Missoula City Overview
Missoula is a city in western Montana. It is the home of the University of Montana and is known for its vibrant arts scene, breweries, and outdoor recreation. It sits at the convergence of five mountain ranges.
Location and Climate
Missoula is located in the Northern Rockies. It has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers.
Best Time to Visit
Summer and early fall are best for hiking and fishing. Winter is great for skiing at nearby Snowbowl.
Best Ways to Get Around
Missoula is very bike-friendly. The Mountain Line bus system is zero-fare (free). A car is useful for mountain access.
Top 5 Things to Do
- Hike the "M": Hike up Mount Sentinel to the large concrete "M" for panoramic views of the city and university.
- Visit the Carousel for Missoula: Ride one of the first fully hand-carved carousels to be built in the US since the Great Depression.
- Explore Downtown Missoula: Enjoy the local breweries, shops, and the Clark Fork River running through downtown.
- Go Fly Fishing: Fish in the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, or Blackfoot rivers, made famous by the movie A River Runs Through It.
- Visit the Smokejumper Visitor Center: Tour the base for the elite airborne firefighters and learn about their history.