Nothing beats exploring more of our beautiful state when you have a few vacation days to spare. And luckily, we've got plenty of charming towns you can explore without breaking the bank. If you want to explore Big Sky Country on a not-so-big budget, just head to one of these spots.

1. Billings

Montana's biggest city has plenty of free and affordable things to do. From inexpensive accommodations like

the Riversage Billings Inn to cheap eats at The Burger Dive and Taco Treat, you can have an enjoyable weekend here without spending a fortune. Don't forget to check out (free) views of the city from Zimmerman Park.

2. Kalispell

Kalispell is considered one of the more affordable places in Montana to live, and you can also vacation there on a budget. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had in the area, and you can always check out the art galleries and museums without spending much money.

3. Philipsburg

While Philipsburg has certainly become more of a tourist town in recent years, it's still an affordable place to visit. The Broadway Hotel offers rooms for $85 per night, and UpNSmokin BBQ House will fill your belly without emptying your wallet.

4. Paradise

If you truly want to get away from it all and you love to fish, this small community near the confluence of the Flathead and Clark Fork rivers will seem like heaven. And if you go in the off season, you may even score a deal at Quinn's Hot Springs Resort — but either way, you'll find plenty of places to camp in the area.

5. Fort Benton

The good news: Walking along the banks of the Missouri River and checking out the historic sites in town is totally free. The bad news: You might fall in love with Fort Benton and wish you could stay.

6. Deer Lodge

Not only is it fairly cheap to visit the Old Prison Museum Complex (the price varies depending on if you want to become a member), but you'll have access to all five museums, which will keep you entertained for hours (or days). Add in the cheap eats at A&W and Chinese Garden Restaurant and you've got yourself an inexpensive day trip.

7. Lewistown

Lewistown is a highly underrated city, but that's the way we like it — it makes it more affordable to visit. Explore the Bear Gulch Pictographs, check out the Central Montana Historical Museum, and rest your head at the welcoming (and inexpensive) Trails End Motel. If you save enough cash from those free and cheap options, you might be able to splurge on the Charlie Russell Chew Choo dinner train, which is well worth the expense.

8. Big Timber

With the beautiful Crazy Mountains for a backdrop, there's no denying Big Timber is a picturesque place. Entertain yourself at Natural Bridge State Park, check out the Crazy Mountain Museum, and enjoy some wallet-friendly BBQ at the Thirsty Turtle.

9. Miles City

The trick to seeing Miles City on a budget is to avoid the chaos of the annual Bucking Horse Sale. But since that's just one weekend a year, that won't be a problem — and you can enjoy the Range Riders Museum, tasting at Tongue River Winery, and various free and affordable galleries and theaters. Don't forget to enjoy happy hour at Montana Bar, where you'll find the cheapest beer in town (and tasty burgers).

It's so wonderful that we can still explore the Last Best Place on a budget. Check out these affordable accommodations when you're booking your next trip.