Missoula

Travel Guide

Missoula showing heritage architecture, a garden and an administrative buidling
Missoula
Missoula featuring street scenes, a small town or village and flowers
Missoula featuring a garden and heritage architecture
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 showing heritage architecture, a garden and an administrative buidling

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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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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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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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
Days Inn by Wyndham Missoula Airport

Days Inn by Wyndham Missoula Airport

2 out of 5
8600 Truck Stop Rd, Missoula, MT
The price is RM443 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
RM443
RM478 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Missoula. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.8/10 (991 reviews)
"Great location Staff on duty Brett was super nice and friendly Cheers"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Missoula Airport
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 RM510 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
RM510
RM559 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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! (1,019 reviews)
"The bed and pillows were comfortable. The hotel space was dirty in the carpet, but the room was clean. The breakfast was good."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Missoula
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! (1,012 reviews)
"Everyone I dealt with was very nice"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

StoneCreek Lodge
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.
2 Mi to Dtwn: Missoula Duplex w/ Fenced Yard

2 Mi to Dtwn: Missoula Duplex w/ Fenced Yard

3 out of 5
Missoula
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Missoula. Enjoy free parking, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Ogren Park at Allegiance Field and Montana Natural ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"When we got there, the lockbox battery was dead. I called property manager. She took care of the issue immediately. We were comfortable and happy. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

2 Mi to Dtwn: Missoula Duplex w/ Fenced Yard
Fish, Boat & Unwind: Spacious Missoula Gem w/ Deck

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

3 out of 5
Missoula
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
Missoula Getaway w/ Balcony, 2 Mi to Downtown!

Missoula Getaway w/ Balcony, 2 Mi to Downtown!

3 out of 5
Missoula
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Missoula. Enjoy free parking, balconies, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Diamond Jim's Casino and Motown Casino are ...
"The property is close to downtown Missoula, 2 min drive, suprisingly quiet considering on a main street. Very well appointed and comfortable"

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2024

Missoula Getaway w/ Balcony, 2 Mi to Downtown!
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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