Missoula

Travel Guide

Missoula which includes an administrative building, heritage architecture and a garden
Missoula
Missoula featuring flowers, a small town or village and street scenes
Missoula showing heritage architecture and a park
Missoula which includes a statue or sculpture and outdoor art

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

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 which includes an administrative building, heritage architecture and a garden

Heart of Missoula

While visiting Heart of Missoula, you might make a stop by sights like Missoula County Courthouse and Wilma Theatre.

Heart of Missoula
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University District

While visiting University District, you might make a stop by sights like Washington-Grizzly Stadium and Clark Fork River.

University District
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Riverfront

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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Rose Park

If you're spending some time in Rose Park, Missoula County Fairgrounds and Motown Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Rose Park
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Grant Creek

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Grant Creek, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Big Sky Brewing Co. are top sights worth seeing.

Grant Creek
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Westside

If you're spending some time in Westside, Clark Fork River and Lucky Lil's Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Westside
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Room was very large. Nothing fancy but clean and conveniently located."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

StoneCreek Lodge
LOGE Missoula

LOGE Missoula

3 out of 5
420 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT
The price is €158 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
€158
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions St. Francis Xavier Church and Children's ...
9/10 Wonderful! (508 reviews)
"Better than expected"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

LOGE Missoula
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 €116 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
€116
14 Sept - 15 Sept
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! (1,042 reviews)
Bonner concert experience
"Super cozy. Easy check in & out."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham 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.
Modern Missoula home with AC, WiFi, space for 10 & beautiful mountain views!

Modern Missoula home with AC, WiFi, space for 10 & beautiful mountain views!

Missoula
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Highlands Golf Club and Sousa ...
"Great neighborhood with a playground and hiking trail nearby. Feels very private and secluded, but is close to town. Hot tub was clean. Good communication with host. Spacious. Organized. Many amenities like, shampoo, soap, coffee, laundry detergent, board games. Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Modern Missoula home with AC, WiFi, space for 10 & beautiful mountain views!
Cutest Coop on Cooper Street for YOU and Your Furry Friends!

Cutest Coop on Cooper Street for YOU and Your Furry Friends!

Missoula
Stay at this vacation home in Missoula. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Ogren Park at Allegiance ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (10 reviews)
Traveling Cross Country
"House was like photos, we did not realize it was a shared house like a townhome style. The area was a little shady however we had zero problems. Was off the freeway for great access to crash for the night. House was fine except the shower was dirty upon arrival. Was able to clean so we could all ..."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Cutest Coop on Cooper Street for YOU and Your Furry Friends!
Charming 2-bedroom apartment with AC, WiFi in marvelous Missoula

Charming 2-bedroom apartment with AC, WiFi in marvelous Missoula

2 out of 5
Missoula
Stay at this apartment in Missoula. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Diamond Jim's Casino and Southgate Mall are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Perfect little spot to get away"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Charming 2-bedroom apartment with AC, WiFi in marvelous 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.

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