Missoula, Montana: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Are you ready to explore the vibrant heart of Montana? Missoula is a city surrounded by five stunning mountain ranges and the Clark Fork River. It's a place where outdoor adventures, cultural treasures, and delicious food come together. From hiking trails to arts and music, Missoula has something for everyone.

Get ready to discover the top attractions and hidden gems of this mountain oasis. It's a must-visit destination in the Treasure State.

Key Takeaways

• Missoula is surrounded by five different mountain ranges, providing endless outdoor recreation opportunities.
• The city's vibrant downtown features the Caras Park Riverwalk, a historic theater, and a beloved carousel.
• Missoula is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with art galleries, live music, and community events.
• Foodies will delight in Missoula's top-notch restaurants, craft breweries, and iconic ice cream shop.
• The University of Montana campus is a hub for family-friendly activities and historical exploration.

Outdoor Adventures in Missoula

Missoula, in the heart of Montana, is a dream for nature lovers. It's surrounded by the stunning Bitterroot National Forest and Rattlesnake Wilderness. The city is full of outdoor activities Missoula for everyone to try.

Hiking Trails around Missoula

The "M" Trail on Mount Sentinel is a favorite for hikers. It offers amazing views of the city and mountains. Other trails like Blue Mountain Nature Trail and Hellgate Canyon Trail also provide unique experiences and beautiful sights.

River Activities on the Clark Fork

The Clark Fork River runs right through Missoula. It's perfect for floating, kayaking, and enjoying the city's beauty. For those who love adventure, the Alberton Gorge offers thrilling whitewater rafting.

Missoula is also great for biking. With bike-friendly paths, it's easy to explore the city and its surroundings. Shops like Spotted Dog Cycles offer bike rentals, and the Missoula to Lolo trail is a scenic 7-mile ride.

"Missoula offers a combination of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and a thriving food and drink scene."

Missoula has something for everyone. Whether you're up for a tough hike, a calm river float, or an exciting whitewater ride, there's an activity for you.

Downtown Missoula Attractions

Downtown Missoula is the city's lively heart. It's filled with historic landmarks, cultural spots, and public areas. The Wilma Theater, a 1920s gem, is a top attraction. It's known for its diverse events, from plays to concerts.

The Caras Park along the Missoula Riverfront is a favorite spot. It has a beautiful riverwalk, art, and hosts events like farmers markets and concerts. A stroll here offers stunning views of the Clark Fork River.

Don't miss the Missoula County Courthouse and the Missoula Public Library. The courthouse is historic and grand. The library is modern with a rooftop terrace for city views. Downtown Missoula has something for everyone, from art to history.

Missoula's Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene

Missoula, Montana, is a lively town with a rich arts and culture scene. It attracts visitors from all over. The Missoula Art Museum displays a wide range of contemporary art by local and national artists. It gives a peek into the community's creative heartbeat.

Missoula's art galleries, like Dana Gallery and Radius Gallery, showcase unique works. You'll find paintings, sculptures, and mixed media that highlight the city's artistic talent. Art lovers can dive into the local culture by visiting these galleries and meeting Missoula's artists.

The performing arts are also a big part of Missoula's culture. The historic Wilma Theater hosts various shows, concerts, and events. It brings audiences into the world of live performances. Missoula's music scene is also vibrant, with places like The Roxy Theatre and Top Hat Restaurant & Bar hosting live music.

Missoula offers a rich experience for those interested in the arts. Whether you love visual arts, performing arts, or Missoula's cultural life, this city welcomes you. It's a place where you can truly connect with the arts and feel the spirit of Montana.

Local Cuisine and Craft Breweries

Missoula's food scene is vibrant and diverse. It offers a wide range of local cuisine and craft breweries. You can find acclaimed restaurants like the 1889 Steakhouse, Zoo Thai, and Michi Ramen. They serve innovative dishes with exceptional flavors, highlighting the Missoula food scene.

Big Dipper Ice Cream

A visit to Missoula isn't complete without Big Dipper Ice Cream. It's famous for its handcrafted, creamy scoops in unique flavors like huckleberry and mint oreo. This local favorite has been a hit with both residents and tourists for years.

Missoula's Top Restaurants

Missoula has a wide range of Missoula restaurants for every taste. You can enjoy hearty steaks at 1889 Steakhouse, authentic Thai cuisine at Zoo Thai, and delicious ramen at Michi Ramen. The Missoula dining scene will satisfy any palate.

Missoula is also known for its Missoula craft breweries. You can try expertly crafted beers at places like Bayern Brewing Company, Big Sky Brewing, and Draught Works. Each offers unique and flavorful brews.

Whether you want a scoop of Big Dipper Ice Cream or a flight of Missoula craft breweries, the Missoula food scene will impress and surprise you.

Family-Friendly Fun in Missoula

Missoula, Montana, is a lively city perfect for families. It offers adventure and fun for everyone. The University of Montana campus is a top spot for activities and sights for all ages.

University of Montana Campus

The "M" hike on Mount Sentinel is a must for families. It gives stunning views of the city and mountains. On campus, you can see beautiful grounds, visit the art museum, or watch a show at the performing arts center.

The campus is also home to the famous Grizzly football team. It's a great place for sports fans.

Missoula's downtown has many attractions for families. Caras Park, by the Clark Fork River, has a carousel and a playground. It's perfect for kids to play and for families to relax. The city also has many community events, like the weekly Out to Lunch food truck market. These events are fun for kids and adults alike.

Missoula is great for hiking, exploring arts and culture, or trying local food. It's a fantastic place for families looking for a fun vacation. With outdoor adventures, city attractions, and community events, Missoula will delight everyone.

Historical Landmarks and Sites

Missoula, Montana, is rich in history. It has many landmarks and sites that show the city's past. One key spot is the

Missoula County Courthouse

, a stunning building from the early 1900s. It's a grand classical-style structure that takes up a whole city block. Inside, you'll find beautiful murals and detailed designs that tell the story of Montana.

Other sites worth visiting include the Boone and Crockett Club, located in the old Missoula Train Station. Also, the Missoula Art Museum showcases local and regional artists' work. These places highlight Missoula's cultural and artistic heritage, as well as its role as a transportation hub.

Missoula's landmarks and sites are perfect for those who love architecture, history, or the arts. They offer a fascinating look into the city's past. Visiting these places gives you a deeper understanding of Missoula's growth and culture.

Shopping and Entertainment Districts

Missoula, Montana, is more than just natural wonders and cultural spots. It has a lively shopping and entertainment scene. The heart of this is Higgins Avenue, known as the "Missoula Hip Strip."

Hip Strip on Higgins Avenue

The Hip Strip is a pedestrian-friendly area south of the Clark Fork River. It's full of eclectic boutiques, vintage shops, and cozy cafes. It's a place where local artists, musicians, and creatives thrive.

Walking through the streets, you'll find independent galleries, specialty stores, and music venues. These spots show off Missoula's diverse retail and entertainment scene.

The Hip Strip has a warm and welcoming vibe. It's perfect for finding unique local goods, vintage items, or enjoying a lively meal. Higgins Avenue is sure to impress and entertain.

"Filled with quirky art, natural light, and expertly decorated spaces, which included two dining areas, a vintage cook's kitchen, and even an outdoor chicken coop, staying here felt like a welcome indulgence."

Looking for a unique shopping trip, a fun night out, or just a lively atmosphere? The Missoula Hip Strip on Higgins Avenue is the place to be. It's the heart of Montana's vibrant city.

Day Trips from Missoula

Missoula is full of attractions and activities. But, the area around it also offers exciting day trips. Just a 2.5-hour drive from Glacier National Park, Missoula is perfect for starting or ending a Montana road trip. You can stop at the CSKT Bison Range to see bison in their natural home.

Close to Missoula, you'll find the Bitterroot National Forest, Lolo Hot Springs, and the town of Lolo. These spots offer more outdoor fun and beautiful views. Whether you're coming from Glacier or exploring from Missoula, the city is a great base for seeing Western Montana's best.

Getting to Missoula from Glacier National Park

After leaving Glacier National Park, you'll arrive in Missoula, Montana, on a sunny July afternoon. Missoula is known as Montana's most lively and vibrant spot. It has a youthful vibe, despite its rich history and natural beauty. It's a key place to visit when exploring the area.