We get it—as wonderful as traveling is, it can be challenging to stay active and healthy when away from home. The combination of different routines and eating out most meals can create a health funk. But don't worry. Missoula was recently named one of the top 10 most fitness friendly places in the country by SmartAsset, which means there are plenty of opportunities to stay fit and on track with your health goals while visiting Montana.
Missoula is home to four-season outdoor fitness. When the great outdoors are right outside your door, it comes as no surprise that outdoor activity is the name of the game.
In the warmer months, the options are limitless: run the Riverfront Trail through town, close to many hotels and shopping regions; hike in the hills and mountains on the edge of town or in one of the many wilderness areas and national forests that are a short drive from Missoula; mountain bike in the Blue Mountain area or in the Rattlesnake Recreation area; kayak, SUP, or raft the Clark Fork River; and so much more.
During winter, hit the slopes! Downhill skiing is a favorite past time. Snowbowl is the closest ski hill, but areas like Discovery Ski Area and Lost Trail are also a short drive away. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing abounds in Missoula—you can rent gear from the Trailhead if needed. Also, the trail systems through town are well maintained so you can run or walk along the Riverfront or Milwaukee trails all year round.
Additionally, Missoula is home to many boutique fitness studios including yoga at Hot House Yoga or Inner Harmony Yoga and spin and fitness classes at places like HypeHouse, the Sweat Shop, or Sobba Cycle. There are many traditional membership-based gyms in Missoula as well that offer day passes such as The Source, the Women's Club, and Peak Wellness.
While most restaurants have healthy menu options—like salads, soups and low carb or calorie mains—there are a few places that take the cake for healthy foods. The Green Source serves up delicious green smoothies that are perfect for breakfast, for a snack or as a meal replacement. The Good Food Store, one of our personal favorites, has great options for all diets (plus their deli and bulk foods section is a dream for health food fans). Market on Front has some seriously scrumptious and local salads, and they have a great deli section with various cold salads like a curried chicken salad or pasta salad.
For vegan options, check out our blog "Eating Vegan In Missoula."
Traveling can be the perfect time to take care of your wellness, and Missoula has no shortage of spas and health centers for you to relax and give your body a much needed treat. Enlyten Lab Float Center offers float therapy, where you can float your worries away in a room with no sound, no light and no gravity. Enlyten also has massage therapy, an infrared sauna, massage therapy and yoga. Additionally, places like Skin Chic, Apothecary Aesthetics, Sorella's, and Cedar Creek Spa and Salon offer traditional spa services ranging from facials and massages to nail care and waxing services. Each business has a unique speciality, so be sure to call or view their service menus online.
