Missoula, MT

Travel Guide

Missoula showing an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and a park
Missoula featuring forest scenes, a river or creek and tranquil scenes
Missoula which includes street scenes, a small town or village and flowers
Missoula featuring a park and heritage architecture
Missoula featuring outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

This university town and cultural hub retains a rugged, northwestern charm, with hiking, climbing, fishing and rafting all within minutes of the town center. 

Take advantage of the abundance of natural beauty around the town of Missoula in Montana and head for the designated wilderness areas nearby. Hike trails, climb rock faces or go tubing down rivers. Head into the town for gentler pursuits, where several galleries, funky shops and informative museums offer their various charms.

Originally known as “Hell Gate” because of warring native tribes, Missoula was founded as a trading post. The town soon grew into the hub of the Glacier County Region, which encompasses an area between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains in north west Montana. The city has an abundance of outdoor attractions on its doorstep as well as one of the most attractive university campuses in America and a liberal, arty downtown area.

Take in a view of the city by hiking to the “M” on Mount Sentinel. The large letter is a symbol of the University of Montana. If you’re feeling energetic you can carry on up the trail for even better views of the city and the nearby Rattlesnake Wilderness Area.

Downtown, don’t miss Caras Park, which features the historical Missoula Carousel as well as good fishing, walking trails and children’s areas. It’s also the location for several food and music festivals throughout the year.

Art lovers will appreciate the contemporary collection at the Missoula Art Museum. The town has a reputation for great art, and you can explore this for free on the First Friday’s events. The city’s galleries are free of charge and open late on the first Friday of every month. Learn about the area’s past in the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula.

Driving around the city can be confusing for the first time visitor, so use the excellent public bus system. Buses even run out of town to wilderness reserves where you can hike, fish, climb or raft down the rivers.

When the cold winters set in swap your hiking boots for a pair of skis, or take a trip to the nearby Lolo Hot Springs.

Where to stay in Missoula

Missoula showing an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and a park

Heart of Missoula

4/5(399 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Heart of Missoula, Missoula County Courthouse and Wilma Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Heart of Missoula
Great hike for all ages and especially beautiful view of the city during sunset

University District

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in University District, Washington-Grizzly Stadium and Clark Fork River are top sights worth seeing.

University District
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Rose Park

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

While visiting Rose Park, you might make a stop by sights like Missoula County Fairgrounds and Motown Casino.

Rose Park
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Riverfront

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Riverfront, Clark Fork River and Montana Natural History Center are top sights worth seeing.

Riverfront
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Grant Creek

4.5/5(452 area reviews)

While visiting Grant Creek, you might make a stop by sights like Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Big Sky Brewing Co..

Grant Creek
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Lower Rattlesnake

5/5(1 area review)

Though Lower Rattlesnake might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Washington-Grizzly Stadium and Wilma Theatre.

Lower Rattlesnake
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Missoula

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Missoula

3 out of 5
5059 N Reserve St, Missoula, MT
The price is NT$3,440 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
NT$3,440
NT$3,835 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Missoula. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,031 reviews)
"Caring staff. Comfortable room."

Reviewed on 2025/8/10

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Missoula
StoneCreek Lodge

StoneCreek Lodge

3 out of 5
5145 Airway Blvd, Missoula, MT
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"they need a better sign on their pick up van, can't see it when it is dark outside they used to have breakfast but no longer have anything but coffee the bed was fine but it would have been nice to have a king instead of a queen"

Reviewed on 2025/8/10

StoneCreek Lodge
Motel 6 Missoula, MT

Motel 6 Missoula, MT

2 out of 5
3035 Expo Pkwy, Missoula, MT
The price is NT$2,815 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$2,815
NT$3,160 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,194 reviews)
"Had been completely remodeled."

Reviewed on 2025/8/7

Motel 6 Missoula, MT
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
2 Mi to Dtwn: Missoula Duplex w/ Fenced Yard

2 Mi to Dtwn: Missoula Duplex w/ Fenced Yard

3 out of 5
Missoula
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Missoula. Enjoy free parking, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Ogren Park at Allegiance Field and Montana Natural ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"When we got there, the lockbox battery was dead. I called property manager. She took care of the issue immediately. We were comfortable and happy. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 2025/5/19

2 Mi to Dtwn: Missoula Duplex w/ Fenced Yard
Modern Missoula Home ~ 2 Miles to Downtown!

Modern Missoula Home ~ 2 Miles to Downtown!

3 out of 5
Missoula
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Missoula. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Diamond Jim's Casino and Motown Casino are located nearby.
Don’t pass this up!
"We were there for Rugby tournament. Could not have asked for a nicer place to stay. Worth the price we paid for comfort and convenience to local restaurants and hiking trails."

Reviewed on 2024/5/22

Modern Missoula Home ~ 2 Miles to Downtown!
Fish, Boat & Unwind: Spacious Missoula Gem w/ Deck

Fish, Boat & Unwind: Spacious Missoula Gem w/ Deck

3 out of 5
Missoula
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Missoula. Enjoy free parking, a pool table, and patios. Popular attractions Hellgate Trailhead North and Shoreline Trailhead are ...
Fish, Boat & Unwind: Spacious Missoula Gem w/ Deck
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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