Destination Missoula provides resources to local and national media professionals developing stories on the area. Learn more and drop us a line below.
Welcome to Missoula, we are excited to share our city with you! Missoula is unlike any other city in the Rocky Mountains. Nestled in the mountains and surrounded by wilderness areas, Missoula is home to outdoor enthusiasts as well as writers and artists giving Missoula it’s unique art and culture scene that blends seamlessly with outdoor adventures. On any given day you can find kayakers and surfers out on Brennan’s Wave in the Clark Fork River while on the riverbank an artist may be painting.
Missoula is the centrally located in Western Montana amongst the Rocky Mountains. It is approximately 385 miles south of Calgary, Alberta; 478 miles east of Seattle, Washington; 894 miles north of Denver, Colorado and 1,182 miles west of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Missoula has a population of approximately 69,000 residents.
The largest industries are agriculture, tourism, forestry, health care and education.
With a fairly mild climate year round, the average temperature in Missoula is 25 degrees Fahrenheit in January and 80 degrees in July. The region is fairly arid and receives about 13 inches of moisture per year. The valleys receive about 40 to 60 inches of annual snowfall, while the mountains receive up to 350 inches. In the valleys, the growing season is typically 100 to 125 days.
Country United States
State Montana
County Missoula
Founded 1866
Mayor Andrea Davis
City 23.9 sq mi (61.9 km2)
Land 23.8 sq mi (61.6 km2)
Water 0 sq mi (0 km2)
Elevation 3,209 ft (978 m)
Destination Missoula provides assistance to press curating stories about Missoula as a travel destination. Have questions about our area? Need images of our iconic areas or assistance coordinating a press visit? We have the answers and are happy to help guide you to the information you seek for your Destination Missoula story.
Nestled in the Northern Rockies of Montana, surrounded by seven wilderness areas and at the confluence of three rivers, Missoula is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Missoula is known for its blue-ribbon trout fishing (made famous by A River Runs Through It) and spectacular natural beauty. Take a relaxing hike or exhilarating bike ride in over 60,000 acres of wilderness minutes from your hotel. The opportunities are limitless. Not to mention Missoula’s close proximity to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks.
Missoula has unparalleled natural beauty and the cultural vibrancy to make your experience unforgettable. You can kayak, raft, tube or surf in downtown on the Clark Fork River. That’s right – we surf our rivers in Missoula and Brennan’s Wave, located in the middle of downtown, is the perf ect place to learn.
So, in a place like Missoula, it is hard to compete with the great outdoors. Fortunately, Missoula’s arts and culture scene is a worthy contender and it is just right down the street from the action. From contemporary to Western art galleries and museums, an award-winning symphony, world-famous ballet, live theatre and international festivals, Missoula is replete with cultural experiences to satisfy every taste.
There are certain foods that “shout” Missoula. Freshly caught trout, wild huckleberries and Dixon melons just scratch the surface. Missoula is all about sustainable, locally sourced, farm-to-table epicurean experiences. From five-star restaurants to a budding food truck culture, and everything in-between, this foodie’s haven will satisfy the most discerning tastes and varied pocketbooks. Handcrafted beers, wine, coffee and distilled liquors perfectly compliment every meal and are signature Missoula.
Please fill out the form below, give us a call or email us if you have any questions.
Submit the following Media Request form at least 30 days prior to your departure. If you are a freelance travel journalist, please also submit a letter of assignment with your editor's contact information as well as 3-5 travel articles published within the past 12 months. The submitted travel articles must include the journalist's byline and date.
