Perched atop the United States is the mountainous landscape of Montana. In the western half, you’ll find Missoula, the second largest city in Montana offering a unique combination of all that Montana has to offer. Downtown Missoula offers a trendy urban hub with great food and nightlife, while the mountains are a getaway for outdoor enthusiasts of all types.
This travel guide will show you everything there is to do in Missoula – you might be surprised at how much there is to explore. It’s not just the mountains!
Missoula is known as the “Garden City” with its lush hillsides and river flowing through the city. It’s the perfect location to explore the outdoors, hike in the Bitterroot Mountains, dine at some of the delightful restaurants and cafes, or indulge in some retail therapy.
When you picture Montana, you often think of unpopulated Western landscapes interspersed with the jagged Rocky Mountains. But Missoula makes a difference on its own. With a university, a great food scene, and easy access to the river, Missoula feels like everything you need in Montana comes together.
See my Missoula, Montana team list with more to-dos, here!
Montana is one of the best states for outdoor exploration in the US, with more than 147,000 square miles to roam. Montana’s landscape is ice-carved terrain, wildflower meadows, rolling hills, snowy rivers. Missoula and the Bitteroot Valley are the perfect places to explore what Montana has to offer. With mountains and valleys, bears and bison, waterfalls, and Old West charm, you’ll find plenty to do.
I will share exactly what to see, do, eat and where in Missoula and the surrounding area.
Accommodation
Residence Inn located in downtown Missoula, that’s where you’ll want to go for dining, cafes and access to everything in town.
Residence Inn is a modern, yet comfortable space with a generous breakfast. There is also a restaurant inside the hotel as well as several shops. The room is spacious, clean and has a mountain view.
Great cafes, restaurants, trails, breweries and river kayaking tours are all within walking distance of the Residence Inn.
What to do in Missoula
Missoula is located in the western half of Montana and is an ideal fall vacation destination. Offers plenty of outdoor activities and a vibrant community, as well as great restaurants, great cafes and hiking. With a backdrop of mountains, forests and stunning landscapes, “River City” is the perfect outdoor getaway and everything you need for your next vacation.
Missoula has 400 acres of parkland, 22 miles of trails, and nearly 5,000 acres of open space conservation up close. You can even do the Missoula Scramble up to the letter “M” on the side of the mountain, for a great view of downtown.
Here are my top picks for things to do in Missoula:
Resters’ State Park – This is where Lewis and Clark went to rest twice! It was the only archaeologically verified place they stayed! They must have looked at the beautiful Bitterroot mountains and decided to stop here for a while while they were on their way. Lolo Pass. Lewis named it “The Rest of the Travelers” because it was an extensive network of travel routes that spanned western North America.
The museum here is more explanatory and has artifacts and insights into Lewis & Clark as well as the Native Americans and animals of the area. Make sure to walk in State Parks and Bitterroot Trail for some nice river views.
Maclay Flat Nature Trail – This is an easy drive and walk from downtown Missoula. It’s a beautiful area right next to the water. This 1.8 mile loop is scenic and great for fall colors too!
Lolo . area – This is a great place to explore the Bitterroot Valley and is full of great restaurants and natural beauty.
Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge – This is a bird watcher’s paradise! We saw tundra swans, eagles, and even some white-tailed deer. I recommend getting here just before sunset for some great photo opportunities. You can drive in the area or go for a walk.
Fort Owen State Park – This is the site of Montana’s first Catholic church. In 1850, John Owen, a licensed merchant with the United States Army, purchased Saint Mary’s mission and converted it into a trading post. The fort was later turned into a ranch that was excavated and turned into this beautiful state park.
The mission of St. Mary – This is really where Montana started because it was the first permanent pioneer settlement. In 1841 Father DeSmet founded this church and the surrounding works. Here, the chapel, a wooden cabin, and a pharmacy stocked furniture handcrafted by Father Ravalli. For $8 per person, you can take an hour-long guided tour to learn the history of the area and back to the US border.
Daly Mansion – This is definitely one of the most surprising things to find in Montana! Marcus Daly came to America as an immigrant and made a fortune in bronze, which he displayed all over the house. This summer residence has been remodeled several times and is now in a Georgian renaissance style. Not only is the house beautiful and elaborate, the stories behind the people who used to live here are even better. Call ahead for a tour!
Cycling on the river – This is a fun, easy activity to do when the weather is nice. This is a great way to see Missoula and pass by some of the most historic sites. I also recommend stopping along your route at The Boone and Crockett Club, a small wildlife museum that explains the history of the conservation club founded by Theodore Roosevelt.
Pattee Canyon Recreation Area – This is one of my favorite areas for hiking! Beautiful, landscapes and lots of trails for all different skill levels!
Missoula’s Farmers Market – See local produce (like some very interesting mushrooms), herbs, spices, baked goods and flowers. Located at the end of Higgins Avenue right by the train line, this market has been in business since 1972.
Go shopping – There are many great shops in the downtown area. You’ll find fascinating art galleries, clothing stores, etc. Some to choose from are: Butterfly Herbs, Fact & Fiction, Showroom Missoula, The Artists’ Shop, Trailhead, Betty’s Divine and Noteworthy Press.
Missoula Art Museum This contemporary art museum offers exhibitions by national artists and traveling exhibits. It’s small, quiet, and easy to explore in about an hour.
Mount Sentinel “Scramble” – The Sentinel Mountain hike isn’t for everyone, but it does offer some great views of Missoula. It’s a steep hike up the mountain to Missoula “M.” notorious. You can see the specific “M” from below maintained by University of Missoula students.
Rattlesnake amusement park – This is a great place for your outdoor adventure in Missoula, with over 100 miles of trails to explore.
Where to eat
Top hat – A great place to stop for lunch or dinner. The food is hearty and creative. It’s also a good place for a drink and happy hour live music. Live music continues into the night and they also have patios during nice weather, like when we visited.
Montana Brewing Company – A great place to grab a beer and some food after exploring the town. Bitterroot IPA is brewed with locally grown hops. This is also one of the famous places with the locals.
Lolo Steakhouse – This, for me, is a must in Montana. It’s a large wooden cabin with sizzling steaks on the grill, right in front of your eyes. Michael eats steak and I eat pork. I recommend exchanging potatoes for sweet potatoes – it’s like a dessert! You’ll find lots of great cocktails and shareable appetizers.
Brewery higher above ground – Great stop for pizza and beer. This is a casual and quick place to get a good meal.
Black coffee roasting company – Located in what looks like a former plane hanger, you’ll find the perfect local coffee shop. They have great espresso, pour over wine and scones. I recommend stopping by early on the weekend as they sell out of pastries quickly! All their syrups and pastries are made in-house.
Hob Nob – This place reminds me of Luke’s from “Gilmore Girls.” It has the perfect home-like vibe, is right next to the river and has even better sourdough pancakes!
Pangea – This is a fun place to have dinner and drinks. The menu is international with banh tet, burgers, flatbreads and more.
Veera Donuts – If you’re looking for fun, creative donuts look no further than Veera. Of course, they also have the classics, but I like the old fashioned fall flavor.
Dobi’s Teriyaki – Another quick and easy restaurant located right next to a bar. With a small menu you really can’t go wrong with teriyaki. Order a drink while you wait and head out onto the patio to eat outside.
Breaking the espresso – This cafe is large with many tables to relax with friends, study (there were a lot of students in the cafe at that time), or have a big piece of cake. We did then and were not disappointed.
Mary’s Mountain Cookies – The best cookies. All I have to say is… We went 3 times already!!!
Lolo Peak Brewery – I recommend the crispy crackers and the pork chicharrones! Great atmosphere and service.
Lolo Creek Distillery – Sit out on the patio and enjoy the beautiful view! Great cocktails with a twist of the classics. It is also conveniently located within the grounds of the aforementioned Lolo Steakhouse.
How much time do you need in Missoula? I recommend at least 3 days to explore Missoula and the surrounding area. We spent 4 and a half days here and I think it’s the perfect amount to explore!
How to Visit Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley? To hit the hiking trails and explore areas like Hamilton and the many state parks, I recommend renting a car.
Summary of the Missoula journey:
1 day:
Fly or drive to Missoula
Stay at Residence Inn Downtown
Lunch at Top Hat
Hiking Maclay Flat
Mary Mountain Cookies for Dessert
Day 2:
Have breakfast at Hotel
Coffee in black coffee roasting
Traveler’s Rest State Park
Lolo Peak Brewery for Lunch
Lolo Creek Beverage Distillery
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
Lolo Creek Steakhouse for Dinner
Day 3:
Breakfast at Veera Donuts
Going to Stevensville and Hamilton
Fort Owen State Memorial
The mission of St. Mary
Visit Daly Mansion
Lunch at Higher Ground Brewery
Drive back to Missoula
Missoula Farmers Market
Big Dipper Ice Cream for Dessert
4th:
Breakfast at Hob Nob
Missoula Art Museum
Lunch at Burns Street Bistro
Pattee Canyon Recreation Area
Shopping in Downtown
Dinner at Dobi
Espresso Break for Dessert
Discover even more things to do in Missoula with my Missoula, Montana bucket list!
Whether you are visiting Missoula after a stop in Yellowstone or Glacier National Park, or if you want to explore the area on your own, you’ll find a town balanced with beauty, history, and culture.
