Missoula Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Hige room clean .nice accommodations."

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

StoneCreek Lodge
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 ฿3,974 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
฿3,974
฿4,421 total
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Missoula. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,044 reviews)
"Convenient but needs upgrades and extremely overpriced"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Missoula
LOGE Missoula

LOGE Missoula

3 out of 5
420 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT
The price is ฿4,638 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿4,638
฿6,013 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Missoula. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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
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.
Fish, Boat & Unwind: Spacious Missoula Gem w/ Deck

Fish, Boat & Unwind: Spacious Missoula Gem w/ Deck

3 out of 5
Missoula, MT
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Missoula. Enjoy free parking, a pool table and patios. Popular attractions Hellgate Trailhead North and Shoreline Trailhead are ...
Fish, Boat & Unwind: Spacious Missoula Gem w/ Deck
Modern Missoula Home ~ 2 Miles to Downtown!

Modern Missoula Home ~ 2 Miles to Downtown!

3 out of 5
Missoula
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Missoula. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Diamond Jim's Casino and Motown Casino are located nearby.
Don’t pass this up!
"We were there for Rugby tournament. Could not have asked for a nicer place to stay. Worth the price we paid for comfort and convenience to local restaurants and hiking trails."

Reviewed on 22 May 2024

Modern Missoula Home ~ 2 Miles to Downtown!
Sustainable Sanctuary: Rattlesnake Valley Retreat

Sustainable Sanctuary: Rattlesnake Valley Retreat

3 out of 5
Missoula, MT
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Missoula. Enjoy free parking, balconies and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Lincoln Hills Trailhead and Greenough Park ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Family game night
"Keep in mind there is only one television and it is in the media area. If you are going to build a fire make sure to bring your own wood to burn."

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2025

Sustainable Sanctuary: Rattlesnake Valley Retreat
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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