All true Montanans love the great outdoors, and it’s safe to say we all love a good deal, too. While some outdoor activities can be very expensive, many are not – and you know what they say about the best things in life.
Enjoy these nine outdoor activities (and many more) without spending a dime.
- Enjoy an art walk in downtown Helena.
NESRI / Flickr Every spring and fall, Helena hosts two community art walks. This is a great time to get out and explore, and looking at art doesn’t cost a thing. The Spring Art Walk is May 5, and it’s one of several free outdoor events in Helena - there’s also a Reeder’s Alley block party in June.
- Hike to Palisade Falls.
Luke Weyrauch / alltrails.com Located near the Hyalite Reservoir just outside of Bozeman, this 1.2 mile hike is easy, fun and beautiful.
- Walk through the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas in Arlee.
Ewam Garden of One Thousand Buddhas Facebook The garden is open daily from dawn until dusk, and it’s a peaceful and truly beautiful place.
- Take advantage of free fishing days.
Clydehurst / Flickr During National Fishing and Boating Week, most states offer free fishing days, meaning you’ll be allowed to fish public waters without a fishing license. Montana’s free fishing dates are June 17 and 18, according to takemefishing.com.
- Go for a swim.
David J Laporte / Flickr You’ll find free natural swimming holes all over Montana that are perfect for cooling off on a warm summer day. This is the The Dearborn River.
- Camp underneath the stars.
Troy Smith / Flickr If you already own camping gear, find a free campsite and set up for some stargazing. Montana is basically one enormous campground, so finding a free spot to set up won’t be difficult.
- Enjoy free music at the annual Montana Folk Festival in Butte.
Montana Folk Festival Facebook This year’s dates are July 7-9. This festival is one of the largest free events in the Northwest.
- Get lost among the cedars at Ross Creek.
CG / TripAdvisor Ross Creek Cedar Grove Scenic Area (near Troy) has a mile-long trail that takes you through some of our finest natural scenery.
- Utilize your local parks.
Wikipedia Our local city parks are not only free, but often well-maintained and beautiful. This is Mount Helena City Park, which includes miles of walking trails to explore.
NESRI / Flickr
Every spring and fall, Helena hosts two community art walks. This is a great time to get out and explore, and looking at art doesn’t cost a thing. The Spring Art Walk is May 5, and it’s one of several free outdoor events in Helena - there’s also a Reeder’s Alley block party in June.
Luke Weyrauch / alltrails.com
Located near the Hyalite Reservoir just outside of Bozeman, this 1.2 mile hike is easy, fun and beautiful.
Ewam Garden of One Thousand Buddhas Facebook
The garden is open daily from dawn until dusk, and it’s a peaceful and truly beautiful place.
Clydehurst / Flickr
During National Fishing and Boating Week, most states offer free fishing days, meaning you’ll be allowed to fish public waters without a fishing license. Montana’s free fishing dates are June 17 and 18, according to takemefishing.com.
David J Laporte / Flickr
You’ll find free natural swimming holes all over Montana that are perfect for cooling off on a warm summer day. This is the The Dearborn River.
Troy Smith / Flickr
If you already own camping gear, find a free campsite and set up for some stargazing. Montana is basically one enormous campground, so finding a free spot to set up won’t be difficult.
Montana Folk Festival Facebook
This year’s dates are July 7-9. This festival is one of the largest free events in the Northwest.
CG / TripAdvisor
Ross Creek Cedar Grove Scenic Area (near Troy) has a mile-long trail that takes you through some of our finest natural scenery.
Wikipedia
Our local city parks are not only free, but often well-maintained and beautiful. This is Mount Helena City Park, which includes miles of walking trails to explore.
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