Coming to Missoula, Montana
If you’re arranging a trip to the Missoula area, you’ve selected an outstanding destination for your next travel experience. This notable town, situated on the convergence of five mountain ranges and in close proximity to the Clark Fork River and multiple lakes, makes it an ideal haven for outdoor lovers and adventurers alike.
Getting Here
People planning a trip to Missoula can get to the city by way of I-90.
This transcontinental Interstate highway runs in east-west directions, running from the East Coast, in Boston, Massachusetts, to the west coast, terminating in Seattle, Washington. In Montana, the expansive highway crosses fourteen counties. More impressively, Montana is home to the longest stretch of the Interstate in a single state, with a length of just over 554 miles.
Visitors who prefer to travel by air can safely land at the Missoula International Airport (MSO). Missoula International Airport boasts six boarding gates and operates as a hub for five airlines, including Delta Air, Frontier, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Allegiant Air.
Additionally, visitors and residents have access to public transportation, including bus and train. Greyhound Lines and Rimrock Trailways both serve the region.
While Missoula played a significant role in the early formation of railways, sadly, rail service was discontinued in 1979 when Amtrak ceased operations of their North Coast Hiawatha route, which ran through the state of Montana.
These days, the closest train stations are more than 90 miles away, so you might need to plan for ground travel if taking this mode of transportation. Amtrak Stations in Essex, Whitefish, West Glacier, and East Glacier Park, Montana, are the nearest trains stations to Missoula.
Activities In Missoula
Missoula Activities And Attractions
Regardless of the time of the year you decide to visit, you are sure to find something exciting and extraordinary to do in Missoula. It’s the perfect place to travel alone, with family, or your favorite companions.
Water Activities
Visitors and residents can enjoy a multitude of water activities including, whitewater rafting, fishing, stand up paddleboarding, river surfing, and more. With five lakes – including Seeley Lake, Salmon Lake, Flathead Lake, Browns Lake, and Placid Lake, Missoula offers miles of shoreline and peaceful waters to get away from the stress of a workaday world.
In addition to these picturesque lakes, visitors and residents can take a wild ride down the Blackfoot, Clark Fork, and Bitterroot Rivers. The Clark Foot River the largest river by volume, at around 310 feet in length.
Outdoor Activities
Visitors and residents can participate in a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities. Birding, biking, camping, hiking, golfing, horseback riding, and disc golf are just a few of the things you can find to do in the area.
Montana is home to over 400 species of registered birds, making it an excellent destination for birders and bird watchers. A sampling of birds that call Montana home includes Black-Capped Chickadees, Canadian Geese, Great Horned Owls, Great Blue Herons, Mountain Bluebird, Red-Winged Blackbird, and the Western Meadowlark.
Abundant hiking and biking trails provide outdoor enthusiasts with miles of paths to ride or hike. For safety, hikers and bikers should stay aware of their surroundings, as well as follow all rules and best practices. There is always the chance of encounters with wildlife and other threats when in the wilderness.
Montana Has the Largest Sapphire Deposits in the World
You can’t visit Montana without panning for the bounty of jewels and minerals hidden beneath the surface. While sapphires found in Montana aren’t usually the biggest, many of them are of gem-quality straight from the ground.
Several ghost towns are within driving distance of Missoula. Old haunts that are easily accessible to visitors include Garnet Ghost Town. Garnet was founded as a mining town by people seeking riches by exploiting the gold buried in the local mountains. However, decades of hardship drove residents away.
Other ghost towns include Cable Mine, Coloma Ghost Town, and Bannack, located in Bannack State Park.
In addition to ghost towns, tourists can experience the rejuvenating force of hot springs found near Missoula and throughout the State of Montana. Regardless of whether you visit a privately owned or a publically accessible hot spring, it is the perfect way to calm and soothe your spirit and your soul.
Missoula’s Nightlife, Entertainment, and Dining Scene
Visitors who are in the mood for more mainstream attractions and entertainment, you’ll find no shortage of things to do. Casinos, Farmer’s Markets, Shopping, Dining, and other forms of entertainment are abundant in and around Missoula.
Bars and nightlife provide venues to enjoy music, dancing, and an ice-cold adult beverage after a long day exploring the area. Distilleries, wineries, and breweries allow visitors to learn more about craft brewing, or take part in wine tasting. Missoula distilleries make their gin, vodka, and whiskey and serve their finished product to guests and visitors alike. When leaving, don’t forget to bring a bottle of your favorite brew, spirit, or vino home with you!
Winter Activities
There is no reason to shy away from visiting Missoula in the colder winter months. Activities including ice fishing, ice skating, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing are all ways to get some fresh mountain air. It’s the perfect time of the year to connect with mother nature and enjoy all the beauty of Missoula, Montana.
Local Hotels & Accommodations
Luckily, visitors can find abundant accommodation options in the Missoula area. People who prefer the convenience of a modern hotel room can book at nationally-recognized brands or locally owned and operated hotels.
The amenities of these hotels can vary. Still, many feature indoor and outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs, on-site dining, business center access, complimentary room amenities, free parking, hotel shuttles, guest services, and stunning mountain views.
Other options include bed and breakfasts, cabin rentals, campgrounds, and other lodging options such as Airbnb properties.