Missoula, Montana: 10 Must-Do Adventures and Hidden Local Gems

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10 Awesome Things To Do Near Missoula, Montana (That Locals Actually Love)

If you’re dreaming about a Montana getaway, Missoula is a perfect place to start. Tucked in Missoula County and surrounded by mountains, rivers, and big sky views, this college town has that laid‑back vibe but still plenty to do. Whether you’re planning a long weekend, a family road trip, or just passing through on I‑90, here are 10 fun things to do in and around Missoula, Montana that will make you want to stay a little longer.

1. Hike the “M” Trail on Mount Sentinel

If you do just one thing in Missoula, make it this. The big white “M” on Mount Sentinel is the classic Missoula hike. You’ve probably seen photos of it already without even realizing it. The trail starts right by the University of Montana campus and climbs up a series of switchbacks to the letter. It’s short but steep:
  • About 0.75 miles one way
  • Roughly 600 feet of elevation gain
Wear decent shoes, bring some water, and take your time. When you reach the “M,” you’re rewarded with:
  • Wide views of downtown Missoula
  • The Clark Fork River curving through town
  • Snowy peaks in the distance, depending on the season
On a clear evening, watching the sunset from the “M” feels like front-row seats to a Montana postcard.

2. Float the Clark Fork River Right Through Town

One of the coolest things about Missoula is that a river literally runs through it — the Clark Fork River. In summer, locals love to:
  • Tube a mellow stretch of the river
  • Kayak or stand-up paddleboard
  • Hang out on the banks and watch the surfers at Brennan’s Wave
You’ll find several outfitters in Missoula that rent tubes and gear, and some will even shuttle you upstream so you can float back into town. Depending on the water flow, many people like to float from East Missoula back toward downtown. Tip: The water can be cold even in July, and the sun is strong at this elevation. Pack:
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Straps for your glasses and sandals
If you don’t want to get in the water, you can still enjoy it. Walk along the Riverfront Trail, grab a coffee or ice cream, and just watch the action.

3. Wander Downtown Missoula’s Shops, Cafés & Breweries

Missoula might be surrounded by mountains, but its downtown has a surprisingly lively, artsy feel. Stroll around a few blocks and you’ll find:
  • Cozy coffee shops and bakeries
  • Bookstores with that well-loved, slightly creaky floor vibe
  • Local boutiques and outdoor gear stores
  • Plenty of bars and craft breweries
If you’re into beer, Missoula is a mini craft-beer hub. A few favorites locals often mention:
  • KettleHouse Brewing – famous for Cold Smoke Scotch Ale
  • Imagine Nation Brewing – known for IPAs and community events
  • Conflux Brewing – great location and good food
Downtown is also where you’re likely to stumble across live music, especially in summer, and seasonal events like street fairs and outdoor markets. If you love small, walkable city centers, this is one of the best things to do in Missoula.

4. Check Out the Missoula Farmers Market & Clark Fork Market

If you happen to be in Missoula on a Saturday morning (spring through fall), do not sleep in. Missoula wakes up early for its famous markets:
  • Missoula Farmers Market – near the old depot downtown
  • Clark Fork River Market – set along the river under the Higgins Avenue bridge
You’ll find:
  • Fresh Montana produce and flowers
  • Local meats, cheeses, and baked goods
  • Coffee, breakfast burritos, and pastries
  • Handmade crafts and art
It’s a perfect place to grab breakfast, people-watch, and chat with locals. On a sunny morning, with live music playing and the smell of fresh bread in the air, you really get that small-town-but-not-too-small Montana feeling.

5. Visit the Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center

Ever wondered who fights those huge forest fires you see on the news — and how they get there? Just outside town, near the airport, you can tour the Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center. Smokejumpers are highly trained wildland firefighters who parachute into remote areas to battle fires before they spread. On a typical visit, you may:
  • Walk through the jump base (when allowed)
  • See gear, parachutes, and equipment up close
  • Learn how smokejumpers train and work
  • Hear stories about real wildfire missions
Guided tours are usually free and family-friendly. It’s one of the more unique things to do in Missoula and a cool way to understand what life in fire-prone Montana is really like.

6. Day Trip to Lolo Hot Springs & Lolo Pass

Looking for something relaxing and scenic outside town? Head about 35 miles southwest of Missoula along U.S. Highway 12 to Lolo Hot Springs. Here you can:
  • Soak in hot mineral pools surrounded by forest
  • Stay in simple cabins or camp nearby
  • Enjoy hiking, biking, or in winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
Keep driving a bit farther and you’ll reach Lolo Pass on the Montana–Idaho border. This area follows part of the famous Lewis and Clark trail and has a small visitor center with exhibits and walking paths. On a summer day, the drive alone is worth it — winding roads, thick forests, and almost no billboards in sight. On a snowy winter afternoon, it feels like you’ve stepped into a snow globe.

7. Explore Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

Don’t let the name scare you off. While there are rattlesnakes in Montana, most people hike here all the time and never see one. Just a short drive north of downtown, the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area offers:
  • Miles of easy to moderate hiking and biking trails
  • Creeks, forested paths, and mountain views
  • Great spots for trail running and dog walking
If you’re new to hiking in Montana, this is a gentle place to start. Popular options include:
  • Main Rattlesnake Trail – gradual climb along a creek
  • Short side trails leading to quiet picnic spots
Bring water, a light jacket (even summer evenings can be cool), and bear spray if you’re heading deeper into the woods. This is big sky country, but it’s also bear country.

8. Take the Kids to A Carousel for Missoula & Dragon Hollow

If you’re traveling with kids, Missoula has a sweet surprise for you downtown: A Carousel for Missoula and the attached Dragon Hollow playground. The carousel is hand-carved, colorful, and fast — many of the horses were carved by local volunteers. It’s one of those small-town projects that turned into a beloved local landmark. Right next door, Dragon Hollow is a fenced play area with:
  • Climbing structures
  • Slides and tunnels
  • Plenty of places for adults to sit and watch
You’re also steps from the river, walking paths, and downtown coffee shops. It’s an easy stop that can fill a morning and wear the kids out in the best way.

9. Drive to the National Bison Range (Now CSKT Bison Range)

About an hour northwest of Missoula, in Missoula County’s wider area, you’ll find one of the most unique wildlife experiences in the region: the CSKT Bison Range (formerly the National Bison Range). Here, on the Flathead Indian Reservation, you can:
  • Drive scenic loops through rolling hills and grasslands
  • Spot American bison roaming freely
  • Look for elk, deer, pronghorn, and a huge variety of birds
The long scenic drive (often called Red Sleep Mountain Drive when open) has overlooks that give you beautiful views of the Mission Mountains and the surrounding valley. Bring:
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Snacks and water (services are limited)
It’s a powerful place to learn about conservation, Native stewardship, and the history of bison in Montana, while also enjoying a relaxed, drive-through “safari” experience.

10. Catch a Game or Concert at the University of Montana

Missoula is a college town at heart, thanks to the University of Montana, and that brings a lot of energy and events to the area. Depending on when you visit, you might:
  • Cheer on the Montana Grizzlies at a football game
  • Catch a basketball game or other college sports
  • See a concert, play, or lecture on campus
Griz football games, in particular, are a big deal in Missoula. Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, the tailgating, marching band, and sea of maroon gear make for a fun, very local experience. Check the university’s event calendar before your trip — you might find a show or game that turns into a highlight of your visit.

Planning Your Missoula Trip: A Few Quick Tips

To make the most of your time in Missoula, Montana:
  • Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for hiking, floating, and markets. Winter is great if you love snow and a quieter pace.
  • Getting around: A car makes it easier to reach trailheads and day trips, but you can walk or bike many places in and around downtown.
  • Weather: Layers are your friend. Even in July, mornings and evenings can be chilly, and temps can swing a lot in one day.
Missoula feels like that rare mix of outdoor adventure and cozy town comfort. You can hike a mountain in the morning, grab a local beer in the afternoon, and end the day listening to live music by the river.

What Would You Add to This Missoula Bucket List?

Have you been to Missoula, Montana or anywhere else in Missoula County?
  • Did you have a favorite hike or river spot?
  • Is there a local café, bar, or hidden gem I should include next time?
Drop your tips, stories, and questions in the comments — I’d love to hear what you discovered near Missoula. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend planning a Montana road trip or post it on your favorite social media. It helps other travelers figure out what to do in Missoula and keeps this kind of free travel content coming.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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