Fall is a special time of year to be in Missoula, Montana. The crisp morning gives way to brilliantly blue afternoons, where the town buzzes with the spirit of the changing season. The weather isn’t the only change—vibrant oranges, reds and golds put on a show in the mountains and valleys surrounding town, and menus around the city begin to feature local ingredients that match the autumnal theme. Situated in the heart of western Montana and conveniently accessed off interstate 90, Missoula is a perfect place for a weekend getaway. There is no shortage of ways to experience a Missoula weekend during the fall months, but here are some of our favorites!
Missoula is home to the University of Montana Grizzlies, and there is perhaps no better way to get a feel for the spirit of Missoula than by taking in the sights, sounds, smells and events of a Griz home football weekend. Start Saturday in downtown Missoula with breakfast to fuel up for the big day, then proudly don your maroon and head toward campus! The University of Montana’s campus is particularly beautiful in the fall—tailgate along the treelined walkways, enjoy the perfect temperatures of fall and take in the architectural and scenic beauty of the oldest college campus in the state of Montana.
Around Washington-Grizzly Stadium, the tailgates, marching band and crowds of fans make the hours before kickoff an event of their own. Once the game begins, join the roar from the stands—or find a local spot showing the game if you prefer to cheer over a local brew and some delicious gameday snacks.
Make a weekend of it by arriving Friday for dinner and a show, and then save Sunday for a slower morning savoring the great outdoors. A walk along the Clark Fork River is a welcome change of pace after a lively game day, and the view of Mt. Sentinel from the iconic “M” trail overlooking campus offers one last glimpse of Griz country before you head home.
Planning your Griz weekend? Plan ahead and secure your hotel for game day weekend—home game weekends bring plenty of visitors to town!
As the weather cools and the promise of winter lies on the horizon, Missoula beckons for cozy relaxation and a weekend of soul-warming experiences. Begin each morning with a carefully brewed espresso or coffee drink from a downtown cafe (there are plenty of options to choose from), then browse the independent stores and galleries. From shops specializing in Montana-made gifts and cozy bookstores that steal your hours in the best way to galleries featuring local artists and boutiques selling the latest trends, you will find no shortage of ways to explore. Pop into the Missoula Art Museum for a quiet afternoon among contemporary art—admission is free! If your idea of relaxation calls for a little more pampering, book a massage or spa treatment and give yourself permission to leave the rest of the day unscheduled.
Missoula makes it easy to settle in and stay a while, but “cozy” does not have to mean staying inside. Take an easy walk beside the Clark Fork River on the Riverfront Trail or beneath the changing trees in the University District. Take a self-guided or guided walking tour of Missoula and learn about the historic buildings and interesting histories of our town while enjoying the many murals and public art displays the town has to offer. Then find a bistro or corner cafe to enjoy a bite to eat before ending the evening with live music at the Wilma or Top Hat, a classic movie at The Roxy or a craft beer or cocktail at a cozy bar. You will find that Missoula was made for slowing down and savoring in the fall!
Missoula takes “local food” seriously, fall weekend gives you time to taste your way through it all! From breweries and coffee shops to food trucks and fine dining establishments and everything in between, the flavors of autumn burst forth on menus around town.
If you visit in September or October while the nationally recognized farmers markets are open, start your Saturday wandering the booths featuring fresh produce, mouth-watering baked goods and locally-prepared foods at the downtown farmers markets. Pick up a snack, talk with a local farmer or rancher, and let what is in season set the tone for the day.
Keep exploring with lunch at a food truck or cafe, followed by a stop at a local brewery or cidery. For dinner, look for a restaurant featuring Montana ingredients or a changing seasonal menu. Top Hat is one option for locally sourced fare, while Bayern Brewing pairs its beer with Bavarian-inspired food. Leave room the next day for one last coffee and pastry. After all, a foodie weekend should never feel rushed and in Missoula, the options are truly endless.
Take one look at a map or at the Missoula skyline and it is easy to see why Missoula is a haven for outdoor recreation. With thousands of acres of wilderness to explore and situated at the confluence of three rivers and five valleys, you will not have to look long or hard for opportunities for outdoor adventures in Missoula in the fall.
Set out early for the climb to the “M” on Mt. Sentinel, where the view opens over the city and its surrounding mountains. If you would rather spend more time among the trees, choose a trail in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area or Blue Mountain Recreation Area. Fall conditions can change quickly, so check the forecast and trail conditions before you go and always pack your layers!
Looking to stay closer to town? Consider a walk or bike ride along the Riverfront Trail, which winds through the shops and distinct neighborhoods of Missoula’s downtown and surrounding districts. For a gentler outing beyond the center of town, Maclay Flat offers a relatively level loop beside the Bitterroot River. Is fishing your activity of choice? Hire a guide or take to the river banks on your own to cast a line in our gold-ribbon waters (a river really does run through it here in Missoula). Whether your ideal adventure is all-day trail time or a leisurely jaunt outside, Missoula gives you plenty of ways to meet the season on the trail.
Of course, nothing screams “fall season” quite like Halloween, and Missoula knows how to celebrate the spooky season with festive chills and frightful thrills. Missoula offers options for visitors who want either festive fun or a genuine fright during the Halloween season. Spend the daylight hours picking a pumpkin at Turner Farms or exploring the Missoula Fall Fest. When night falls, those in search of scares can make the drive south to Field of Screams near Victor. If haunted attractions are not your style, plan a costume dinner or look for a seasonal performance or a community event in town. Halloween offerings depend on the weekend, so browse the Destination Missoula events calendar before you arrive.
However you like to spend a weekend—cheering in the stands, lingering over dinner, climbing toward a view or searching for a little Halloween magic—fall in Missoula gives you a reason to come and a reason to stay one more day.
