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
Tia's menu
#lifeatexpedia

Westside

4/5(67 area reviews)

While visiting Westside, you might make a stop by sights like Clark Fork River and Lucky Lil's Casino.

Westside
Days Inn by Wyndham Missoula Airport

Days Inn by Wyndham Missoula Airport

2 out of 5
8600 Truck Stop Rd, Missoula, MT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,754 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
NT$2,754
NT$2,974 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Missoula. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Days Inn by Wyndham Missoula Airport
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! (972 reviews)
"Full kitchen"

Reviewed on 2025/8/29

StoneCreek Lodge
LOGE Missoula

LOGE Missoula

3 out of 5
420 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT
The price is NT$4,100 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
NT$4,100
NT$5,375 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Children's Museum Missoula and McCormick ...
9/10 Wonderful! (458 reviews)
"I loved it"

Reviewed on 2025/8/29

LOGE Missoula
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 ...
2 Mi to Dtwn: Missoula Duplex w/ Fenced Yard
Awesome Missoula Home w/ Patio < 2 Mi to Downtown!

Awesome Missoula Home w/ Patio < 2 Mi to Downtown!

3 out of 5
Missoula
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Missoula. Enjoy free parking, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Missoula Memorial Rose Garden and Motown Casino ...
Awesome Missoula Home w/ Patio < 2 Mi 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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