On this go at your own pace historical walking audio tour of downtown, you'll discover how Missoula transformed from a 19th-century trading post into a vibrant cultural center.
The tour begins in the heart of downtown. You'll weave through Missoula's historic streets, exploring buildings like the elegant Florence Hotel and passing landmarks that showcase the city's evolution from railroad hub to automobile center. You'll learn about the contentious relationship between the city's founding father, C.P. Higgins, and his business rival, Andrew Hammond, whose competition shaped downtown's development.
You'll cross the Clark Fork River with views of Brennan's Wave and see the Spanish Mission Revival-style Milwaukee Road Depot. You'll explore the “seedier” side of Missoula's history, including tales of notorious madams like Mary “Mother” Gleim, whose exploits included diamond smuggling and attempted murder. The tour ends at the historic Missoula Mercantile, now beautifully preserved as part of the Residence Inn, where you can browse historical artifacts and artwork.
During this go at your own pace 90-minute journey into Missoula's past, you'll have a chance to:
-Visit the Wilma Theater, an eight-story “skyscraper,"
-Discover the story behind Missoula's name
-See historic buildings along “Gasoline Alley"
-Learn how labor activists fought for free speech rights on Missoula's street corners
-Explore Art Moderne and Romanesque Revival architecture throughout the downtown area
-View the iconic M on Mount Sentinel
-Walk in the footsteps of Missoula's early settlers, railroad workers, madams, and entrepreneurs on this journey through a city that blends Western history with modern mountain-town vibrancy.
The audio tour can be taken at any time, all at once, or split up into multiple days. The tour works off GPS points, so all that's required to listen is to be in the tour area. Grab your headphones and download your audio tour today! Group discounts available.
