There is no place in the world quite like Missoula, Montana. Nestled in the heart of five river valleys and surrounded by pristine mountains, Missoula is a cultural hub in the heart of the expansive Montana wilderness. No matter when you visit, Missoula has something to offer for every type of traveler. From outdoor recreation and adventure to cultural exploration and exceptional dining options, this place is somewhere you have to experience to believe. With so much to see and do in Missoula, be sure to take in these must-sees during your visit.
The University of Montana is located in Missoula at the base of Mount Sentinel and the famous “M” trail. UM’s campus is absolutely gorgeous, with winding paths through the various academic buildings, deciduous trees that turn into vibrant hues of golds and reds in the fall months, and interesting museums and cultural centers along the way. Washington-Grizzly stadium, named the best FSC stadium experiences by Stadium Journey, becomes the 6th largest town in Montana every football home game Saturday as 26,000 fans pack in to cheer on the Griz. In addition, the stadium, alongside the Adams Center, play host to huge musical headliners as well throughout the year.
Missoula’s Farmers Market scene is unlike any you have experienced before. Named #4 in the country by USA Today in 2022, Missoula features not one, not two, but three summer Saturday markets. The Missoula Farmers Mark and the Clark Fork River Market feature local produce, meats and cheeses, prepared products, food trucks, and other delicious items, while the Missoula Peoples Market features locally crafted artisan creations. Montanans are wildly supportive of local farmers, ranchers, and vendors, and visitors and locals alike support these hard-working entrepreneurs every market day. It is truly a can’t-miss experience when in Missoula.
The Clark Fork River runs through the heart of Missoula (Norman Maclean did name his novel A River Runs Through It for a reason, after all), and a wonderful trail system runs along the river, ebbing and flowing into pockets of downtown Missoula and beyond. Take to the lighted trail by foot or by bike (both four-season activities in Missoula) and explore all the pockets and gems that lay in wait for you. From parks and natural spaces to restaurants and museums, the Riverfront Trail System truly offers the highlights of Missoula all packed together in one easily-accessible and breathtaking place.
Downtown Missoula is made up of two distinct parts: downtown on the north of the river and Hip Strip on the south, with the Clark Fork dividing the two. Accessed along the Higgins Street Bridge, the Hip Strip of downtown has its own vibrant personality that visitors need to experience to fully understand. While small (approximately 3 square blocks, actually), Hip Strip bursts with vibrance, art, life and really, really good foods. Be sure to check out this historic and iconic neighborhood of Missoula on your next trip.
There are many gorgeous spots to take in the majesty that is Missoula and the surrounding wilderness, but perhaps none is as iconic or as easily accessible as the view from the famous “M’ trail on Mount Sentinel. The journey to the M is short and steep, climbing 620 feet along a scenic ¾ mile hike that includes 13 switchbacks, each one bringing more of the gorgeous view from the top into sight. This iconic hike is a must-do when in Missoula and is a perfect spot to take in the sunset.
It is hard to think of Missoula without picturing the scenic beauty of the town and surrounding mountains and forests, but many do not immediately associate Missoula as being the top-rate arts and cultural town that it is. With so much inspiration in the natural beauty around us, it can’t be much of a shock that artists and creators have flocked to western Montana for decades. And for this, Missoula is home to dozens of galleries, innumerable public art displays and statues. Every First Friday, the town hosts free art displays (often with drinks and snacks) and everyone takes in the creations of the people who live here. It seems that every other weekend you can find pop ups and art markets and MADE festivals to support local artists. The arts scene in Missoula is hard to miss, and it is truly something that makes this place one of a kind.
When in Missoula, do as the Missoulians do and take to the water! While the Clark Fork River runs through town, the Bitterroot and Blackfoot rivers merge and flow with the Clark Fork to provide miles or waterways to explore. The activity most associated with Montana would have to be fly-fishing, and it is not hard to find a place to cast a line (or a guide to take you to one) when in Missoula. Boating and floating the Clark Fork is a favorite pastime of locals and visitors alike, along with standup paddle boarding and river surfing in the warmer months. No matter how you take to the water, it is a must-do when you are in Missoula.
Music is a way of life in Missoula. You would be hard pressed to go out in Missoula on any day of the week and not catch a local act or a huge headliner on stage. Missoula’s live music scene is surprising to some: we have two outdoor amphitheaters (KettleHouse and Big Sky Brewing) along with UM's Washington Grizzly Stadium which brings huge headliners into our small mountain town every summer. Additionally, Missoula has several large indoor facilities including the Adams Center on UM’s campus and the historic Wilma in downtown, and a number of larger clubs like TopHat Lounge. And this is just to name a few. Huge headliners make their way to Missoula every summer to pack the amphitheaters and perform under the big sky, and every year in the summer downtown Missoula comes to life with performers at events such as the farmers markets, Symphony in the Park, River City Roots Festival and Out To Lunch. When it comes to live music, Missoula has it going on.
Visitors to Missoula will not have to look long or hard to find a place for a delicious meal. It seems that on every corner is a bistro, a bakery, a brewery or a local eatery that boasts delicious cuisine ranging from traditional American grub to top-notch international flavors. Many chefs work hard to source local ingredients from farmers and ranchers, which is obvious in the quality of the meals they create. Rotating seasonal menus are the name of the game at most Missoula eateries. And if craft cocktails and beer are your thing, then you are in the right place. Missoula’s craft drink scene is one you will just have to sip and see for yourself.
Looking out at the expansive mountains surrounding town is inspiring, but there is something truly special about being in those mountains along the many hiking and biking trails that crisscross and make Missoula an outdoor lover’s paradise. Popular areas include Blue Mountain to the west, the Rattlesnake Recreation Area to the north, Pattee Canyon to the south, and the iconic hikes of Mount Jumbo and Mount Sentinel, to name just a few that are within the town borders. The gorgeous Greenough Park is just a hop and skip from the heart of downtown and follows the bustling Rattlesnake Creek before it feeds into the Clark Fork. You cannot go wrong when it comes to hiking in Missoula. Whether you are looking for a short, casual jaunt or a strenuous hike, Missoula has a trail for everyone.
