A Wheelchair-Accessible Summer Trip to Missoula, Montana

In summer, Missoula comes alive. Green hills roll into town, wildflowers line the trails and the Clark Fork River sets the rhythm of the day. Locals and visitors gather at farmers markets, outdoor concerts and sunny patios, sharing the easy, friendly spirit that defines this place. Along the river, it’s common to spot deer, osprey and other wildlife just steps from downtown.

Everything in this itinerary—from places to eat to ways to get around—has been confirmed to be ADA accessible, so you can explore Missoula with confidence and ease.

Day 1 – Welcome to Missoula

After you arrive, check into your hotel and relax. When you are ready, explore downtown Missoula. Everything listed below is nearby and accessible.

Visit Caras Park
123 Carousel Drive

Enjoy this riverside park in the heart of downtown.

Things to do:

• Missoula Carousel – 101 Carousel Drive
  
• Riverfront Trail – a paved trail along the Clark Fork River
  
• Brennan’s Wave – watch river surfers from the Higgins Avenue Bridge or Caras Park overlook

Dinner

Top Hat Restaurant & Bar
134 West Front Street

This local favorite serves fresh, house-made food.

Try:

• Chorizo Mac & Cheese
  
• Poke Bowl with wild-caught ahi

Dessert (Optional)

Sweet Peaks Ice Cream
223 W Front Street

Try their rotating flavors or a fruit sorbet.

Bigfoot Cookies
101 S Higgins Avenue

Favorites:

• Crème Brûlée cookie
  
• Lemon Coconut cookie

Day 2 – Museums, Trails and Local Food

Breakfast 

Market on Front
201 E Front Street

Large breakfast burritos and easy, casual dining.

Museum Visit 

Museum of Mountain Flying
5843 Museum Way

Learn about Montana’s aviation history, smokejumpers and wildfire pilots. Tours are available when you arrive.

Lunch 

The Camino
105 N Pattee St

A Missoula-based Mexican kitchen and agave bar built around house-made nixtamalized heirloom-corn tortillas and seasonally inspired regional dishes from across Mexico.

Afternoon Activity

Spend the afternoon on paved trails along the Clark Fork River.
These flat, scenic paths are great for wheelchairs and offer mountain and river views.

Dinner

Pangea Bar & Restaurant
223 N Higgins Avenue

A modern downtown restaurant with a James Beard finalist chef.
Everything on the menu is high quality.

Day 3 – Art, Food and Butterflies

Breakfast

Café Mimosa
101 S Higgins Avenue

Try:

• Açaí bowl
  
• Cuban Benedict
  
• Smoked Salmon Benedict

Explore Missoula’s Art Scene

All of these are downtown and accessible.

Missoula Art Museum
335 N Pattee Street
Note: The downstairs restroom is the most accessible.

Dana Gallery
246 N Higgins Avenue

Montana Museum of Art & Culture
795 S 5th Street East

Lunch

Doc’s Sandwich Shop
214 N Higgins Avenue

Try the Dr. Who sandwich. It’s a classic.

Afternoon

Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium
1075 South Avenue West, Suite 2

Enjoy close-up views of butterflies, beetles and other insects in an accessible indoor space.

Afterward, return to your hotel to rest or visit more art galleries.

Dinner

1889 Steakhouse
104 N Higgins Avenue

A modern, upscale restaurant using regional ingredients.

Start with:

• Pan-fried crab cakes

Then enjoy steak or seafood.

Day 4 – Fishing 

Breakfast 

Ruby’s Café
2101 Regent Street

A classic diner made famous by Yellowstone.
Try a skillet or eggs benedict.

Accessible Fishing Trip

Drive about 45 minutes to St. Ignatius.

Hydrologistics Montana
Offers:

• Wheelchair-accessible drift boats
  
• Adaptive fishing stations
  
• Scenic floats if you prefer not to fish
  

Trip details:

• Up to 4 people
  
• Half-day (4–5 hours, weather dependent)
  
• State fishing license required (3-day license available)
  

Rest Time

Return to your hotel to relax after your river trip.

Dinner 

Cucina Florabella
500 Brooks Street

A modern Italian restaurant.

Try:

• Fresh, house-made pasta
  
• Any seasonal special