For those who’re on the lookout for an excellent 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 purchasing. On this publish, I’ll checklist the very best issues to do in Missoula.
Whether or not you’re a neighborhood, or simply passing via, remember to 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 all the time cherished 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, variety folks of Missoula, there’s loads to like on this distinctive Montana city. Let’s dive in!
Listed below are the 15 high issues to do in Missoula, MT.
1. Discover the Nationwide Bitterroot Forest
The Bitterroot’s deep, glacier-carved gorges present beautiful views of excessive mountains towering above the rippling streams and lakes. There are fairly just a few trails to select from primarily based 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 bushes – all a part of the journey.
For those who’re new to the world, seize an expert guide. They’ll offer you snacks, lunch, and even a kayak so you possibly can benefit from the stress-free 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 method to get a really feel for a city than to discover it with a fun scavenger hunt? This is among the most unusual issues to do in Missoula because it’ll help you expertise, and see, a little bit of every little thing on the town.
Digital and self-paced scavenger hunts are fairly common nowadays. They’re a good way to get the household or a gaggle of associates collectively to discover and find out about a brand new place.
The usual scavenger hunt requires a automotive to get to every level. Nonetheless, you possibly can alternatively request a particular carless model when you favor.
3. Go to the Sizzling Springs
Do you know there are a number of pure scorching springs close to Missoula?
This Hot Springs Tour will take you on a brief drive to among the best-kept secrets and techniques in Montana. The tour contains superb views, a soak in a scorching spring, (multiple if you want), and loads of time to loosen up and benefit from the lovely surroundings.
Fashionable scorching springs like Lolo Sizzling Springs and Jerry Johnson scorching springs are simple to discover by yourself if in case you have a automotive. Jerry Johnson is my private favorite as a result of it additionally features a quick however lovely hike within the forest.
Nonetheless, more often than not you possibly can anticipate to share these pure swimming pools with numerous different guests. That is what makes a “personal” tour a really distinctive expertise!
4. Hike with Skilled Photographer
Missoula has tons of choices for exploring the good outdoor on foot. Why not hire a local hiking enthusiast that additionally occurs to be knowledgeable photographer? That is the right mixture to get each superb views, and images to doc your expertise.
The photographer will take you on a hike of your alternative, from simple to average problem, and seize the fantastic thing about the world via their lens. This is a superb possibility for guests that need to see Missoula’s pure surroundings however won’t make certain the place to go.
Choices to your hike would possibly embrace:
- 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 Via It” with Brad Pitt. There are lots 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 associates 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 lots of professional guides in Missoula that can provide you a crash course and present you the very best spots. They’ll present all of the tools you want, so all you need to do is present up and revel 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 some of the common leisure venues on the town and continuously hosts big-name performers.
For those who’re on the lookout for one thing extra laid again, many smaller exhibits and occasions happen on the Wilma all year long. These embrace reside 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 faculty.
It doesn’t matter what you’re on the lookout for, the Wilma Theater is certain to have one thing that can entertain you. Test their website to see what’s on throughout your go to.
7. Go to the Missoula Artwork Museum
The Missoula Art Museum, (MAM), is a enjoyable artwork museum positioned within the coronary heart of downtown Missoula. MAM options each everlasting and rotating exhibitions, with a lot of them outdoor in an “Artwork Park”, in addition to quite a lot of academic applications.
One of the vital common sights at MAM is First Friday. It is a method to see numerous 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 revel in artwork.
MAM additionally provides quite a lot of lessons and workshops for each adults and youngsters. These are glorious alternatives to be taught new expertise, or attempt your hand at a special kind of artwork.
For those who’re on the lookout for a singular method to spend a day, the Missoula Artwork Museum is a superb possibility.
8. Ski at Snow Bowl
For those who’re on the lookout for issues to do in Missoula in winter, downhill snowboarding is a superb alternative. Missoula is dwelling to Snow Bowl, and you will get there in lower than half-hour. The views from the highest of the mountain are unbelievable, and there’s one thing for skiers and snowboarders of all ranges. I’ve skied this mountain a handful of occasions and all the time loved the bluebird days and powder.
For those who don’t have your individual tools, no worries! You’ll be able to lease every little thing you want at the resort and even rent an teacher. When you’re all arrange, head on as much as the slopes and revel in a day of snowboarding or snowboarding.
Snow Bowl really provides loads of summer time actions as effectively, together with mountain climbing, biking, and zip line excursions. It doesn’t matter what exercise you select, you possibly can resolve 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 Last Best Ski and Paddle Shop for your entire outside rental wants for winter or summer time. It’s also possible to reserve your tools on-line and easily decide 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 embrace Rattlesnake Nationwide Recreation Space and Seeley Creek Nordic Ski Trails. I’ve discovered cross-country snowboarding in these areas is a good way to get in some much-needed contemporary air throughout the chilly winter months.
For those who’re not up for cross-country snowboarding, it’s also possible to go for snowshoeing. It is a a lot simpler exercise to choose up shortly and begin having fun with. Plus, it may be carried out virtually anyplace. Simply remember to keep away from designated cross-country trails which are groomed.
10. Hire a Bike and Trip the Clark Fork Path
The Clark Fork Path is a straightforward paved path that runs alongside the river – you possibly can go even additional east if you wish to journey on gravel. So far as issues to do in Missoula in summer time, it’s an ideal spot for biking, strolling, working, or rollerblading throughout hotter months. It’s nice for all ages and provides you an excellent really feel for Missoula nature with out having to depart town limits, and even downtown.
Wandering on this path by foot or bike was all the time a favorite Saturday exercise for me, earlier than heading downtown for a meal, or assembly a buddy for a espresso.
Biking is among the best methods to get round in Missoula. In reality, you’ll see locals hauling their groceries throughout city this fashion. I’ve even seen couches and canoes on trailers behind bikes on the town – fairly a humorous sight for certain. If you wish to be part of the native bikers, then lease a motorcycle and hit the paths.
Native bike store Bitterroot Trail can lease you all of the gear you want. They will additionally provide you with a map and present you the place to journey earlier than sending you in your manner. Plus, they can provide different suggestions for the place to go when you’d wish to journey one thing a bit extra technical.
Whenever you’re prepared for a break, you possibly can 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 fee, attempt driving over to the bottom of Sentinal Peak, the place you possibly can hike the “M” for some spectacular metropolis views.
11. Be taught to Kayak
Missoula is the right place to discover ways to kayak. With the Clark Fork River working via city, there are many locations to follow your new expertise. Plus, town created a “wave” – referred to as Brennan’s Wave – within the middle of city the place kayaking lovers can follow their strikes.
You’ll be able to take a newbie kayaking class, or polish up your whitewater via Zootown Surfers. They’ll offer you all of the gear you want and train you every little thing from primary strokes to river security. When you’re feeling assured, you possibly can head out by yourself and discover the river.
Remember to keep away from areas with fast-moving water, or the place swimming is prohibited. If you wish to discover these areas, all the time think about going with a information who is aware of the river effectively. For those who don’t need to kayak on the river your self, I’ve all the time 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 realize it’s summertime in Missoula when you possibly can spot teams of individuals floating down the river on tubes. It is a enjoyable exercise and ideal for warm summer time days. You’ll be able to lease tubes from a number of locations on the town, together with Clark Fork Yacht Club. Until you possibly can coordinate with a gaggle of individuals and automobiles, you also needs to guide a shuttle journey 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 a neighborhood floating information. I all the time cherished floating the rivers on these days when it hit 90°F and above.
No matter route you select, remember to pack sunscreen, hats, water, and snacks. After all, all the time hold 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 every little thing from contemporary produce to flowers, mushrooms, and artisan items.
You’ll additionally discover reside music, meals vehicles, and different family-friendly actions on the market. It’s the right place to spend a Saturday morning, whether or not you’re on the lookout for one thing to do with the children, your accomplice, or alone. Listening to music whereas having fun with some contemporary produce is one in every of 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 on the lookout for extra issues to do close to Missoula, there are many choices inside just a few hours drive. Montanans love spending scorching days on a lake. Flathead lake is about an hour’s drive from Missoula and is the biggest pure freshwater lake west of the Mississippi within the contiguous United States.
This large lake provides tons of alternatives for water sports activities. You’ll be able to rent tools equivalent 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.
Remember to seize a field of Flathead cherries in your manner again to Missoula – my household’s favorite highway snack.
15. Go Whitewater Rafting
The enduring Glacier Nationwide Park is 2.5 hours, (137 miles), outdoors of Missoula. It’s effectively value a visit for exploring when you’re within the Missoula space. Throughout the park itself, there’s loads of mountain climbing and scenic driving to do. Whenever you’re prepared for one thing extra, attempt a full-day whitewater rafting trip.
It is a nice method to see among the most lovely components 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 superb 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 tools 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 assessment among the mostly requested questions on Missoula, MT.
Is Missoula Montana Price Visiting?
Completely! Missoula is a phenomenal city with loads of issues to do. It’s good for a weekend getaway or an extended trip. Out of doors lovers, households, foodies, and everybody in between will love the actions this city has to supply.
For those who want some inspiration for getting fit, there’s nothing extra motivating then getting out within the lovely outdoor. And Missoula is a superb place to do exactly that.
How Do I Spend a Day in Missoula?
There are lots 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 good eating places and breweries on the town.
To assessment, high favourites embrace:
- Discover downtown
- Go for a hike or bike journey
- 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 reality, Montanans that don’t reside in Missoula usually check with it because the “hippie” metropolis. Missoula additionally has its personal slogan of “hold 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 provides way more than that. You’re additionally certain 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 among the greatest actions in Missoula, it’s time to start out planning your journey. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for outside adventures, cultural experiences, or only a stress-free trip, Missoula has one thing for everybody. I all the time look ahead to my Missoula journeys and I do know you’ll love them too!
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