Things to Do in Missoula, MT
Missoula is a great place for people of all ages. Not only is there an endless amount of things to do in this valley, the city itself is the gateway to a number of other adventures across the state. Over the years our city has gained recognition for the quality of life that can be found here even if you are not a local. In 2017, Missoula was honored as one of the "25 Best Towns Ever" by Outside Magazine, and in 2016 our Farmer's Market made the list of "Best Farmers Markets in the U.S". Livability recognized our city as one of the "Top 100 Best Places to Live" in their 2018 issue and The Huffington Post listed us as one of the "20 Awesome US Cities You Need To Visit In Your 20's". More recently, our University of Montana made it to Thrillist's list of "Top 25 Most Beautiful Campuses in America". So whether you are new to the city, just driving through, or someone who has been to Missoula a number of times, we would be happy to give you a recommendation on where you should go before or after your visit with us. Just let us know!
A Carousel for Missoula
Built to provide the community of Missoula a new option for good, old-fashioned fun, the Carousel continues to entertain the children (and the adults) with rides on the beautifully crafted horses as well as family friendly events.
12 P.M. - 5 P.M. (Open Daily)
http://carouselformissoula.com/
RV Campgrounds near Missoula
Explore Downtown
Unique shops, restaurants, cafes, art galleries, events, and even a river running through its core, Downtown Missoula is a place where everyone can find something to connect with.
https://www.missouladowntown.com/
Smoke Jumper Center
Displays explaining firefighting procedures, smoke jumping history, and other fire related issues. In addition, there are several short educational videos and an actual fire lookout from 1937 that visitors can enter.
8:30 A.M. - 5 P.M. (Open Daily)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/fire/smokejumpers/missoula/center
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Learn more about elk, elk country and the role RMEF plays in conservation. Discover the diverse wildlife that calls elk country home, explore the role we all play in conserving habitat, and connect with the rich heritage that makes the outdoors so important to so many of us. Along the way, you'll hear elk bugle, test your knowledge of wildlife, identify animal tracks, feel the weight of an elk antler, and enjoy wildlife conservation films.
Temporarily Closed
https://www.rmef.org/contact/visitor-center/
Fly Fishing
Guided Fly Fishing Trips on the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Blackfoot, Rock Creek, and Missouri Rivers
https://missoulamontanaflyfishing.com/
Brennan’s Wave
Since 2006 Brennan’s wave has been located in beautiful Missoula, Montana. There are actually two waves located here: Main Brennan’s wave and Middle Brennan’s wave. The waves sit side-by-side in the Clark Fork River, in downtown Missoula. These waves are popular for beginner – expert surfers depending on water levels. Brennan’s is surf-able all year long!
http://riverbreak.com/spots/brennans-wave/
Take A Hike
Kim Williams, Jumbo/L, Waterworks, Sentinel, Blue Mountain, Barmeyer Loop, McClay Flats, The "M"
https://missoula.com/adventure/classic-missoula-hikes/article_19aba8b2-5533-11e7-bb6d-23fd4ce4007d.html
Folfing (Blue Mountain or Pattee Canyon)
Disc golf courses in Missoula (also known as folf or frisbee golf) are a great way to leisurely enjoy the great outdoors.
https://destinationmissoula.org/disc-golf
Visit one of Missoula’s Breweries
Breweries in Missoula have a variety of local flavors sure to satisfy the beer-lover in you. Feeling thirsty? Come taste what Missoula has to offer. Montana ranks #2 in the nation for craft breweries per capita, and Missoulians love to celebrate their brew. Enjoy responsibly by taking a brewery tour.
https://destinationmissoula.org/breweries
See A Show At The Wilma or KettleHouse Amphitheater
The Wilma is a state-of-art concert venue with all the character of a historical 1920’s theatre. The KettleHouse Amphitheater is a new addition to the Logjam venues, located on the banks of the legendary Blackfoot River.
https://logjampresents.com/
Western Montana Fair
Missoula County Fairgrounds hosts an ever-increasing variety of public events during the year, and is the largest such facility in Western Montana. The Fairgrounds offers a variety of facilities, both indoor and outdoor, for business meetings, trade shows, concerts and equestrian events, and can also provide all of the necessary support services for such events.
https://missoulafairgrounds.com/
Missoula Marathon
The Missoula Marathon is one of our community’s most beloved and supported events. The Missoula Marathon has been named as the Best Marathon In The U.S. on several occasions.
June 24 - 26, 2022
https://www.missoulamarathon.org/
Mountain Bike: Rattlesnake, Blue Mountain & More
Missoula's an amazing place to ride, but with a high density of trails and a notorious lack of signage, it can be tough to find your way. This guide will make sure you find what you're looking for.
https://www.mtbmissoula.org/ride-guide
Float the River
Visit the Garden of 1,000 Buddhas
The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas aligns positive properties of the physical world in a sacred architectural arrangement based on the eight-spoked Dharma wheel. This symbol evokes the turning or awakening of the enlightened qualities of altruism and wisdom. The purpose of the Garden is to bring about positive transformation within those who visit, in response to the negativity that abounds in the world today.
9 A.M. - 9 P.M.
June - August
https://ewam.org/centers/ewam-usa/buddha-garden
Fort Missoula
Some of Missoula County’s fascinating history you will discover includes: early Fort history dating from its establishment in 1877 in the midst of the Indian Wars; the exploits of the all African American 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps, the century or more of the forest products industry’s culture and innovations; and the World War II internment camp that once held over 2200 Italian and Japanese nationals. Over 20 beautiful preserved historic buildings and structures bring this history to life on our grounds.
10 A.M. - 5 P.M. (M-Sa)
12 P.M. - 5 P.M. (Su)
https://fortmissoulamuseum.org/
Ski Snowbowl
Whether you alpine, snowboard, or telemark ski, Missoula's ski resorts will offer you awesome terrain, powder, chutes, and vertical, without the crowds or costs of more popular destinations. Click on the following link for more information regarding scheduling and dates.
https://www.allmissoula.com/ski_resorts/
Rafting
We highly suggest going with an outfitter. Not only are they skilled in whitewater navigation and swift water rescue, in addition they have some insight on the wildlife, flora and fauna you'll be passing. Outfitters take care of practically everything as well. Since you're on vacation, isn't that how it should be? Shuttles, gear, meals, snacks and more will be provided.
https://destinationmissoula.org/rafting
University of Montana Events
The University of Montana (Go Grizzlies!) is in the spectacular landscape of Western Montana. From Theatre & Dance to NCAA Division 1 Athletics, UM provides must see performances.
https://www.umt.edu/events/