Some of the best things in life are free. Walking by the river admiring the mountains, perusing art museums, volunteering your time in the community and downtown music festivals – all these things are free in Missoula – and are the perfect complements to a college budget.
Scroll below to experience Missoula, aka ZooTown, without busting the bank. The list is far from complete, but know that you don’t have to spend money to find a good time in our mountain community.
Stroll the Riverfront Trail and Explore Urban Parks
The Clark Fork River flows right next to campus and through downtown, lined on both sides by a paved path connecting all the city’s attractions and ample greenspace. Bring your roller skates, bring a picnic blanket and don’t forget the sunscreen. Adventure awaits on this active pedestrian path, including great views of the mountains, town and our friendly community.
Pro Tip: Greenough Park, bordering Rattlesnake Creek as it flows into the Clark Fork, is a not-so-hidden gem that provides a cool place to hang out all summer long.
MMAC and Missoula Art Museum
If you’re an art lover (or art curious), go to the on-campus Montana Museum of Art & Culture (MMAC) or the downtown Missoula Art Museum. Both are free with rotating exhibits and docent tours available. If you want to expand your Missoula art tour, take a stroll downtown and see how many murals you can find. Or, take a walk around campus looking at the art and sculptures outside!
Learn More: About the MMAC | University of Montana
Learn More: Missoula Art Museum | Explore Art Today – Visit & Engage
Sporting Events on Campus
Your tuition includes free tickets to all Grizzly sporting events. While football is UM’s bread and butter, there are eight other sports for you to enjoy throughout the year. It’s important to note that football, basketball, volleyball and soccer need tickets for entry. You can find out how to redeem your ticket on GrizTix.
Read More: Griz Athletics – Who to Cheer For and When
Join a Club
It’s free to join a club, and it’s the perfect way to meet friends, socialize and take part in something you’re interested in. Types of clubs range from the unique (such as the Lightsaber club) to the educational (like French club). Not only is this the perfect solution to finding free things to do, but it’s also a fun aspect of the student journey.
Read More: How to Join a Student Club
Float the River
Floating the river is like a rite of passage in Missoula. It’s an exciting excursion you should put on your free to-do list if you’re here in the summer. You can take the shuttle from Campus Rec for drop off and pick up along the river, no money necessary. Cool off and enjoy the nature of Missoula from the comfort of your own tube!
Read More: Summer Activities in and Around Missoula
River City Roots Festival
River City Roots Festival is a weekend party held across the streets of downtown Missoula in August. Stop by and catch some folk, bluegrass and Americana music with more than 15,000 other enthusiastic community members. This is a must-do Missoula event, and besides music, it’s filled to the brim with art stalls and food trucks.
Read More: Best Music Venues On and Off Campus
Events in Caras Park
Caras Park also hosts many free events throughout the year, including the Farmer’s Market, Out to Lunch, Symphony in the Park and more. It’s also a charming place to go in general! You can walk around, watch surfers on Brennan’s Wave and enjoy people watching. Check out the Destination Missoula website for a calendar of events!
Learn More: Caras Park - Downtown Missoula Partnership
GrizHub Campus Events
Throughout the year, GrizHub is a go-to website to check out fun, educational and adventurous events. This includes niche lectures, student engagement events, outings, sporting events and more. Throughout each month, be sure to check out the upcoming events to stay in the know on free events you can attend!
Learn More: Upcoming Events - Griz Hub - Keeping UM Connected
Take a Hike!
If you like hiking, running, strolling or simply being out in nature – Missoula is the place for you. We’re surrounded by national forests on all sides, including three National Recreation Areas, and we have the state’s most popular hiking trail at the edge of campus. There’s enough trailheads here for a lifetime of exploring new routes.
Read More: Take a Hike! - Hiking Trails in Missoula
Missoula Public Library
Just a short jaunt away from UM lies the gorgeous Missoula Public Library. It’s the perfect place to study with a view, bring a good book or simply hang out in for a while. The library website has plenty of resources you can check out or use, including 3D printers, board games, a seed bank and kitchen demonstrations.
Learn More: Missoula's New Library - Missoula Public Library
Hidden Gems Around Campus
Not bored enough to leave campus but need a change of scenery? UM is full of hidden gems around campus! You may never enter a certain building or area of campus. This means you could be missing out on some neat spots! From dino bones to giant topographic maps, you’ll never know what you’ll find until you start looking.
Read More: Hidden Gems Across Campus
Volunteer
UM is the number one school for service, and that’s a big deal! There’s no shortage of volunteer opportunities on and off campus throughout the year. Not only is volunteering free, but it’s a wonderful way to give back and beef up your resume. Not to mention, it’s a meaningful and fulfilling way to spend your free time.
Read More: Join a Community with the Heart of a Grizzly
Take Advantage of Low-Price Gear Rentals
The University of Montana Recreation Center doesn’t provide free gear rentals, but the prices are extremely low and budget friendly. Whether you’re interested in biking, camping, skiing, boating or rock climbing, come by the Campus Recreation Center Outdoor Center for the gear you need to explore of amazing backyard.
Learn More: Campus Recreation Outdoor Program Gear Rentals
Catch a Bus Anywhere in the City
Missoula runs an award-winning bus service, Mountain Line, offering completely free fares for students and community members alike. Add this to the free University Bus System and you can get just about anywhere in town for free. So whether you don’t own a car or are wary about rising gas prices, the city is still all yours to explore.
Read More: How to (Easily) Commute Without a Car
What Did We Miss?
Much of the beauty of Missoula lies in our community's valuing non-material things. Public parks, free concerts, and thrift stores galore – it’s not about the price tag in Missoula; it’s about the authentic enjoyment of life. Come for the scenery, stay for the vibes.
Anna Weishaar graduated from the University of Montana in 2018 with a degree in Creative Writing. She currently works as the Marketing Coordinator for the MCEE department. She enjoys walking her dogs around campus and finding healthy options for lunch in the UC Market, and going to events offered by UM to learn something new.
