Top 10 Free Things to do in Montana, United States

March 8, 2022 Trinity Boughner

No matter where you look in Montana, you’ll find unspoiled nature, charming small towns and relaxing hospitality. Explore Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, then hit the road to discover more natural wonders. You can hike, bike or horseback ride through rugged mountain landscapes, fly-fish blue ribbon trout streams, paddle scenic rivers and lakes, or spend winter days carving fresh powder at ski resorts — then end your day wandering a vibrant main street or relaxing in a cozy lodge.
Restaurants in Montana

1. Gallatin National Forest

Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Gallatin National Forest

This vast and scenic area epitomizes the landscape of Montana: snowy peaks, alpine meadows and dramatic canyons.

2. Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

Missoula, MT http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lolo/recarea/?recid=10277
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 107 reviews

Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

An all-season recreation area, this wilderness region is designated to promote the watershed, recreational, wildlife and educational values of the land.

Reviewed By EJS50 - Southborough, United States

We had a wonderful 5-6 miles walk through the woods and field, lunching at an overlook over Missoula. The drive to the Sawmill Gulch Trailhead was very easy.

3. Beartooth Highway

U.S. Highway 212, MT 59068 http://www.beartoothhighway.com
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 834 reviews

Beartooth Highway

Spectacular high mountain road with sweeping views is a favorite scenic drive for sightseers.

Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States

My wife and I will never forget Beartooth Highway. We had decided to take the most scenic (northeast) entrance to Yellowstone National Park, via Red Lodge and Cooke City and the Beartooth Highway, or U.S. Highway 212 in Montana and Wyoming. It was mid-July and we were wearing shorts. We began to climb the winding road. A little above the tree line, we were surprised to see it was beginning to snow. And snow. And snow. Finally, we reached the summit, Beartooth Pass, the very top of the mountain at 10,947 feet above sea level. But the road was snowbound and it was foggy. We couldn't see anything on either side of the road but snow. From what we had read in the Yellowstone periodicals, this part of the drive should offering spectacular and scenic views of Yellowstone and the Yellowstone River, lots of photo ops from lookouts. All we could see was snow. We couldn't even see the highway. We stopped. What should we do? Go forward? Go back? Wait for someone else to arrive on the scene? We didn't have a cellphone. Or a snow shovel. Only shorts. It's mid-July, remember? At that moment, in our moment of indecision, a snowplow came over the horizon from the opposite direction. What a relief! The driver pointed to a spot where we could turn around and go back down the mountain to Red Lodge. We followed him all the way. It has been called "the most beautiful drive in America" but because of heavy snowfall at the top, the pass is usually open each year only from mid-May through mid-October. Nobody said anything about heavy snowfall in mid-July. Later, I saw colorful pictures of where we were and what we were supposed to see when we reached Beartooth Pass. Historically, the pass was crossed in August, 1872, by Civil War General Philip Sheridan and 120 men returning from an inspection tour of Yellowstone National Park. When the road was opened to the public in 1936, it essentially followed Sheridan's route over the pass. Fortunately, he didn't need a snowplow to get through.

4. Flathead Lake

Polson, MT https://www.visitmt.com/listings/general/lake/flathead-lake.html
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 365 reviews

Flathead Lake

Reviewed By SgtMom2 - Fayetteville, United States

This was one of the prettiest places I have ever visited. The water is cold and amazingly clear. The views all around are gorgeous. There is a paved highway all around the lake with many places to stop and sightsee. We had a great afternoon flying a kite at a lakeside park.

5. Artist Point

South Rim Road, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,292 reviews

Artist Point

Reviewed By Tommy599 - Two Rivers, United States

We crossed Chittenden bridge across the Yellowstone river; stopping first at Uncle Toms to view the smaller upper Falls, then on to Artist Point to view the MAGNIFICENT lower falls and the unbelievable colors of the canyon. It is IMPOSSIBLE to describe the majesty of this waterfall and canyon colors, so we will not even try,

6. Missoula Farmer's Market

North end of Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT http://www.missoulafarmersmarket.com/
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 101 reviews

Missoula Farmer's Market

Reviewed By indigokristen - Taylor, United States

I lived in Missoula from August 1997-August 2000. I still have lots of friends who live there. One of my FAVORITE things to do in the summer, was go to the Farmer's Market! Tons of fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from, flowers, baked goods, artists, jewelers, and more, more, more! I can virtually guarantee you'll enjoy yourself! :)

7. Ousel Falls Trail

Ousel Falls Rd, Big Sky, MT 59730 http://alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/ousel-falls-park-trail
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 506 reviews

Ousel Falls Trail

Reviewed By 423MichelleM423 - Orlando, United States

This was an easy hike through beautiful mountain scenery. The snow made for a gorgeous backdrop for our walk to the falls. The frozen falls are just beautiful! There is ample parking and the path is cleared even in winter. Would absolutely recommend this for anyone looking for a beautiful walk/hike while in Big Sky!

345 Spokane Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937-2665 +1 406-862-1084 [email protected] http://www.suntiworldartgallery.com
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 53 reviews

Sunti World Art Gallery

Sunti World Art Gallery presents a tasteful fusion of world art, proudly representing masters artists from North America, Europe, and Asia. Sunti World Art Gallery boasts of both culture and class, showcasing Sunti’s sculptures, original paintings, ceramics, live-edge wood furniture, teakwood carvings, American-made raku, antique Turkish rugs, and hand-embroidered zardozis from India. With two floors of fine art, Sunti World Art Gallery includes a gift shop and cafe, offering organic specialty coffee and beverages, as well as a selection of pastries and tea sandwiches.

Reviewed By MJM84 - Joliet, United States

We stopped in the art gallery during a walk around the area when we arrived in Whitefish. The gorgeous flowers outside the gallery stopped me so I could take some photos. We wanted to see what was inside. There are lots of amazing pieces of art -- wood carvings, paintings, multi-media pieces and more! Much of it is large and western-centric; many items are expensive (competitively priced for what you're purchasing). The back room holds more moderately priced pieces that are easy to pack in your luggage to bring home.

9. Flathead National Forest

Whitefish, MT http://www.fs.usda.gov/flathead/
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 71 reviews

Flathead National Forest

A scenic hiking area which offers berrypicking.

Reviewed By CATTSAR - Provincetown, United States

This is one of my favorite all seasons playgrounds. On this particular visit it was the setting of a winter adventure. It was a perfect day to be out on the snow cat on trails in the back country. Surrounded by tall pines and towering cliff it is Montana at its finest. We finished the rides with a trip to Tally Lake, an amazing gem in the western part of the forest. Tally Lake has the distinction of being the deepest lake in Montana registering at about 500 feet. Of the many other activities available throughout the year~ hiking, boating camping and swimming are just to name a few.  

10. University of Montana

32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT 59812-0004 +1 406-243-0211 http://www.umt.edu/
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 240 reviews

University of Montana

This scenic university campus spans 200 acres at the base of a mountain and borders the Clark Fork River. Founded in 1893, Montana's leading liberal arts institution enrolls 13,000 students.

Reviewed By crutt13 - Pottstown, United States

My daughter and I decided to top a strip through campus and climb Mount M. The university is nestled at the bottom of Mount M and has great 360 views of the mountains. This campus was beautiful. There are beautiful, mature trees, nice sculptures and artwork and well maintained buildings with historical markers throughout campus. To top it off there are great views from the top of Mount M. It's 406 feet of steep switchbacks, but the view is worth it. If in Missoula you need to type the campus.

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