As the second largest city in Montana, Missoula is one of the most beautiful places to visit in America. You can chill out and relax, soaking in the North Rockies air and supreme wilderness. There are lots of places to visit for food, drinks, and arts, making it great for everyone. Here are ten things you should not miss on your next trip to Missoula.
A Carousel for Missoula
The next time you’re in search of family fun, be sure to visit the Missoula carousel! These hand-crafted animals each have their own story, and there’s something for everyone. Adults and kids alike will enjoy choosing their favorite horse, dragon, or chariot. So hurry before someone else takes your spot!
Clark Fork Riverfront Trail
The Clark Fork River zigzags through Missoula, and a beautiful trail runs along it for almost the entire length of the city. If you’re looking for a place to walk, I suggest parking near Caras Park and strolling toward the University of Montana campus. Meandering through the different stores and eateries or taking a stroll around campus are both great options before making your way back to your car. There are also some fantastic Missoula restaurants in this area!
Missoula Art Museum
The Missoula Art Museum is home to several remarkable exhibits showcasing the diversity and creativity found throughout Montana. Tours and classes are also available depending on the day, so be sure to check the website in advance to see when they’re scheduled. If you’re looking for something fun to do in Missoula, look no further!
The Snowbowl
The combination of a tough winter and a ski trip to the area’s main ski hill makes it all the better. It’s in the Lolo National Forest, which also has excellent mountain biking trails in the summer and a 100-mile panorama of the surrounding mountains from the top. It’s a perfect location for both summer and winter, allowing you to get out and explore.
Downtown Missoula
If you’re only spending a few hours in Missoula, downtown is the best place to go. Not only will you find some of the best restaurants in town, but there are also several bars available that cater to college students and tourists. There are also a lot of adorable shops and cafés to explore, as well. With music concerts, farmer’s markets, and much more to do in the downtown area, it’s a hopping place! Stay at one of the city hotels in Missoula, MT as well!
Hike to the M
A visit to the University of Montana isn’t complete until you’ve hiked up Mount Sentinel to see the large M. The view from the top is definitely worth it, and it’s a great way to get some exercise in too. Just be prepared for a quick altitude change and lots of switchbacks on the way up.
Lolo National Forest
With two million acres, the Lolo National Forest is a perfect place to get away from it all. You can enjoy camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, and more in Montana’s less crowded national forests. Prepare for a bear encounter by packing bear spray and bear-proof containers on your camping equipment list, so you don’t have to endure an unpleasant situation!
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Elk are an important part of Montana’s ecosystem, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation offers educational programs to educate people about these animals. It’s a fantastic location to learn more about the environment and how everything is linked when it comes to nature, with activities like short trips and more available. It’s an excellent start to your Glacier National Park trip!
Attend a Grizzly Match
Fans of the Montana Grizzlies football team are in for a treat. They’re based in Missoula, Montana, and their fans are some of the most dedicated you’ll ever come across. The stadium is also constantly growing to accommodate more than 40,000 people per game. You might want to bring a pair of earmuffs because it can get pretty loud! Lastly, these events always sell out, so make sure you grab your tickets as soon as possible if you don’t want to miss out!
Get Ice Cream
If you’re ever in Missoula, be sure to swing by The Big Dipper ice cream parlor. Even though there’s usually a line outside, the wait is worth it for their delicious ice cream flavors like coco-nuts and huckleberry, vanilla-Reese’s, and mint Oreo.