While you're visiting any of America's beautiful states, it's handy to have some free activities in your back pocket to save money. From museums and galleries to the best of the USA's backyard, we've picked two great free attractions in every state and DC. So, wherever you are you'll find something to do that won't break the bank.

Click through the gallery to discover the best free places to visit and things to do across every US state and DC...

Recognized as the top gallery in the state, this artistic treasure trove holds over 27,000 items. It has been welcoming art lovers since 1885, with pieces ranging from Native American works to those hailing from all over Europe, Asia, and Africa. Make time to see the Charles W. Ireland Sculpture Garden in the upper plaza. A permanent exhibition, it spreads over 13,000 square feet (1,207sq m), the focus being a towering water feature designed by renowned American sculptor Elyn Zimmerman.

The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge stretches out for 35,000 acres, hugging the Tennessee River and providing permanent or temporary homes for some 295 species of bird. Thousands of sandhill cranes (pictured) nest here in winter, joined by geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. Strike out on one of the many hiking trails, keeping your eyes peeled for the resident wildlife – the short Wildlife Observation Trail is a great bet for animal lovers. 

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Close to the cities of Palmer and Wasilla, the Hatcher Pass is worth exploring to get some of the best views of the surrounding Talkeetna Mountains and to capture some of the adorable red huts that dot the landscape. If you’re traveling in summer, you can visit the Independence Mines or drive up to Summit Lake. During winter, Hatcher Pass comes to life with winter sports like sledging and skiing.

Denali may be Alaska's most famous peak, but Flattop Mountain is hailed as the most climbed pinnacle in the state. You'll need to pay a fee to get up close to the former, but the latter can be scaled free of charge, and it offers panoramic views of valleys and mighty peaks including Denali itself. The vertiginous trail is 1.5 miles (2.4km) to the top, but the vistas are more than worth the effort. (While it's free to climb the peak, there's around a $5 parking fee.)

For a good grounding in state history, head to the Capitol Museum in Phoenix. Memorabilia and informative exhibitions come together to chronicle Arizona's political and cultural past. Prized features include the restored house chamber and a display dedicated to USS Arizona, a battleship that was sunk in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. General admission is free, but some exhibitions may come with a price tag.

A stone's throw from downtown Phoenix, the much-visited Camelback Mountain rises 2,704 feet (824m) into the sky. The peak's proximity to the city, not to mention the epic views from its summit, makes it one of the most popular hikes in the area. Be prepared though: both the mountain's trails, Echo Canyon and Cholla, are strenuous and you'll need a good base level of fitness to complete them. Rest assured they're worth it though.

This shrine to American art has been in Bentonville since 2005. Big names here include Georgia O'Keefe and Andy Warhol, and there's also a cavernous library filled with over 50,000 reference books about art and design. The building is fit for purpose too: its unique design, with bold concrete blocks and a sloping copper roof, was the brainchild of leading Canadian architect Moshe Safdie.

True to its name, the Natural State has a whole load of stunning state parks, and all 52 of them are free to visit. One of the most popular remains Mount Magazine, which is home to the highest point in Arkansas: its namesake peak soars to an eye-watering 2,753 feet (839m). It's a prized spot for keen climbers and hang gliders, but you can also content yourself with the park's hiking trails, which are studded with plenty of scenic overlooks.

The Griffith Observatory has been exploring the skies since 1935. World-class exhibits and free-to-use telescopes offer an unrivaled insight into the cosmos. You'll need to pay for the astronomer-run shows at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium (which are regular crowd-pleasers), but the free glittering views across LA are priceless.

The gargantuan Golden Gate Park, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2020, is actually 20% bigger than Central Park in New York, and it's got all the charm and attractions of its East Coast counterpart. Stroll through the entrance for free and drink in the park's lakes, landmark windmills, and its famed bison herd. The teetering Hamon Observation Tower is also free, offering 360° vistas from 144 feet (44m).

If you can resist making a beeline for this park's rust-red rocks, begin at the Garden of Gods Visitor and Nature Center. Here hi-tech exhibits tell the story of this National Natural Landmark, from its unique geology to its resident wildlife, and celebrate the people who have called the land home. Once you've swotted up, venture into the park itself with its stunning sandstone rocks and jaw-dropping hiking trails. You can even join a guided walk for free.

The sports of skiing and snowboarding are celebrated at this treasure-packed museum in Vail, one of Colorado's key ski resort towns. You'll find plenty of gear, clothing, medals, and trophies that tell the story of the sports throughout time and also the Hall of Fame, which pays homage to sporting greats and industry icons. Admission is free, though a donation is appreciated.

Perched at the edge of Connecticut's Thames River, you'll find the Submarine Force Museum. It's a celebration of the watercraft with an 83,000-strong collection of items, including everything from weaponry and model vessels to historic documents and photographs. The highlight is the chance to step aboard the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered vessel.

Opened in 1904, this public park is home to America's oldest rose garden. More than 800 varieties of roses grow here, climbing trellises and clinging to arches, and blossoming from late June. The rest of the grounds stretch for 101 acres, dotted with greenhouses and ponds, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

This contemporary art museum was first founded in 1979 and enjoys a permanent home in Delaware's biggest city, Wilmington. Seven galleries and more than 20 working artists' studios are here, with exhibitions continually rotating. Past displays have included those dedicated to outer space and modern politics, while complimentary events pop up every month too. Admission is free, although there is a suggested donation.

Delaware has some of the most underrated beaches in the USA and the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is the perfect place to soak up one of the state's many strands. A mile-long boardwalk hugs this city's stretch of sand and it's fringed with shops, hotels, and laid-back spots for a bite. Rent a bike or content yourself with an afternoon stroll.

Just one of the many free Smithsonian Museums lining the National Mall in Washington DC, the National Air and Space Museum is a treasure trove that will take hours to explore. Discover how the world's first airplane was built, marvel at Neil Armstrong's Apollo 11 extravehicular gloves and visor as well as the command module, and step aboard the cockpit of a real Boeing 747, the first jumbo jet in the world.

The perfect stop for book-loving visitors to the capital, the vast Library of Congress spreads itself over three buildings: the John Adams Building, the James Madison Memorial Building, and the Thomas Jefferson Building, all on the iconic Capitol Hill. The latter is the most impressive site of all, with intricate gilding, grand columns, arches, and frescoes. Then there's the books: the library holds over 39 million of them, as part of a collection of more than 167 million items, making it the largest library in the world. All three buildings are free to enter.

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Home to 150 restored aircraft, this is the largest naval aviation museum in the world. The complex tells America's history through flight, showcasing planes that were used in conflicts such as the Second World War and the Vietnam War. A moving photography exhibition pays tribute to prisoners of war, while the flight simulator is a family favorite (you'll need to pay for the latter). You can also make the most of the free guided tours that leave daily. Parking is free too. 

Key West offers plenty of free things to do, including wandering buzzy Duval Street or reclining on a sandy strand. But a landmark that always draws a crowd is the Southernmost Point. As the name suggests, it's the southernmost point in the continental USA, closer to Cuba than the mainland. Snap a pic (you'll need to queue for your photo op), then head to the beach.

A tour of this National Historic Site in downtown Atlanta should begin at the visitors' center. Here a detailed exhibition will introduce you to the key milestones of King's life and the civil rights movement. Beyond this, you'll find a handful of dedicated landmarks, free to explore. Sights include the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King was baptized and became co-pastor, and the activist's birthplace, which offers guided tours.

Spanish moss cloaks Forsyth Park, a leafy expanse in the heart of Savannah. It's a dreamy spot for an afternoon stroll, its 30 acres are flanked by trees and laced with shady pathways offering refuge from the Georgia heat. At the center, you'll find the striking Forsyth Fountain, a cornerstone of the park since 1858, and in spring, the green space swells with music for the annual Savannah Music Festival.

Visiting the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum in Honolulu feels a little like stepping into Jurassic Park. Located at the northern end of Manoa Valley, the 194-acre tropical arboretum is home to more than 5,000 native and non-native plant species. A part of the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, it also functions as a research and preservation facility and is a fantastic way to experience the island's diverse flora. Although free to enter, there is a suggested donation.

Incredible beaches with hues of red, green, and gold are scattered across the Hawaiian islands, and Hawaii's Big Island (The Island of Hawaii) is home to one of the finest. Famed for its inky black sand, Punaluʻu Beach is situated a stone's throw from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is a popular stop for travelers en route. The volcanic strand itself is a dream for photographers and is also home to the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle.

If you're after something a little offbeat, Freak Alley Gallery in Idaho's capital could be just the place. With indoor and outdoor space, it touts itself as the largest mural gallery in the Northeast. Featured works in the small indoor gallery change continually, focusing on local artists, while there is year-round public access to the colorful open-air displays.

Keen climbers flock to the City of Rocks National Reserve, a 14,407-acre expanse of granite rock warped into arches, domes, and craggy bluffs. The preserve has many nicknames, hailing from emigrants of the California trail in the 19th century, who dubbed the landscape both 'the silent city' and 'a city of tall spires.' Tackle a climb, or keep your feet on the ground with a scenic hike instead.

Stretching for more than 3,000 feet (1,010m) into Lake Michigan, this vibrant pier has become one of Chicago's most popular attractions. It was built in 1916, beginning life as a dock, and then a navy training center, then in 1995 it was remodeled as a buzzing leisure complex. The pier is totally free to wander (though some individual amusements do charge), and is lined with shops, restaurants, family-friendly rides, and exhibitions.

Dramatic canyons, sandstone crags, waterfalls, and woodland all come together to make this one of the most spectacular state parks in Illinois. It's as rich in history as it is in natural beauty too, with evidence of human settlement here dating as far back as 8000 BC. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the site, from hiking (free guided hikes run on Saturdays in summer) to boating and kayaking. In winter, you could also try cross-country skiing or even ice climbing.

This glass dome in the center of Indianapolis offers a great big dose of culture. Free events are put on almost every lunchtime, from musical performances to poetry readings, and there's always a range of local art on display. The venue hovers at 17 feet (5m) over the intersection of Washington and Illinois streets, and is worth a stop if only to admire its sleek architecture.

Crown Hill Cemetery is the final resting place for over 225,000 individuals, but some of its famous graves include that of Benjamin Harrison, 23rd president of the United States, and Vice President Charles W. Fairbanks. It is also home to several species of tree and a sanctuary for wildlife. Its stretch over 555 acres makes it the third-largest non-governmental cemetery in the United States. Many of its mausoleums, monuments, and memorials were designed by renowned architects, landscape designers, and sculptors.

Iowa's ornate state capitol can be found in downtown Des Moines, and it's as informative as it is beautiful. You can explore the historic capital on an independent or guided tour (both are free) and learn about the state's history and the architecture of the building itself. The grounds are also dotted with interesting monuments, including a poignant holocaust memorial.

Outdoorsy types in central Iowa love the High Trestle Trail, a 25-mile (40km) route that whisks cyclists and walkers through four counties. This former railroad line slices through plenty of open, green space and five towns, and also passes over the camera-loving High Trestle Trail Bridge. The eye-catching bridge, with its distinctive steel frames, is punctuated with overlooks and plaques sharing nuggets of info on the surrounding area.

Twenty restored structures dot the Fort Scott National Historic Site, a military base established in 1842. The fort played key roles in both the Bleeding Kansas conflict, a civil war fought over slavery from the 1850s, and later the American Civil War. Now modern visitors can get a glimpse into the area's turbulent past with a wander through the site's preserved historic buildings, then take to the acres of tallgrass prairie.

This Wichita nature center is packed full of exhibits covering the wildlife of the Great Plains. Koch Habitat Hall is at its heart, documenting the history of the prairie and the ecosystem here today. Armed with knowledge of the local wildlife, you can then strike into Chisholm Creek Park on site. Also free to explore, it sprawls for 282 acres, crisscrossed with hiking trails and bustling with wildlife.

There's 'no charge to drink' in this interesting museum in Bardstown, northern Kentucky. It enjoys a spot on the American Whiskey Trail and showcases the spirit's history with memorabilia such as rare bottles and machinery. It was opened by whiskey-loving businessman Oscar Getz in 1957 and is still family-run.

Another great place in the Bluegrass State to sample whiskey is the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, designated a National Historic Landmark. Come by for the complimentary Trace Tour, which chronicles the history of this legendary distillery and also offers the chance to wander through barrel-packed warehouses. True spirit nerds should alternatively opt for the Hard Hat Tour (also free), which gets into the details of the bourbon-making process. All tours come with a tasting too.

Don't visit NOLA without seeking out some jazz music. The Jazz National Historical Park strings some of the city's key musical sites together. Begin at the visitor center, where you'll hear from experts about the top spots to take in. Then either head out for a self-guided walking tour, pausing at the famous Louis Armstrong statue, or stick around a little longer for a swinging concert led by the park rangers.

Named after notorious French pirate Jean Lafitte, this sprawling preserve, made up of several distinct sites, is packed to the brim with both history and nature. Make time for the Chalmette Battlefield, where the 1815 Battle of New Orleans against the British took place, and the Barataria Preserve, a vast wetlands area where you'll likely find an American alligator or two lurking in the swamps.

Founded in the 1950s, this longstanding museum is an Aladdin's cave of artworks. Its vast collection (there are more than 10,000 items) ranges from prints by the late Pablo Picasso to a large store of Chinese art. A highlight is the Lunder Collection, which comprises works by American greats including Georgia O'Keefe and James Abbott McNeill Whistler. Check the museum's online calendar for art talks, musical performances, and film showings too.

A windswept cliff walk near downtown Ogunquit, the Marginal Way hugs the Atlantic and offers jaw-dropping views across the ocean. It winds on for 1.25 miles (2km), peppered by benches and finishing up in Perkins Cove, a teensy seaside village filled with quirky boutiques and seafood joints. It's the perfect way to experience this breathtaking slice of Maine's coast.

Free year-round, this museum is more than 100 years old, opened back in 1914 in the well-heeled Charles Village District, and it holds a vast store of international works. The best bits include a huge collection dedicated to work by French artist Henri Matisse (there are more than 1,200 pieces), as well as two sculpture gardens dotted with striking works from talents such as Joan Miro.

Following the Freedom Trail is one of Boston's most popular activities, and several of the attractions along the way are free. The route brings together key sites relevant to the American Revolution and other significant portions of US history and you can wander it for no price at all. Faneuil Hall, a meeting place, and a cradle of revolutionary politics during the 18th century and beyond, does not charge admission, and it's free to poke your head into the King’s Chapel too.

Now a designated marine sanctuary, this eerie tangle of abandoned ships is dubbed the largest shipwreck fleet in the Western Hemisphere. The vessels date to the First World War, when hundreds of wooden steamships were built – the ships, which were poorly constructed in haste, ultimately never made it to war in any capacity, and were eventually deserted in Mallows Bay. Today they remain, haunting and decaying, a habitat for osprey and a fascinating attraction for kayakers in the bay.

See stunning photos of the world's most spectacular shipwrecks here

More than one million visitors per year descend on this Plymouth park, following in the footsteps of the Pilgrims: early English settlers who landed here in the 17th century. Plymouth Rock, contained within the park, is held up as the Pilgrims' 'stepping stone into the New World,' while Mayflower II, fresh from extensive renovations, is a glittering replica of the original Mayflower ship that brought them here. Catch one of the short historical talks at Plymouth Rock for extra context.

It's completely free to wander down this street in Motor City's East Side and drink in the weird and wonderful works by artist Tyree Guyton. Guyton, who is often spotted tending to his curious creations, embodies the saying 'one man's trash is another man's treasure'. He warps sculptures and scenes from materials that have been found and visitors can expect to see houses emblazoned with polka dots, rainbow-faced clocks and structures made from dolls, stuffed animals, shoes, and car parts.

Operating as the visitor center for the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center is packed to the gills with ocean-related exhibits. You can climb aboard a life-sized model of a schooner, and pore over artifacts retrieved from real shipwrecks. Once you've immersed yourself in marine history, head outside for more: you'll find the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail complete with a plaque-dotted boardwalk and historic docks.

Both tourists and locals come to relax in this green swath of downtown Minneapolis, which is dotted with 60 contemporary sculptures. The star of the show is the Spoonbridge and Cherry, an eccentric structure at the park's center, designed by artistic duo Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen.

Yes, there is an entire museum dedicated to SPAM in the southeastern Minnesota town of Austin. The institution is a loud, proud celebration of the canned meat, which was first invented back in the 1930s. You'll learn all about the history of SPAM, including its key role in the diets of troops during the Second World War, and pore over a huge store of SPAM memorabilia. Free guided tours are available over the weekend and upon request.

Small but fascinating, this museum is dedicated to Mississippi's carnival tradition. It focuses on textiles, showcasing glittering costumes and headpieces from past parades. You'll find it tucked into the city's historic train depot (pictured), a Mississippi Landmark Property.

The state has little shortage of great white-sand crescents, and Ocean Springs is a top destination for beach bums. Head to the city's Front Beach, a sandy swath popular with local vacationers, which is backed by scenic Front Beach Drive. Bask on the sand, hunt for crabs, and then drink in the sunset from a photogenic fishing pier.

Science buffs will love this modern museum in St Louis. It's family-friendly with tons of interactive exhibits, covering everything from the environment to world discoveries. Fascinating live demonstrations are put on daily too. Most sections are completely free to explore, but you'll need to buy a ticket for planetarium shows and other special events.

This Missouri park is a favorite with nature-loving locals, who come for its rugged hiking trails, scenic campgrounds, and abundant birdlife. The highlight, though, is the shut-ins for which the park is named: rock-carved pools perfect for swimming or a quick splash on a warm afternoon. If you don't fancy a dip, the park's boardwalk still offers great views of this natural swimming spot. 

You'll find the unassuming Yellowstone County Museum close to the airport in Billings, Montana's largest city. It's dedicated to preserving the history of Yellowstone Valley and the plains and dates to the 1950s. A whole host of treasures can be found inside, from the tools and trinkets of native peoples to the wagons and saddles once used by working cattlemen.

A National Scenic Byway, the Beartooth Highway spreads through the states of Montana and Wyoming, spooling out for 68 miles (109km) of switchbacks and wide-open road. Beating a path through epic wilderness, the road takes in mountains, alpine tundra, and dense thickets of forest, gaining in elevation by some 5,000 feet (1,524m) along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for black bears and grizzlies too.

This hulking Omaha museum has a huge variety of collections. Most notable is its store of European art (from Renaissance to Medieval works) and its large set of ancient antiquities, including Egyptian statues and Grecian urns. You'll need at least an afternoon to sample its delights, and it won't cost you a penny.

A former dump got an impressive makeover in the 1930s when a Lincoln landfill site was transformed into the Sunken Gardens (then known as the 'Rock Garden.') Today the beautiful expanse supports some 30,000 plants annually, with the artfully arranged blooms tailored to a specific theme each year. A favorite spot is the Healing Garden, with its white flowers intended to bring peace and serenity.

If you've spent all your money on the slots, don't despair – the lavish Bellagio hotel has something to offer those on a budget. Its conservatory and botanical garden are free to enter, and they're always filled with whimsical floral displays, themed for the season. You can wander among the brilliant blooms, which are tended to by some of the world's leading horticulturalists.

The southwest has little shortage of haunting ghost towns, and this creaking abandoned settlement in southern Nevada is a great example. The mining town of Rhyolite mushroomed in the early 20th century and was soon complete with shops, a jail, an impressive bank building, and homes for the workers. By 1916, though, the town had been deserted, and today crumbling remnants are all that remain. Step back in time and take a wander between the structures: the train depot and the mercantile are particularly impressive.

What this museum lacks in size, it makes up for in carefully curated exhibits. The venue celebrates the rich ecology of the White Mountains region and includes paintings, videos, and written displays. It's tucked away on Plymouth State University Campus and welcomes donations, though admission is free. Once you've exercised the gray matter, there's no shortage of scenic trails through the White Mountains – the Franconia Ridge Loop Trail is a perennial favorite.

One of New England's largest outdoor sculpture parks, this arty site spreads across 140 acres. Miles of hiking trails join up more than 100 avant-garde sculptures, all the brainchild of engineer Paul Andres and lauded sculptor John Weidman. Pick up a map and delve into the forest: it's totally free to explore, though a donation is always appreciated. 

Reopening after a renovation in May 2024 (although the gardens are available year-round to roam), the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was originally used by 17th-century whalers and is now a cultural landmark and museum. Sitting pretty on the southwest shore of the inlet in Cape May County, this historic building has been a part of the National Register of Historic Places since September 20, 1977. Take a stroll and enjoy some sea air.

This particular area has been farmed since the 1730s, and now a 'living history' site celebrates New Jersey's agricultural heritage: still operating by horsepower, it offers an insight into what farming would have looked like from around 1890-1910. It's free to take a self-guided tour of the farm, though if you want to get lost in the seasonal corn maze, you'll need to pay admission.

This insightful museum is part of The University of New Mexico, and through fossils, skeletal remains and more, it recounts over 2.5 million years of human history. Permanent exhibitions include a detailed look at our ancestors and a display dedicated to the people of the southwest US. Temporary shows curated by experts in the field are regularly featured here too.

This epic structure is more than just a way to get from A to B: it's a bona fide tourist attraction that has graced the silver screen on numerous occasions. You'll find it along Highway 64, not far from the sunbaked adobe structures of Taos. Drive across it or wander along the sidewalks so you can truly appreciate the rugged Rio Grande Gorge and the swirling Rio Grande River below.

No trip to the Big Apple is complete without visiting the green heart of the city. Central Park covers 843 acres of Manhattan and is free for the public to enjoy all year round. As well as the grounds themselves there are regular (free) open-air shows and even some complimentary guided tours put on by the Central Park Conservancy.

Another big hitter in the Big Apple is the Staten Island Ferry. While you can pay to ascend many a building in New York City, the finest views of the Manhattan skyline come from a trip on this sunshine-yellow ferry. It traverses the New York Harbor daily, traveling from the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan to the St George Terminal in Staten Island, and a ride is always completely free.

These tranquil gardens are set over three sites, each one filled with beautiful blooms. You'll find everything from native flowers to exotic plants, such as the notorious 'stinky plant' or 'corpse flower', distinctive for its pungent smell. The landscapes change with the seasons and even include some particularly fascinating carnivorous plants, specially bred here. Carefully tended winter and autumn gardens mean this is a year-round attraction.

The roots of this popular Raleigh museum stretch right back to the 1920s, when the North Carolina State Art Society was first established and a small collection began. Today, it draws art lovers from all over the state and beyond, who come to drink in masterpieces from Italian Renaissance painters, antiquities from Greece and Rome, and bronzes by French sculptor Auguste Rodin. The 164-acre Museum Park is also a crowd-pleaser with its trails, sculptures, and pretty terraced pond.

This is the state's official history museum. Brimming with relics from bygone eras, it pays tribute to the state's native peoples and boasts interesting exhibitions covering wildlife, archaeology, state innovations, and more. Showcased items range from artworks to antique weaponry, all to preserve 'the fabric of life in North Dakota.'

The Enchanted Highway is a fitting name for this stretch of road in the southwestern part of the state. The highway is punctuated by larger-than-life roadside sculptures, from pheasants and soaring geese to a giant yellow grasshopper in a wheat field. Spot these head-turning art installations on the route from Gladstone to Regent and pull over and park up for a closer look and a photo op.

The reputation of the Cleveland Museum of Art precedes it, home as it is to world-renowned masterpieces by great names including Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and more. In all, there are some 45,000 pieces spanning around six millennia, all packed into a grand building in the cultural University Circle district. A highlight is the ARTLENS Gallery, which includes an immersive exhibition and a studio where you can create your own digital artwork.

"The Topiary Park is a landscape of a painting of a landscape." That's how this garden gallery was described by its creator, local sculptor James T. Mason. It's dotted with all manner of leafy creations and is intended to be a recreation of the painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat. Orient yourself in the visitor center before heading out to explore Mason's green-fingered work. 

You don't need to be a train aficionado to enjoy this museum, which is dedicated to telling the story of Oklahoma's railroad heritage. You'll find a steam engine, historic train cars, railroad buildings and, of course, a whole lot of locomotive history. If you've got a few spare pennies, the 40-minute ride on a vintage train is worth the small fee. They run every first and third Saturday of the month from April through August.

This riverfront park is a source of great pride for Tulsa residents. Work began in 2014 and now it stretches over almost 100 acres, complete with the giant Chapman Adventure Playground (pictured) and Land of the River Giants for the kids, and the peaceful Sky Garden with its ginkgo trees and rainbow flowers. Swing by Williams Lodge for a cup of coffee at a cafe or to cozy up in the lounge. If you're traveling with a four-legged friend the park is now offering Wednesday and Sunday Dog Play Days.

Open to the public year-round, this arboretum touts itself as a living museum. Acres of woodland make up the site, which has a visitor center, small nature museum and research library brimming with information too. The Oregon Vietnam Veterans' Memorial, a curving wall inscribed with names of the fallen, is also located here.

There's no charge to explore this archaeologically rich site in east-central Oregon. Distinctive for its brightly colored fossil beds, which unfold in bands of buttery yellow, sunset orange, and red, the site holds fossils that chronicle more than 40 million years of history on Earth. Hiking and biking trails lace through the park's three units, and you can also raft on the John Day River.

A symbolic piece of Philadelphia's, and indeed America's, history, the great, cracked Liberty Bell (part of the Independence National Historical Park) once hung in Independence Hall. Today, it has its own dedicated center, with informative exhibits detailing the bell's significance. The displays tell how the bell was rung out for the Declaration of Independence, for abolition, and women's suffrage.

Rightly described as 'Pittsburgh's most colorful public art,' Randyland is a kaleidoscopic display of murals, plants, and sculptures made from found materials. It's the work of eccentric local artist Randy Gilson, who wanted to bring some color and cheer to his then-downtrodden neighborhood of Central Northside. His work has now seeped around the district, and this joyous display of public art is completely free to visit.

This cultural hub in the heart of Providence has stood here for almost 200 years. The Athenaeum prides itself on being a learning institution, holding stores of books, including some rare tomes, and a clutch of prized artworks. Special collections include fascinating volumes on natural history and you can also take a free guided tour to learn more about the center's own history and significance. Admission is free but there's a $5 suggested donation.

One of the best ways to experience Rhode Island's coast is with Newport's Atlantic-hugging Cliff Walk. The route trails the ocean for 3.5 miles (5.6km), offering uninterrupted views out to sea, and the chance to marvel at grand waterfront mansions. Some portions of the trail are paved and pristine, while others venture into rocky territory: if you're planning on completing the entire route, make sure you're prepared.

This sprawling site prides itself on being the only tea plantation in North America. Acres of lush tea bushes spread across the plantation, which has been a commercial operation since the late 1980s. Factory tours, where you'll learn about production and see the machines in action, are free, as is entry to the site. If you want to take in the plantation on a fun trolley tour, however, a charge applies.

The only national park in South Carolina is completely free to visit. It's held up for its biodiversity and vast expanse of hardwood forest, which can be taken in on the easy 2.4-mile (3.9km) Boardwalk Trail. If you want to get out on the water, the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail spools through the wilderness for some 15 miles (24km) and you can rent any equipment you need in nearby Columbia.

The mammoth rock carvings of Mount Rushmore attract millions of visitors per year, and entry to the park is free. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln have peered out from this cliff face since 1941, each selected for their great impact on America's history and progression. The Presidential Trail, circling the monument, offers great views.

This top free attraction is exactly what it sounds like, an otherwise unassuming back alley in Rapid City that's emblazoned with quirky public artworks. The murals, full of graffiti-style lettering, human portraits, and psychedelic patterns, have existed here since 2005, and support the work of local artists. You'll find the art-filled alley between 6th and 7th Streets in the Downtown area.

There's a reason Nashville is touted as Music City: you're never far away from the sound of country or blues or rock 'n' roll, and nowhere is this truer than along neon-drenched Lower Broadway. Though you'll probably want to buy a beer, there's no cover charge for the bars and honky tonks along this fabled street, where you'll find live music every night. If you don't want to spend a single dollar, wandering along the boulevard, listening to the music pouring from the venues, is completely free.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the borders of the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. Thanks to its diverse plant and animal life, plus the beauty of the ancient mountains it's named for, it is often ranked as America's most visited national park. A popular part of the park is Cades Cove, a valley with some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing including white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, groundhogs, and skunks. Entry is free although you will have to pay to park a vehicle.

This mission in San Antonio is famous as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. Here Texans clashed with invading Mexicans during the Texas revolution, in a cross swords that would last almost two weeks. Today it's a preserved historic site and education center, bringing to life this pivotal battle, and remains one of the most-visited attractions in the state.

Opened back in the 1970s, the Kimbell Art Museum, a hub for world-class art in Fort Worth, has thrived for almost five decades. It's revered for its impressive collection, which holds pieces from internationally recognized names including Michelangelo and Monet, plus a huge store of classical antiquities. It's as impressive on the outside as it is on the inside too: the modern building was designed by lauded American architect Louis I. Kahn.

This museum is dedicated to the Mormon migrants who hiked across the nation in the 19th century, in search of new land to settle on. They ended up in Utah, and this site is a tribute to their lives and their struggle. It's an Aladdin's cave of curios, including medical tools and unusual Victorian art made from hair. The museum is also proud to be the largest collection of antiquities on one subject in the world.

While most of Utah's state and national parks charge an admission fee, there's plenty of free stuff to do at this sporty site in Park City. Utah Olympic Park, the legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympics, offers complimentary attractions including the Joe Quinney Winter Sports Center, with its displays on skiing history and the 2002 games themselves. The Discovery Zone, a kid-friendly obstacle course, and the hiking and biking trails around the park are also free.

Vermont's top attraction remains the great outdoors and vast swaths of it can be enjoyed for free. Natural wonders abound here, and this waterfall in Stowe is one of the prettiest. Rushing over great hunks of mossy rock, it's among the largest in the state, with a total drop of 85 feet (26m). It's reached via a gentle woodland hike which forks: hikers can either go left up a steeper climb or to the right to follow the outer edge of the river to the base of the falls.

The pretty New England town of Stowe has attractions aplenty: a postcard-perfect church, acres of color-splashed foliage in fall, and, of course, world-class ski trails. The dinky Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum is free to enter (though donations are appreciated) and is dedicated to highlighting and preserving the state's skiing heritage. It's tucked away in the 19th-century Town Meeting House, which is an attraction in itself.

This center forms part of Washington DC's celebrated Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Located in Chantilly, the Virginia branch continues the work of its sister site, showcasing more than 1,000 items related to aviation. Highlights include a lofty observation tower, plus the chance to watch as aircraft are painstakingly preserved at the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar. Entry is free but parking is around $15.

The buzzy Virginia Beach Boardwalk stretches out for three miles (4.8km), flanked by a sandy strand on one side and plenty of shops, sleek hotels, and restaurants on the other. When summer's in full swing, you'll find talented folks from musicians to magicians putting on free performances for passers-by. It's also worth pausing to admire the striking bronze Neptune statue, which towers over visitors at 24 feet (7.3m), and exploring Neptune's Park, with its annual art show.

A haven for contemporary art, this gallery opened in 1952. It began as a small private collection owned by local businessman Charles Frye and his wife before it was gifted to the city. The founding collection remains and is a great tribute to German art in particular, but today fresh, rotating exhibitions join it, including those celebrating modern local artists. Once you're finished here, the (free to enter) Pike Place Market is an easy walk away.

Beautiful North Cascades, with its lakes, glaciers, mountains, and dense forestland, is one of the most underrated sites in the national park system and among the 10 least visited national parks. When you consider the fact that the park is entirely free, this fact becomes all the more mystifying. You can experience this unspoiled wilderness on myriad trails, which range from straightforward hikes (such as the Bridge Creek Trail) to much more strenuous and challenging undertakings (including the Sourdough Mountain Trail). Pictured is Diablo Lake, in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area.

With its bold rotunda and elegant whitewashed facade, this is one of America's most beautiful capitol buildings. The architect, Ohio native Cass Gilbert, also worked on some of the nation's earliest skyscrapers, including New York City's Woolworth Building. It holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, and free tours of its interior can be arranged.

West Virginia's strapline is 'Almost Heaven,' (a nod to the 1970s John Denver track) and amid the Coopers Rock State Forest, it's not hard to see why. The eponymous Coopers Rock is a knot of mighty sandstone bluffs and the entire park extends over 12,747 acres. While hiking the many scenic, wooded trails is free, popular things to do that will cost you include skiing in season and overnighting at one of the site's 25 campgrounds.

This intriguing museum belongs to the University of Wisconsin but remains dedicated to educating the public. With roots dating right back to 1848, the museum has gathered more than 120,000 specimens, including an impressive store of dinosaur fossils. Self-guided tours are free, but if you want an expert to show you around, you'll need to pay $3.

The S.C. Johnson Wax Headquarters might not sound like much of a tourist attraction, but when you discover the building was designed by famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (whose greatest feats included the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York), you'll realize why it carries such appeal. Ninety-minute tours of the building, including its innovative Great Workroom, are available from Thursday through to Sunday. There's no fee, but you'll need to book in advance.

To really get to grips with Wyoming, you'll need to venture outdoors, and this site is both a natural and historic wonder. Castle Gardens, in the state's center, is famed for its petroglyphs, detailed rock art, and carvings thought to date back to around AD 1000. The ones you'll find here mostly depict armed warriors. It's a somewhat rocky and remote drive out here, but it's free to explore and worth it for such a wholesome dose of history.

This stunning refuge sprawls over 24,700 acres, close to Grand Teton National Park, and its meadows provide a habitat for wintering elk each year. The site was established in the early 19th century after rapid development affected the migratory routes of the Jackson Elk Herd, and today that herd numbers up to 11,000, although typically it's around 7,000. Beyond the elk themselves, you'll get fantastic views of the Teton Range and may also spot bison, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, and bighorn sheep. 

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