2025 First Timer’s Guide: Things to do in Missoula Montana Now

Whether you’re just passing through or staying awhile, the Northern Rockies of Montana are full of fun surprises. This is where you’ll find one of my favorite mountain towns—nestled among soft, rolling hills at 3,209 feet of elevation.

Keep reading for my ever-growing list of things to do in Missoula Montana!

Ultimate Guide to Missoula

Where is The Garden City located?

You’ll find Missoula in western Montana, conveniently situated along I-90. I first passed through on a road trip to Yellowstone, where we stayed overnight to break up the drive. Of all the places we stopped, Missoula was by far the most welcoming, walkable, and lively. After one silky smooth Black Coffee latte, my fate was sealed—we now have to stop every time we’re driving through.

Incredible coffee aside, Missoula is also known for its rivers: the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Bitterroot. The Clark Fork is the one that flows right through downtown, separating it from the beloved Hip Strip area of shops and restaurants via the Higgins Bridge.

In case you’re like me and wondering how close Missoula is to national parks, here’s a quick reference:

• Missoula to Glacier National Park (West Glacier): ~2 hour 40 minute drive, 140 miles
• Missoula to Yellowstone (West Yellowstone): ~4 hour drive, 264 miles

So yes, Missoula makes a great stop on a national parks road trip. You could even spend a day in Glacier from here if you’re up for an early start. Yellowstone? A bit too far for a day trip in my opinion, but perfect for a multi-stop route.

When is the Ideal Time to Visit?

Missoula doesn’t really have an “off-season,” or so I’ve heard from locals. I’ve visited in both spring and fall and found both absolutely stunning. Summers can get hot—think upper 80s and 90s—but the lush green hills speckled with wildflowers in spring and the vibrant fall foliage throughout town make shoulder seasons ideal.

For this guide on things to do in Missoula, I recommend visiting during spring.

How to Get to Missoula Montana

If you’re based in the Pacific Northwest, driving to Missoula is totally doable. My family’s done it a few times—it’s just under 7 hours (475 miles) from Seattle. Admittedly a long day in the car, but there are great places to break it up. We love stopping at the Kittitas Café near Ellensburg and exploring downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Flying is another great option. We flew direct from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on our last visit (June 2025), and the flight took less than an hour each way!

The Missoula Montana Airport has a relaxed, modern vibe and is super easy to navigate. Big windows let you soak up those surrounding mountain views, and there’s even an outdoor patio with seating—something I’ve never seen at another airport!

From there, a rideshare like Uber will get you downtown quickly. Don’t expect big city service—but honestly, I prefer the laid-back vibe and loading my own bags anyway.

Where to Stay in Missoula

Hands down, the best place to stay in Missoula is downtown. Take it from me, you can walk just about anywhere (even to a few trailheads) from here!

We stayed at The Wren, a vibrant boutique hotel packed with local charm. When we checked in, I realized it shares a building with a coffee shop we’d loved on a previous trip. Instant good vibes!

I could go on forever about The Wren, so check out my full review [coming soon] if you’re curious. But in short: if you’re after a walkable location, something that’s not your average chain hotel, and pet-friendly accommodations—this is it.

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Exciting Things to do in Missoula Montana

Sip a Black Coffee Latte

First up: coffee. Black Coffee Roasting Company is the largest and most well-known roaster in town—and it deserves the hype.

Set inside a curved metal building that feels part airplane hangar, part industrial barn, the space is raw and airy in the best way. Roasting equipment sits just behind the counter, and massive windows let that golden Montana light pour in. Think metal beams, warm wood touches, and a vibe that’s equal parts intentional and creative.

They use fair trade, organic beans and are deeply committed to sustainability. And the drinks? Smooth, flavorful, and finished with the prettiest latte art. Don’t sleep on the pastries or toasts either!

Shop Local Art at Missoula Makers Collective

I visited several galleries while in town, but this colorful boho gem was by far my favorite. Missoula Makers Collective showcases over 80 local artists and offers everything from embroidered Montana sweatshirts to ceramic mugs and handmade jewelry.

I found a pink mountain mug I just had to take home—and it’s now one of my favorite souvenirs.

If you’re into art, creativity, and shopping small, add this to your list of things to do in Missoula!

Go on a Nature Tour

Normally, my partner Kyle and I hike solo, but we were so excited about this unique experience: a spring watercolor tour with Blue Heron Nature Tours.

Our guide Elena led us on a wildflower walk, pausing to teach plant ID, before showing us some basic watercolor techniques so we could create our own mini masterpieces. It was unlike anything I’d done on a trip before—and truly unforgettable.

No matter the season, Elena offers guided tours year-round, from birding to cross country skiing. She’s lived in Missoula for over 20 years and brings so much knowledge and warmth to the experience. One of my favorite things to do in Missoula by far!

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Grab a Local Read at Fact & Fiction Bookstore

I always beeline to the local interest section of indie bookstores, and Fact & Fiction did not disappoint. I found books on everything from regional wildlife to indigenous culture, including Life on the Rocks and Field Notes from the Montana Natural History Center.

If learning about the place you’re visiting matters to you, this is a must-stop. It’s one of those things to do in Missoula that really helps you feel connected to the area.

Watch Mountain Surfing on the Clark Fork

How many towns can say you can surf in the middle of downtown?

Brennan’s Wave is a manmade surf spot in the Clark Fork River. In June, we saw surfers and kayakers playing in the current nearly all day long! Watch from the Higgins Bridge or Cara’s Park for a front-row seat.

It’s a great example of the kind of adventurous spirit that makes Missoula so fun.

Hike to the iconic M

The bright white M on Mount Sentinel is kind of like a compass, and you’ll probably see it many times during your visit to Missoula. And, if you look closely, you’re likely to see people up near it!

The trailhead starts beside the beautiful brick University of Montana campus and zigzags up the hillside for sweeping views of the city, the river, and snow-capped peaks in the distance. It’s exposed and can be hot, so come prepared.

We hiked 1.6 miles with 636 feet of elevation gain (not counting our walk from The Wren). It was steep, scenic, and absolutely worth the effort.

During our hike, I most enjoyed looking at The Oval, University Campus, the snowy mountains, and the Clark Fork River. This is absolutely a must-do on my list of things to do in Missoula!

Bestie Tip: There’s a small peony garden near the trailhead parking lot. We saw it in full bloom in early June—definitely take a stroll through if you’re visiting around then!

Treat Yourself at Big Dippers Ice Cream

A waiter highly recommended Big Dipper, Missoula’s longtime favorite for ice cream—and wow, it delivered.

While their huckleberry is famous, I went with classic chocolate and rainbow sprinkles, and it was perfect. We wandered to Cara’s Park with our cones and caught the sunset as surfers filled the river. One of those sweet, simple moments I’ll never forget.

This post was all about the best things to do in Missoula Montana – from sipping standout coffee and browsing local art to mountain hikes and riverside sunsets. Whether you’re here for a night or a few days, I hope this guide helps you soak up the magic of this special mountain town.