The best things in life might be free, but most things in life are very expensive. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to have fun in Montana without opening your wallet. These are a few of our favorites.
- Do the Bray
Bruce Tuten / Flickr Located just outside of Helena, the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts is always good for a free self-guided tour.
- Find an art walk
Radius Gallery Missoula Facebook A lot of our larger communities, like Bozeman and Missoula, host art walks that are 100% free to the public. Some of the galleries will even offer a free beer or wine while you browse.
- Visit the Western Heritage Museum in Billings
Keith Ewing / Flickr Normally admission to this museum, which is full of fascinating facts about Montana’s history, costs $5 for adults. But if you become a member or you find them on one of their free admission days (check their website or call), it won’t cost you a dime.
- Walk through Virginia City and Nevada City
Ernie Hathaway / Flickr It won’t cost you a thing to walk through two of Montana’s coolest and most well-preserved ghost towns. Thanks to the abundance of free information, you can even go on a self-guided tour.
- Relive your childhood and break out the sled.
Alex Kerney / Flickr ‘Tis the season for Montana to be blanketed by snow. Skiing and snowboarding can be expensive, but sledding is 100% free as long as you own a sled.
- Visit the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site at 266 Warren Lane in Deer Lodge
Flickred! / Flickr Not only is admission to this fascinating historic site free, but there are often events that won’t cost you a thing. The Holiday Open House is December 4 and will have music, children’s activities, wagon rides and refreshments.
- Relax in the Garden of 1,000 Buddhas in Arlee
Christopher Carfi / Flickr An Indian reservation in Montana may be the last place you’d expect to find a garden of buddha statues, but that makes this place even more interesting.
- Head to the park
ewitch / Flickr City parks are free, and in Montana, they’re especially beautiful. This is Pioneer Park in Billings, a local gem.
- Explore the Virgelle Mercantile and ride the free river ferry
virgellemontana.com It might be hard to resist buying anything at the Virgelle Mercantile, but browsing is always free. When you’re finished, hop on the free Virgelle Ferry and take a ride down the Missouri River.
- Go dancing.
Steven Lilley / Flickr Fun free community dances (with donations accepted) are held all over Montana, especially in Bozeman, Missoula and Helena. The website contradancelinks.com usually has the latest schedule.
- Tour the Big Sky Brewing Company in Missoula
Big Sky Brewing Stand on the mezzanine area that offers a few into the brewhouse, then head to the taproom for up to four free samples of tasty local beer.
- Try some Flathead Lake Cheese
Flathead Lake Cheese Facebook Polson’s Flathead Lake Cheese creamery encourages visitors, allowing them a glimpse into the cheese-making process and offering free tastes.
Having fun in Montana doesn’t have to be expensive. Not only can you entertain yourself for free, but you can get a cheap meal, too. Here are some restaurants with entrees under $10.
Bruce Tuten / Flickr
Located just outside of Helena, the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts is always good for a free self-guided tour.
Radius Gallery Missoula Facebook
A lot of our larger communities, like Bozeman and Missoula, host art walks that are 100% free to the public. Some of the galleries will even offer a free beer or wine while you browse.
Keith Ewing / Flickr
Normally admission to this museum, which is full of fascinating facts about Montana’s history, costs $5 for adults. But if you become a member or you find them on one of their free admission days (check their website or call), it won’t cost you a dime.
Ernie Hathaway / Flickr
It won’t cost you a thing to walk through two of Montana’s coolest and most well-preserved ghost towns. Thanks to the abundance of free information, you can even go on a self-guided tour.
Alex Kerney / Flickr
‘Tis the season for Montana to be blanketed by snow. Skiing and snowboarding can be expensive, but sledding is 100% free as long as you own a sled.
Flickred! / Flickr
Not only is admission to this fascinating historic site free, but there are often events that won’t cost you a thing. The Holiday Open House is December 4 and will have music, children’s activities, wagon rides and refreshments.
Christopher Carfi / Flickr
An Indian reservation in Montana may be the last place you’d expect to find a garden of buddha statues, but that makes this place even more interesting.
ewitch / Flickr
City parks are free, and in Montana, they’re especially beautiful. This is Pioneer Park in Billings, a local gem.
virgellemontana.com
It might be hard to resist buying anything at the Virgelle Mercantile, but browsing is always free. When you’re finished, hop on the free Virgelle Ferry and take a ride down the Missouri River.
Steven Lilley / Flickr
Fun free community dances (with donations accepted) are held all over Montana, especially in Bozeman, Missoula and Helena. The website contradancelinks.com usually has the latest schedule.
Big Sky Brewing
Stand on the mezzanine area that offers a few into the brewhouse, then head to the taproom for up to four free samples of tasty local beer.
Flathead Lake Cheese Facebook
Polson’s Flathead Lake Cheese creamery encourages visitors, allowing them a glimpse into the cheese-making process and offering free tastes.
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