For those who’re searching for a fantastic place to go to, Missoula, Montana is a great spot to discover! There are many issues to do on this charming city, from mountain climbing and fishing, to snowboarding and procuring. On this publish, I’ll checklist the very best issues to do in Missoula.
Whether or not you’re an area, or simply passing via, make sure you try these superb sights.
I grew up just a few hours away from Missoula, MT – in Billings. I visited many occasions as a child and at all times liked the texture of this city. As an grownup, I lived in Missoula for 3 years and loved each minute of it.
With the river within the middle of the previous city, meandering bike-friendly paths, its proximity to the mountains, and the quirky, sort folks of Missoula, there’s so much to like on this distinctive Montana city. Let’s dive in!
Listed here are the 15 high issues to do in Missoula, MT.
1. Discover the Nationwide Bitterroot Forest
The Bitterroot’s deep, glacier-carved gorges present gorgeous views of excessive mountains towering above the rippling streams and lakes. There are fairly just a few trails to select from based mostly on the extent of problem you need to sort out.
When mountain climbing on this space, there’s a reasonably good likelihood you’ll be crossing some river streams, and climbing over obstacles like boulders and fallen timber – all a part of the journey.
For those who’re new to the realm, seize an professional information. They’ll offer you snacks, lunch, and even a kayak so you’ll be able to benefit from the enjoyable mountain lakes. It’s an ideal manner to hook up with nature; an enormous draw for most individuals visiting any a part of Montana.
2. Go on a Scavenger Hunt
What higher approach to get a really feel for a city than to discover it with a enjoyable scavenger hunt? This is likely one of the most unusual issues to do in Missoula because it’ll assist you to expertise, and see, a little bit of all the pieces on the town.
Digital and self-paced scavenger hunts are fairly common as of late. They’re an effective way to get the household or a bunch of mates collectively to discover and find out about a brand new place.
The usual scavenger hunt requires a automobile to get to every level. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to alternatively request a particular carless model in case you choose.
3. Go to the Scorching Springs
Do you know there are a number of pure sizzling springs close to Missoula?
This Scorching Springs Tour will take you on a brief drive to a few of the best-kept secrets and techniques in Montana. The tour contains superb views, a soak in a sizzling spring, (a couple of if you want), and loads of time to loosen up and benefit from the lovely surroundings.
Common sizzling springs like Lolo Scorching Springs and Jerry Johnson sizzling springs are simple to discover by yourself when you have a automobile. Jerry Johnson is my private favorite as a result of it additionally features a quick however lovely hike within the forest.
Nevertheless, more often than not you’ll be able to anticipate to share these pure swimming pools with a whole lot of different guests. That is what makes a “non-public” tour a really distinctive expertise!
4. Hike with Skilled Photographer
Missoula has tons of choices for exploring the nice outdoor on foot. Why not rent an area mountain climbing fanatic that additionally occurs to be knowledgeable photographer? That is the proper mixture to get each superb views, and images to doc your expertise.
The photographer will take you on a hike of your selection, from simple to average problem, and seize the fantastic thing about the realm via their lens. This is a wonderful possibility for guests that need to see Missoula’s pure surroundings however won’t ensure the place to go.
Choices to your hike may embody:
- Pattee Canyon
- Rattlesnake Nationwide Recreation (a part of the Lolo Nationwide Forest)
- Blue Mountain Nationwide Recreation
5. Go Fly Fishing
Montana is world-famous for its fly fishing. It was first made well-known within the film “A River Runs By way of It” with Brad Pitt. There are a lot of completely different rivers and creeks to select from, together with the Clark Fork River, Bitterroot River, Blackfoot River, and Rock Creek. I personally don’t fish, however my brothers and expensive mates that do take pleasure in this pastime, love the Missoula space for fishing.
For those who’re new to fly fishing, don’t fear! There are a lot of skilled guides in Missoula that can provide you a crash course and present you the very best spots. They’ll present all of the gear you want, so all you need to do is present up and luxuriate in.
For a really immersive expertise, think about reserving an all-inclusive lodging and fishing journey. For any fishing fanatic, it is a dream come true.
6. Go to a Present on the Wilma Theater
The Wilma Theater is a world-class theater positioned within the coronary heart of Missoula. It’s probably the most common leisure venues on the town and steadily hosts big-name performers.
For those who’re searching for one thing extra laid again, many smaller reveals and occasions happen on the Wilma all year long. These embody dwell music, stand-up comedy, movie festivals, and extra. I’ve had some enjoyable occasions on the Wilma, attending each live shows and movie festivals there throughout school.
It doesn’t matter what you’re searching for, the Wilma Theater is certain to have one thing that can entertain you. Verify their web site to see what’s on throughout your go to.
7. Go to the Missoula Artwork Museum
The Missoula Artwork Museum, (MAM), is a enjoyable artwork museum positioned within the coronary heart of downtown Missoula. MAM options each everlasting and rotating exhibitions, with lots of them outdoor in an “Artwork Park”, in addition to quite a lot of academic packages.
Probably the most common sights at MAM is First Friday. It is a approach to see a whole lot of the native artwork galleries, together with MAM, without cost. Simply present up on the primary Friday of every month from 5pm – 8pm, to sip wine, eat snacks, and luxuriate in artwork.
MAM additionally presents quite a lot of courses and workshops for each adults and kids. These are wonderful alternatives to be taught new expertise, or strive your hand at a unique kind of artwork.
For those who’re searching for a singular approach to spend a day, the Missoula Artwork Museum is a superb possibility.
8. Ski at Snow Bowl
For those who’re searching for issues to do in Missoula in winter, downhill snowboarding is a superb selection. Missoula is dwelling to Snow Bowl, and you may get there in lower than half-hour. The views from the highest of the mountain are unimaginable, and there’s one thing for skiers and snowboarders of all ranges. I’ve skied this mountain a handful of occasions and at all times loved the bluebird days and powder.
For those who don’t have your individual gear, no worries! You possibly can lease all the pieces you want on the resort and even rent an teacher. When you’re all arrange, head on as much as the slopes and luxuriate in a day of snowboarding or snowboarding.
Snow Bowl truly presents loads of summer time actions as nicely, together with mountain climbing, biking, and zip line excursions. It doesn’t matter what exercise you select, you’ll be able to determine to complete the day there, or cease for lunch at their lodge for native pub grub, like wood-fired pizza and burgers, accompanied by a brew.
9. Hire Snow Tools and Go Discover
Go to the Final Greatest Ski and Paddle Store for your entire outside rental wants for winter or summer time. You can even reserve your gear on-line and easily choose up what you want whenever you arrive.
Hire cross-country ski gear within the winter and put together to discover native mountain climbing trails. An area favorite is to move to Pattee Canyon. Different choices embody Rattlesnake Nationwide Recreation Space and Seeley Creek Nordic Ski Trails. I’ve discovered cross-country snowboarding in these areas is an effective way to get in some much-needed recent air in the course of the chilly winter months.
For those who’re not up for cross-country snowboarding, you may as well go for snowshoeing. It is a a lot simpler exercise to choose up rapidly and begin having fun with. Plus, it may be carried out virtually anyplace. Simply make sure you keep away from designated cross-country trails which can be groomed.
10. Hire a Bike and Experience the Clark Fork Path
The Clark Fork Path is a straightforward paved path that runs alongside the river – you’ll be able to go even additional east if you wish to experience on gravel. So far as issues to do in Missoula in summer time, it’s an ideal spot for biking, strolling, operating, or rollerblading throughout hotter months. It’s nice for all ages and provides you a fantastic really feel for Missoula nature with out having to depart town limits, and even downtown.
Wandering on this path by foot or bike was at all times a favorite Saturday exercise for me, earlier than heading downtown for a meal, or assembly a good friend for a espresso.
Biking is likely one of the best methods to get round in Missoula. In truth, you’ll see locals hauling their groceries throughout city this manner. I’ve even seen couches and canoes on trailers behind bikes on the town – fairly a humorous sight for positive. If you wish to be part of the native bikers, then lease a motorcycle and hit the paths.
Native bike store Bitterroot Path can lease you all of the gear you want. They will additionally provide you with a map and present you the place to experience earlier than sending you in your manner. Plus, they can provide different suggestions for the place to go in case you’d prefer to experience one thing slightly extra technical.
Whenever you’re prepared for a break, you’ll be able to cease at Caras Park, or the College of Montana, for a nap or picnic lunch – each alongside the path. If you wish to get in additional train and work up your coronary heart price, strive driving over to the bottom of Sentinal Peak, the place you’ll be able to hike the “M” for some spectacular metropolis views.
11. Study to Kayak
Missoula is the proper place to learn to kayak. With the Clark Fork River operating via city, there are many locations to follow your new expertise. Plus, town created a “wave” – often known as Brennan’s Wave – within the middle of city the place kayaking lovers can follow their strikes.
You possibly can take a newbie kayaking class, or polish up your whitewater via Zootown Surfers. They’ll offer you all of the gear you want and educate you all the pieces from primary strokes to river security. When you’re feeling assured, you’ll be able to head out by yourself and discover the river.
Make sure to keep away from areas with fast-moving water, or the place swimming is prohibited. If you wish to discover these areas, at all times think about going with a information who is aware of the river nicely. For those who don’t need to kayak on the river your self, I’ve at all times had enjoyable going to Caras park simply to look at the kayakers play on the wave.
12. Float the Clark Fork on an Innertube
You understand it’s summertime in Missoula when you’ll be able to spot teams of individuals floating down the river on tubes. It is a enjoyable exercise and excellent for decent summer time days. You possibly can lease tubes from a number of locations on the town, together with Clark Fork Yacht Membership. Except you’ll be able to coordinate with a bunch of individuals and automobiles, you also needs to ebook a shuttle experience with them to start out and end your float.
For recommendations on the place to start out and finish your floating journey, discuss to the corporate you lease your tube from. In any other case, ask an area floating information. I at all times liked floating the rivers on these days when it hit 90°F and above.
No matter route you select, make sure you pack sunscreen, hats, water, and snacks. After all, at all times maintain your security in thoughts on the river. Make sure that to double-check the river situations, float with different folks, keep away from ingesting an excessive amount of alcohol, and most significantly, benefit from the float!
13. Go to the Saturday Farmer’s Market
The Missoula Farmer’s Market is a superb place to spend a Saturday morning. It runs from Could till October, and has tons of distributors that promote all the pieces from recent produce to flowers, mushrooms, and artisan items.
You’ll additionally discover dwell music, meals vehicles, and different family-friendly actions on the market. It’s the proper place to spend a Saturday morning, whether or not you’re searching for one thing to do with the youngsters, your associate, or alone. Listening to music whereas having fun with some recent produce is one among my private favorite methods to spend a Saturday morning in Missoula.
The market is open from Could – October on Saturdays, from 8am till 1pm, and is positioned at Caras Park downtown.
14. Go to Flathead Lake
For those who’re searching for further issues to do close to Missoula, there are many choices inside just a few hours drive. Montanans love spending sizzling days on a lake. Flathead lake is about an hour’s drive from Missoula and is the most important pure freshwater lake west of the Mississippi within the contiguous United States.
This big lake presents tons of alternatives for water sports activities. You possibly can lease gear akin to jet skis, velocity boats, and kayaks. Select your good water sport mode and let the enjoyable occasions start. I personally take pleasure in paddle boarding alongside the shore.
Make sure to seize a field of Flathead cherries in your manner again to Missoula – my household’s favorite street snack.
15. Go Whitewater Rafting
The long-lasting Glacier Nationwide Park is 2.5 hours, (137 miles), outdoors of Missoula. It’s nicely price a visit for exploring in case you’re within the Missoula space. Inside the park itself, there’s loads of mountain climbing and scenic driving to do. Whenever you’re prepared for one thing extra, strive a full-day whitewater rafting journey.
It is a nice approach to see a few of the most lovely elements of Glacier Nationwide Park with out the crowds. You’ll float down the river, stopping alongside the best way to benefit from the surroundings and wildlife. This is a wonderful journey for households or teams that need to expertise Glacier Nationwide Park in a singular and memorable manner.
This tour contains lunch and all of the gear you’ll want; simply present up together with your sense of journey and an additional pair of dry garments!
FAQs About Issues To Do in Missoula
Let’s overview a few of the mostly requested questions on Missoula, MT.
Is Missoula Montana Value Visiting?
Completely! Missoula is a gorgeous city with loads of issues to do. It’s good for a weekend getaway or an extended trip. Outside lovers, households, foodies, and everybody in between will love the actions this city has to supply.
For those who want some inspiration for getting match, there’s nothing extra motivating then getting out within the lovely outdoor. And Missoula is a superb place to just do that.
How Do I Spend a Day in Missoula?
There are a lot of methods to spend a day in Missoula. For the outside fanatic, there’s loads of mountain climbing, biking, and floating to do. Households can benefit from the river path, farmer’s market, and museums, and foodies will love all the nice eating places and breweries on the town.
To overview, high favourites embody:
- Discover downtown
- Go for a hike or bike experience
- Stroll alongside the river
- Go to the farmer’s market
- Go to the native artwork museum
What’s Missoula Well-known For?
Missoula is most well-known for its outside recreation alternatives. It’s additionally identified for its thriving arts and meals scene.
In a comparatively conservative state, Missoula is thought for being open-minded. In truth, Montanans that don’t dwell in Missoula usually check with it because the “hippie” metropolis. Missoula additionally has its personal slogan of “maintain Missoula bizarre.” The underside line is that everybody is welcome!
Now You Know What To Do in Missoula
Whereas most cities in Montana supply a big number of outside actions, Missoula presents far more than that. You’re additionally positive to like the downtown space and all it has to supply. From there, take a while to choose just a few of your favorite actions from the checklist above.
Now that you recognize a few of the finest actions in Missoula, it’s time to start out planning your journey. Whether or not you’re searching for outside adventures, cultural experiences, or only a enjoyable trip, Missoula has one thing for everybody. I at all times look ahead to my Missoula journeys and I do know you’ll love them too!
Like This Article? Pin it!
Disclaimer: Goats On The Street is an Amazon Affiliate and in addition an affiliate for another retailers. This implies we earn commissions in case you click on hyperlinks on our weblog and buy from these retailers.
