What To Do in Missoula

Wander the River Trail

You can’t go wrong wandering the River Trail, spanning both sides of the Clark Fork River at the town center. The River Trail offers an easy connection to campus for an enjoyable commute, as well as the different public parks that Missoula has to offer.  The surrounding mountain views and the local feel of connectedness on the trail is infectious. 

Float, Fish or Splash in the Clark Fork River

There is no Missoula without the Clark Fork River. This aquatic trout highway runs through the city's center, and its free-flowing current is teeming with life throughout the year. Enjoy it anyway you can; on a tube during the Freshman Float or practice fly-fishing – nothing parallels that Clark Fork feeling in Missoula. 

Take a Hike!

The numerous trailheads near the city are startling, many of which are within walking distance; Mount Sentinel, Mount Jumbo, and Mount Dean Stone, to name a few. Along with the three different national recreation areas surrounding Missoula within Lolo National Forest (Rattlesnake, Pattee Canyon and Blue Mountain), the adventure awaits you in Missoula. 

Read More: Take a Hike! - Best Hiking Trails in Missoula

Catch a Movie at The Roxy

The marquee of this independent movie theater is a beacon for Missoula’s Hip Strip with must-sees always on show. Sitting just beyond the Clark Fork River from downtown, take a seat in this classic, community-owned theater. Catch the newest releases, the cultiest classics and some live comedy at this local favorite venue, and don’t forget the triple organic popcorn!   

Grab a Scoop or Three at Big Dipper Ice Cream

Winter, spring, summer, and fall – Big Dipper always has a line outside its counter window. Why? Because Big Dipper Ice Cream hits the spot regardless of the snow on the ground. Find your favorite concoction of cone, cream and coverings, and say hello to your new favorie ice cream joint. 

Party Loud and Proud at Caras Park

Caras Park is the signature outdoor space on the city’s river trail. It’s also home to Missoula’s biggest celebrations. First Friday, Out to Lunch, Downtown Tonight, Pray for Snow and Brewfest are just the beginning to your Caras Park experience – you can’t live in Missoula without gathering at this beautiful public space. 

Hit the Slopes at Snowbowl 

Rip, shred and tear down the terrain at Montana Snowbowl – Missoula’s local winter mountain. Students can see the summit of this local favorite ski and snowboard spot from campus and catch a free University shuttle to the mountain on the weekends. With easy access to some fresh powder, how could you resist! 

Read More: Your Guide to Skiing and Snowboarding at UM 

Get Down in Downtown

Live music is the soundtrack for our mountain community, broadcasted from several local venues downtown and at the Missoula’s edge. With the historic Wilma Theater, Top Hat, Badlander, the Union Club, the ZACC and so many more, you’ll never have a dull moment! And don’t forget the impressive KettleHouse Amphitheater. If you’re a music lover, you’ll love the constant playlist reverberating through this valley. 

Read More: Best Places for Live Music On and Off Campus

Fort Missoula: A Blast from the Past

Fort Missoula, now a Historic Park, was first established in the late 1800s and today comprises 32 acres on the city’s south side. Alongside preserved structures and buildings, the park is home to the Historical Museum, offering a unique perspective of Missoula’s not-so-distant and yet-so-relevant past. 

First Friday Fun

Find yourself on a Friday night with no plans? Take a stroll downtown on the First Friday of each month to catch Missoula’s community in full-fledged art appreciation. Local stores open their doors to host impromptu art galleries featuring local artists and dance parties, and the celebration spills out onto the sidewalk and into the night. 

Wander the Galleries of the Missoula Art Museum

After visiting the Montana Museum of Art and Culture on campus, head across the river to the Missoula Art Museum for more cultural intrigue that doesn’t cost a dime. This non-profit, accredited museum houses over 2,000 artworks centered on Western history. They are dedicated to representing contemporary Indigenous artistic expression while also emphasizing contemporary Montana artists.  

Build a Bike at Free Cycles

Bicycling is a big part of the Missoula lifestyle, and Free Cycles, the local bike shop, fuels much of the excitement. This nonprofit institution opens its doors to any interested bicyclist looking for parts, maintenance or a new ride altogether. Many of the resources are free upon meeting minimum volunteer hours. 

Read More: How to (Easily) Commute Without a Car

Peruse a Local Bookstore

Missoula has a rich literary history, much of which is tied to the University’s storied creative writing program. Creative literature resonates throughout campus and Missoula, especially at local bookstores. Peruse the shelves of Fact and Fiction, Shakespeare & CO or The Book Exchange and pick up your next favorite read. You can also catch local readings or events at these bookstores and the Missoula Public Library.   

Surf Brennan’s Wave

Next to downtown Caras Park, Brennan’s Wave is a magnet for kayakers and surfers from all across Montana. The wave has a heartfelt and somber backstory, and it helps solidify Missoula as a river town. Hit the wave yourself or enjoy spectating from the nearby observation platform connected to Caras Park. Cowabunga! 

Dive into the Missoula Food Scene

Flathead cherries, bison burgers and huckleberry everything – if you think Montana has a bland palate, think again. The food scene in Missoula is ever-evolving, with new tastes added to its menu every year. Dive into the various culinary concoctions from Gary’s Burgers to Zoo Thai and enjoy narrowing down your preferred comfort meals. 

Read More: Best Food Spots On and Off Campus

Find the Perfect Brew 

Missoula has a wide variety of cafes and bakeries with delicious coffee and other sweet treats to explore. From Bernice’s Bakery to Clyde Coffee, there’s bound to be something just right for you. Take a day to craft the perfect café crawl and explore all the latte locations that Missoula has to offer. 

Take a Big Adventure! 

Hang gliding, backpacking, river rafting, mountain biking, outdoor climbing, we have it all! With resources available to you through Outdoor Equipment Rental or Outdoor Safety Classes at UM, you can try anything your heart desires. Even just going for a stroll along the Kim William’s Trail, you can adventure in every kind of way in Missoula. 

Dig in the Dirt 

If you’re interested in gardening, now’s the perfect time to start! The UM Peas Farm, a student-run farm just outside of Missoula that supports the local food bank, can help you learn all you need to know about getting your hands dirty. With other community groups such as Garden City Harvest, opportunities to home in on your horticultural skills are endless! 

Read more: Study Food Systems Outside at UM's PEAS Farm

The University of Montana acknowledges that we are in the aboriginal territories of the Salish, Kootenai, and Kalispel people. Today, we honor the path they have always shown us in caring for this place for future generations.