Missoula is a city in Montana; it was an inhabitant of Indian and American habitats known as Salish. They named this area Nemissoolatakoo when they migrated here after the Indian War. Missoula is derived from the word Nemissoolatakoo, which means River Of Surprise.
Missoula is also famous for the blue ribbon trout fish found here, which is only a part of the rivers flowing in Montana. It is a known town for thriving arts and crafting breweries and wines. It is the hub of 5 valleys, 250 lakes, 50 glaciers, and some rarely found stones and minerals.
Missoula also has the name of Zoo town because of the wild parties held here. It is also awarded as one of the ten well-known bicycling places in the U. S. it is so beautiful and identified for its naturally preserved areas and historical places and buildings.
Summers in Missoula are warm short, and dry, while winters are snowy, freezy, and cloudy. The best times to visit Missoula are from July to August, as the weather is neither cold nor hot.
So whenever you plan a trip to Missoula, plan your vacations in these months and pack your bags accordingly. When you get ready and set to hop on the land of Missoula, read the places below and make your journey unforgettable yet unbelievable.
1) Plan an outdoor day at Caras Park
Caras Park is located in the heart of downtown Missoula, there are many indoor and outdoor activities and things to do in Missoula, but at Caras Park, you can even book the venue for special events.
The Caras park also features a Pavilion that organizes annual events like Brewfests, Missoula’s Out to Lunch, and Downtown Tonight.
This park is a sight to witness kayakers at Brennan’s Wave; it is located next to Riverfront Missoula, so riverfront walking and trailer are also famously done here.
What Things Can You Do Here?
Pack your bags tightly as there are unlimited fun adventures at Caras Park; take your family or friends to the missing carousel and relive your childhood memories.
Let your kids play unlimitedly in the jungle gym; you can even participate with them. If you’re a bike rider, this place is a soothing spot for sore eyes as the biking paths are all available for unlimited time.
Take a walk at the Riverside and enjoy people water kayaking and bogging. You can even enjoy food from trucks as they have some specified days where they sell food in trucks to all visitors.
The cherry on top is that Caras Park is operational 24/7, so even if you want to go on a night stroll, you can unhesitantly enjoy some outdoor moments.
Address
123 Carousel Dr, Missoula, MT 59802, United States
Contact Information
+1 406-543-4238
2) Shop organic materials at Missoula Farmer’s Market
Missoula Farmers Market was established in 1972, selling locally manufactured products. It is a local garden and farm market having unlimited freshly made eateries and things to do in Missoula.
Missoula Farmers Market offers fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, honey, and meats. It is a whole year-round market. In spring, most vegetables are available here.
In summer, tomatoes, corn, peaches, melons, huckleberry, and cherries fill the market. Fall is for apples, squash, pumpkin, and garlic. At the same time, winters are for eggs, mushrooms, and meats.
What Things Can You Do Here?
Do you want to go strolling while shopping for fresh products? Then park your cars, walk towards the Missoula Farmers Market, and get all the edibles you want at low rates compared to other big shops.
It is a seasonal market, so whatever season you visit, you can always get fresh veggies, fruits, and meat all year round.
Local farmers sell their products at reasonable rates, so you can easily fill your carts with all your desired products. Apart from shopping and roaming, Missoula Farmers Market is a perfect spot for chatting and socializing with other tourists and citizens of Missoula.
Mark Tuesday and Saturday if you want to visit Missoula Farmers Market as it is only operational on these days from 8 am to 7 pm.
Address
534 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802, United States
Contact Information
+1 703-772-2792
3) Learn about Elks at Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1984. This foundation has almost 12,400 Elks living and habituating for years. It is a perfect nature exploring the place with fun activities and things to do in Missoula.
Elk Foundation also features exhibits of hunting and conserving the Elks. Their mission is to keep this habitat always alive.
This foundation is owned by Charlie Decker, Dan Bull, Bob Munson, and Bill Munson. They ensure the future of wildlife, elks, their habitats, and their hunting heritage.
What Things Can You Do Here?
Have you ever been to Elk world? If not, then this is your chance; gather your group of travel buddies or go alone exploring the rocky gardens of Elk Foundation. You’ll get all the history and details about Elk.
Hike at the Rocky Mountains is a combinational fun place for trailing, hiking, and walking as the route is easy; even beginners can take advantage of this place hassle-free.
The guide here will tell Elk’s life, habitats, migration story, and history. It is kid-friendly; you and your kids can have a wonderful day out here while looking closely at the beautiful creature.
You can meet the Elks of the Rocky Mountains Elk Foundation from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Address
5705 Grant Creek Road, Missoula, 59808 MT, United States
Contact Information
+1 800-225-5355
4) Play Freely in Dragon Hollow Playground
Dragon Hollow Playground is a local park of Missoula, which features a magical playland; mainly, it was built in 2001, but in 2019 it got renovated and expanded by the consultants and artists of leathers and associates.
Dragon Hollow Playground has unlimited exciting things to do in Missoula. It is a perfect outdoor place for spending leisure time.
At Dragon Hollow Playground, children of all ages and abilities can play, discover their thoughts, exercise their bodies and mind, and socialize with other kids.
What Things Can You Do Here?
Every child’s dream is to visit a place full of rides and joys, so if you want to give your kids some laughter moments, take them to Dragon Hollow Playground and let them play unlimitedly.
Even if you’re a grown-up, you’ll still enjoy visiting this place and hearing the unlimited laughter of the kids playing there. The cherry on the top is next to the Carousel so kids can benefit from both places.
There are unlimited rides for kids; they can play for several hours and even the whole day long. Let them swing, slide, play games, or wander freely. The choice is all theirs!
The playing hours of Dragon Hollow Playground are from Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 9 pm.
Address
Stairs connecting Riverfront Trail to Higgins Street Bridge, Missoula, MT 59802, United States
Contact Information
+1 406-549-8382
5) Explore the true meaning of arts at Missoula Art Museum
The contemporary art museum of Missoula was established in 1975, and the American Alliance of Museums has accredited it since 1987, along with various artistic things to do in Missoula.
Missoula Art Museum is a non-profit organization containing Indian and American art collections. Many native American artists like George Longfish, Corwin Clairmont, and Gail Tremblay’s work have been showcased here.
Recently the artwork of Robert, Frances Senska, Gennie DeWeese, Frances Senska, Maxine Blackmer, Lela Autio, Walter Hook, and Freeman Butts are ruling over the Missoula Art Museum.
What Things Can You Do Here?
Missoula Art Museum is a small place to hang out, so if you ever visit Missoula and look out for a non-crowded place, plan a day at MAM. They have interesting exhibits and a very nice and polite staff to guide your tour.
MAM is free of cost, so you come here any time to spend your day exploring the unique arts of some famous artists. If you want to donate to their work, don’t hesitate to do a good deed.
A gift shop is also in the Missoula Art Museum, so buy some gifts for your friends or someone special and surprise them with the delicacies of Missoula.
The museum is operational daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Plan a day out here and bring some sparkling arts memories home.
Address
N Pattee Street 335, Missoula, 59802 MT, United States
Contact Information
+1 406-728-0447
6) Witness historical ruins at Montana Natural History Center
Montana Natural History Center promotes education through appreciation, cultivation, understanding, and exploration. MNHC was founded in 1991 as the brainchild of an artistic group.
This place is purely made for educating kids and adults about nature and the natural history of Montana. There are many programs also held here for all ages.
Montana Natural History Center features summer camps, annual events, kids and adults activities, field notes, radio pieces of training, museum tours, and various rotational exhibits.
What Things Can You Do Here?
Looking for a unique yet fun place to visit? Or are you out of places as you’ve already gone through half of Missoula town? Relax the thrill is yet to come. Montana Natural History Center is all set to welcome you.
Here you can find stuffed animals, boards, picture stories, rocks, and fossils; whatever age group you lie in, you’ll love to visit this fun living place with your family, friends, or kids.
If you ever look for an expensive place, you should visit Montana Natural History Center, as the entrance fee is only $3 for everyone coming here. The taxidermy will amuse you as everything is perfectly laid and displayed inside it; everyone coming here rates this place above all.
You can take your family and friends to Montana Natural History Center from 10 am to 4 pm on Tuesday to Saturday.
Address
Hickory Street # A 120, Missoula, 59801 MT, United States
Contact Information
+1 406-327-0405
7) See the life of Garnet Ghost Town
Garnet Ghost Town came into existence in the early 1800s by some migrated miners, who used this area to build small heated buildings. Garnet Ghost Town is a small village once the homeland of miners from California and Colorado. This place is known for different mining things to do in Missoula.
Gold and other minerals like washing sand, running water, and gravel have been found here. Garnet is the name of a ruby stone found in this area, so it was kept as Garnet Town.
Garnet Ghost Town is a place for strolling, exploring, walking, and learning the history of miners’ lives.
What Things Can You Do Here?
Park your cars and spend an afternoon here at Garnet Ghost Town. Wander in the ruins of Missoula and learn about the natural minerals once found here.
Garnet Ghost Town is near the highway, so whenever you pass through it, remember to stop here for some time if you’re not afraid of ruins and darkness as it is not in use anymore, so you’ll not likely get a chance to meet anyone.
You’ll love to meander around the buildings and small houses; some places are rocky and hilly, so wear some shoes accordingly to avoid getting your feets cramped up.
Garnet Ghost Town is an easy-to-go trail and a fantastic place to spend your evening; you can come here and spend as much time as you want from Monday to Sunday, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Address
Drummond, MT 59832, United States
Contact Information
+1 406-329-3914
8) Conquer the hidden gems of The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula features the land and life of Kalispel and Salish. They were the ones who inhabited Montana as their homeland. There are infinite historical things to do in Missoula; you must find hidden treasures.
The fort was established in 1877, in the middle of the Indian War, and then the area was occupied by the Americans and Africans.
The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula features 20 buildings that have been preserved for ages; they also feature rotating exhibits, educational events, and fun things for all ages.
What Things Can You Do Here?
If you want to see the historical buildings and rustic attractions, visit the Museum of Fort Missoula.
All the attractions of this museum belong to the past. No renovations are done to any of the things to keep the history of Missoula alive. Here you can witness the looks of old Missoula when it was settled.
You can even attend annual events at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, where the 4th July event is famous. The entry cost for kids and students is only $2, for adults 4$, and the family package starts from $10.
The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is operational from Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 pm to 5 pm. Don’t miss a chance to visit this place with your friends, as only here is the true history of Missoula.
Address
Captain Rawn Way 3400, Missoula, 59804 MT, United States
Contact Information
+1 406-728-3476
9) Indulge in the world of the winery at Ten Spoon Vineyard and Winery
Ten Spoon Vineyard and Winery came into existence in 1998; they grow, produce, and preserve quality wines made from fresh grapes from Montana. This place is highly rated for wines and wineries, with some sparkling things to do in Missoula.
The preserve of Ten Spoon Vineyard and Winery is open to humans, wildlife, animals, and other companions.
They farm the grapes and then produce high-quality wines. This whole process is the hard work of Andy Sponseller. He cleared this forested area to make it a useful land for the whole society of Missoula.
What Things Can You Do Here?
Apart from Wheat, grapes are also the main agriculture of Montana. So if you ever want to taste Montana’s original wine, visit Ten Spoon Vineyard and Winery to see the process before you take your first sip of the freshly produced wines.
The tasting room of Ten Spoon is so calming and soothing that you’ll love to spend your every moment here and don’t want to leave easily.
It is a paradise on earth; tap your feet on some live music, live in the moment, forget your stress, and have unlimited joyful moments while holding a signature wine glass.
You can even get some preserved wines from the wine shop present inside, but unfortunately, it is only operational on Fridays from 4 pm to 9 pm. So mark your Friday first!
Address
4175 Rattlesnake Dr, Missoula, MT 59802, United States
Contact Information
+1 406-549-8703
10) Shop your favorite things at Southgate Mall
Southgate Mall was opened in August 1978, featuring many shopping things to do in Missoula. It once collaborated with Hart-Albin, Nordstrom Place Two, Hennessy’s, and Sears anchor stores.
Southgate Mall now collaborates with Scheels All Sports, AMC Theatres, and Dillard’s anchor stores. It also features the products of Bed Bath & Beyond, Cost Plus World Market, and Bob Ward.
Southgate Mall was developed by George Lambros and owned and managed by Washington Prime Group.
What Things Can You Do Here?
Want to relive your school days and go back to school shopping? Then you should once go on a tour of Southgate Mall as here you’ll get all the back-to-go school stuff.
You can even stock up for weeks or months at Lucy’s Supermarket inside the Southgate Mall, as everything is available here. Shop clothes, jewelry, or other accessories, whatever you want, at the Southgate unlimitedly.
Treat yourself to some delicious snacks as the snacks served here are all freshly cooked and then served to all visitors hot n sizzled.
The indoor mall of Southgate opens daily at 10 am and closes at 8 pm. So you can plan your day here accordingly to add some new stuff to your home, wardrobe, or kitchen.
Address
2901 Brooks St, Missoula, MT 59801, United States
Contact Information
+1 406-721-5140
11) Hike, trail, or witness nature at Rattlesnake National Recreation Area
Rattlesnake is a recreational area in Montana; it is connected to Lolo National Forest and has many rattlesnake Wildernesses and some wild adventures and things to do in Missoula.
Rattlesnake Recreational Area was established on 19 October 1980 by the U. S Congress as a gift to the society of Missoula.
This recreational area features 30 miles of horse riding, walking, biking, and skiing trails. Rattlesnake is one of the highest Montana Tourist Attractions.
What Things Can You Do Here?
Whether you visit this place in warmer or cooler months, there are always plenty of outdoor adventures in Rattlesnake National Recreation Area. So before coming here, list interesting things you want to do here.
Want to ride a horse in Missoula? Then tighten your shoelaces, wear your helmets, and start riding your horses to witness the beauty of Rattlesnakes Recreational Area.
You can even go hiking, biking, and trailing as all the amenities are featured here for visitors. Skiing is a great opportunity in the winter season here, so take advantage of skiing before the snow melts.
Apart from activities, Rattlesnake is a perfect place for bird-seeing; you can witness many flocks of birds flying here, including woodpeckers and owls.
Address
Missoula, MT 59802, United States
Contact Information
+1 406-329-3814
12) Go on a solo ride at Pattee Canyon Recreation Area
Pattee Canyon Recreation Area has been ruling over the hearts of Montana since 1930 and is known as the top tourist spot. It offers all visitors various trailing and hiking things to do in Missoula.
The recreational area of Pattee Canyon has many sheltered picnic spots and grounds that are shaded by huge pine trees.
This place is also famous for bicycle, horse, and cross-country trails. It is a dog-friendly area but on leashes. Pattee Canyon shows the outdoor beauty of Missoula as this canyon is 3000 acres.
What Things Can You Do Here?
Pattee Canyon is a protected land but easily accessible to visitors. If you are looking for outdoor opportunities in Missoula, visit this place without second thoughts as you’ll not find a perfect outdoor place than this.
You can even have a delicious live-made meal at the fire pits and picnic grounds. If you have any company, play some games in the open space. You can also relive your childhood memories by playing hide and seek, as many trees can help you to escape for a while.
Better play golf at the 18-hole golf course at the Pattee Canyon Recreation Area. It is one of the finest places you should go to participate in varieties of outdoor fun.
Visiting hours of Pattee Canyon Recreation Area are from 6 am to 11 pm every day.
Address
Missoula, MT 59803, United States
Contact Information
+1 406-329-3814
13) Picnic with your group at Greenough Park
Given to the society of Missoula by the Greenough Family, Greenough Park is a natural area donated and established in 1902. It is the first part of Montana that came into being with a bunch of outdoor fun and things to do in Missoula.
Greenough Park features a pavilion, picnic tables, bathroom facilities, horseshoe trails, bicycle trails, and pedestrian walk-ins.
Greenough Park is home to hundreds of white-tail deers. It is also heavily vegetated by the trees of Norway maple, douglas fir, Populus trichocarpa, and ponderosa pine.
What Things Can You Do Here?
Plan a picnic lunch with your family or friends at Greenough Park because they have all the picnic facilities available here for visitors. You can witness many deers running and walking in the Garden of Greenough as it is their home.
Be kind to those friendly creatures; you can also feed them if they are willing to take food from you. Whether it’s summer or winter, you’ll love spending time here. In winter, the area is covered with snow so that you can play with soft snow.
During the summer, the garden is bloomed with trees, plants, and flowers; you can spend your day here to beat the heat of Missoula.
Visiting hours of Greenough Park is from Monday to Sunday, 5 am to 9 pm.
Address
1001 Monroe St, Missoula, MT 59802, United States
Contact Information
406-721-7275
14) Swim, sunbathe, or relax at Jacobs Island Off Leash Dog Park
Jacob Island is also named Bark Park, as it is specifically designed for dogs. There are thousands of adventure things to do in Missoula for humans, but hundreds of fun adventures are also set aside for pets.
Jacob Island Off Leash is 6 acres of the park where dogs are freed away from their leash for swimming, playing, and socializing.
Before entering this Bark Park, you must follow some strict rules. No aggressive dogs are allowed inside the park; all the dogs coming here should have a license. They must be vaccinated, and owners must clean up their pets immediately before leaving.
What Things Can You Do Here?
Want to take your dog for some outdoor activity? There is a park named Jacob Island Off Leash Dog Park where your dogs will feel just at home. So take them there and let them play freely.
Your dogs will love to swim in the river, play in the garden, sleep on the green land, and have some fresh air in the open space without leashes.
Let them meet other dogs and make new friends in Missoula. This park is specially designed for them to walk and run freely without any restrictions. But still, keep an eye on them for extra precautions.
Let your dogs play in Jacob Island Off Leash Dog Park from Monday to Sunday, 6 am to 11 pm.
Address
Missoula, MT 59801, United States
Contact Information
+14067217275
15) See the unique arts of Missoula at Dana Gallery
Dana Gallery is one of Montana’s biggest contemporary art galleries that opened in 1996. The main focus of that time was photography, but many exhibits and collections have been added here with time.
Dana Gallery is one of the most fun things to do in Missoula. The work of many regional and Montana painters is featured here.
Many famous events are organized in this art gallery, and some of the events like the Oil Painters of America, the Out West show, the national show for two years, and the Icons of the West show have been held here.
What Things Can You Do Here?
Interested in knowing the contemporary arts of Missoula? You should once visit Dana Gallery and see this place’s collections, artifacts, photographs, and paintings. It is a place filled with arts and artists, so enjoy and honor the hard work of local artists.
Dana Art Gallery is designed in an open, airy space, so it is a relieving adventure one should benefit from. Explore the stunning masterpieces of nature featured here. You can even capture some selfies with the artist and make a good relationship with them.
This place will never disappoint you even if you have come here several times, as many events are organized here where all the visitors can participate. So what are you waiting for? Plan your day here as your next go-to place and enjoy the arts.
Dana Gallery opens its door for visitors from Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm.
Address
246 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802, United States
Contact Information
+1 406-721-3154
16) Spend the outdoor day at Silver Park
Silver Park is 15 acres of outdoor adventures near a public riverfront park. It is the boating access point. It is said to be the hidden jewel of Missoula because of its beauty and the variety of things to do in Missoula.
It is a green place with a beautiful forested location and views of mountains and rivers.
This park is not so famous amongst visitors as it is newly renovated, featuring walking and biking trails, picnic shelters, picnic tables, boating takes out, and many other fun activities.
What Things Can You Do Here?
Pack your bags, tighten your shoes, and start walking in the natural beauty of Missoula. It is a perfect picnic spot you shouldn’t miss. You’ll get access here at Silver Park to ride a boat in the river.
If you’re a bike lover, you’ll fall in love with Silver Park as the biking trails are so well laid that you’ll enjoy riding your bike here even for hours.
It is a less crowded because of the new renovation, so if you want to escape from the crowd, come here and sit to relax your mind unbelievably. You can even bring a book read or your pending work to do here, as many sheltered picnic tables are available here for visitors.
Plan a morning walk at Silver Park and see the sun growing as it opens daily at 5 am and closes at 10 pm, so it is also a perfect spot for sunset views.
Address
Missoula, MT 59801, United States
Contact Information
+1 406-721-7275
17) Buddhas are waiting for you at Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
The Garden or Temple of One Thousand Buddhas is a spiritual site for Buddhists, but visitors can come here to learn the history of Buddha and Buddhism. The garden is over 10 acres, while the temple is 750 square feet.
Montana has many worship places featuring many activities, including indoor and outdoor things to do in Missoula.
Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is a pilgrimage place for the western hemisphere, and entry to this place is free for all public.
What Things Can You Do Here?
Do you want to learn about the beliefs of Buddha? Then you should visit the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas once to see their pilgrimage place and learn about their history.
You can even spend several hours in the garden as it is a calming place for strolling, walking, and relieving stress. Watch hundreds of pilgrims coming here to worship their God.
If you’re an artist or love arts, you should visit this place as you’ll love to see how beautifully the tombs of Buddhas have been made. So whenever you have leisure time in Missoula, you must plan a trip here.
You can visit the temple of One Thousand Buddhas with your group any day from 9 am to 7 pm.
Address
White Coyote Road 34574, Arlee, 59821 MT, United States
Contact Information
+1 406-726-0555
18) Witness Wildlife of Missoula at Lolo National Forest
Lolo National Forest is one of the largest forests of Montana, consisting of 2 million acres of wetlands, including four wilderness areas. Rattlesnake Wildernesses, Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Welcome Creek, and Scapegoat.
There are infinite things to do in Missoula’s Lolo National Forest. It was discovered in 1904, with many plants and trees.
Special places to visit in Lolo National Forest are Ninemile Wildlands Training Center, Lolo National Historic Trail, and Savenac Historic Tree Nursery.
What Things Can You Do Here?
If you want to explore the natural beauty of Missoula, visit Lolo National Forest and witness nature with your bare eyes. The trail on the hills and walk on the wetlands everything is available here unlimitedly.
If you visit this place in the winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are the top activities. So take advantage of this place every season with some new twist and thrill.
The campground of Lolo National Forest is a small yet clean place, so if you plan a camping picnic, visit this place, set up your camps, and enjoy as much as possible.
It is a great outdoor adventure you must not visit in Missoula. The routes of Lolo National Forest are open 24/7, so you can hang out here any time of the day.
Address
Lolo National Forest, Montana 59874, USA
Contact Information
406-329-3750
Best Hotels To Stay In Missoula
Make your trip to Missoula easier yet flexible by booking rooms in some top-rated hotels. You already have a lot of things to do in Missoula, but before starting your day, you must have a peaceful night’s sleep. Only then can you enjoy your day out; otherwise, being tired will make you exhausted.
So book rooms in any of these hotels to spend your nights or days peacefully without getting distracted. All these hotels provide 100% privacy, cleanliness, and comfortness to their customers, along with mind-blowing services.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Missoula – Edgewater.
- Come on, Inn Hotel & Suites.
- AC Hotel by Marriott Missoula Downtown.
- La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Missoula.
- Staybridge Suites Missoula, an IHG Hotel.
- Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown, an IHG Hotel.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Missoula Downtown.
- The heart of Missoula. Amazing views of the River and Caras Park.
- Best Western Plus Grant Creek Inn.
- Wingate by Wyndham Missoula Airport.
These hotels have outstanding views, environment, and atmosphere, so that you can book your rooms here hassle-free.
Final Words
Missoula is the second largest city in Montana, having highlands, rocks, wilderness, and greenery in northern areas. There are unlimited things to do in Missoula; you must pack your packs, book your tickets and fly to this wonderful place.
As the rest of the work has been done above, when you plan your journey here, book your hotels according to your budget before landing for a relaxing trip. Start from Caras Park, Lolo National, and Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, and hunt down every place until you get tired.
Remember, Missoula is one of the top tourist destinations; you’ll not get bored or tired easily here. So have short breaks before you go to your next destination to enjoy every place and its delicacies.