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Missoula is a city of about 75,000 people in western Montana, where five mountain valleys come together around the Clark Fork River. The Lewis and Clark expedition passed nearby in 1805, and the town grew as a trading post and railroad center. Thousands of years ago the valley lay beneath Glacial Lake Missoula, and ancient shorelines are still visible as horizontal lines on the hills around the city.
The University of Montana, set at the foot of Mount Sentinel with its giant white M on the hillside, gives Missoula a lively college town character. Downtown, along the river, has historic buildings, independent bookstores, breweries and the Wilma theater, and the Saturday markets draw crowds each summer. A Carousel for Missoula, carved by volunteers, spins in Caras Park.
Outdoors, Missoula is a paradise. The Clark Fork River runs right through downtown, where surfers ride a standing wave at Brennan's Wave, and the Blackfoot and Bitterroot rivers are famous for fly fishing. Trails climb Mount Sentinel and the Rattlesnake Wilderness, and Glacier National Park is about three hours north.
The state's flagship university, set at the base of Mount Sentinel with a grassy oval, historic Main Hall and its clock tower. The campus has the Montana Museum of Art and Culture and sports venues. Visitors can walk the grounds freely; paid visitor parking is available on campus.
A steep zigzag trail on Mount Sentinel above the University of Montana leading to the large white concrete M. The climb takes about 30 to 45 minutes and rewards hikers with wide views of Missoula and the valley. Bring water and good shoes; the trail can be icy in winter and hot in summer.
A large protected area just north of Missoula with forested valleys, streams and trails for hiking, mountain biking, running and cross-country skiing. The main trailhead is a short drive from downtown. Carry bear spray on longer trips and check which trails allow bikes before setting out.
A paved riverside path on both banks of the Clark Fork River through central Missoula, linking parks, bridges, Caras Park and the university. It is ideal for walking, biking and watching river surfers and floaters. It is easy to join from downtown, and summer evenings are the most pleasant time to go.
A lively historic downtown along Higgins Avenue with local restaurants, breweries, bookstores, galleries and outdoor gear shops near the Clark Fork River. Caras Park hosts outdoor events in summer. The area is very walkable; use the public parking garages and expect busy evenings in summer.
A hand-carved wooden carousel in Caras Park, built by volunteers and opened in 1995, with dozens of horses carved by local artisans. Next door is Dragon Hollow, a large wooden playground. Rides cost very little and it is open year-round, making it an easy stop for families on a downtown walk.
A man-made standing wave on the Clark Fork River beside Caras Park in downtown Missoula, used by kayakers and river surfers. Watching from the riverbank is free and fun on summer afternoons. Surfing requires experience and proper gear; river conditions change a lot with spring snowmelt.
A long-running farmers market held at Circle Square at the north end of Higgins Avenue on summer Saturday mornings and some weekday evenings. Vendors sell local produce, flowers, baked goods and prepared food. Arrive early for the best selection, and pair it with other downtown markets on Saturdays.
A historic 1921 theater and building on Higgins Avenue beside the Clark Fork River, now one of Missoula's main venues for touring bands, comedy and film events. The restored main hall keeps its decorative details. Check the calendar for shows; tickets for popular acts sell out early.
A free contemporary art museum in downtown Missoula, housed in a former Carnegie library with a modern addition. It shows rotating exhibitions focusing on artists from Montana and the American West, including Native American artists. Allow about an hour; check the website for current hours.
A museum on the grounds of Fort Missoula, a former army post established in 1877, with exhibits on regional history, forestry and the fort's use as a World War II internment camp. Many relocated historic buildings stand on the grounds. Allow one to two hours and wear walking shoes.
A visitor center at the Missoula Aerial Fire Depot near the airport, the largest Forest Service smokejumper base. Exhibits explain wildland firefighting, and guided tours in summer show the loft and parachute shop, often led by smokejumpers. Tours run seasonally, so check the times before visiting.
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