In case you’re on the lookout for a terrific place to go to, Missoula, Montana is a great spot to discover! There are many issues to do on this charming city, from mountaineering and fishing, to snowboarding and purchasing. On this publish, I’ll record the perfect issues to do in Missoula.
Whether or not you’re an area, or simply passing by way of, remember to try these wonderful 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 heart of the previous city, meandering bike-friendly paths, its proximity to the mountains, and the quirky, form folks of Missoula, there’s rather a lot to like on this distinctive Montana city. Let’s dive in!
Listed below are the 15 prime 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 issue you wish to sort out.
When mountaineering on this space, there’s a reasonably good probability you’ll be crossing some river streams, and climbing over obstacles like boulders and fallen timber – all a part of the journey.
In case you’re new to the realm, seize an knowledgeable 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 approach to connect 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 among the most unusual issues to do in Missoula because it’ll permit you to expertise, and see, a little bit of all the pieces on the town.
Digital and self-paced scavenger hunts are fairly standard today. They’re a good 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. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to alternatively request a particular carless model if you happen to choose.
3. Go to the Scorching Springs
Do you know there are a number of pure scorching springs close to Missoula?
This Scorching Springs Tour will take you on a brief drive to among the best-kept secrets and techniques in Montana. The tour contains wonderful views, a soak in a scorching spring, (a couple of if you want), and loads of time to chill out and benefit from the stunning surroundings.
Well-liked scorching springs like Lolo Scorching Springs and Jerry Johnson scorching springs are straightforward to discover by yourself you probably have a automobile. Jerry Johnson is my private favorite as a result of it additionally features a quick however stunning hike within the forest.
Nonetheless, more often than not you’ll be able to count on 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 nice outdoor on foot. Why not rent an area mountaineering fanatic that additionally occurs to be knowledgeable photographer? That is the right mixture to get each wonderful views, and images to doc your expertise.
The photographer will take you on a hike of your selection, from straightforward to average issue, and seize the great thing about the realm by way of their lens. This is a superb choice for guests that wish to see Missoula’s pure surroundings however may not be certain 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 It” with Brad Pitt. There are numerous 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.
In case you’re new to fly fishing, don’t fear! There are numerous skilled guides in Missoula that can provide you a crash course and present you the perfect spots. They’ll present all of the gear you want, so all it’s important to do is present up and luxuriate in.
For a really immersive expertise, take into account 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 one of the standard leisure venues on the town and ceaselessly hosts big-name performers.
In case you’re on the lookout for one thing extra laid again, many smaller exhibits and occasions happen on the Wilma all year long. These embody 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 bound to have one thing that can entertain you. Examine 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 a wide range of instructional applications.
One of the standard sights at MAM is First Friday. It is a approach to see numerous the native artwork galleries, together with MAM, at no 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 affords a wide range of courses and workshops for each adults and kids. These are wonderful alternatives to be taught new abilities, or strive your hand at a distinct sort of artwork.
In case you’re on the lookout for a singular approach to spend a day, the Missoula Artwork Museum is a superb choice.
8. Ski at Snow Bowl
In case you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Missoula in winter, downhill snowboarding is a superb selection. 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 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.
In case you don’t have your individual gear, no worries! You may hire 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 affords loads of summer season actions as properly, together with mountaineering, biking, and zip line excursions. It doesn’t matter what exercise you select, you’ll be able to 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. Lease Snow Gear and Go Discover
Go to the Final Greatest Ski and Paddle Store for your whole out of doors rental wants for winter or summer season. You may as well reserve your gear on-line and easily decide up what you want if you arrive.
Lease cross-country ski gear within the winter and put together to discover native mountaineering 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 a good way to get in some much-needed recent air throughout the chilly winter months.
In case you’re not up for cross-country snowboarding, you can even go for snowshoeing. It is a a lot simpler exercise to select up shortly and begin having fun with. Plus, it may be accomplished virtually wherever. Simply remember to keep away from designated cross-country trails which can be groomed.
10. Lease a Bike and Experience the Clark Fork Path
The Clark Fork Path is a simple paved path that runs alongside the river – you’ll be able to go even additional east if you wish to trip on gravel. So far as issues to do in Missoula in summer season, it’s an ideal spot for biking, strolling, working, or rollerblading throughout hotter months. It’s nice for all ages and provides you a terrific really feel for Missoula nature with out having to go away 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 pal for a espresso.
Biking is among the best methods to get round in Missoula. The truth is, 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 certain. If you wish to be a part of the native bikers, then hire a motorcycle and hit the paths.
Native bike store Bitterroot Path can hire you all of the gear you want. They will additionally provide you with a map and present you the place to trip earlier than sending you in your approach. Plus, they can provide different suggestions for the place to go if you happen to’d wish to trip one thing somewhat 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 fee, 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 right place to learn to kayak. With the Clark Fork River working by way of city, there are many locations to apply your new abilities. Plus, town created a “wave” – referred to as Brennan’s Wave – within the heart of city the place kayaking fans can apply their strikes.
You may take a newbie kayaking class, or polish up your whitewater by way of Zootown Surfers. They’ll offer you all of the gear you want and train you all the pieces from fundamental strokes to river security. When you’re feeling assured, you’ll be able to head out by yourself and discover the river.
Make sure you keep away from areas with fast-moving water, or the place swimming is prohibited. If you wish to discover these areas, at all times take into account going with a information who is aware of the river properly. In case you don’t wish to kayak on the river your self, I’ve at all times had enjoyable going to Caras park simply to observe 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 ideal for warm summer season days. You may hire tubes from a number of locations on the town, together with Clark Fork Yacht Membership. Until you’ll be able to coordinate with a bunch of individuals and vehicles, you also needs to ebook a shuttle trip 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 hire 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, remember to pack sunscreen, hats, water, and snacks. After all, at all times preserve your security in thoughts on the river. Be certain that to double-check the river circumstances, float with different folks, keep away from consuming 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 Might 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 reside music, meals vans, 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 companion, 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 Might – October on Saturdays, from 8am till 1pm, and is positioned at Caras Park downtown.
14. Go to Flathead Lake
In case you’re on the lookout for further 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 affords tons of alternatives for water sports activities. You may hire gear resembling jet skis, pace boats, and kayaks. Select your excellent water sport mode and let the enjoyable occasions start. I personally take pleasure in paddle boarding alongside the shore.
Make sure you seize a field of Flathead cherries in your approach 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 properly value a visit for exploring if you happen to’re within the Missoula space. Inside the park itself, there’s loads of mountaineering 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 among the most stunning components of Glacier Nationwide Park with out the crowds. You’ll float down the river, stopping alongside the way in which to benefit from the surroundings and wildlife. This is a superb journey for households or teams that wish to expertise Glacier Nationwide Park in a singular and memorable approach.
This tour contains lunch and all of the gear you’ll want; simply present up along with your sense of journey and an additional pair of dry garments!
FAQs About Issues To Do in Missoula
Let’s evaluate among the mostly requested questions on Missoula, MT.
Is Missoula Montana Price Visiting?
Completely! Missoula is a lovely city with loads of issues to do. It’s excellent for a weekend getaway or an extended trip. Outside fans, households, foodies, and everybody in between will love the actions this city has to supply.
In case you want some inspiration for getting match, there’s nothing extra motivating then getting out within the stunning outdoor. And Missoula is a superb place to do exactly that.
How Do I Spend a Day in Missoula?
There are numerous methods to spend a day in Missoula. For the out of doors fanatic, there’s loads of mountaineering, 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 evaluate, prime favourites embody:
- Discover downtown
- Go for a hike or bike trip
- 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 out of doors recreation alternatives. It’s additionally identified for its thriving arts and meals scene.
In a comparatively conservative state, Missoula is understood for being open-minded. The truth is, Montanans that don’t reside in Missoula typically consult with it because the “hippie” metropolis. Missoula additionally has its personal slogan of “preserve 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 out of doors actions, Missoula affords rather more than that. You’re additionally certain to like the downtown space and all it has to supply. From there, take a while to select just a few of your favorite actions from the record 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 out of doors 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!
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