5 Fun Free Things to Do in Montana

Living in Big Sky country you wouldn't think you would need to look for free things to do but, like anywhere else sooner or later there will come a time when you need to try something new and different. Naturally there are dozens of state parks with places to picnic and play in and you have no doubt been to a few of them, when you've been there and done that, what else can you do for free?

The Big Horn County Museum is located just east of Hardin, Montana and consists of several buildings dating from the early pioneer days. Located on what used to be a vegetable farm there are exhibits of the early buffalo hunters and their gear, the local Indian tribes, and the settlers who roamed the plains looking for a new life. Along with the buildings you will find exhibits of farm equipment, horse drawn wagons and early automobiles. For details on how to get there and hours go to the Big Horn County Museum web site.

The Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge is located on over 15,000 acres of prairie grass in north central Montana and is home to a large number of wild life. Some of these include the American Bald Eagle, ducks, geese and many other water fowl. It is not limited to just birds, you will find a number of native wildlife here; for instance white-tailed deer, antelopes and coyotes make their home there. The refuge is open for observation and photographing the inhabitants as long as the weather permits. Rules regulations and information can be found at http://www.fws.gov/Bowdoin.

In Poplar Bluff; you will find the Poplar Bluff museum which features displays that show how hard life was in this area, as a town grew from an Indian reservation in the early 19^th century. Much of the emphasis here is placed on the fur industry as the buffalo were hunted for their fur the mid 1800's. Learn how the ranchers and homesteaders dealt with the harsh conditions and the Native Americans. There are several tribal celebrations held throughout the year. More details are available at http://www.ohwy.com/mt/p/poplamus.htm.

The Museum of the Plains Indians is located in Browning Montana, and features displays of arts and crafts from the many members of the Northern Plains Trial people. Including but not limited to the Blackfoot, Crow, Arapaho, Shoshone, Nez Pierce, Flathead and Chippewa tribes. Many of the displays feature the historic clothing, weapons, household implements and papooses that each of the tribes fashioned before the coming of the settlers changed their lives forever. Many contemporary American Indian arts and crafts can be purchased here to help support the museum. Contact information, as well as a schedule of hours is available at their web site.

During the summer months in Bozeman at the Montana State University you will be treated to professional performances of Shakespeare. On Sundays you are invited to sit on the grass and watch a delightful performance of some of Shakespeare's many plays. The theatrical company has been doing this since 1973 and is funded by corporate and public donations. They now tour all throughout the Montana and Idaho area in schools and universities; performing a 75 minute version of one of the Bard's plays. Check their website for this year's schedule and bring the whole family for a treat, it's something they won't forget.