Missoula Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Heart of Missoula

While visiting Heart of Missoula, you might make a stop by sights like Wilma Theatre and Clark Fork River.

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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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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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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Grant Creek

4/5(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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Lower Rattlesnake

While Lower Rattlesnake may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Washington-Grizzly Stadium and Wilma Theatre.

Lower Rattlesnake
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! (1,010 reviews)
"Really clean and new looking"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

StoneCreek Lodge
Motel 6 Missoula, MT

Motel 6 Missoula, MT

2 out of 5
3035 Expo Pkwy, Missoula, MT
The price is AU$117 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$117
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,350 reviews)
"Clean spacious room. Friendly staff and easy access to the highway"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Motel 6 Missoula, MT
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Missoula

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Missoula

3 out of 5
5059 N Reserve St, Missoula, MT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$197 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
AU$197
27 Oct - 28 Oct
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! (1,093 reviews)
"Although the property is in need of updating which I understand will happen in the near future it was clean and comfortable. The staff was excellent. I particularly want to mention that Jackie who took care of the breakfast was super nice. She found my purse that I left on the chair in the breakfast ..."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Missoula
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.
Heart of Missoula! Perfect for a Griz game stay!!!!

Heart of Missoula! Perfect for a Griz game stay!!!!

Missoula
Stay at this vacation home in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mount Sentinel and Canyon River Course are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (183 reviews)
"Lovely setting with river view and access. Quiet sweet older home and neighborhood. beautiful wood floors and interior. Very comfy. Stores and supplies very available and close by"

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Heart of Missoula! Perfect for a Griz game stay!!!!
Literally the heart of Missoula.  Amazing views of the River and Caras Park.

Literally the heart of Missoula. Amazing views of the River and Caras Park.

Missoula
Stay at this condo in Missoula. Enjoy a water park, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Wilma Theatre and Caras Park are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (190 reviews)
"The studio was clean and decorated very hip. Loved how close it was to all the great bars and restaurants downtown. The host was very prompt about answering texts, we had a slight parking issue, and he helped immediately. We will be staying here again."

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Literally the heart of Missoula. Amazing views of the River and Caras Park.
Modern Missoula home with AC, WiFi, 2-car garage, sleeps 10, & beautiful views!

Modern Missoula home with AC, WiFi, 2-car garage, sleeps 10, & beautiful views!

Missoula
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Highlands Golf Club and Sousa ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Beautiful property in the hills surrounded by deer. Plenty of room for our party of 5 adults and 3 kids. Check out was quick and easy. Just had to start dishwasher and the towels and sheets in the washing machine."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Modern Missoula home with AC, WiFi, 2-car garage, sleeps 10, & beautiful views!
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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