Missoula, MT

Travel Guide

Missoula showing an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and a park
Missoula featuring forest scenes, a river or creek and tranquil scenes
Missoula which includes street scenes, a small town or village and flowers
Missoula featuring a park and heritage architecture
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 center. 

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 showing an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and a park

Heart of Missoula

4/5(399 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Heart of Missoula, Missoula County Courthouse and Wilma Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Heart of Missoula
Great hike for all ages and especially beautiful view of the city during sunset

University District

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in University District, Washington-Grizzly Stadium and Clark Fork River are top sights worth seeing.

University District
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Riverfront

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Riverfront, Montana Natural History Center and Clark Fork River are top sights worth seeing.

Riverfront
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Rose Park

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

While visiting Rose Park, you might make a stop by sights like Missoula County Fairgrounds and Motown Casino.

Rose Park
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Grant Creek

4.5/5(452 area reviews)

While visiting Grant Creek, you might make a stop by sights like Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Big Sky Brewing Co..

Grant Creek
Tia's menu
#lifeatexpedia

Westside

4/5(67 area reviews)

While visiting Westside, you might make a stop by sights like Clark Fork River and Lucky Lil's Casino.

Westside
Days Inn by Wyndham Missoula Airport
Days Inn by Wyndham Missoula Airport
2 out of 5
8600 Truck Stop Rd, Missoula, MT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥15,166 per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
¥15,166
¥16,380 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Missoula. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.8/10 (973 reviews)
"Close to gas station, convenience store and pizza place"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Missoula Airport
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Missoula
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Missoula
3 out of 5
5059 N Reserve St, Missoula, MT
The price is ¥18,812 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
¥18,812
¥20,613 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Missoula. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,012 reviews)
"Clean and friendly with a fair pet policy"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Missoula
LivAway Suites- Missoula
LivAway Suites- Missoula
2 out of 5
3455 N Reserve St, Missoula, MT
The price is ¥18,424 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥18,424
¥20,483 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Montana Lil's Casino and Silver Creek Casino ...
7.6/10 Good! (162 reviews)
"It was great."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

LivAway Suites- Missoula
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.
Second floor 2 bdrm off Missoula's Hip Strip, across river from downtown
Second floor 2 bdrm off Missoula's Hip Strip, across river from downtown
Missoula
Stay at this vacation home in Missoula. Enjoy balconies, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Clark Fork River and Caras Park are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Marathon week
"Quick access to the Hip strip. Very close to the Missoula Marathon finish line. Plenty of food options within easy walking distance."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Second floor 2 bdrm off Missoula's Hip Strip, across river from downtown
Charming 2-bedroom apartment with AC, WiFi in marvelous Missoula
Charming 2-bedroom apartment with AC, WiFi in marvelous Missoula
2 out of 5
Missoula
Stay at this apartment in Missoula. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Diamond Jim's Casino and Southgate Mall are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Clean, comfortable."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Charming 2-bedroom apartment with AC, WiFi in marvelous Missoula
Tranquility Meets Hospitality – Your Peaceful Montana Getaway
Tranquility Meets Hospitality – Your Peaceful Montana Getaway
Missoula
Stay at this apartment in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Grey Wolf Peak Casino and Lolo Trail are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
Zootown 2025 Home base
"We were looking for a place close to Missoula, but a little away from the city for the sake of my dogs who would be spending their evenings sleeping in their kennels while we were at the festival. It was a little farther out than I had hoped, but completely worth the 25 minute drive. Quiet, clean, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Tranquility Meets Hospitality – Your Peaceful Montana Getaway
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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