Places to visit in Missoula, MT.
The city of Missoula is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It has a great variety of trails, parks, and hiking destinations. You can find the best things to do in Missoula, Montana for any skill level. If you are planning a trip to Missoula, Montana, there are plenty of things to do to make your stay worthwhile.
Missoula is located in western Montana, known for its vibrant culture, stunning natural scenery, and recreational opportunities.
With a population of around 75,000, it is the second-largest city in Montana and serves as a hub for commerce, education, and outdoor adventure. The city is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by beautiful mountains, rivers, and forests.
Missoula is a cultural hotspot with a thriving arts and music scene. The city is home to the University of Montana, which hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year. In addition, the historic Wilma Theater is a popular venue for concerts and performances, while the Missoula Art Museum showcases a variety of contemporary art exhibitions. The city also hosts several annual events, including the Montana Folk Festival and the International Wildlife Film Festival.
Caras Park
Caras Park in Missoula, Montana, is great for enjoying a beautiful sunset. The park is also an excellent venue for family events.
In recent years, Missoula has hosted numerous exciting events at Caras Park. Examples include the MDA Barbecue, Out to Lunch Summer Series, and Downtown ToNight Summer Series. These events have attracted nearly one million visitors to the Clark Fork River.
Caras Park is also home to several trails, playgrounds, and fishing spots. There are also several events taking place throughout the year. The Out to Lunch Summer Series and the Clark Fork Farmers Market are some more popular.
The best way to see all that Caras Park offers is to walk along the riverfront trail. It’s the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of Mount Sentinel.
The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is located in the heart of historic Fort Missoula. It is dedicated to the preservation of the history of western Montana. A unique combination of permanent and changing exhibits showcases the area’s rich cultural heritage. There are also numerous educational programs and events offered.
This museum is a member of the American Alliance of Museums. Their permanent collection includes over 25,000 objects. In addition, they feature exhibits about the history of the timber industry, the wood products industry, and the history of Western Montana. You can browse their website for more information.
Visitors can also take guided tours to learn about the history of the grounds and buildings at the Fort. The grounds include a cemetery with over 400 graves. These gravesites are arranged in a class IV national military cemetery.
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is a nonprofit organization based out of Missoula, Montana. Established in 1984, the organization has made significant progress in restoring and protecting wildlife habitats. Their mission is to preserve and restore habitat while educating the public about hunting and conservation.
The organization has undertaken numerous programs and projects, including the nation’s largest and most successful elk restoration program. The organization has more than 160,000 members, including more than 10,000 volunteers. This makes the organization one of the largest conservation organizations in the country.
In addition to the large-scale initiatives, the foundation is also involved in a slew of smaller but less essential tasks. These include marketing various products like calendars, clothing, and elk education kits. Also, the foundation promotes cooperation among wildlife management organizations.
Greenough Park
Greenough Park in Missoula, Montana, is a 42-acre park on Rattlesnake Creek. The park was donated to the city in 1902.
Initially, the park was a romantic retreat intended to remain a natural public space. Instead, it has grown into a birding paradise. The avian species are red-tailed hawks, green-winged teal, and black-chinned hummingbirds.
A paved pedestrian path makes a loop around the park. Several unpaved trails also lead through the woods and along the creek.
Greenough Park is one of Missoula’s oldest parks. The Parks and Recreation Department maintains the park. There are several things to do in the park, including a small playground, a large picnic shelter, and a paved pedestrian path.
The M trail
The M trail in Missoula, Montana, is a short, out-and-back hike that offers spectacular views. It begins near the University of Montana football stadium.
The M Trail is open 24 hours a day. There are three access points. You can begin the hike from the Elm Street trailhead, the Phyllis Washington Park trailhead, or the Cherry Street trailhead.
Whether you choose one of these trails or the Mount Sentinel Trail, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in the breathtaking scenery. A 620-foot elevation gain will have you reaching the top of the mountain in less than a mile.
If you’re looking for a more challenging climb, you can head to the Castle Crags trail. This hike is a short distance from the Elm Street trailhead.