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.

1. Walk through the Daniels County Museum & Pioneer Town.

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.

2. Go Hiking.

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.

3. Do the Bray.

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.

4. Catch an outdoor concert.

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.

5. Head to Downtown ToNight in Missoula.

Every summer, Missoula hosts a family-friendly food and music festival on Thursdays, and it’s always free to attend.

6. Take a stroll through a city park.

For as rural of a state as it is, Montana has an impressive number of city parks.

7. Catch a local sports game.

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.

8. Visit the Montana Museum of Art & Culture.

This museum on the University of Montana campus is free to the public, though a $5 donation is appreciated if you can spare it.

9. Tour the Montana State Capitol.

The Montana Historical Society offers one hour Capitol tours that focus mainly on art, architecture and the building’s history.

10. Go sledding.

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.

11. Check out the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge in Fort Peck.

Sometimes you’ll see elk and other wildlife, but if nothing else, you’ll always see breathtaking views and open skies.

12. Visit the H. Earl Clack Museum in Havre.

This museum is part of the Dinosaur Trail, and it also gives a great glimpse of regional history. Admission is always free.

13. Watch a sunset.

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?