21 Fantastic Things to Do in Missoula, Montana You Have to Try

I was born in the town of Missoula, Montana, and my sister and her fiance currently live there, which is why I have a good idea of the things to do in Missoula. While Montana is mostly known for its rugged cowboy-esque, picturesque landscapes and that western, mining town feel, Missoula, Montana offers something a little bit different.

Because it is a college town, you’ll find that it is a lot more, well, liberal than the rest of the state. It’s also home to some incredible dining, fun concerts and events, many hiking trails, and more.

If you are curious about what to do in Missoula while you are there, this list has got you covered. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below!

21 things to do in Missoula, Montana you shouldn’t miss

Here are my recommendations of things to do in Missoula, Montana on your Montana road trip itinerary – whether you’re coming straight from Missoula International Airport or driving into town in your van, you’ll want to spend at least a day walking around the downtown area and exploring some of the museums, the nearby nature, and more as you’re visiting Missoula.

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A Carousel for Missoula

Did you know that there is a Missoula carousel? This was one of my favorite activities as a kid when my parents would take us on road trips or to the Grizzly football games (on this list too!). These hand-crafted carousel horses (along with a few dragons, chariots, and more) each have their own story.

The carousel also puts on family-friendly events. They are usually open from 12:00 to 5:00 PM. Additionally, if you’re around for Christmas, there are free rides on Christmas Day from 11-3.

Whether you are an adult or a kid, you’ll want to visit and pick out your favorite Missoula, Montana carousel horse before someone else does!

Downtown Missoula

If you only have a few hours in this awesome town, I recommend checking out downtown Missoula, Montana.

Not only is that where most of the best restaurants in Missoula are, but it is also where you can find a number of bars available to cater to college students and tourists from out of state. There are also a number of cute shops and coffee places worth checking out, as well. If you love art, you can find galleries displaying the work of local artists.

The Missoula, Montana downtown is a hopping place with concerts, Missoula farmers’ markets, and a lot more things to do in Missoula! I also recommend staying in one of the downtown hotels in Missoula, MT too!

Big Sky Brewing Co. Concert Series

I would make the effort to visit Missoula, Montana just for some of the amazing concerts that were held at the Big Sky Brewing Co. over the past few years. Think you can’t see big name acts like Bob Dylan, the Avett Brothers, the Decemberists, and more in a small town? Think again!

It’s a great way to have a more intimate experience while paying a lot less at other venues in other cities. The concerts take place outdoors on a large, grassy field and are all general admission shows. Bring a blanket or a low-back chair for more comfortable viewing!

The concerts will happen rain or shine. So also be ready for heat, wind, or rain! The temperature also tends to drop after sunset, so remember to bring layers.

Keep in mind, umbrellas are not allowed, as they obstruct the view. So remember that raincoat!

Caras Park

Caras Park Missoula is located right along the Clark Fork River and offers events like Missoula brewing conventions, concerts, and more. Caras Park is a great place to get in your kayak and head down the river, or to walk from one end of the town to the next.

I recommend grabbing some lunch and having a picnic by the Clark Fork River at Caras Park before going to explore the rest of the downtown Missoula, Montana area.

The best part is that Caras Park is located close to the carousel, best restaurants, and boutique shops.

Hike to the M

I recommend grabbing some lunch and having a picnic by the Clark Fork River at Caras Park before going to explore the rest of the downtown Missoula, Montana area.

The best part is that Caras Park is located close to the carousel, best restaurants, and boutique shops.

Check out some wineries

You might not have a Missoula winery on your list of things to do in Missoula, MT, but you would be missing out!

While most everyone focuses on beer here, there are some delicious wineries in the area that you want to make sure to add to your list.

Here are the ones that I would recommend:

Fort Missoula

Time for a history lesson at one of the most unique Missoula attractions, the historical museum of Fort Missoula!

Fort Missoula historical museum was built in 1877 as a way to protect pioneers from the attacks of local Native American tribes. It was home to the local infantry until the 20th century when it was reconstructed as a detention center for Italian prisoners of war and Japanese Americans.

While Fort Missoula has a dark past, it’s worth visiting for the historical museum and to learn more about what life was like for the detainees.

Missoula Children’s Museum

This delightful museum is worth stopping by if you have kids in tow and love community events.

Locals decided to encourage family interaction and play by creating a children’s museum in Missoula, and it’s a great break for those who have been traveling with their kids and want a bit of a break everyone can enjoy.

Missoula Symphony

This award-winning orchestra and chorale group performs every year (except 2020, of course!) and offers incredible renditions of classic works and newer contemporary pieces.

During August, they typically have outdoor concerts to enjoy, while you can also head to the Dennison Theatre for a more traditional experience.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Elk play a vital role in Montana’s ecosystem, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation works to educate the public on why these animals are so important to the region. Here you can visit the Elk Country Visitor Center to learn more about these majestic creatures.

Including information, small tours, the Elk Country Visitor Center, and more, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is a great spot to learn more about the environment and how everything is interconnected when it comes to nature.

This is the perfect introduction to your Glacier National Park itinerary!

Montana Natural History Center

There’s so much to explore when it comes to nature in Montana!

The Montana Natural History Center focuses on bringing the outdoors to you with programs and classes for both kids and adults – the nature lovers’ dream.

Ever wanted to learn more about the flora and fauna in the area? Montana Natural History Center can get you started on your birding or fishing adventure.

It also has a number of small exhibits highlighting the natural history of the area from the dinosaurs onward.

Clark Fork Riverfront Trail

The Clark Fork River (named after Clark from Lewis and Clark) winds through the town of Missoula. It also includes a lovely trail (The Clark Fork Riverfront Trail) that follows the Clark Fork River and goes almost through the entire length of the city.

I recommend parking near Caras Park and then choosing to walk toward the University of Montana campus. You can check out the restaurants and shops in that area or the college itself, and then make the walk back to your car.

If you’re looking for a dose of nature but not wanting to stray far from the amenities of the city, look no further than the Clark Fork Riverfront Trail.

There are also some amazing Missoula restaurants right around the Clark Fork Riverfront Trail too!

Missoula Art Museum

If Fort Missoula wasn’t enough history for you, check out some art history!

Featuring incredible local Montana artists (including a large Native American-create collection), the Missoula Art Museum has some excellent exhibits and art galleries that highlight what it means to live in Montana.

The Missoula Art Museum also offers tours and classes on certain days, including an adult art class, so you will want to check out the website to see when those are scheduled.

Perusing these art galleries in the Missoula Art Museum is one of my favorite things to do in Missoula!

If you’re looking for a great afternoon inside, wandering from gorgeous painting to painting, look no further than the inspiring maze of the Missoula Art Museum.

The Snowbowl

A tough Missoula, Montana winter is made all the better by throwing on a pair of skies and heading to the main ski hill in the area, the Montana Snowbowl, one of many chilly Missoula attractions.

Located in the Lolo National Forest, the Montana Snowbowl also offers great mountain biking trails in the summer as well as a 100-mile view of the surrounding mountains from the top.

The Montana Snowbowl is a great spot for both summer and winter and gives you a chance to get outdoors and explore Lolo National Forest – making the Montana Snowbowl one of the best things to do in Missoula, Montana!

The Wilma Theater

When I was a teenager and I found myself bored, I would drive to downtown Missoula to see some of my favorite musicians play at the Wilma. Not only was it inexpensive, but they also hosted some amazing acts like Iron & Wine, the Flaming Lips, the National, Sheryl Crow, and way more.

Hosted in a theater from the 1920s, it’s the perfect place to get your groove on. It was one of my favorite things to do in Missoula, Montana.

When there aren’t concerts, you can also attend some arthouse and classic films.

Lolo National Forest

Taking up more than two million acres, the Lolo National Forest offers some great camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, and more. If you plan to get outdoors and you don’t feel like heading to Montana’s more crowded national parks, this can be a fantastic alternative. Do prepare for a bear interaction with bear spray and bear-proof containers on your camping gear list so you don’t have a nasty encounter!

Attend a Grizzly game

Want all the pomp and circumstance of a professional game without the price? The Montana Grizzlies football team has some pretty rapid fans and a stadium that continues to grow as more than 40,000 people pack in to see these champions play. You’ll be surprised how loud this area can get–you might want to bring a pair of ear muffs. In terms of Missoula Montana events, these always sell out!

Raft Alberton Gorge

The Alberton Gorge, located just minutes away from Missoula, is a premier destination for whitewater enthusiasts in Montana. This beautiful steep-walled canyon section of the Clark Fork River offers a perfect adventure for hot summer days, with its class II and III rapids providing a thrilling experience for both beginners and experts. The ideal time to visit is from late June to early August, where you can plan a trip with local river guides and enjoy the splash and swimming opportunities with your family. The Gorge also boasts of its natural beauty with thick forests, cool rock formations, sandy beaches and wildlife such as bald eagles and ospreys.

Smokejumper Visitor Center

The Smokejumper Visitor Center offers a unique and interactive experience for those interested in learning about the demanding profession of smokejumping. Visitors can take a free tour of the facility which includes the Smokejumper loft, ready room, and National Smokejumper Memorial. The center also features a gift shop and museum that houses a 1930 built fire lookout tower. During the summer months, visitors may also have the opportunity to witness Smokejumpers and aircraft being dispatched to fires.

Check out a food truck

The food trucks in Missoula are not just a convenient option for a quick meal, they represent a unique culture within the community. The food truck scene in Missoula is characterized by local ingredients, creativity, and passion that goes into every dish. It’s a place where people can gather with friends, enjoy a delicious meal and listen to live music. You’ll most likely find them in Caras Park, but during certain events and games you’re likely to see them around–be prepared for a ton of different options and to have a hard time choosing which foods to sample! From tacos to Mediterranean, there’s something for all foodies.

Visit Mobash Skate Park

The Mobash Skate Park in Missoula is a locally-conceived and developed project, brought to life through a partnership between local skaters and the city. It was made possible through the contributions of several donors, with a grand opening ceremony led by professional skateboarder and philanthropist Tony Hawk in 2006. During the summer, visitors can participate in the summer skate camps and the Skateboard Mentor Program offered by Missoula Parks and Recreation. Who knew that you could have world-class skate parks located in the Treasure State?

Do you have any recommendations for things to do in Missoula, MT? Let me know in the comments!

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