Are you looking to have an exciting day in Missoula? Here are some of the best things to do in Missoula, MT that stray away from the ordinary.
Welcome to Missoula, Montana, the state’s second-largest town. Here you’ll find a population of just over 77,000 citizens, gorgeous Montana scenery, and plenty to do.
If you’re looking for things to do in Missoula, you’ve come to the right place. From local farmer’s markets to natural hot springs, we’ve compiled a list of the top-rated places to check out in The Garden City.
1. Visit the Natural Hot Springs
If you’re wondering what to do in Missoula, spend the afternoon at the nearby natural hot springs. Lolo Hot Springs is located 45 minutes outside of Missoula.
The springs were once a popular spot for games, meetings, and bathing among local Indian tribes. Today, visitors spend hours soaking in the naturally heated water pools surrounded by Montana’s gorgeous countryside.
There’s more to do than relax when visiting Lolo Hot Springs. If you’re visiting in the winter, go on a snowmobile tour of the surrounding trails. Horseback riding sessions guide tourists through over 500 miles of terrain during the summer months.
View of Missoula and the Clark Fork River from Mount Sentinel
2. Go Shopping, Montana Style
Browsing Missoula stores is a unique experience. Missoula shops cater to the outdoor lifestyle. From top-rated fishing equipment to high-quality hatchets at ClutchAxes, there’s plenty of supplies to choose from.
Head over to Hip Strip to check out everything local vendors have to offer. Hit up the Southgate Mall for bargain buys and take advantage of Montana’s 0% sales tax.
If you get hungry, you’ll find plenty of local farmer’s markets all around Missoula. The farmer’s markets are fully-stocked with Montana’s finest produce and homemade delights from May to October.
3. Tour Historic Downtown Missoula
With so many things to do in Missoula, Montana, don’t forget to educate yourself on the town’s long-standing history. Visitors can take themselves on a self-guided walking tour of downtown Missoula.
Explore the historical landmarks that played a significant role in shaping Montana.
For those who want more guidance, check out Unseen Missoula. The program offers two guided tours, Basements & Back Alleys and Hotels & Hooligans. The tours offer visitors a more in-depth look into Missoula’s unique history.
4. Try One-Of-A-Kind Cocktails
One of the most popular Missoula activities involves tasting the town’s local spirits.
The Montana Distillery was established in 1889. It is the state’s oldest functioning distillery since prohibition. The liquors use local Montana sugar beets and come in a variety of flavors. Mixologists are always available to whip up one of the establishment’s 30 specialty cocktails.
Not a fan of liquor? Missoula is home to plenty of delicious craft breweries, too. From traditional ales to beers infused with local Montana flavors, there’s a drink for everyone.
5. Hike Mount Sentinel
Located 40 minutes outside of Missoula, Mount Sentinel is a fun hike for the whole family. The mountain features a giant concrete “M” on its west side, making it a Missoula landmark.
The trail offers a bird’s-eye view of the University of Montana, Clark Fork River, and Montana’s gorgeous mountains. The trail is less than a mile but can get steep at times. If you continue past the “M,” you see
Hellgate Canyon to the north and the Bitterroot Mountains in the south.
Find More Things to Do in Missoula
With so many fun things to do in Missoula, it can be hard to choose just a few. Put extra time into planning your trip, so you can explore as many sites as possible. For more information on Missoula, explore our website.