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, Clark Fork River and Montana Natural History Center 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
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Lower Rattlesnake

5/5(1 area review)

Though Lower Rattlesnake might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Washington-Grizzly Stadium and Wilma Theatre.

Lower Rattlesnake
StoneCreek Lodge

StoneCreek Lodge

3 out of 5
5145 Airway Blvd, Missoula, MT
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,028 reviews)
"Only knock was no breakfast"

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

StoneCreek Lodge
Motel 6 Missoula, MT

Motel 6 Missoula, MT

2 out of 5
3035 Expo Pkwy, Missoula, MT
Fully refundable
The price is ¥10,925 per night from Oct 15 to Oct 16
¥10,925
¥12,393 total
Oct 15 - Oct 16
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,304 reviews)
"We got here before check in time by an hour and were told we would have to wait. I asked if she could check if are room was ready. She did and it was ready so she was able to check us in which we really appreciated. Usually if we arrive early at a hotel the attendant offers to check if the room is ..."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

Motel 6 Missoula, MT
Red Lion Inn & Suites Missoula

Red Lion Inn & Suites Missoula

2.5 out of 5
700 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT
The price is ¥13,820 per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
¥13,820
¥15,520 total
Oct 4 - Oct 5
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 ...
5.2/10 (1,014 reviews)
"Could use atm or way to get sodas with card or credit without having to drive mile or so from area"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

Red Lion Inn & 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.
Modern Missoula home with AC, WiFi, 2-car garage, sleeps 10, & beautiful views!

Modern Missoula home with AC, WiFi, 2-car garage, sleeps 10, & beautiful views!

Missoula
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Highlands Golf Club and Sousa ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"This home provided the perfect place for our family to gather and enjoy the weekend! The location was beautiful and the home was welcoming and clean. It was large enough to accommodate us together as a family but also had private space."

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2025

Modern Missoula home with AC, WiFi, 2-car garage, sleeps 10, & beautiful views!
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"Parking might be considered tight. I didn’t have an issue. Area was clean & safe. We only stayed a night to shortened drive to Yellowstone. Beds were very uncomfortable. All other amenities were fine. I suggested 4 chairs and a small table to better enjoy the nice patio. I drove to a local coffee ..."

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2025

Charming 2-bedroom apartment with AC, WiFi in marvelous Missoula
* Home, Sweet Home *

* Home, Sweet Home *

Missoula
Stay at this vacation home in Missoula. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Fort Missoula and Historical Museum are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (87 reviews)
"Spacious and cleanWell stocked and great fenced in back yard"

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2025

* Home, Sweet Home *
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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