Free & Cheap Things to Do in Missoula

Outdoors

A free paved trail lining the north and south shores of the Clark Fork River through downtown Missoula. Walk or bike past McCormick Park, the Old Milwaukee Depot, John H. Toole Park, Caras Park, and the Brennan's Wave kayaking overlook — all completely free.

Address: Caras Park, 123 Carousel Dr, Missoula, MT 59801

Tip: Pairs perfectly with the Kim Williams Nature Trail on the eastern end for a longer route. Bike rentals available downtown. Beautiful in all seasons.

Arts & Culture

A nationally recognized contemporary art museum in the heart of downtown Missoula with free admission. Features rotating exhibitions of regional and national artists with a strong focus on Montana and Western art.

Address: 335 N Pattee St, Missoula, MT 59802

Tip: The museum is closed Sundays and Mondays. Check their website for current exhibitions and special events.

Parks & Nature

Hike up the iconic "M" trail on Mount Sentinel for panoramic views of Missoula, the Clark Fork Valley, and surrounding mountains. A free 1.5-mile round trip hike right from the University of Montana campus — one of the best free views in the state.

Address: University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812

Tip: The trail is steep but short — wear good shoes and bring water. Go at sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewer crowds.

Parks & Nature

Missoula's beloved free riverfront park hosts festivals, farmers markets, and live outdoor concerts throughout the summer. Even on quiet days it's a great free spot to sit by the Clark Fork River and watch the mountains.

Address: 123 Carousel Dr, Missoula, MT 59801

Tip: Check the Out to Lunch concert series in summer — free live music every Wednesday from noon to 1pm.

History & Museums

Free admission to the nation's largest smokejumper training base, where wildland firefighters parachute into remote areas to fight wildfires. Tour the parachute loft, see firefighting aircraft, and walk through interactive exhibits on aerial firefighting history.

Address: 5765 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT 59808

Tip: Open Tuesday–Thursday only with seasonal hours (October: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; November: by appointment; closed December–January). Call 406-329-4934 to confirm before visiting.

Family Fun

Hand-carved by Missoula volunteers and tucked into Caras Park, this beloved indoor carousel is one of the cheapest rides in town. Adjacent Dragon Hollow playground is always free, making this a perfect family stop along the riverfront.

Address: 101 Carousel Dr, Missoula, MT 59802

Tip: Open 11 a.m. daily — closes 6 p.m. fall/winter/spring, 7 p.m. mid-June through Labor Day. Bring kids early to claim a favorite hand-carved pony.

History & Museums

Walk the grounds of an 1877 military fort with 13 historic buildings, then step into the museum for exhibits on Missoula's logging, military, and immigrant history. Outdoor grounds are always free; museum admission is just $4 for adults.

Address: 3400 Captain Rawn Way, Missoula, MT 59804

Tip: The 32-acre grounds and historic buildings are always free and always open. Museum hours are seasonal — closed Mondays year-round.

Hiking & Outdoors

A free 60,000-acre wilderness complex four miles north of Missoula, with mountain peaks, forested ridges, and 73 miles of trails for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Watch for osprey, eagles, deer, elk, and the occasional bear or moose along the way.

Address: Sawmill Gulch Rd, Missoula, MT 59802

Tip: From I-90 take the Van Buren exit and head north on Rattlesnake Drive about 3 miles to the Main Trailhead. Bear country — carry bear spray and check the Lolo NF Alerts page (fs.usda.gov/r01/lolo) before going.

Hiking & Trails

A free 2.5-mile flat rails-to-trails path along the Clark Fork River with no elevation gain, sandwiched between the river and Mount Sentinel. Great for walking, running, biking, or birding — over 100 species have been spotted here.

Address: E Beckwith Ave, Missoula, MT 59812

Tip: Easiest access is at the east end of the Madison Street footbridge or off Van Buren Street near Campus Drive. Pairs perfectly with the Clark Fork River Trail for a longer loop.

Parks & Nature

Missoula's first city park, donated by the Greenough family in 1902. This free 42-acre wooded park follows Rattlesnake Creek for about a mile, with paved walking paths, the Bolle interpretive birding trail, and old-growth cottonwood forest minutes from downtown.

Address: 1001 Monroe St, Missoula, MT 59802

Tip: Open 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Bring a picnic — there's a shelter with extra-large tables and a playground at the eastern edge. Best for birding in spring and summer.

Shopping & Strolling

Missoula's tree-lined Higgins Avenue is the spine of the downtown walking district — nearly 200 locally owned shops, art galleries, vintage clothing stores, breweries, bookstores, and restaurants packed into 12 walkable blocks between the Clark Fork River and the railyards. Nearly every business is independent, and the chamber's site keeps an updated directory of every storefront and seasonal event.

Address: Higgins Avenue between the Clark Fork River and Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802

Tip: Free 2-hour street parking is plentiful on side streets — skip the metered Higgins curb spots. Make a loop: cross the Higgins Bridge, browse the Hip Strip on the south side (Le Petit Outre bakery, Rockin Rudy's records), then cross back over for the main downtown strip. The Downtown Missoula Partnership site lists current free events like First Friday Art Walk and seasonal markets.

Markets & Food

Saturday farmers' market that runs year-round in two locations — outdoor near the Clark Fork riverfront on South Pattee Street May through September, and indoors on Ryman Street the rest of the year. Local Montana producers bring meat, dairy, vegetables, baked goods, flowers, and prepared breakfast and lunch to the bridge area near Caras Park.

Address: 225 S. Pattee Street (May-Oct) / 208 Ryman Street (Nov-Apr), Missoula, MT 59802

Tip: Outdoor season hours: 8am-1pm Saturdays, May 2 through end of October. Indoor winter hours: 9am-1pm Saturdays. Pair a market visit with a walk along the Clark Fork River Trail — the riverfront is a 2-minute stroll away. No dogs allowed inside (Missoula County Health rule); service dogs are fine.

Music & Entertainment

Free Thursday-evening summer concerts in Caras Park on the banks of the Clark Fork River — live local and regional bands, food trucks, a beer-and-wine tent, and kids' activities. Run by the Downtown Missoula Partnership, the series fills the riverfront pavilion every week of summer with a mix of bluegrass, folk-rock, country, and indie acts.

Address: Caras Park, 123 Carousel Drive, Missoula, MT 59802

Tip: Runs Thursdays 5-9pm in June, July, and August. Bring a low chair or blanket — the pavilion seating fills early. The companion Out to Lunch series at the same park runs Wednesdays 11am-2pm with food trucks and free music if you want a daytime version. Both pair well with a walk along the river.