If a trip to Mars sounds as out-of-this-world as today’s gas and food prices, it doesn’t have to be. That’s because Butler County (home to quaint and quirky towns like Mars, Harmony, Saxonburg, Slippery Rock, Zelienople and Butler) is celebrating summer with lots of fantastic freebies that will give any budget-conscience vacationer tons of summer fun. 

Take advantage of these free things to do in Butler County this summer:

Take a hike

Butler County’s great outdoors offers a great escape. Moraine State Park, Jennings Environmental Education Center, Succop Conservancy and the Audobon Society’s Todd Sanctuary are just a few of the places where you can enjoy a day of happy trails for free. 

Area trails include:

• Moraine State Park: Jump on the North Country Trail, part of a multi-state trail system, or spot butterflies and wildflowers on the Butterfly Trail at McDanels Launch;

• Succop Conservancy:  Stroll around the loop trail on the Conservancy grounds. Pack a picnic and enjoy a scenic snack on the peninsula in the middle of the lake;

• Jennings: Don’t miss the prairie trail in July and August where an array of wildflowers, including the rare blazing star, bring the prairie to life with their brilliant colors.

Enjoy a concert

Many of Butler County’s quaint small towns host free concert series during the summer days and evenings. The communities of Butler, Cranberry Township and Harmony present a diverse schedule of music acts for all ages. The Succop Theater at Butler County Community College also offers a free concert series.  From the symphony and jazz to country and soul, grab a lawn chair and come out to enjoy Butler County’s free sounds of summer.

Have a drink

Try some free wine samples at Winfield Winery or Rustic Acres Winery. If learning how to make your favorite beverage sounds nearly as fun as drinking it, check out the free wine and beer making classes held monthly at Porter House Brew Shop.

Ride a bike

The Butler Freeport Community Trail, Butler County’s one and only rails-to-trails trail, features a crushed limestone surface that is perfect for bike riders of all ages to enjoy. In addition to biking, the trail is open for walking, birdwatching and wildflower viewing. Moraine State Park also features a paved loop trail (7.5 miles each way) that winds through the park and along the shoreline.

Play some golf