The best things in life are free, especially in Montana. The Treasure State is one big outdoor playground, and much of it won’t cost you a dime to explore. There are also a few free attractions in every town – you just have to know where to look. These 13 local activities won’t cost you more than a little gas in your car and a few hours of your time.
- Walk through the Daniels County Museum & Pioneer Town.
Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr 35 historic buildings in Scobey have been restored to depict a town from the early 1900s. Take the family on a stroll through the past, free of charge.
- Go Hiking.
Dan Nguyen/Flickr You don’t have to pay to hike on many of Montana’s trails. Drinking Horse Trail outside of Bozeman is a 2.4 mile trail with beautiful views that is family and dog-friendly.
- Do the Bray.
Bruce Tuten/Flickr The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, which is located just outside of Helena, is home to hundreds of sculptures hidden in the overgrown fields outside. You never know what you might find on your self-guided tour.
- Catch an outdoor concert.
Kevin Harber/Flickr Many Montana communities have a free summer concert series. Billings has Fix @ 6, Helena has Symphony Under the Stars, Bozeman has Music on Main. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with local musicians.
- Head to Downtown ToNight in Missoula.
Missoula Downtown Facebook Every summer, Missoula hosts a family-friendly food and music festival on Thursdays, and it’s always free to attend.
- Take a stroll through a city park.
Frank Bodden/Flickr For as rural of a state as it is, Montana has an impressive number of city parks.
- Catch a local sports game.
David Scott/Flickr High school football or a community baseball game may not be as thrilling as a professional sporting event, but it can be a very fun, and sometimes free, way to spend a few hours. Tedesco Field in Miles City hosts lots of softball games in the spring.
- Visit the Montana Museum of Art & Culture.
Museum of Art & Culture Facebook This museum on the University of Montana campus is free to the public, though a $5 donation is appreciated if you can spare it.
- Tour the Montana State Capitol.
Jesse Michael Nix/Flickr The Montana Historical Society offers one hour Capitol tours that focus mainly on art, architecture and the building’s history.
- Go sledding.
Robin L/Flickr Montana has some of the best sledding hills in the country, and there also happens to be snow on the ground for most of the winter (and sometimes in spring). Sledding is fun at any age.
- Check out the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge in Fort Peck.
Thomas M Parsons/Flickr Sometimes you’ll see elk and other wildlife, but if nothing else, you’ll always see breathtaking views and open skies.
- Visit the H. Earl Clack Museum in Havre.
H. Earl Clack Museum Facebook This museum is part of the Dinosaur Trail, and it also gives a great glimpse of regional history. Admission is always free.
- Watch a sunset.
jasminedreame/Flickr If you live in Montana, you’re never far from an incredible view of the sunset. So grab your favorite beverage from your fridge, get outside and watch the sun sink into the mountains or slip past the plains.
What are your favorite free Montana activities?
Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr
35 historic buildings in Scobey have been restored to depict a town from the early 1900s. Take the family on a stroll through the past, free of charge.
Dan Nguyen/Flickr
You don’t have to pay to hike on many of Montana’s trails. Drinking Horse Trail outside of Bozeman is a 2.4 mile trail with beautiful views that is family and dog-friendly.
Bruce Tuten/Flickr
The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, which is located just outside of Helena, is home to hundreds of sculptures hidden in the overgrown fields outside. You never know what you might find on your self-guided tour.
Kevin Harber/Flickr
Many Montana communities have a free summer concert series. Billings has Fix @ 6, Helena has Symphony Under the Stars, Bozeman has Music on Main. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with local musicians.
Missoula Downtown Facebook
Every summer, Missoula hosts a family-friendly food and music festival on Thursdays, and it’s always free to attend.
Frank Bodden/Flickr
For as rural of a state as it is, Montana has an impressive number of city parks.
David Scott/Flickr
High school football or a community baseball game may not be as thrilling as a professional sporting event, but it can be a very fun, and sometimes free, way to spend a few hours. Tedesco Field in Miles City hosts lots of softball games in the spring.
Museum of Art & Culture Facebook
This museum on the University of Montana campus is free to the public, though a $5 donation is appreciated if you can spare it.
Jesse Michael Nix/Flickr
The Montana Historical Society offers one hour Capitol tours that focus mainly on art, architecture and the building’s history.
Robin L/Flickr
Montana has some of the best sledding hills in the country, and there also happens to be snow on the ground for most of the winter (and sometimes in spring). Sledding is fun at any age.
Thomas M Parsons/Flickr
Sometimes you’ll see elk and other wildlife, but if nothing else, you’ll always see breathtaking views and open skies.
H. Earl Clack Museum Facebook
This museum is part of the Dinosaur Trail, and it also gives a great glimpse of regional history. Admission is always free.
jasminedreame/Flickr
If you live in Montana, you’re never far from an incredible view of the sunset. So grab your favorite beverage from your fridge, get outside and watch the sun sink into the mountains or slip past the plains.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
