So, you’re visiting the University of Montana? Lucky you. We know you’re going to love it here. Be sure to make the most of your time by exploring our mountain town, Missoula, and all the Big Sky culture it has to offer.
Check out all the offerings from Destination Missoula, and scroll below for our guide on where to stay, eat, shop and what to do while on a visit to the University of Montana:
How to Get Here
Most major airlines fly into Missoula International Airport. There you can rent a car from several agencies (or take the city bus), and it’s a short drive to campus. Airport shuttles are also available.
Regional visitors can also arrive in Missoula via Greyhound.
Hot Tip: With a free city bus system (Mountain Line) and plenty of ride-sharing and pedestrian trails, it’s very possible to have a car-free visit. Read our guide to getting around Missoula with a car.
Hotels to Stay the Night
Missoula has a ton of commercial hotel chains you’ll recognize and many independently owned options as well. If you stay close to campus or in the downtown, you’ll be within walking distance of the Gilkey Building, home to UM Admissions and the beginning of every UM campus tour.
Other hotels, closer to the airport, also provide comfortable accommodations at sometimes a lower rate.
Hotels within walking distance of UM and downtown:
- Comfort Inn University: (406) 317-7957 -- Mention your visit to UM for a special rate!
- Doubletree Hotel Edgewater: (406) 728-3100
- Goldsmith's Bed and Breakfast Inn: (406) 728-1585
- Holiday Inn Downtown Missoula: (406) 721-8550
- Residence Inn by Marriott - The Mercantile: (406) 542-6252
Hotels closer to the airport:
Other Places to Stay in Missoula
Hotels aren’t the only option for spending the night. You'll find Missoula accommodations on vacation rental platforms like AirBnB and VRBO.
Where to Get Coffee in Missoula
Start the day right with some steaming coffee, espresso or tea, always paired with mountain views. Two of the quintessential coffee shops in town, Clyde Coffee and Drum Coffee are bursting at the seams with aroma and college town culture. Both are alumni-owned and operated.
Where to Eat in Missoula
Not to toot our own horn, but many of the best places to eat in Missoula are UM alumni-owned and operated. This spans everything from breakfast and bakeries to lunch, pizza, dinner and a scoop of ice cream to top it all off. Check them out yourself:
- Paul’s Pancake Parlor
- Bernice’s Bakery
- Biga Pizza
- Bridge Pizza
- Gary’s Local $6 Burger
- Five on Black
- Pearl Boba
- Big Dipper Ice Cream
What Tap Houses & Breweries to Visit in Missoula
Missoula is home to a diverse selection of family-friendly breweries and tap houses where alcohol isn’t the only thing on tap. We also have some lively bars for ordering your favorite libation. Get a taste of our community alongside a sip of kombucha, cider or your new favorite microbrew at these UM alumni-owned and operated breweries:Where to Shop in Missoula
Vintage clothing, sprawling plants and flowers, adventure gear and books upon books upon books - shopping in Missoula caters to every interest under the sun. Check out only some of these awesome alumni-owned or operated businesses in Missoula and go stroll around downtown until you find something you like:
- Betty’s Divine & Divine Trash Vintage
- The Trail Head
- Rockin’ Rudy’s
- Bitterroot Flower Shop
- Board of Missoula
- Fact & Fiction
- Leaf & Quiet
- Missoula Makers Collective
- Paddleheads Post
- Toiffer Pet Outfitter
What to Do in Missoula
ZooTown. The Garden City. Place of Small Bull Trout. Call Missoula whatever you want, just don’t call it boring. We’ve got adventures big and small around every corner, from mountain climbing to river strolling, historic movie theaters and more than one place to put a boat in – find yourself in Missoula:
Missoula Events Calendar
For the most up-to-date happenings in Missoula, check out both the Destination Missoula Event Calendar and the Missoula Downtown Partnership Event Calendar.
Top Attractions in Missoula
Check out our blog post What to Do in Missoula for some of the most essential activities to experience in Missoula. This includes the iconic “M” hike above campus and time spent floating the Clark Fork River ambling directly through downtown.
Quintessential Bucket List While Attending UM
Want to take a peak at the bucket list experiences that every student encounters while enrolled at UM? Check out the Quintessential Bucket List while attending UM.
Have any questions? Want some help planning out an itinerary (like campground recommendations for Glacier National Park, for example) – don’t hesitate to reach out to the UM Admissions Office:
• (406) 243-6266
• BeAGriz@Umontana.edu
