Things To Do
Where to eat
I've listed my favorite joints downtown: Wardens Deli (say hi to Mark!), Biga Pizza, Market on Front, Scotty's Table, Doc's, Taco del Sol, Top Hat, Zoo Thai, Ciao Mambo, Thomas Meagher ("Mar Bar"), Michi Ramen Bar. Late night: Dinosaur (back of Charlie's Bar), the Oxford (serves food 24/7 but can be a rough crowd and slow service at 3am). Mariah requests you do not support Five on Black.
Best Breweries in Town
Missoula has a thriving craft brewery scene. Mariah's favorites are: Kettlehouse (a bit far but the Myrtle Street Taphouse serves their beer exclusively), Draughtworks, Imagination (does excellent non-profit/community work!), GILD, and Bayern. Friday's reception will be at Conflux Brewery.
Best Bars
Okay they're not the best, but they're so Missoula: Charlie's (cash only...photo portraits line the walls with regulars from the last 70 years), the Rhino (50 craft beers on tap, local and national), the Top Hat, Al n Vic's, Flippers, the Depot, and James Bar (the only slightly upscale one I'll give a nod to). Montgomery Distillery is right downtown and has incredible cocktails and a sexy vibe.
Rockin' Rudy's
No visit to Missoula is complete without an hour spent in the quirky "original hipster department store."
Bernice's Bakery
Best Bakery in town. Mariah recommends Tipu's Chai and a baked good.
Big Dipper Ice Cream
Long lines, tasty ice cream. Try the Cardamom or Mexican Chocolate!
Butterfly Herbs
All the teas and coffees and herbs! Go in for free smells, buy some Evening in Missoula Tea.
Western Montana Fair
For a very real Montana experience, check out the fair that will be held Aug 7-11th at the Missoula Fairgrounds. Rodeo, Carnival rides, Petting zoo, Fry bread, and much more.
The M
For those that want an in-town hike! A local favorite, the short scramble up Mount Sentinel takes you, courtesy of 11 switchbacks, 620 feet above the valley floor in 3/4 mile, giving you a bird's-eye view of the entire Missoula valley and surrounding mountains. The trail starts at the parking lot across from Aber Hall on Campus Drive at the University of Montana. There is a ton of other hiking in every direction so go explore!
A Carousel for Missoula
Volunteer built, hand-carved carousel that really moves! Fun, even for adults.
Missoula Farmers' Market
Saturday mornings at Caras Park. Buy some huckleberries!
Downtown ToNight
Thursday nights downtown has live music, food and libations at Caras Park. Free and fun! Be sure to check out the kayakers on Brennon's Wave!
Float the Clark Fork River
Take a float on the Clark Fork River right through town! Gear up with your own car and tube or hit up one of the local companies (Clark Fork Yacht Club or Love Boat Paddle Co.) for a tube and a ride. Libations are welcome, even with a company so BYOB just no glass.
Patty Canyon Disc Golf Course
If you've got a car, head up Pattee Canyon for an excellent mountain 18-hole Folf Course. 15 min from downtown Missoula.
Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi! It is over 27 miles long, 15 miles wide and has over 187 miles of shoreline. Its waters are renowned for being one the cleanest as well, so definitely take a dip! You'll be here during peak Cherry season so definitely buy a pound or two from one of the many roadside stands. You'll need a car to visit - the southern shore is about 1.25 hours from Missoula, the northern tip is another hour. Look online for public access points (Finley Point is a popular one).
Glacier National Park
While yes, a bit biased, GNP truly is one of the most incredible National Parks in the country. It has been called "the Alps of America". Glacier National Park is home to 26 glaciers, down from approximately 150 in 1850, and are expected to be completely gone in the next 25 years due to climate change. *So GO NOW. Please know that accommodations near the park are very limited so booking early is essential. In addition to a Park Pass (purchased at the entrance), there is also now a vehicle reservation system that requires you to pay a $2 sum in advance to drive eastbound on Going to the Sun (the only road through the park) and Many Glacier Road between 6am-3pm. Westbound on Going to the Sun requires no pass right now. These can be purchased at 8am MST 120 days before your visit and sell out QUICK. We STRONGLY encourage you to visit https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/vehicle-reservations.htm months in advance to plan your visit (and set an alarm to purchase your vehicle pass.)
Alberton Gorge
Feeling adventurous? Book a rafting trip on the Alberton Gorge! 30 min from Missoula; find multiple rafting companies online to book with.