ATXtoday City Editor London here. 👋 I go to Missoula pretty regularly to visit my family who lives there, and I can confirm that whether it’s winter, summer, spring, or fall, there’s plenty to do in this picturesque mountain town.
Why go?
- First, the nature. Missoula is nestled in between mountains and bordered on all sides by forests, hiking trails, and rushing rivers. Try skiing in the area, taking a rafting trip , or hiking through the 22 miles of trails that run through the city itself. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, Missoula is also known for river surfing during the summer months.
- This small city is also known for its summer festivals, like the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival — which screens 100+ films and attracts ~10,000 visitors annually — and the River City Roots Music Festival .
- Wondering what to do in between wilderness excursions? Check out this guide to shopping downtown, which is home to several vintage shops and small businesses. Pro tip: If you’re a book lover, I make it a point to stop at Shakespeare & Co. every time I’m in Missoula.
- You’ll probably be wanting to try some good food while you’re in Missoula. We suggest 1889 Steakhouse , Tagliare Delicatessen , and Bar Plata .
Missoula is surrounded by 60,000 acres of wilderness, but there are plenty of hiking trails within the city as well.
Photo by ATXtoday
Act like a local:
- Food: The butter flight at 1889 Steakhouse is a must-try, in my opinion. You also won’t want to sleep on The Camino , a Mexican style restaurant that’s known for their goat and lamb dishes.
- Drink: Don’t let the name fool you — Plonk is a go-to spot for an elegant, balanced cocktail downtown.
- Outdoors: For a view, take a 1.2 mile trek up Mount Sentinel to the ‘M’ or follow the Blodgett Canyon Overlook Trail to a roaring waterfall.
- Listen: Despite the city’s smaller size and remote location, Missoula’s stages see big name artists, with upcoming concerts including The Avett Brothers in July and Kane Brown in May .
- Explore: Missoula’s history is almost as enthralling as its natural beauty. Take a walking tour of downtown, which is home to several 1800s-era buildings, or visit the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula .
- Learn: Before white settlers arrived in this region of Montana, several Native American communities called it home. Read up on their legacy and history in the area.
Where to stay:
- Vrbo: Missoula Brownstone (~$200/night)
- Airbnb: Downtown 1BR with Balcony and Hot Tub ($143/night)
- Splurge hotel: AC Hotel by Marriott (~$210/night)
- Save hotel: Motel 6 Missoula (~$100/night)
Take in mountainous scenery at this downtown Missoula Airbnb .
Photo courtesy Airbnb .