There’s this place where you can catch a wave and a concert on the same block. A place where the food is as genuine and homegrown as the people dishing it out. Where relaxation is a way of life, the rivers outnumber your worries, and yes—there’s no sales tax (go ahead, buy the extra souvenir). There’s this place where the great outdoors is literally right outside your hotel door. And that place is Missoula, Montana.
Situated at the confluence of three rivers, surrounded by seven wilderness areas and nestled between two national park royalty—Glacier and Yellowstone—Missoula might just be the most unexpected gem in the West. It’s a little bit wild, a little bit artsy, and totally original. Here, students, artists, outdoor junkies, musicians, and foodies all share the same zip code, often the same brewery patio, and definitely the same love for this quirky mountain town.
With a population just shy of 75,000, Missoula offers the friendliness of a small town with the unexpected perks of a much larger city. Think rooftop cocktails, boutique shopping, riverfront lodging, and a summer concert lineup that reads like your favorite playlist: Hozier, Shania Twain, Wilco, Modest Mouse, Pixies, and more. The local airport makes it all wildly accessible, with direct flights from 14 major cities and six airlines keeping the skyways buzzing, all just ten minutes away from downtown.
Where art and adventure share the same trailhead
On any given day, you might see someone heading to a riverside yoga class, a fly rod over one shoulder and a concert poster in hand. Outdoors and culture go hand in hand here. Start your day paddleboarding with views of Mount Sentinel or surfing Brennan’s Wave downtown (yes, you read that right—surfing, in Montana). Then wander over to a gallery, catch a set at the KettleHouse Amphitheater along the Blackfoot River, or hit the newest homegrown music festival, Zootown. And don’t miss First Friday art walks, where the city turns into one big pop-up gallery with (lots) of wine.
Need a break from hiking peaks and hopping venues? Just beyond town, you’ll find natural hot springs to soak your limbs, the tranquil Garden of One Thousand Buddhas to quiet your mind, Snowbowl Ski Resort to carve some turns, and some of the best stargazing skies in the state. Out here, the detours are half the magic.
Where you eat, drink, and shop like you already live here
Missoulians don’t do generic. Here, “local” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifestyle. Saturdays are for farmers markets (there are three downtown), where the air smells of fresh-baked pastries and mountain pine. Locally brewed beers, food trucks slinging Korean BBQ tacos, James Beard-nodded restaurants, and dessert shops that could ruin you for all other ice cream? Check, check, check.
And when it comes to shopping, “Made in Montana” is a badge of honor. You’ll find handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, original art, and vintage western wear all within walking distance. The vibe is part mountain hipster, part retro cowboy, and totally Missoula.
Where staying the night feels like staying awhile
Whatever your travel style, Missoula’s got your dream getaway. Want to wake up with river views and wildlife out your window? Easy. Prefer walkable downtown digs featuring mountain vistas with mixologists downstairs? Done. From luxury suites to low-key lodges, accommodations here are as diverse as the city itself. And after a day of adventure and a night of live music, you’ll want a cozy place to recharge.
Missoula is the kind of place you come to for a week and start wondering if you could stay forever. It’s the kind of place where you can fish, feast, dance, and discover all in one day. Where community matters, creativity runs wild, and the mountains are always within reach.
This isn’t just a stop on the map. It’s a way of Montana—that welcomes you with open arms. And we can’t wait to share it with you in Missoula.