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Where is Missoula located?
- Missoula is high up in Montana's Northern Rockies, where three rivers meet, with seven wilderness areas surrounding it.
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What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Missoula?
- Missoula is a place where people come to find great outdoor adventures. With 60,000 acres of wilderness a short drive from your hotel or B&B, you can kayak, hike, ski, fish, ride, raft, and tube.
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What cultural attractions does Missoula offer?
- As the home of the University of Montana, Missoula is a rich art and culture center, with a number of great museums, coffee shops, and restaurants.
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1. Garnet Ghost Town
Garnet Ghost Town is a historic Montana mining town located in Granite County in west central Montana, sitting high up at an elevation of almost 6,000 feet, surrounded by magnificent mountains and ancient forests. It dates to 1860 and was built on the garnet lode. The whole area was rich in gold and in 1898, almost 1,000 people lived in it.
The town was abandoned about 20 years later when there was no more gold. About 30 buildings have been well preserved, such asthe J.R. Wells Hotel, Kelly's Bar, Dahl's Saloon and the F.A. Davey's Store. There is a Visitor Center with books, cards and memorabilia, a number of interpretive signs and self-guided trails. The town is open year around. In the winter, Garnet is very popular for snow mobiling and cross-country skiing. Winter cabin rentals are available.
Granite County, Montana, Phone: 406-329-3914
2. The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
Fort Missoula was built by in 1877 by the United States Army who were there as a safeguard for settlers against possible threats from the Nez Perce and other local Native American tribes. In its history, it has served as a camp for Italian prisoners of war, and as an internment camp for Japanese-Americans arrested after Pearl Harbor.
Today, the museum, housed in what was once the Quartermaster's Storehouse, has exhibits about the history of Missoula, the diverse neighborhoods that exist in the city, and offers child-friendly guided tours through the buildings and lands of the original fort, including the officers' quarters, the carriage house, the sawmill, the schoolhouse, and the church.
The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, 3400 Captain Rawn Way, Missoula, Montana 59804, Phone: 406-728-3476
3. Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness
With a main trailhead less than five miles from downtown Missoula, the 61,000 acre Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness is a popular location for walkers, hikers, joggers, and mountain bikers. Abundant small streams feed into Rattlesnake Creek on the valley floor, and more than thirty mountain lakes with cascading waterfalls make this area the home to several wetland bird species.
There is plenty of wildlife, and keen-eyed visitors may spot bighorn sheep, mule and white-tailed deer, caribou, fox, gray wolves, and the occasional black bear. There is a separate trail for visitors on horseback, and catch and release fishing is permitted throughout the park.
24 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, Montana 59804, Phone: 406-329-3814
4. Montana Museum of Art and Culture
The Montana Museum of Art and Culture is part of the University of Montana campus, snuggled between the river and the mountain, with its treasures divided throughout several university buildings. The museum's permanent collection contains more than 11,000 artworks, some indoors in various spaces within the campus, some outside in the open air.
To take a tour of all Museum has to offer, visitors need to use the Campus Artwork Map. Paxsonand MeloyGalleries, which show current exhibitions, are located near the Adams Center, on the north end of campus. The UC Gallery, the Gallery of Visual Arts and the College of Visual and Performing Arts are also on the university campus.
6 University #6, Missoula, Montana 59812, Phone: 406-243-2019
5. Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center
Smokejumpers are highly skilled rapid response personnel who work against forest fires and wild fires. They suppress initial fire outbreaks, and, because of their intensive training and experience, are able to take leadership roles and do situation assessment for fires of longer duration. Visitors may tour the Smokejumper Base in Missoula daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and by appointment during the rest of the year.
Tours last approximately 45 minutes, and visitors are shown smokejumper jump gear, parachutes, cargo, and airplanes, and the training procedures that smokejumpers undergo are described. The visitor center gladly welcomes school and other groups, and can arrange leadership forums.
Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center, 5765 W. Broadway Street, Missoula, Montana 59808, Phone: 406-329-4934
6. Missoula Farmer's Market
Missoulians love to bring their out-of-town guests to the Missoula Farmer's Market on Saturday morning. It is everyone's favorite place to shop for locally grown produce that was probably picked at dawn while you were still sleeping. It is also a great place to meet friends and neighbors, have a great cup of coffee, people-watch, chat with your favorite farmers, listen to street musicians and generally have a great time.
This colorful open-air market on Circle Square has been around since 1972 and today has about 100 vendors who bring the fruit of their labors to share with customers looking for fresh, local produce. Nothing has travelled miles to get to your basket. There are no craftsor imported stuff, just fresh or dried fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, honey, eggs, hot food, meat, baked goods, jellies, jams and syrups.
N Higgins Ave, Missoula, Montana 59802, Phone: 406-274-3042
7. Missoula Art Museum
The Missoula Art Museum is a community-supported venture with a focus on art relevant to the life and culture of the American West. The museum supports the work of Missoula artists, particularly those from Missoula County.
The museum has one of the largest collections of contemporary American Indian art in the United States, a large collection of Hmong textiles from Missoula's Hmong people, and diverse media, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, glass, and ceramics. Tours of the museum last approximately 45 minutes, and are available to individuals or groups. The museum has art classes for everyone from preschoolers to adults, artist talks, and an outreach education program.
335 North Pattee, Missoula, Montana 59802, Phone: 406-728-0447
8. Museum of Mountain Flying
Montana is known as the birthplace of mountain flying. The Museum of Mountain Flying, located on the east end of the Missoula International Airport, preserves and interprets the history of mountain flying in general and the premier mountain flying service in Montana and in the entire Northern Rockiesfrom the late 1920s to the early 1970s.
The museum was established in 1993 by Dick Komberec, Stan Cohen, and Steve Smith. It has a number of model aircrafts in the museum hangar, from the Wright Brothers and a World War II B-24 heavy bomber to several modern planes.In order to continue the preservation effort, the museum is looking for any items related to the mountain-flying history in the region, such as vintage aircraft, memorabilia, artifacts, historical documents, personal narratives, photographs, diaries, film footage, newspaper stories, tape recordings, articles and books.
5225 W Broadway St, Missoula, Montana 59808, Phone: 406-721-3644
9. A Carousel for Missoula
When people want something very much, and get together to do it, magic happens. In 1991, the Missoula City Council decided to provide the Missoula community with something new for good, old-fashioned fun. Local cabinet-maker Chuck Kaparich, who had a dream of building a carousel, promised to make one if the city would find a place for it. In May of 1995, with help of thousands of volunteers who donatedmore than 100,000 hours of their time, some from as far as Canada, the carousel was completed.
There were 38 beautiful ponies, two chariots, 14 gargoyles with gargoyle frames, mirror frames and the biggest band organ in the States, all tucked in a jewel box of a building. They did it again in 2001, when more than 4,000 volunteers, justifiably proud of what they have created, created Dragon Hollow Play Area just next to the Carousel, turning a green field into a magical kingdom that enjoyed by kids and parents alike.
A Carousel for Missoula, 101 Carousel Dr, Missoula, MT 59802, United States, Tel. +1 406-549-8382
10. Caras Park
Caras Park, in the heart of downtown Missoula, is the center of fun in the city. Situated on the banks of the Clark Fork River, the park plays host to festivals, art shows, live music and theater, barbecues, and private events such as weddings and family reunions.
The Brewfest and Celtic Festival are events that Missoula residents look forward to every year. Caras Park has walking trails, perfect for strolls with the family pooch, a beautiful carousel with hand-carved horses and gargoyles, a children's playground, and delicious food services. Benches are available for visitors who wish to relax and watch kayakers on the river, or to congregate with friends.
1 Caras Drive, Missoula, Montana 59801, Phone: 406-543-4238
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds. | Blue Mountain Bed & Breakfast – Cozy accommodations with beautiful valley views. | Hike the "M" Trail – Enjoy panoramic views of Missoula from Mount Sentinel. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for outdoor adventures and festivals. | The Resort at Paws Up – Luxury ranch resort offering glamping and outdoor activities. | Float down the Clark Fork River – Rent a tube or raft for a relaxing river adventure. |
| Fall (September-November) – Cool air, vibrant foliage, and fewer tourists. | DoubleTree by Hilton Missoula - Edgewater – Comfortable riverside accommodations. | Visit Rattlesnake National Recreation Area – Hike scenic trails surrounded by autumn colors. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cold, snowy conditions perfect for winter sports. | The Gibson Mansion Bed & Breakfast – Historic charm with warm hospitality. | Go skiing at Snowbowl – Experience great slopes just a short drive from town. |
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Garnet Ghost Town
- 2. The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
- 3. Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness
- 4. Montana Museum of Art and Culture
- 5. Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center
- 6. Missoula Farmer's Market
- 7. Missoula Art Museum
- 8. Museum of Mountain Flying
- 9. A Carousel for Missoula
- 10. Caras Park