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! (1,003 reviews)
Was very convenient for airport shuttle. Super clean with comfy beds.

Reviewed on 22 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 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$117
9 Nov - 10 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! (1,359 reviews)
good motel, plain but good

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Motel 6 Missoula, MT
Broadway Inn Conference Center

Broadway Inn Conference Center

2.5 out of 5
1609 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Missoula. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,212 reviews)
Hot tub was nice on a cold night. Quick check in, clean room. Beds were a little hard but other than that everything was nice.

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Broadway Inn Conference Center
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.
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! (191 reviews)
Fun spot and great location

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Literally the heart of Missoula. Amazing views of the River and Caras Park.
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! (184 reviews)
Great place to stay for a Griz game. Clean and comfortable!

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Heart of Missoula! Perfect for a Griz game stay!!!!
Historic Beacom Residence — Steps to Downtown, River and U of M.

Historic Beacom Residence — Steps to Downtown, River and U of M.

Missoula, MT
Stay at this vacation home in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Clark Fork River and Wilma Theatre are located ...
This is an incredibly special home. The attention to detail is top notch. We were so comfortable here and grateful to stay. The owners were very responsive with any questions we had. It’s a central location with great access to campus and downtown. We were fortunate to visit over homecoming weekend ...

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Historic Beacom Residence — Steps to Downtown, River and U of M.
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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