In Missoula, Montana, you can wander where Lewis and Clark once roamed, find where miners made their fortunes in gold, and learn about the region’s history through tours and museums. treasure. Alternatively, you can discover a whole new urban area with delicious food, craft breweries and art. Missoula is the ideal blend of history and modernity, creating a gap between beautiful mountain scenery for outdoor enthusiasts and a vibrant, bustling city.
In this article, I’m sharing my Missoula, Montana team list – with tips on what to see and do. There is so much history here to help us understand how Missoula and the West came into being!
Missoula is an easy plane ride. We flew directly from Dallas and rented a car to explore the surrounding area. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, fine dining cafes and restaurants, a burgeoning craft beer industry, and (bonus points) for its incredibly friendliness. It is also characterized by lovely architecture and a river that flows through the town beautifully in any season.
Missoula is the perfect base for your exploration of the United States. I spent five days in Missoula, enough time to explore neighborhoods like Lolo and the Bitterroot Valley, visit some historic sites, visit the restaurants, cafes, and shops, and take a tour. Attend a local farmers market. Although Missoula is Montana’s second largest city, it has a small-town feel about it.
I think what makes a place even more meaningful is the history around it. Missoula certainly has its fair share. But beyond that, there is a vibrant scene of arts and culture as well as food and nightlife. The first inhabitants of the Missoula region were from the Salish tribe. They called the area “Nemissoolatakoo”, from which the word “Missoula” is derived. The term roughly translates to “river of ambush/surprise”, reflecting the ongoing skirmishes in the area.
Looking for a fully guided cruise? Check it out here!
Here’s my Missoula, Montana team list with 15 must-dos:
first. Hiking to “M!” You can see the University of Montana “M” almost everywhere in Missoula. Since 1908, the “M” on the west side of Mount Sentinel has been a Missoula landmark. Forestry Club members created a trail that zigzags up the mountain (I can attest, it’s steep!), and students hoisted rocks up to create the iconic shape of the University. Montana. The walk up offers great views of downtown Missoula.
2. Get a scoop or two at Big Dipper Ice Cream. Ice cream lovers rejoice! Big Dipper has an exotic flavor made with local ingredients. I bought the classic huckleberry (a fruit of this region) that has chunks of dark chocolate. I like too Sweet Peak Ice Cream Shop as well as bring delicious milkshakes according to each taste.
3. Order a fun donut at Veera’s. Had donuts and then Veera’s donuts. With flavors like lavender, Bavarian cream, and lemon poppy seed, it’s a delight for the senses. Since it’s autumn, I ordered the melt-in-your-mouth maple with pumpkin seeds on top!
4. Lolo is a cute town about an hour by car from Missoula. It’s a great destination if you love all things outdoors. It also has a great brewery, distillery, and Lolo Steakhouse is a must. Make sure to go to Resters’ State Park– the campsite where the Discovery Corps rested on their journey! Lots of great information about Lewis and Clark in the museum.
5. Explore the Art scene. Missoula is the arts capital of Montana and it shows. There are many art galleries and museums dedicated to the art form. I really enjoy the Missoula Art Museum or just walking around town and entering the different art galleries.
6. Hiking the Maclay Flat Nature Trail. This is a lovely hike through the woods and up to Rattlesnake Creek. Maclay is a short, easy path suitable for most skill levels.
7. Walk through history at Garnet Ghost Town. These silent forests once resounded with the rumbling of wagons laden with gold ore! The town that was once a mining settlement in the late 1800s has been restored and is open to tours. This is Montana’s most intact ghost town. It represents an important era in Montana’s hard rock mining history.
8. Adventure hiking! I mentioned Maclay Flat and the “M” hiking but if you want adventure or want to head deeper into the woods for some epic views, I recommend hiking Pattee Canyon or Rattlesnake Recreation Area. The scenery is epic and the hikes are for all skill levels in the area.
9. Enjoy wildlife at Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge. This hideout is perfect for driving or walking and viewing some of Montana’s wildlife.
ten. Stevensville is an easy drive from Missoula and offers things to see and do along the way. Payment procedures Fort Owen State Park —It has many historic buildings and helps explain how Montana came to be. Alternatively, stop by St. Historic Mary’s Mission — the first permanent pioneer settlement in Montana.
11. Get cozy in a coffee shop. There are many great cafes in Missoula. Since this is the home of the University, you will find college students drinking coffee at a local shop. I recommend Black Coffee Roasters, Break Espresso, Le Petite Outre, the Catalyst, or Hob Nob (don’t skip the sourdough pancakes here!).
twelfth. Hamilton, the largest city in the Bitterroot Valley, is also home to a vibrant arts scene with numerous galleries and businesses selling work by local artists. Other activities include fly fishing on one of Western Montana’s most beautiful rivers – the Bitterroot River – or hiking the famous Blodgett Canyon View Trail for stunning views into the Wild Selway-Bitterroot. I also recommend fueling up with pizza and beer at Higherground Brewing Co.
13. Visit Daly Mansion. This is a stunning mansion that was originally built by the executive director of the Anaconda Copper Mining Company – Marcus Daly – and his wife Mary. Now, it’s open year-round for tours and special events like weddings, receptions, and receptions. There’s some really interesting history here!
14. Walk on the campus of the University of Montana. Founded in 1895, this public university has about 10,000 undergraduate students, giving Missoula a youthful vibe.
15. Immerse yourself in the Missoula food scene. Whether you want to indulge in fine dining, eat a steak, drink craft beer or sample local produce at the Farmers Market, there’s something for everyone. I recommend Top Hat, Burns Street Bistro, El Camino, 1889, Gild Brewing, Draftworks Brewing, Dobi Teriyaki and Saketome.
I was impressed by the history and culture in Missoula and surrounding area. Since the days of Lewis and Clark, the university of Missoula was founded, and with the surrounding natural beauty, it’s no wonder that Missoula should be on your bucket list!
Read my day-by-day itinerary to Missoula, here!
