Montana

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Experiences|Activities

Here Are 10 Awesome Things You Can Do In Montana For $10 Or Less

Discover budget-friendly activities in Montana that cost $10 or less, including state parks, museums, and historic sites.

Published May 8, 2017

Written by 

Jessica Wick

Loving Montana is free. Living in Montana, of course, is not... but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it to its fullest on a budget. We've got plenty of beautiful places to explore and fun things to do in the Treasure State that won't cost more than $10.

For example:

1. Explore the beautiful Pictograph State Park... or any state park for that matter.

alt
koloth440 / Flickr

We don't mean to brag (all right, maybe a little) but Montana has some of the best state parks in the entire country, and day use is free for Montana residents.

advertisement

2. Tour the home of a king.

alt
PROsea turtle / Flickr

It costs $10 for adults to tour the Daly Mansion in Hamilton, which has a fascinating history and happens to be absolutely beautiful.

3. Go bowling.

alt
Pick's Bowling Facebook

Your town probably has a bowling alley, and most of them have some great specials. At Pick's Bowling in Bigfork, Cosmic Bowling is $3.50 a game.

4. Sink your teeth into a nice, juicy burger.

alt
Ross R / Yelp

Montana's burger joints are amazing, and many of them are quite affordable. You can get a great meal for under $10 at most of them.

advertisement

5. Experience a miracle.

alt
Miracle of America Museum Facebook

Polson's Miracle of America Museum is an underrated gem. And best of all, it only costs $6 for adults to tour this quirky place.

6. Enjoy a beautiful art museum.... FREE.

alt
Missoula Art Museum Facebook

Thanks to the generosity of its members, the Missoula Art Museum admission is always free.

7. Catch a matinee.

alt
Anastasia / Yelp

Movie theater prices have skyrocketed over the years, but luckily, there are plenty of places in Montana where you can enjoy a matinee (an in some towns, an evening showing) for under $10. Just smuggle in your own popcorn.

8. Walk the grounds of the beautiful Moss Mansion.

alt
Moss Mansion Facebook

Located in Billings, the Moss Mansion costs $10 to tour, and it's well worth the price.

advertisement

9. Taste award-winning wine.

alt
Ten Spoon / Yelp

At Ten Spoon Vineyard and Winery in Missoula, a flight of wine costs $10. You can also sip a full glass for $8.

10. Visit a ghost town.

alt
Arthur T. LaBar / Flickr

Montana has some well-preserved ghost towns that are great for learning more about our local history. Bannack State Park especially is a must-see for every Montanan.

Part of a fun day in Montana means enjoying some delicious food. Here's a great list of local restaurants where you can eat for $10 or less.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Experiences|Activities

The First Glass Kayaking Tour Just Opened In Montana And It’s The Perfect Summer Adventure

Published Jul 24, 2024

Written by 

Jessica Moore

The summer season seems to fly by quickly in Montana, but we locals know how to make the best of those fleeting, warm nights before they give way to colder temperatures. And while perhaps you've gone kayaking before, I'm willing to bet there's a kayaking experience that is unlike any you've ever had. Glass kayaking is the ultimate summer adventure in Montana and you'll want to add this experience to your bucket list.

advertisement

Rocky Mountain Glass Kayak Company, based out of Kalispell, offers an exciting and unique kayaking experience that you won't find anywhere else in Montana.

A person in a clear kayak paddles on calm water surrounded by trees and mountains under a cloudy sky.
Rocky Mountain Glass Kayak Company / Facebook

Imagine floating peacefully across crystal clear waters as you take in the beautiful mountain scenery that surrounds you. But let's take it one step further: you're in a see-through kayak that allows you to see into the water below you!

A person paddles a kayak on a calm lake, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery under a cloudy sky.
Rocky Mountain Glass Kayak Company / Facebook

And the experience gets even better at night when the kayaks are illuminated in vibrant colored LED lights!

A glowing boat with purple lights sits on a dock by a lake at dusk, surrounded by trees and a cloudy sky.
Management / Rocky Mountain Glass Kayak Tours & Rentals

You can ride tandem with a friend or loved one on a sunset LED kayak tour and learn about the local history and wildlife of Montana as you float along with your guide.

Two people sit in a glowing pink kayak on a calm lake at dusk, surrounded by mountains and trees.
Management / Rocky Mountain Glass Kayak Tours & Rentals

Explore the beauty of the night sky and the Flathead Valley as you glide along in a small group with your tour guide at sunset.

A group of five people in illuminated kayaks on a calm lake at dusk, surrounded by mountains and a colorful sky.
Rocky Mountain Glass Kayak Company / Facebook

Glass kayaking offers an accessible, exciting, and informative evening activity that lasts an hour and a half. The age limit for kayakers is 8 and up.

Five people in illuminated kayaks on a calm lake at dusk, surrounded by mountains and a cloudy sky.
Rocky Mountain Glass Kayak Company / Facebook

The website asks that you come prepared with water, bug spray, and a spare change of clothes just in case you soak yours while you're out exploring on the water.

advertisement

Glass kayaking with Rocky Mountain Glass Kayak Tours and Rentals offers a truly unique and invigorating summertime adventure in Montana that is sure to leave an impression.

A group of people kayaking at night, with their boats illuminated by colorful LED lights.
Management / Rocky Mountain Glass Kayak Tours & Rentals

Landscape, wildlife, and water lovers will fall in love with glass kayaking. But don't take my word for it, come and experience this wild adventure for yourself!

If you enjoy kayaking and think this nighttime adventure in Montana sounds right up your alley, check out Rocky Mountain Glass Kayak Company!

And while you're at it, check out the best kayaking lake in Montana! It offers some excellent fishing opportunities as well.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Experiences|Activities

The 7-Mile Lazy River In Montana Where You’ll Find Us All Summer Long

Published Jul 12, 2024

Written by 

Megan Todaro

Looking for the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day? Head on over to Missoula, Montana, to the Clark Fork Yacht Club tubing adventure. This seven-mile trek will take you floating down the Clark Fork River, with transportation to the launch point as well as provided tubes. All you need to do is bring yourself, your friends, and all of your summer essentials to keep you happy and cool all float long. I personally love a company that handles all the details so that I can just kick back, float along, and worry about my tan lines.

advertisement

The Clark Fork Yacht Club, situated along the banks of the Clark Fork River, offers a unique tubing opportunity in East Missoula.

A serene river scene with people in colorful rafts surrounded by lush green mountains and trees under a clear blue sky.
Google Reviews Keith Burtram

How it works is very simple - you book a float online in order to reserve a tube and a spot in the transportation van and then show up on your chosen date.

A colorful van with "Clark Fork Yacht Club" painted on the side, topped with pink inflatable kayaks.
Google Reviews Clark Fork Yacht Club

Show up in the alley between Betty’s Divine and Flipper’s Casino 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure, and you’ll get all situated with pre-float information.

Sign for tube rental and river shuttle services, featuring colorful arrows and contact information for booking online.
Facebook Clark Fork Yacht Club

The Clark Fork Yacht Club river concierges will take you in the van to the Sha-Ron River access point where you’ll launch off into an exciting water-filled adventure.

Map of a 7-mile route from Sha-Ron to downtown Missoula, highlighting landmarks and directions to the Clubhouse.
Clark Fork Yacht Club

From there, you’ll go with the flow on this self-guided float down the river. It usually takes around two to three hours to float through town and return to the initial check-in point.

A steel bridge spans a river, surrounded by lush green hills and a clear blue sky.
Google Reviews Matt Hargleroad

Pricing varies from $30 per adult 18 and over to $20 for kids between 14 and 17 years old. The Clark Fork Yacht Club donates $1 from every float to the Missoula River Ambassadors — how cool is that?!

A stack of pink inflatable tubes with white logos, resting on a gravel surface.
Facebook Clark Fork Yacht Club

Plus, there is a complimentary key and bag check, so that you can leave your belongings back at the clubhouse and not have to worry about dropping your keys in the river.

advertisement
A sunny outdoor scene with people gathered near pink inflatable tubes and colorful tents, surrounded by power lines.
Facebook Clark Fork Yacht Club

So, come enjoy a summer adventure on this seven-mile-long float in Missoula, Montana.

A group of people relax on pink inflatable rafts in a river, surrounded by greenery and distant hills.
Facebook Clark Fork Yacht Club

What do you think about this unique lazy river tubing in Missoula, Montana? Would you take a spin down the Clark Fork River? Sound off in the comments section! Or if you want more information about this river tubing adventure, then visit the Clark Fork Yacht Club Facebook Page.

Protect yourself from the sun while you’re out on the water! Sun Bum from REI is a great option to lather on and stay safe.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Nature
Hiking

Skip the Crowds: Explore Rhode Island’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

by Beth Price-Williams
on Nov 12
alt
Stays
Vacation Rentals

This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Iowa Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

by Nikki Rhoades
on Nov 12
alt
Nature
Hiking

Skip the Crowds: Explore Missouri’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

by Tori Jane
on Nov 12
alt
State Pride

It Was so Cold in Missouri in 1977-78, Temperatures Averaged 24.3 Degrees All Winter Long

by Beth Price-Williams
on Nov 12
alt
Nature
Weather & Natural Phenomena

11 Shots of Missouri That Will Drop Your Frozen Jaw This Winter

by Stephanie Butler
on Nov 12
alt