The good news is you don’t have to spend much to create lifelong memories in Southeast Montana. 

Plan your next trip with our list of 20 things to do that everyone can enjoy, without spending a dime.  

1. Visit a Museum

Out here, there’s always history to uncover and our small-town museums pack a big historical punch. These museums may only operate on donations and volunteer efforts, but they hold massive collections. You will see dinosaur bones, Indian artifacts and other exhibits showcasing quirky tales of the Old West. 

• Prairie Rose Classics, Baker
• Carter County Museum, Ekalaka
• Frontier Gateway Museum, Glendive (seasonal)
• Huntley Project Museum of Irrigated Agriculture, Huntley
• Musselshell Valley Historical Museum, Roundup (seasonal)
• O’Fallon Historical Museum, Baker
• Powder River Historical Museum, Broadus (seasonal)
• Prairie County Museum and Evelyn Cameron Gallery, Terry (seasonal)
• Richey Historical Museum, Richey (seasonal)
• Rosebud County Pioneer Museum, Forsyth (seasonal)
• Schoolhouse History and Art Center, Colstrip
• St. Labre Indian School & Museum, Ashland
• Treasure County 89’ers Museum, Hysham (seasonal)
• Pierre Wibaux Museum, Wibaux (seasonal)
• Yellowstone Art Museum, Billings (free admission every first Friday of the month from 5-8 p.m.)
• Yellowstone County Museum, Billings

2. Rock Hounding

This region’s diverse geologic features present unique rock hounding opportunities. Our favorite is searching for Montana moss agates—a semi-precious stone that can be found along the Yellowstone River between Forsyth and Glendive. There are also plenty of rockhounding opportunities near Roundup for fossils, quartz crystals and much more.

3. Take a Scenic Drive

The best way to view Southeast Montana’s wide-open spaces is by hitting the two-lane highways. Try the Big Sky Back Country Byway, a 105-mile long route that starts in Terry and ends in Wolf Point. Or, check out our scenic map, marked with nine “don’t miss” vistas in our region. If you’re a history buff, grab our Follow the Story map, which will guide you through rich regional history. 

4. Spend the Day at the Lake

The locals know there’s no better way to spend a hot summer day then at the lake. Whether you’re there to take a dip in the water, cast your fishing rod or sun tanning, we’ve got the perfect lakes for you. Castle Rock sits just at the edge of Colstrip and has a 3.2 mile trail that offers a picturesque view of birds and other wildlife. Located in the heart of Baker, Lake Baker is known for the variety of fish you can reel in. This lake features a paved sidewalk all the way around and offers a splash park, skate park and a playground. 

5. Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Each year, National Park Service sites offer free admission during these five days: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January), the first day of National Park Week (April), the Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (August 4^th), National Public Lands Day (September) and Veterans Day (November 11^th). On these days, take advantage of free entry by visiting Pompeys Pillar National Monument where Capt. William Clark once carved his name and date on the rock, or visit Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, the site of the most decisive Native American victory in the Plains Indian War. 

6. Night Sky Viewing

Stargazing is easy, inexpensive and often beyond memorable. There is no need to purchase a telescope right away, you can start with your naked eyes or a pair of binoculars while you learn to identify a few anchor objects in the night sky. Carter County Museum offers a guided stargazing event at Medicine Rocks State Park, Montana’s only International Dark Sky Sanctuary. 

7. Take a Hike

You don’t need special equipment or reservations for a hike out here—just a good pair of shoes, a bottle of water and a spirit for adventure. Hiking opportunities abound at recreation areas managed by BLM (Bureau of Land Management); we suggest Strawberry Hill near Miles City, Asparagus Point outside of Roundup, Four Dances in Billings or Sundance Lodge by Laurel, to name a few. If you plan to visit one of our state parks for a hike, just remember non-Montana visitors will pay a small fee.

8. Float Yellowstone River 

Do as the locals do and float Yellowstone River in mid- to late-summer when the water level goes down and the flow is slower. Pack a kayak or raft and drop in at one of the several fishing accesses along the Yellowstone River. If you ask us, we’d recommend starting at Duck Creek Bridge and floating to Blue Creek. 

9. Pedal through Paradise

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We love taking in the scenery of the region in different ways and biking is another way to weave through the trails and gain new perspective of the land. Our more popular places to explore on two wheels include Action Recreation Area, Calypso Trail (restricted to two-wheeled tracks) and Billings Heritage Trails.

10. Photograph our Landscapes

Follow in the footsteps of Evelyn Cameron, a wealthy British women turned pioneer, who had a knack for capturing the perfect light in Southeast Montana. Start with visiting the Evelyn Cameron Gallery in Terry, then venture out to create your own masterpieces. Follow our Framing the Big Sky map for our top picture-perfect places in Southeast Montana. 

11. Attend an Art Walk

ArtWalk Downtown Billings hosts regular events in conjunction with galleries, art studios and other downtown businesses that showcase local artists. There are opportunities to purchase artwork, but many people join the walks to be a part of the creative spirit that lives in Downtown Billings. 

12. Play Disc Golf

We know that you probably have a couple of golfing discs laying around, why not bring them with you on your adventures in Southeast Montana? Play at a course or two on your way through; it’s fun for the whole family. Toss around at one of these courses: 

• Bruce Schaeffer Fields, Colstrip
• Diamond X, Billings
• Hardin Community Course, Hardin
• High Sierra, Billings
• Hilner Park, Billings
• Makoshika Disc Golf Course, Glendive
• Milwaukee Park, Miles City
• Pioneer Park, Billings

13. Enjoy a Community Concert

There’s no better way to spend a summer evening than an outdoor concert. In Billings you can attend series like Alive After 5, St. John’s Summer Concert Series, and Josephine Crossing Summer Concert Series. Check Billings365 calendar for more. Main Street Miles City is also known for their jammin’ summer concert series called Cowtown Moosic. This weekly series starts July 12^th and goes through the third week of August. 

14. Go on a Self-Guided Walking Tour

Walking tours are a great way to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the history of our communities. Miles City’s historic walking tour provides historical background on Main Street businesses and historical homes. The Broadus Walking Map highlights several trail options; our favorite is the Historic Town Square Loop to enjoy browsing historical buildings. Lastly, Roundup’s RiverWalk is an easy walking trail along the Musselshell River just on the south end of town. At the parking area, grab the booklet at the kiosk to read along on your journey. 

15. Bird Watching

If you find enjoyment in being out in nature and have a desire to learn more about wildlife, birding may be just what you’re looking for. Our big skies and wide-open spaces are perfectly suited for bird watching opportunities. Find detailed information from Montana Audubon Center on the best birding hotspots in Billings and Eastern Montana. Don’t forget your binoculars!

16. Murals and Public Art

Stroll through downtown streets in towns like Billings, Miles City or Glendive and you’ll soon encounter murals, sculptures and public art installations. Take a stroll in Forsyth and you’ll find a collection of murals by Bob Watts. In Miles City you can’t miss driving past the 12-foot bucking horse sculpture by Erin Thormodsgard and across Glendive you’ll spot sculptures by Harvey Rattey and Pamela Harr. 

17. Attend a Montana Shakespeare in the Parks Performance

Each year, the MSIP company travels all around Montana and neighboring states to perform the famed English playwright’s works in local parks. It’s truly a unique experience to watch live theatre in some of Montana’s most rural locations, like Poker Jim Butte, often drawing in hundreds of attendees. Plan ahead with this performance schedule.

18. Drive-In Movie Theater

Looking for a nostalgic way to spend an evening this summer? Attend one of Miles City’s Wheels & Reels nights hosted by the Kiwanis. This free drive-in movie theater experience takes place at the Eastern Montana Fairgrounds on every second Saturday of June, July, August and September. Its free admission but bring along a few bucks for concession-stand popcorn.

19. Take a Patriotic Tour

Visit the battlefields, national monuments, cemeteries and museums that honor and appreciate America’s courageous veterans. Follow our Salute to the Military map to guide your patriotic tour and remember to take some time to reflect on those who have served.

20. Stroll through a Farmers Market

Farmers markets are growing in popularity and a common sight in the downtown areas. Not only can you find the freshest produce raised by local growers, but you can browse artisans’ wares and listen to street musicians. Check out Abundant Montana’s market guide for updated information on seasonal markets.