Nestled in a picturesque valley and bisected by the Clark Fork River, we visited the thriving town of Missoula, Montana, after spending four days in Glacier National Park in July. More than a college town, as it is home to the University of Montana, Missoula offers a rewarding summer stop for any Montana visitor.
Warm weather activities include outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, rafting, and fishing—or culture and history found at the Missoula Art Museum and Fort Missoula. Soaking up this mountain town’s atmosphere at its lively farmers market and live music venues offers more excellent options.
I share 39 of the best things to see and do if your Montana travels take you through Missoula for one day or several. We did some of the activities during our 3-day visit. Other activities are recommendations from our local friend, a many-year resident of the area, and things we wanted to do but could not carve out the time.
At-a-glance: 39 Missoula things to do by category.
Find things you want to do most quickly by jumping to one of the 12 categories of Missoula experiences. All activities are in town or within an hour or two drive, making Missoula an excellent base for day trips.
- Hiking (2)
- Biking (1)
- Water activities (7)
- Fishing (3)
- Horseback riding (1)
- Parks (3)
- Wildlife experiences (3)
- Shopping and galleries (3)
- History, museums, and culture (6)
- Food and drink (5)
- Two more Missoula highlights: University of Montana & minor league baseball (2)
- Events and festivals (3)
Or view all of the Missoula things to see and do on the map below.
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14 outdoor adventures.
Outdoor enthusiasts love Missoula for its wide range of activities. From hiking to biking to rafting or simply strolling along the Clark Fork River, there is no shortage of things to do if you want to spend the bulk of your day outside.
Hiking.
1. Hike the M.
Get a great view of Missoula by catching this 1.2-mile out-and-back trail with just under a 650-foot elevation gain to reach the iconic symbol of the University of Montana and Missoula. Once at the M, if you want to extend your walk, consider following the route up another 1.75 miles to ascend the top of Mount Sentinel. Or head to the other side of the Clark Fork River and hike the Mount Jumbo trail.
2. Find more trails.
Explore one of the many wilderness areas that conveniently surround Missoula. Some of the spots with the best hikes include:
- K Williams Nature Trail Area/Pattee Canyon Recreation Area: these hiking areas are adjacent and sometimes referred to interchangeably. Find them next to the University of Montana campus. Find the M and Mount Sentinel hikes mentioned above here.
- Rattlesnake Wilderness Area: next to town and across the Clark Fork River. The Mt. Jumbo trailhead is at the edge of town.
- Bitterroot National Forest: a 1.25 to 1.5-hour drive south of town, depending on where you plan to explore. We loved our hike on the rewarding 2.8-mile Blodgett Canyon Overlook trail.
- Flathead National Forest: a 1.5-hour drive northeast of town, depending on where you plan to stop and hike. The 3.3-mile Holland Lake and Falls trail is a highlight.
See more photos and get information about our Blodgett Canyon Overlook hike in this article.
Biking.
3. Explore on two wheels.
Ride some of Missoula’s 22 miles of off-street paved or gravel trails on two wheels. We rented bikes from Spotted Dog Cycles and headed down the nearby Bitterroot Branch trail toward Fort Missoula. Although we did not make my goal of Fort Missoula, you will hopefully be more successful in finishing this 3.7-mile route. A fair amount of unhappy scowling from our 13-year-old due to “not being a big fan of biking,” combined with the beginning section of this industrial path crisscrossed by roadways being charmless, had us reverse our route and head back to the river.
There, we picked up the Milwaukee Road Path, or the Kim Williams Nature Trail, following the pretty riverside route to the University of Montana, where it became too rocky for our rentals. However, if you have a sturdier ride, you can continue along the 4.2-mile route into the Kim Williams Nature Area.
See all area paved or gravel bike trails here. Or, for the more adventurous and skilled, see area mountain biking options here. Additionally, consider joining one of the Spotted Cycle day bike tours.
Water activities.
The Clark Fork River that runs through the middle of Missoula is perfect for floating, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while the nearby Bitterroot River offers excellent fishing opportunities. You can also rent a boat and spend a relaxing day on nearby Seeley Lake or Flathead Lake, surrounded by mountain scenery.
4. Float down the Clark Fork River.
Want a relaxing way to take in the town and surrounding scenery? Make time for one of Missoula’s #1 most recommended activities—a Clark Fork River float trip.
If you have two cars as we did, arrange your own shuttle float trip down the Clark Fork River, putting in at the Milltown State Park Confluence Area and exiting just before the Van Buren Street Walking Bridge on the left side of Jacobs Island Dog Park. Our local friend had her own raft. You can also rent one from local water outfitter Love Boat Paddle Co.
Or book a shuttle innertube trip with Love Boat Paddle Co. during the week or the Clark Fork Yacht Club during the weekend to outsource your transportation.
See more details on how we managed our shuttle float trip here.
5. Kayak or paddleboard.
If you are looking for more action and want to explore the river and get exercise while you do it, rent a kayak or paddleboard from Love Boat Paddle Co., which also offers river shuttle options.
6. Play on the wave.
River surf or practice your paddling on Brennan’s Wave, a non-natural feature installed on the Clark Fork River. Or watch the adventurous kayakers and surfers try their skills while you stay dry on the shore in Caras Park. The wave is just west of the Higgins Avenue bridge. Rent surfboards or kayaks from Love Boat Paddle Co.
7. Build your river skills.
If you get lucky on dates, sign up to attend one of the two-day kayak clinics at Love Boat Paddle Co. Or request a one-day private lesson available on weekdays for yourself or a group.
8. Jump (or boat) in a lake.
Make it a day trip and drive east an hour, taking scenic Highway 83 to Seeley Lake, at the base of two mountain ranges, to rent motorized and non-motorized watercraft at Tamaracks Resort Rental shack. Or, sign up for its Clearwater Canoe Trail Adventure, including craft rental and a portage to the trailhead.
Prefer a slightly quieter lake experience? Head south to Lake Como and bring your own craft. Surrounded by campgrounds and alpine scenery in the Bitterroot Valley, you may prefer this smaller lake.
9. Jump into a different and bigger lake.
Drive north for 1.25 hours to the southernmost point of nearly 200 square-mile Flathead Lake to rent pontoon boats, Sea-doos, kayaks, and paddle boards from Riverside Recreation.
Or turn it into a longer excursion by driving further north to explore Bigfork, a charming Montana town on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake. Dine at one of several in-town eateries or grab a lakeside bite to the south at The Raven on its outdoor deck. Rent watercraft from Old Faithful Watersports near The Raven in Woods Bay. Or, in town, rent canoes and kayaks from Base Camp Bigfork, which also offers guided kayak tours during the shoulder seasons.
10. Join a whitewater rafting adventure.
Enjoy a half-day or full-day guided whitewater rafting trip with Adventure Missoula for ages six to adult. A 30-minute drive west of town, you will meet there for your trip down the Clark Fork or Blackfoot Rivers on Class I, II, and II rapids.
Fishing.
Enjoy a River Runs Through It moment or several—by fishing along the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Bitterroot rivers. Grab your gear and spend a relaxing day soaking up picturesque surroundings while casting your line. Alternatively, choose to go guided by an expert. Or, if you are an angling newbie, learn how to fly fish in a clinic or with one-on-one instruction.
11. Find your own fishing spot.
Get your license and bring your gear to spend a peaceful day on one of the three rivers mentioned above or in Rock Creek. Learn more about fishing around Missoula and how to get your license here.
12. Go on a guided fishing trip.
Angle with an expert on a half-day or full-day fishing trip. Join local providers like Adventure Missoula or Missoula Fly Fishing Outfitters, also offering overnight camping options.
13. Learn how to fly fish.
Adventure Missoula offers private sessions and even has women-only options in the spring. Missoula Fly Fishing Outfitters provides private instruction to singles or groups.
Horseback riding.
14. Horse around.
Take in Montana’s wide-open spaces and big skies from horseback. Book a guided trip with Adventure Missoula. Or, drive 20 minutes south of town for longer rides and lessons at Dunrovin Ranch for ages 8+.
3 parks to visit.
Missoula is home to several parks perfect for outdoor lovers and families.
15. Caras Park.
In the heart of downtown Missoula, Caras Park is a popular riverside gathering spot. Stroll its river path, enjoy a picnic, ride its carousel, or attend one of its many events, including live concerts and festivals.
16. Greenough Park and McCormick Park.
Known for its greenery, creek, and walking trails, Greenough Park is a convenient in-town place to step into nature on winding paths. For families with kids, visit the playgrounds, a children’s fishing pond, a skate park, and open spaces of riverfront McCormick Park—a perfect place for kids to burn off energy and have fun.
17. Cool off at a waterpark.
Take the kids or go without them to Splash Montana, a family-friendly small-scale waterpark with three 3-story waterslides, a lazy river, a zero-depth entry pool, and on-site eateries within Playfair Park.
3 wildlife experiences.
In addition to hiking where you are likely to catch sight of lots of area wildlife, consider including one of these three unique experiences in your stay.
18. Pair birding with photography.
Consider splurging on a birding and wildlife private half or full-day float tour with Missoula Fly Fishing Outfitters. Bring your binoculars to catch sight of one of the 400+ bird species in Montana.
19. Learn about elk.
Although you will not see live elk here, you can learn about them through interactive exhibits at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Visitor Center, a hunting heritage conservation group dedicated to preserving elk populations and engaging in habitat stewardship. If you have the time, stroll the walking paths on the property.
20. See bison in their natural habitat.
About an hour’s drive north, see 300+ bison on one of two scenic driving loops at the CSKT Bison Range, a former federal nature reserve transferred back to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Interested in seeing smaller things that fly? Visit the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium.
3 shopping areas and galleries to explore.
No visit to Missoula would be complete without exploring its vibrant downtown area and galleries, restaurants, and shops. From locally made crafts to contemporary artwork, Missoula offers plenty to browse and admire.
21. Hit the Hip Strip and more downtown shops.
Stroll the section of Higgins Avenue just south of the bridge to explore the vintage and music shops of the Hip Strip. Then, walk back over the bridge to wander the downtown streets. A few of our favorite shops included HO & KO Boutique and The Trailhead outdoor shop.
22. Wander in wonderment at Rockin Rudy’s.
Billed as the “original hipster department store,” carve out time for a stop at Rockin Rudy’s headquarters outpost on Blaine Street. This sprawling emporium sells all the best knick-knacks, t-shirts, and funky decor items you never knew you wanted, though now must have.
23. Discover Montana artists.
Visit top local galleries to see new-to-you and Montana artists. Favorites like Radius Gallery are known for their excellent modern and contemporary art and ceramics collections. And the Dana Gallery for showcasing regional Western artists.
6 places to go for history and culture.
In addition to its natural beauty, Missoula boasts a rich cultural scene, including museums and performing arts venues.
24. Learn about Missoula’s history.
History lovers will enjoy a visit to the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, a former military post. Explore the buildings, learn about the region’s past through fascinating indoor and outdoor exhibits, and stroll some of the 32 acres of this regional park as you immerse yourself in the stories of the people who lived and worked here. Take an hour-and-a-half guided walking tour or explore self-guided. If you are in town for the 4th of July, check out its annual celebration. See a short video about the fort below.
25. Witness Montana’s gold-mining past.
Drive an hour east of Missoula to catch a sense of the Old West and explore Garnet Ghost Town, Montana’s best-preserved ghost town and a former gold mining community. Explore the grounds and walk its local trails to abandoned cabins and mines.
26. See art for free.
Showcasing contemporary, folk, and local art that reflects the region, explore the rotating collections of the Missoula Art Museum in the heart of downtown for free, though donations are appreciated. Join a guided tour on Saturday mornings. Or browse the eight galleries within this museum at your own pace.
27. Get tickets for a show.
Missoula has a thriving theater scene. The Montana Repertory Theatre at the University of Montana hosts a variety of productions throughout the year, including plays, musicals, and dance performances. The Wilma Theatre, a beautifully restored venue, is another great spot for live performances, ranging from concerts to comedy shows. Or catch a movie at the Roxy Theater, a historic and non-profit community-owned cinema that screens independent and foreign films.
28. Visit Missoula’s monument to books.
Book lovers will want to stop in the beautifully designed and reimagined Missoula Public Library downtown. Winning the “World’s Best Public Library” accolade in 2022 from the World Library and Information Congress, it is the first library in North America to win this distinction.
Take a virtual tour of the library and Missoula in the video from the Missoula Public Library below. Then, see it in person to marvel at the architecture and soak in the gorgeous mountain views from indoor and outdoor seating areas.
29. Gain a new respect for firefighting.
Next to the Missoula Montana Airport, visit the Smoke Jumper Visitor Center, an actual in-use facility, to learn about the history and how-tos of aerial smoke jumping and the courageous people who do it to combat forest fires in remote areas. Join for a free 45-minute guided tour to get fascinating facts and stories and see the aircraft that transports the smokejumpers.
5 things to know about Missoula’s places to eat and drink.
From farm-to-table eateries serving fresh, locally sourced ingredients to international cuisine, Missoula’s dining and brewery scene will impress.
30. Indulge in food truck heaven.
If your Missoula visit overlaps on a summer Wednesday or Thursday, head to Caras Park to sample the best of its food truck scene at the weekly Out to Lunch (Wednesdays) and Downtown Tonight (Thursdays) series, organized by Downtown Missoula.
On a Wednesday, we got a burger dripping in nacho cheese for our daughter, Banh Mi sandwiches and Vietnamese iced coffees for us, and a donut ice cream sandwich for dessert. We thoroughly enjoyed our delicious lunch at a nearby picnic table while listening to live music.
31. Go hyperlocal with your eats.
Pick up sweet, savory, or fresh produce treats at the weekly Missoula Farmer’s Market. About a city block long, find it on the north end of Higgins Avenue on Saturday mornings from May to October and Tuesday evenings from June to September. Also, shop local crafts and artisanal products that make for great souvenirs.
32. Puzzle out which amazing place to eat.
For its population and size, Missoula has a plethora of seriously excellent and walkable places to eat, particularly if you are staying downtown. The breadth of options wowed us, and the quality and execution of dishes at every level of eatery won us over to the culinary charm of this western Montana town.
Our favorites included Top Hat Restaurant & Bar, also a live music venue, Biga Pizza enjoyed on the Cranky Sam Public House patio, breakfast and takeaway picnic sandwiches at the Market on Front, only a block from our downtown rental, and the upscale yet still relaxed outdoor dining at the Patio at Rattlesnake Market.
33. Get your craft drink on.
In addition to its thriving restaurant scene, Missoula delivers on the drink front. Sample craft brews at favorites like Big Sky Brewing, which also offers a summer concert series, Imagine Nation Brewing Co., which also features live music, or Bayern Brewing for its German lagers and Edelweiss bistro. Prefer your libations distilled? Head to the downtown tasting room of Montgomery Distillery, a family business serving creative cocktails and small-quantity spirits.
34. Enjoy some wine time.
Relax with a glass of Montana-made wine at Ten Spoon Vineyard & Winery in the Rattlesnake Valley, a short drive from downtown Missoula. Enjoy a flight, light snacks, wood-fired pizzas, and live entertainment in a beautiful setting.
2 more Missoula highlights.
35. Get schooled.
Visit the University of Montana campus, where you can walk its beautiful grounds and relax on the Oval. While there, explore the Montana Museum of Art and Culture, showcasing a diverse collection, including Native American artifacts, contemporary pieces, and Western art. Or get tickets for a show at the campus Montana Repertory Theatre.
36. Take in America’s favorite pastime.
Catch a baseball game by getting tickets to see Missoula’s local team, the PaddleHeads of the Pioneer League, play at Ogren Park at Allegiance Field on the south side of the Clark Fork River.
3 events and festivals.
Known for its lively events, including music festivals and cultural celebrations, Missoula always has something happening.
37. Feel the music at this festival.
Attend the River City Roots Festival, a two-day free music and arts festival at the tail end of summer. Find it in the heart of downtown on Ryman and Main.
38. Catch more outdoor summertime tunes.
Get epic Montana views while you enjoy the live performances at the Kettlehouse Amphitheater, a ten-minute drive northeast of town and on the Blackfoot River for its summer concert series.
39. Experience the best of the West.
If your Missoula visit overlaps with the right dates in August, check out the Western Montana Fair & Missoula Stampede, an annual event showcasing regional agriculture, entertainment, and carnival rides at the Missoula Fairgrounds in the southern part of the town.
Related reading.
If you are planning a Montana trip, check out these related articles. Get more information, ideas, and resources to plan better travel and get out the door with less hassle.
- How to Make the Most of Missoula in 3 Days
- How to Plan a Glacier National Park Trip: 17 Essential Tips
- The Best Of Glacier NP: An Action-Packed 4-Day Itinerary
- Glacier Reservation & Pass: How to Enter This National Park
- Glacier NP: Ultimate Guide Where to Stay Inside the Park
- The Best Places to Stay Near Glacier National Park
- The Best Places to Eat Around Glacier National Park
- Pack Faster & Better with This Universal Printable Packing List
- 25 Expert Packing Tips to Help You Travel Better
- Pre-Trip: A Practical Checklist to Close the House & Pack
Feedback & questions.
Did this article help? Do you have questions about an upcoming visit? Or do you have an information update for the businesses mentioned? Please share in the comments. I will respond to all inquiries.
