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 79,837 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.
Missoula is a place where more than rivers meet. Nestled in the mountains of western Montana at the confluence of three rivers and five valleys, Missoula offers the best of both worlds—small-town charm and big-city amenities. Surrounded by wilderness yet anchored by a vibrant, walkable downtown, Missoula blends culture and nature effortlessly. With 15 direct markets from major hubs across the country, Missoula is closer than you think. Attendees will arrive with ease, collaborate in venues with a view and build authentic connections over brewery tours, river floats and trail adventures and endless cultural amenities. With friendly hands-on planning assistance and full-service convention support, Destination Missoula makes event organizing seamless, memorable and anything but ordinary.
The best trips leave a lasting impression—not a lasting impact. Sustainable travel does not mean having to sacrifice adventure and experiences, and a trip to Missoula, Montana, means getting the best of both worlds. In Missoula, thoughtful stewardship is woven into everyday life, so many of the choices that help protect our green spaces, waterways and support the local community also create rich and meaningful travel experiences. Whether you're hopping on a bus from the airport or to a trailhead, floating the river with a shuttle service, dining at restaurants committed to reducing waste and using locally-sourced ingredients or shopping from local makers, many of the most memorable experiences are also the most responsible. From touchdown to takeoff, Missoula makes it easy to explore responsibly, support local and help preserve the places that make your visit unforgettable.
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.
