There’s this place where fall is more than a season–it is an experience, a feeling, and a chance to connect. Missoula, Montana, is the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and cultural connection. It’s a place where you can spend the morning exploring the vast Montana wilderness, the afternoon browsing downtown galleries and shops, and the evening clinking glasses at a cozy brewery or listening to live music. There’s an energy here this time of year that makes autumn weekends unforgettable. Maybe it is part college-town buzz from the University of Montana, part laid-back mountain town charm, and part postcard-worthy scenery, but fall in Missoula is the ideal backdrop for a weekend that’s both adventurous and restorative. If you are looking for an iconic weekend getaway to soak up all things fall, you have found the perfect place!
Fall is hands-down one of the best times to explore Missoula’s outdoors. The trails are alive with color, the air is crisp, and the crowds are fewer. Hike up the iconic “M” Trail for sweeping views of the valley, or wander in the changing colors on the Rattlesnake Trail. Fall is still plenty warm to take to the rivers, too, and the Clark Fork and Bitterroot rivers are perfect for a scenic boat trip or a relaxing fly-fishing outing. Fall is also the perfect time to rent a cruiser bike or meander along the Riverfront Trail, where the gorgeous and fiery foliage will make you forget that you are in the heart of the city.
The gorgeous fall colors and natural beauty of western Montana mean that scenic driving is a must-do activity. Take a scenic drive up the Seeley-Swan Valley where alpine lakes mirror the changing colors in crystal-clear mountain waters, explore the charming communities in the stunning Bitterroot Valley, or plan a driving tour of the National Bison Range where you can take in the majestic snow-capped Mission Mountain range while taking in the American bison in its natural habitat. Regardless of where you go in and around Missoula, scenic beauty is sure to greet you like an old friend.
Missoula is the kind of place where you can find wood-fired pizza, fresh sushi, and classic Western fare all in the same block, which means you never have to look too long or hard for a delicious meal. Missoula’s food scene features farm-to-table dinners, casual pub fare, or cozy neighborhood spots where the servers and guests greet you like old friends. Local food is a way of life in Missoula, and many restaurants feature a rotating seasonal menu with local produce, meats, and cheeses to try. And because it’s fall, don’t skip Missoula’s breweries and cideries. Seasonal pours including pumpkin ales and locally crafted ciders taste especially good with a view of the changing mountains.
Missoula is the hub of arts and culture in western Montana, and fall is the perfect time to explore. Downtown galleries showcase new and local works during First Friday, when locals spill into the streets to enjoy art, live music, and festive fall flavors. The Missoula Art Museum is always worth a stop, offering contemporary exhibits with a distinctly Montana flair and free admission. History buffs will find plenty to explore too, from the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula to self-guided walking tours of Missoula’s historic downtown districts.
Autumn weekends in Missoula are packed with energy and excitement. On select Saturdays when the University of Montana Griz play, the whole town comes to life with UM spirit. From tailgating to viewing parties to the roar of Washington-Grizzly Stadium, there’s nothing quite like a fall game in Missoula. But fall is about more than football–Missoula’s music scene maintains its summer momentum all throughout the fall. Catch a concert at the historic Wilma Theatre or experience an unforgettable show under the stars at one of the last concerts of the season at KettleHouse Amphitheater. For a more intimate evening, slip into a local brewery or bar to hear local acts in a laid-back setting. The farmers markets, taking place every Saturday morning in downtown Missoula, continue to wow with local produce, meats, cheeses, prepared foods, and local food trucks, and paired with the crisp morning air makes for the perfect fall morning. No matter how you spend your weekend in Missoula, you are sure to find plenty to entertain!
