Missoula is a university town in Western Montana with a lot of mountain attractions. It’s a dynamic cultural hotspot surrounded by gorgeous wide-open landscapes, and it’s at the confluence of great trout rivers. Missoula is known for its easy access to the outdoors, which includes various activities such as fly fishing, hiking, and winter sports. Much of this access occurs in the Lolo National Forest, which runs along the city’s entire perimeter.
Aside from the outdoors, Missoula has a distinct cultural attraction that is a joy to discover. Along with a thriving centre full of historic buildings, the city provides various attractions such as free museums, historic carousels, and enormous theatres where you can watch live games . The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, for example, is a great venue to learn about Missoula’s rich past. In addition, Missoula brings other great sites to the table, including a plethora of hometown sights and nature at its best.
While there are new adventures to be had every month of the year, summer is undoubtedly the finest season to visit Missoula. This time of year, expect scorching weather and plenty of daylight for adventures throughout town. Summer is also when all of Missoula’s best hiking paths emerge from the mountainsides. Here are some entertaining things we feel you have to do while visiting this wonderful part of the world.
Walk the Clark Fork Riverfront Trail
The Clark Fork River runs straight through Missoula, and the city’s paved Clark Fork River Trail extends in both directions from downtown, spanning both banks. The city’s central pedestrian route, the Riverfront Trail, is a terrific site to get a taste of Missoula’s natural splendour. Users can reach the Riverfront Trail on either the north or south bank from downtown or the Hip Strip, with Higgins Street, Orange Street, and the Madison Street pedestrian bridge connecting both sides. Caras Park, the Montana Natural History Center, and the University of Montana campus are just a few of the sights along the trail’s journey.
At Allegiance Field, home of the Missoula PaddleHeads minor league baseball team, users can also reach the base of Mount Sentinel and Ogren Park. Other walkers, joggers, strollers, and cyclists are likely to pass you on this popular trail. Also, make time to appreciate the beautiful scenery along the Riverfront Trail, accessible in areas like the Clark Fork River Natural Area.
Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium
Visiting the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium is unquestionably one of the top things to do in Missoula for insect lovers. The Insectarium uses winged and antennaed creatures to teach visitors about the wonders of the planet. These are some of the best and arguably the most enjoyable science lessons you’ll ever have. In addition, the Insectarium offers a variety of exciting activities. If you enjoy beer , the Bugs and Brews programme is a must-see, where you can sample excellent regional brews while learning about various creepy crawlies.
Montana Natural History Centre
The Montana Natural History Centre’s objective is to use education to foster and cultivate an appreciation for, understanding of, and care for nature. The Montana Natural History Centre is an excellent resource for learning about Glacial Lake Missoula and the ecosystem of Missoula’s native insects, birds, and animals. Summer science camps, the Visiting Naturalist in the Schools programme, a natural history museum, Saturday Discovery Days, The Montana Naturalist Magazine, and the Thursday Night Lecture series are just a few of the unique events offered by the Montana Natural History Centre.
Visit Garnet Ghost Town
Garnet is a historic Montana mining town in Granite County, west-central Montana, at an elevation of over 6,000 feet, surrounded by majestic mountains and ancient forests. It was constructed on the garnet lode around 1860. The entire area was rich in gold, and almost 1,000 people lived there in 1898.
When the gold dried up, the settlement was abandoned roughly 20 years later. The J.R. Wells Hotel, Kelly’s Bar, Dahl’s Saloon, and F.A. Davey’s Store are among the 30 buildings that have been beautifully preserved. A Visitor’s Center, complete with books, cards and memorabilia, as well as explanatory signage and self-guided pathways, is available to the public. The town is open all year. Garnet is a popular destination for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter. Cabins are available to rent throughout the entire Winter.
A Carousel for Missoula
When we visit the amusement parks in various locations , we are all accustomed to riding the merry-go-round. However, A Carousel for Missoula guarantees a different ride than the traditional one, with horses mounted on a few pillars. It was erected by the community on their own initiative, and the same spirit of cooperation makes it a popular hangout.
Hike Mount Sentinel
Mount Sentinel, looming over its surroundings to the east of the city and the University of Montana, offers spectacular views from it’s summit. The mostly barren mountain, which reaches 1,572 metres and has a big ‘M’ spied about halfway up its hillside, has long been a favourite trekking destination. This enormous letter, formed initially of whitewashed rocks, was erected there by university students in 1908. Each batch of freshman would hike up and repaint it for nearly 50 years. Even though a concrete ‘ M later replaced it,’ countless rituals continue to occur around the prominent landmark.
There’s something available for everyone when you visit Missoula!
