Are you looking for something fun to do in Missoula? There are plenty of outdoor attractions that will help you get out of your chair and get active. You’d be amazed at all the green attractions and bodies of water that are good for fishing, boating, and other water activities. Missoula also attracts plenty of college students due to the University of Montana which adds on to the great environment.
Check out the Roam’s list of the best things to do in Missoula, MT:
Attend Grizzly Intercollegiate Sporting Events
The University of Montana has a variety of sports teams that are worth supporting. These young athletes always bring their all to the field for the school and pride. It’s not just about supporting the home team, it’s also a great time to bond with the other Grizzly fans full of school spirit. Even if you can’t attend one of the games, you can always watch or listen in on the livestreams!
Location: 1001 Monroe St, Missoula, MT 59802
Are you looking for a good spot to stay active? Greenough Park is the town’s most natural park, covering 42 acres of land. Greenough Park is home to some great nature trails where you can spot some of the local birds and other animals along the way. You can also adventure towards Rattlesnake Creek, which runs along the northern side of the park area. There’s also a nice playgrounds area for children, a volleyball net, and the Bull Trout mosaic art piece.
Visit the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness
Location: Rattlesnake Dr, Missoula, MT 59802
You can run into this beauty just a little four mile up north of Missoula. This popular attraction is divided into two distinct zones (National Recreation Area and Wilderness). Of course, the bigger attraction is the recreational area which is a friendlier spot for visitors, especially new ones. The area is perfect for those who are looking to venture around the wild and discover other alternatives to have fun without modern day technology. Keep an eye out because you might spot some of the local forest animals around the premise.
Visit the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Location: 5705 Grant Creek Rd, Missoula, MT 59808
This amazing preserve has great exhibitions for the public to enjoy. The foundation also has employees that are more than prepared to share the story behind the area. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation also has friendly hunting programs for the public. It is a great way to learn about the preservation of the habitats and how hunters play a role in the preservation of wildlife.
Location: 335 N Pattee St, Missoula, MT 59802
This multi-floor museum features a learning center and gallery worth visiting. The Missoula Art Museum does a great job of displaying art through drawings, pictures, sculptures, and other forms. This museum also offers great art classes and tours for art enthusiasts and those who want to become more artistic.
Visit the Museum of Mountain Flying
Location: 5225 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT 59808
The state of Montana has a rich history in mountain flying. The Museum of Mountain Flying exhibits the fascinating history of the state’s love for the sky from the 1920s to the early 1970s. You can expect to see some well-maintained aircraft that survived through the Wright Brothers and a World War II. The history doesn’t have to end there, the museum is always searching for precious memorabilia to keep history going for later generations to come in Montana.
Location: 3001 Bancroft St, Missoula, MT 59801
Splash Montana is the perfect spot to stay cool and beat the heat during the long summer days. This waterpark features exciting water slides, a pool, and a lazy river where you can enjoy your time in the water. Your kids will love the fun environment and the vibrant colors around the waterpark.
Location: 123 Carousel Dr, Missoula, MT 59802
Located in the heart of Missoula is Caras Park. This public park is known for hosting popular music and other cultural events year around. Some of these events include the Missoula Marathon Expo, the International Wildlife Film Festival’s WildFest, Parks & Recreation’s Kids Fest, Garden City BrewFest, and GermanFest. Caras Park is also constantly being upgraded to grow along with the city.
Location: 1700 Snow Bowl Rd, Missoula, MT 59808
One of the top spots to adventure during the snowy winter months, the Snowbowl is the perfect spot to enjoy some snow. You can grab a chairlift and have some fun skiing or snowboarding with a small group of people. The summertime also offers Snowbowl visitors the chance to hike and bike around the mountain tops for some fun. The best part is that you’ll have plenty of privacy since visitor traffic isn’t too high because of the spot’s location. The Gelandesprung Hotel is a great lodge on the side of the mountain slope that offers rooms, private and shared baths, a hot tub, and kitchen facilities.
Visit the Montana Natural History Center
Location: 120 Hickory St # A, Missoula, MT 59801
The Montana Natural History Center preserves everything that gives this state its natural beauty and shares it with the community for a small fee. It is a chance for you to learn about the different species that make up the ecosystems around the great state of Montana. You’ll find out that it the history center also exhibits species that might have lived in the area (dinosaurs). The center will also go a bit deeper to explore the geology of the area and explains how it affects us and the wildlife. Just look for the big green and brown building with the gorgeous dragonfly mural!
Location: Riverfront Trail, Missoula, MT 59802
This man-made wave allows kayakers to experience the thrill behind whitewater rafting without having to go too far. Visitors can stand at the overlook and look down at the water, or climb down a few steps of rocks and have a seat. This is also a great spot to witness a perfect sunset in Montana.
Visit Fort Missoula Regional Park
Location: 3401-3499 South Ave W, Missoula, MT 59804
This is the best spot in town for soccer fanatics. The soccer complex is phenomenal and is known to host most of the city’s youth competitions throughout the year. The park has a fine collection of natural grass fields and premium artificial turf fields in case it rains. There is also a beautiful playground where children and adults are sometimes fascinated by the attractions. Fort Missoula Regional Park also has a stunning shelter you can rent in case you ever have to plan an important event.
Visit the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
Location: 3400 Captain Rawn Way, Missoula, MT 59804
The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula explores the rich history of Western Montana. From exhibits of the Indian Wars in the 1800s and both World Wars to the history of beautiful buildings in the area, this museum shows it all. It’s one of the many spots around town that focuses on keeping history alive and going.
Visit the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium
Location: 218 E Front St, Missoula, MT 59802
This is one of the very few insect houses you’ll want to visit. This educational facility focuses on the science behind every bug species and its beauty. The insectarium also displays 18 aquariums and terrariums filled with over 40 different species. It’s a cool spot to find out about the different bug species that inhabit Montana. After all, they are somewhat responsible for the beautiful green scenery around the state!
Visit the Montgomery Distillery
Location: 129 W Front St, Missoula, MT 59802
This family-owned business has a talent that has been passed down for over 5 generations. The Montgomery family has plenty of experience that was perfected in Scotland and brought back to the states for the community. Today, the Montgomery Distillery serves some amazing homemade cocktails created from Montgomery-made vodka, gin, and whiskeys. You can also stop by the distillery on Friday and Saturday nights to learn more about the distillery and the distillation process.
Visit Pattee Canyon Recreation Area
Location: Missoula, MT 59803
This large wilderness area covers well over 3,200 acres of land on the east side of Missoula. It’s is popular for its beautiful mountain trails that are all together over 25 miles in length. This area is perfect for hikers, mountain bikers, joggers, cross-country skiers and dog walkers to enjoy some time out in the wild. The trails in this recreational area are also known to connect with the University of Montana and the Clark Fork River. There is also an 18-hole disc golf course with baskets in case you want to ever play a friendly match.