· US

Missoula

Missoula, Montana, United States

Missoula: Where Wild Scenery Meets Vibrant Culture Nestled in the heart of Western Montana, Missoula is a vibrant city where towering mountains meet rushing rivers, and a pioneering spirit blends seamlessly with a passio…

#Mountainous#Outdoor activities#University town#Cultural events#Riverside

1/3

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Missoula.

Top Hotels in Missoula

Top Flights to Missoula

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Missoula.

Tours

Explore the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Visit the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and learn about wildlife conservation efforts in Montana and beyond.

Visit the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula

Discover the rich history of Missoula through exhibits and historic buildings.

Explore Caras Park

Enjoy community events, picnics, and outdoor entertainment at Caras Park in downtown Missoula.

Shopping

Shopping at Southgate Mall

A popular shopping destination in Missoula offering a variety of shops and dining options.

Outdoor

Hiking in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

Enjoy scenic hiking trails through mountains and forests in the Rattlesnake Wilderness.

Kayaking on the Clark Fork River

Experience exhilarating kayaking adventures on the Clark Fork River.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Missoula.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

Information not available.

Languages

English, English

Average weather

Missoula

Jan

-1°-8°

Feb

3°-6°

Mar

8°-3°

Apr

13°0°

May

18°4°

Jun

23°8°

Jul

29°11°

Aug

28°10°

Sep

23°5°

Oct

15°0°

Nov

6°-4°

Dec

0°-8°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Missoula.

What people love

Missoula, located in Western Montana, offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the pros of traveling to Missoula include:

Natural Beauty: Missoula is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and forests. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Outdoor Recreation: The area around Missoula offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities, including skiing, snowboarding, rafting, and kayaking. The city itself has numerous parks and trails for walking and biking.
Cultural Attractions: Missoula is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with galleries, museums, and theaters showcasing local talent and history. The city also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year.
Local Food and Drink: Missoula has a diverse culinary scene, with many restaurants and cafes offering locally sourced ingredients and unique dishes. The city is also known for its craft breweries and distilleries.
University Town: Missoula is home to the University of Montana, bringing a youthful energy to the city. Visitors can explore the campus, attend sporting events, or take part in educational and cultural activities.
Friendly Community: Missoula is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors will find a tight-knit community that is eager to share their love for the area and help travelers make the most of their visit.

Overall, Missoula offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and a welcoming community, making it a great destination for travelers seeking a unique and memorable trip.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Missoula, Montana, United States, include:

Limited public transportation: Missoula is a relatively small city and may not have an extensive public transportation system compared to larger cities. This could make it challenging to get around without a car.
Weather extremes: Missoula experiences a wide range of weather conditions, including cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot summers. Travelers should be prepared for these weather extremes when visiting.
Isolation: Missoula is located in a more remote area of Montana, which may make it less convenient to access compared to larger cities with major airports. Travelers should plan accordingly for transportation to and from Missoula.
Limited cultural attractions: While Missoula offers beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor activities, it may have fewer cultural attractions such as museums, art galleries, and theaters compared to larger cities.
Seasonal tourism: Missoula is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, which can lead to crowded conditions during peak tourist seasons. Travelers looking for a more quiet and secluded experience may need to plan their visit carefully.
Wildlife encounters: Being located in Montana, travelers to Missoula should be aware of the potential for wildlife encounters, including bears and other animals. Visitors should take precautions and be aware of their surroundings when exploring the natural areas around Missoula.

Please note that these are general considerations and may not apply to every traveler's experience. It's always a good idea to research further and consider your own preferences and needs when planning a trip to Missoula.

Missoula, Montana, has a rich and diverse history, shaped by its geographic location, natural resources, and cultural influences. Here's a detailed history of the city:

Early History and Indigenous Peoples

Pre-European Influence: The area now known as Missoula was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Salish, Pend d'Oreille, and Blackfeet. The Salish called the area “Nemissoolatakoo,” meaning "place of the small bull trout."

European Exploration and Settlement

1805: The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through the Missoula Valley on their journey to the Pacific. They noted the abundant wildlife and the strategic location of the valley.
1860: C.P. Higgins and Francis Lyman Worden established the Hellgate Trading Post, one of the first permanent settlements in the region, which played a crucial role in trade.
1866: The name was changed to Missoula Mills when Higgins and Worden moved their trading post to a location on the Clark Fork River, near present-day downtown Missoula.

Development and Growth

1877: The U.S. Army established Fort Missoula to protect settlers and maintain peace with Native American tribes, particularly during the time of the Nez Perce War.
1883: The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway significantly contributed to the city’s growth, linking Missoula with the rest of the country and encouraging commerce and settlement.
1893: The University of Montana was established in Missoula, becoming a central cultural and educational hub for the region.

Twentieth Century

1908: The establishment of the U.S. Forest Service District headquarters in Missoula marked the city as an important center for forest management.
1960s-1970s: The city experienced growth due to its educational institutions and a burgeoning timber industry.

Significant Events and Figures

Jeannette Rankin: Born in Missoula, Rankin was the first woman elected to the United States Congress in 1916. She was a noted pacifist and women’s rights advocate.
Smokejumpers: Missoula is home to the nation's first smokejumper base, established in 1940. Smokejumpers are elite firefighters who parachute into remote areas to combat wildfires.

Modern Era

Cultural Developments: Missoula has developed a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous music festivals, art galleries, and theaters.
Environmental Advocacy: The city is known for its strong environmental ethos, with numerous initiatives aimed at preserving its natural beauty.

Important Landmarks

University of Montana: A major educational institution with a picturesque campus that is an integral part of the city’s identity.
Fort Missoula: A historic site offering insights into the military history and early settlement of the region.
Missoula Art Museum: A contemporary art museum that reflects the city's commitment to cultural enrichment.
The Historic Wilma Theater: Built in 1921, this theater is a notable landmark for arts and entertainment in Missoula.
Rattlesnake National Recreation Area: A popular area for outdoor activities and reflection of Missoula’s connection to nature.

Missoula continues to thrive as a cultural and economic center in Montana, balancing its rich history with a forward-looking perspective.