Missoula

Travel Guide

Missoula featuring a park, an administrative building and heritage architecture
Missoula
Missoula which includes street scenes, a small town or village and flowers
Missoula showing a garden and heritage architecture
Missoula featuring outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

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, an administrative building and a park

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
Default Image

University District

While visiting University District, you might make a stop by sights like Washington-Grizzly Stadium and Clark Fork River.

University District
Default Image

Riverfront

If you're spending some time in Riverfront, Clark Fork River and Montana Natural History Center are top sights worth seeing.

Riverfront
Default Image

Rose Park

If you're spending some time in Rose Park, Missoula County Fairgrounds and Motown Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Rose Park
Default Image

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
Default Image

Westside

If you're spending some time in Westside, Clark Fork River and Lucky Lil's Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Westside
LivAway Suites- Missoula
LivAway Suites- Missoula
2 out of 5
3455 N Reserve St, Missoula, MT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$227 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$227
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Montana Lil's Casino and Silver Creek Casino ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (133 reviews)
"Everything was fine"

Reviewed on 28 Jun, 2025

LivAway Suites- Missoula
Red Lion Inn & Suites Missoula
Red Lion Inn & Suites Missoula
2.5 out of 5
700 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT
The price is S$142 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
S$142
8 Jul - 9 Jul
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 ...
5.2/10 (1,011 reviews)
"This place was better than I expected. It was quiet and the bed, pillows and shower were great. I will stay again."

Reviewed on 27 Jun, 2025

Red Lion Inn & Suites Missoula
My Place Hotel - Missoula, MT
My Place Hotel - Missoula, MT
3 out of 5
2951 Expo Pkwy, Missoula, MT
The price is S$276 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
S$276
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Was a very nice stay. Would stay here again!"

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

My Place Hotel - Missoula, MT
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
Charming Missoula House Near Downtown + UM!
Charming Missoula House Near Downtown + UM!
3 out of 5
Missoula
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Missoula. Enjoy free parking, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions St. Francis Xavier Church and ...
"Such a lovely property! The interior had all the comforts of home, including super soft linens, games, a fully equipped kitchen, and wifi/internet TV. The neighborhood is very walkable. The exterior was not all that charming, as it is on a busy street, and the back yard was off limits due to construction. ..."

Reviewed on 26 Aug, 2024

Charming Missoula House Near Downtown + UM!
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do