Missoula’s downtown hub of a fantastic range of enjoyable activities, including excellent places to dine, shop, have a good time at night, and go on outdoor excursions. The presence of the University of Montana in this area contributes to the city’s youthful, trendy vibe. The “Hip Strip,” which is located south of Missoula’s downtown and over the Higgins Street Bridge, is home to this lively atmosphere. Discover all of the must-do activities in Missoula, Montana, by continuing to read.
It is located in the western part of the state and surrounded by the Northern Rocky Mountains, Missoula, Montana is a striking, rugged mountain city that is well-known for outdoor adventures. It’s also conveniently close to Glacier National Park—just a 2.5-hour drive away—making it one of the best places to stop if you’re heading there! Three rivers converge here, which makes water sports like kayaking, rafting, tubing, and even surfing very popular among other outdoor activities like hiking.
Best Places in Missoula
Clark Fork River
A great way to get some exercise and take in the fresh mountain air while in Missoula is to stroll along the 7-mile Riverfront Walking Trail, which hugs the north and south sides of the Clark Fork River and passes through several city parks, including Brennan’s Wave, McCormick Park, John H. Toole Park, and Orange Street Bridge. You can easily walk part of the trail or the whole length, and the trail passes the Madison Street, Orange Street, and Higgins Street bridges, making it easy to loop back. It also traverses a few footbridges for additional points.
University of Montana Missoula
The University of Montana, which is the only university in the US to “own” a mountain, is situated just east of the Mount Sentinel M Trail, also lovingly referred to as the “M.”The M stands, rather appropriately, for the University of Montana. This trail is also quite obvious since it ends in a concrete “M” on Mount Sentinel’s western face. There is a switchback route that leads up to the M, which is visible with the unaided eye from a distance. From there, you can see the Clark Fork River, the University of Montana, and the whole city of Missoula.
Switchback climb
As long as you’re prepared for a challenging switchback climb, this less than a mile path is ideal for hikers of all ages and a great way to see Missoula, Montana at your own speed. The University of Montana at Aber Hall on Campus Drive is the trailhead for the “M” trek. You may park and begin your ascent in the lot across the street.
Montana’s Missoula is home to several excellent regional brewers. Conflux Taphouse is an open, airy taphouse where they brew their beer on-site. They have year-round, seasonal, and specialty beers, and their options are always changing.
Craft beer from Montana is available at Tamarack Brewing Co. The brewpub provides views of the Clark Fork River and Caras Park. On the bottom floor of the two-story brewery is a sports pub atmosphere.
Missoula Montana’s Hip Strip
In a lively area, Missoula, Montana’s Hip Strip is home to independently owned businesses, eateries, and general hip establishments. The Hip Strip extends to the south end of the Higgins Street Bridge and begins at the junction of Higgins and Brooks. For a broad variety of music, head to Ear Candy Music; for all things bike-related, stop by Missoula Bicycle Works; and for your fill of independent bookshops, stop by Shakespeare & Co. For clothing and accessories with a vintage vibe, Betty’s Divine is a noteworthy option that happens to be my particular favorite. In order to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where customers may safely peruse the racks, they tailor the choices in their store to everyone.
Brazilian street cuisine
Enjoy a refreshing drink while indulging in a succulent steak at this contemporary take on a classic steakhouse. If you’re a meat lover, you just must try the steaks here; they have excellent selections. Brazilian street cuisine is Five on Black’s specialty and is ideal for a light and wholesome dinner. Lastly, Missoula Club has excellent burgers. This is the spot to go for beer and burgers, and be ready to see memorabilia on display along with Grizzlies games on television. One of the finest ways to enjoy Missoula, Montana, is to eat delicious cuisine.
Montana Museum of Art
The Montana Museum of Art and Culture is located in Montana. This museum is dedicated to education and is one of Montana’s three state museums. Nearly 11,000 items, including artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Norman Rockwell, are part of the permanent collection. The collection of the museum aims to display, among other things, American Impressionist and modern Native American art, as well as pieces with a link to the Rocky Mountain west. Make sure to check out the exhibitions, both rotating and permanent, while you come. Make sure to put the museum on your list of things to do in Missoula, Montana, as admission is free.
Fort Missoula
Fort Missoula was constructed by the US Army. It was utilized as a prison facility during World War II and as a haven of safety for settlers in the 1800s. You may now visit Fort Missoula’s Historical Museum. The 32-acre museum houses about 50,000 objects inside its building as well as over 20 historically significant structures on the property. Four galleries house a variety of exhibitions that are rotated throughout the year in the museum. There is a small entry charge to the museum and no charge to enter the grounds. One interesting and historically significant thing to do in Missoula is to visit Fort Missoula.
Montana Snowbowl Missoula
Fans of skiing and snowboarding should visit the Montana Snowbowl. Visit them to experience their difficult runs on the snow-covered slopes, featuring both groomed and ungroomed terrain. If you need any equipment before hitting the slopes, they have a ski rental shop.
Hiking, mountain biking, and beautiful chairlift rides are still available in the summer. Additionally, there is a lodge here named the C’Mon Inn if you would like to stay. One of the best things to do in and around Missoula, Montana, is to visit the Montana Snowbowl. Flathead Lake is a great place to visit if you’d want to spend a day in the area of Missoula, Montana.
Ghost town Missoula
Missoula, Montana will visit the ghost town of Garnet. This settlement was inhabited by miners looking for wealth more than a century ago.Only the ruins of the buildings that littered this formerly bustling town still stand today. There are several hiking trails and walkways that lead through different sections of Garnet. Activities in the area include snowmobile, off-highway vehicle riding, mountain biking, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, and cross-country skiing. Missoula is approximately one hour’s drive from Garnet. While you’re in Missoula, Montana, enjoying everything that the city has to offer, be sure you stay at one of these fantastic accommodations. Both of the hotels we’ve stayed at on our visits to Missoula, Montana, are almost next to one another and are in a prime downtown location.
These are the most thrilling and popular locations in Missoula, Montana where you can have fun with your friends and enjoy a great time with your friends or family. Bookmark these locations for your next trip and enjoy a great holiday in Missoula.
