile trail along the sandstone Rimrocks with panoramic views of the Yellowstone Valley. Throwing an axe hits different after you have been staring at the landscape that inspired it.
• Yellowstone Art Museum -- right downtown, walking distance from One More Throw. Modern Western art in a converted jail building.
• Billings Brew Trail -- Angry Hank's, Uberbrew, Canyon Creek, and Meadowlark Brewing are all within the downtown/west-end corridor.

After your session:

• Montana Avenue restaurants -- the downtown strip near One More Throw has expanded significantly. Global flavors from Vietnamese to Ethiopian now sit alongside classic steakhouses.
• Yellowstone River access -- Coulson Park and Riverfront Park offer evening walks along the water if you need to decompress after competitive throwing.
• Pub Station -- live music venue downtown for groups that want to extend the night.

The Montana Difference

Axe throwing in Billings does not feel like axe throwing in Denver or Chicago or even Boise. The venues here are smaller, locally owned, and operate with a distinctly Montana ethos: friendly coaches, BYOB policies, no corporate polish, and the assumption that customers are adults who can handle sharp objects responsibly.

The trade-off is fewer options and more limited hours than big-city markets. But what you get in return is personal attention, zero pretense, and the kind of experience where the staff remembers your name if you come back twice. In a market this size, reputation is everything -- which explains why both venues maintain near-perfect review scores.

Practical Details

What to wear: Closed-toe shoes required at both venues. Comfortable clothing you can move in -- Billings weather swings dramatically, so dress for the indoor temperature rather than whatever is happening outside. Our what to wear guide has the full checklist.

Booking: Both venues accept online reservations and recommend booking ahead, especially for weekend sessions. Walk-ins may be available at Öx on slower weekdays, but do not count on it for Friday or Saturday.

Group events: Both venues accommodate birthday parties, corporate team building, and private events. Öx's five-day schedule gives more flexibility for corporate events on weekdays. One More Throw's downtown location and tech features make it a strong pick for groups that want a modern, polished feel.

Getting there from out of town: Billings-Logan International Airport is 10 minutes from both venues. If you are passing through on a road trip along I-90 (maybe heading to or from Yellowstone), either venue is a 5-minute detour off the interstate. An axe throwing session is a better road trip break than another gas station stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Billings the only place to throw axes in Montana?

No, but it has the most options. Lookout Throwing Co. operates in other Montana communities, and Montana Nights has locations elsewhere in the state. But for variety and convenience, Billings is the hub. If you are exploring the state, check our full Montana venues page for other options.

Can I throw if I have never done it before?

Absolutely. Both venues coach complete beginners from zero. Most people stick their first axe within 10-15 minutes. The motion is simpler than it looks -- if you can throw a ball overhead, you can throw an axe. Read our beginner's guide for what to expect.

What about winter?

Both venues are fully indoor, so Montana winters are irrelevant once you are inside. This actually makes axe throwing one of the best cold-weather activities in a state where outdoor options shut down from November through March.

Are there leagues in Billings?

Öx runs league programming for competitive throwers. If you are interested in structured competition, our axe throwing leagues guide covers what to expect from your first season.

Browse Billings axe throwing venues and book your session today.