After the holidays are over, winter just becomes a time of cold, boring sadness… unless you’re lucky enough to live in Montana. While it’s tempting to stay in and hibernate until spring, there are all kinds of adventures you can have before the snow melts. And since we know the holiday season is an expensive time, we’ve compiled a list of things you can do that won’t cost you a thing.
- Find a sledding hill and have the time of your life.
OakleyOriginals / Flickr If you don’t already own a sled or saucer, don’t worry – this is Montana. Your neighbors probably all do.
- Do some browsing at a winter market.
Missoula Valley Winter Market Facebook Some of our Farmers Markets are year-round. The Missoula Valley Winter Market meets every Saturday at the Missoula Senior Center.
- Check out Seeley Lake’s Winterfest.
Seeley Lake Winterfest Facebook Winterfest, a 30 year takes place over two long weekends at the end of January. From ice sculptures to bonfires and a parade, there are plenty of free attractions to keep you occupied.
- Go for a beautiful winter hike.
Justin Fullenwider / alltrails.com Bundle up and get outside, because there’s nothing like a gorgeous winter hike in Montana. This is part of the Emerald Lake Trail outside Bozeman.
- Visit an art gallery.
Terakedis Fine Art Facebook Plaecs like Terakedis Fine Art in Billings offer a chance to get out of the house and admire beautiful art work from Montana artists.
- Let The Montana Historical Society guide you through a tour of our capitol building in Helena.
Jesse Michael Nix / Flickr Tours are free (and weekdays only), but they’ll need some advance notice so they can prepare.
- Find a free movie night.
Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts Facebook Some of your local businesses may be offering free entertainment without you even knowing it. Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts in Great Falls recently showed “A River Runs Through It,” and the Pub Station in Billings sometimes offers free showings.
- Tour the Flathead Lake Cheese Company in Polson.
Flathead Lake Cheese Facebook Who doesn’t love talking about (and sampling lots of) cheese?
- Spend some time at a state park and enjoy the winter wonderland.
Tim Evanson / Flickr State parks are free for Montanans to enjoy, and they usually won’t be crowded this time of year.
There’s plenty of free fun to be had in Montana this winter. But when you’re ready to splurge, check out this magical sleigh ride dinner.
OakleyOriginals / Flickr
If you don’t already own a sled or saucer, don’t worry – this is Montana. Your neighbors probably all do.
Missoula Valley Winter Market Facebook
Some of our Farmers Markets are year-round. The Missoula Valley Winter Market meets every Saturday at the Missoula Senior Center.
Seeley Lake Winterfest Facebook
Winterfest, a 30 year takes place over two long weekends at the end of January. From ice sculptures to bonfires and a parade, there are plenty of free attractions to keep you occupied.
Justin Fullenwider / alltrails.com
Bundle up and get outside, because there’s nothing like a gorgeous winter hike in Montana. This is part of the Emerald Lake Trail outside Bozeman.
Terakedis Fine Art Facebook
Plaecs like Terakedis Fine Art in Billings offer a chance to get out of the house and admire beautiful art work from Montana artists.
Jesse Michael Nix / Flickr
Tours are free (and weekdays only), but they’ll need some advance notice so they can prepare.
Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts Facebook
Some of your local businesses may be offering free entertainment without you even knowing it. Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts in Great Falls recently showed “A River Runs Through It,” and the Pub Station in Billings sometimes offers free showings.
Flathead Lake Cheese Facebook
Who doesn’t love talking about (and sampling lots of) cheese?
Tim Evanson / Flickr
State parks are free for Montanans to enjoy, and they usually won’t be crowded this time of year.
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