Live Like A Local: Top 12 Activities in Missoula, Montana

Missoula, Montana, is a vibrant destination packed with outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and unique local charm. Whether you’re here for the stunning landscapes, lively arts scene, or delicious food, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll highlight the top 12 must-do activities that showcase the best of Missoula—perfect for first-time visitors and longtime fans alike.

First Friday

Missoula’s year-round First Friday Art Walk invites locals to stroll downtown on the first Friday of each month, enjoying gallery openings, artist meet-and-greets, live music, food, and drinks.

Surf or Float The River

Missoula comes alive on the river, especially in summer when locals and visitors flock to the water. At the heart of it all is Brennan’s Wave, a man-made surf spot near Caras Park where river surfers and kayakers show off their skills. Rent a board or kayak from a nearby outfitter to join the fun, or catch the action from the riverbank or observation deck. For a more laid-back adventure, grab an inner tube, pack a cooler (secure it well!), and float the day away like a true Missoulian.

Ski and Bike The Bowl

Just minutes from Missoula, Montana Snowbowl offers epic winter skiing with deep powder, varied terrain, and some of the region’s best wood-fired pizza and Bloody Marys. In the summer, the adventure continues with chairlift-access mountain biking and thrilling zip line tours through the forested slopes.

Explore The Wilderness

Just minutes from Missoula, Pattee Canyon, Blue Mountain, and the Rattlesnake Recreation Area offer year-round access to hiking, mountain biking, and crisp mountain air—magical in winter when the trails are blanketed in snow. Venture deeper into the Rattlesnake to reach designated wilderness just 15 miles from the main trailhead. Remember to be kind, patient, and respectful of others as you explore responsibly.

Listen to Live Music

Missoula’s live music scene is hitting a high note, earning a reputation as one of the best in the West. From intimate venues to packed-out concerts, both local talent and big-name acts keep the city rocking year-round.

Go Out To Lunch or Dine Downtown Tonight

Missoula summers come alive at Caras Park with two beloved weekly events: Out to Lunch on Wednesdays and Downtown ToNight on Thursdays, both featuring food trucks, live music, and a lively community vibe—all free from June through August. For an extra dose of local flavor, explore the Missoula Maker’s Market during Downtown ToNight, where artists and makers showcase their handcrafted goods.

Get on The Beaten Path

Missoula’s impressive trail system winds through the city and links up with scenic routes like the Kim Williams Nature Trail—and for the truly adventurous, the Bitterroot Trail offers a 50-mile bike ride all the way to Hamilton. In winter, the paths transform into snowy playgrounds perfect for fat biking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.

Drink Local

Missoula’s craft beverage scene is overflowing, with more breweries than we can count, each pouring up local favorites and award-winning brews sure to impress even the pickiest beer connoisseur. And it doesn’t stop there—distilleries, wineries, and cideries round out the city’s spirited offerings, making it a true haven for drink lovers of all kinds.

Eat Like a Local

Missoula is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from upscale dining to tasty food truck bites. And when we say local, we mean it—many restaurants proudly feature ingredients sourced directly from nearby farmers and ranchers, making every meal a true taste of Montana.

Shop Saturday Markets

Shop fresh produce, flowers, and baked goods while enjoying live local music at the Missoula Farmers’ Market. Nearby, discover unique creations by LGBTQIA+ artists at the Queer Creatives Market and explore even more locally made treasures at the Missoula People’s Market. Don’t miss the Clark Fork River Market for fresh produce, pastries, homemade jams, and locally sourced meats and cheeses. In winter, the Missoula Valley Winter Market offers local meats, eggs, produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and handmade crafts every Saturday.

Local History

Did you know this stunning valley was once a vast glacial lake? Or that Missoula was a key stop on the Lewis and Clark expedition? Plus, it’s the hometown of Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress. Missoula’s rich history runs deep, celebrated at the Holt Heritage Museum and the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula. For aviation enthusiasts, the Museum of Mountain Flying offers vintage aircraft and fascinating stories from the early days of flight.

Unseen Missoula Tours

Unseen Missoula offers guided walking tours that delve into the city's hidden history, revealing tales of its transformation from a frontier outpost to a cultural hub. Running from April through October, these 90-minute tours explore themes like underground spaces, early 20th-century vice, and the evolution of local neighborhoods. Each tour is led by knowledgeable guides who bring to life stories of scandal, innovation, and community. For those seeking a spine-tingling experience, the “Screams & Spirits” tour in October uncovers Missoula’s haunted past, visiting eerie landmarks and forgotten cemeteries. Tours are offered weekly, with private bookings available year-round.

After exploring Missoula’s top activities—from river surfing and scenic hikes to vibrant markets and live music—there’s no better way to end your day than by retreating to The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins. Just 25 minutes from downtown, our pet-friendly, off-grid cabins offer peaceful forest surroundings perfect for stargazing, unplugging from screens, and enjoying our adventurous scavenger hunt. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or a bit of adventure, The Hohnstead is your perfect home base to experience the best of Montana’s great outdoors. Book your stay today and make your Missoula trip truly unforgettable!

The Ultimate Foodies Guide to Missoula, Montana

Awarded as one of the “Best Foodie Cities in America” by WalletHub (October 2022), it is no surprise that Missoula, Montana has so much going for it. It can be tough to choose between Missoula’s seemingly endless choices of restaurants, bars, cafes, eateries, and fast food places. That’s why we’re sharing a few of our favorite go-to spots for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for the Best Burgers and Fries, Dining with a View, or Vegan Grab-and-Go options, this list of Missoula-based restaurants will help you make your dining choices a bit easier.

Last updated in June 2025

family-friendly restaurants in missoula

• Highlander Brewing Company: Local brews, pizza and a creekside patio area to enjoy them on.

• The Montana Club: Steakhouse, seafood and a full bar with multiple locations.

• El Cazador: Hearty Mexican dishes in a comfortable, laid-back setting.

• Mackenzie River: Pizza, sandwiches and more in heaping portions.

• Ciao Mambo: Italian dishes and wine in an art-filled atmosphere.

vegan and vegetarian restaurants in missoula

• Ragheef and Kamoon Restaurant: Authentic Arabic cuisine serving flavorful lunch and dinner options.

• Koh Chang Thai: This eatery offers fresh ingredients and rotating chef’s special.

• Masala: Authentic Indian dishes, scratch-made with locally sourced ingredients.

• Veera Donuts: Unique donuts and savory breakfast options, all 100% vegan.

• Green Resource: Organic smoothies, fresh pressed juices, salads, bowls, and more.

dining with a view in missoula, montana

• Conflux: House-brewed beer and pub food with a Southern twist.

• The Den by Market on Front: A neighborhood restaurant serving scratch-made food and valley views all day.

• Finn: Steak and seafood paired with waterfront dining on the Clark Fork River.

• The Keep: Upscale eatery with panoramic mountain and city views.

breakfast and brunch places in missoula

• Tres Bonne: French American brunch to late-night nips — in the heart of downtown.

• The Trough: Home-grown grub in a gourmet market.

• Liquid Planet Grille: A sit-down spot for hearty breakfast and lunch complete with a full coffee bar.

• The Old Post: American pub food with a gourmet touch in downtown Missoula.

• Cambie Taphouse + Coffee: Cafe and restaurant with patio views of Mt. Sentinel.

sweet treats in missoula

• 406 Frozen Yogurt: Self-serve frozen yogurt shop offering a variety of flavors & a large toppings bar.

• Big Dipper: Missoula's own Big Dipper Ice Cream was featured on Good Morning America as # America's Best Ice Cream Ever.

• Ducrey Chocolate Maker: We specialize in making Organic Bean-to-Bar Chocolate and Sugarless Chocolate.

• Sweet Peaks: Homegrown ice cream shop featuring a variety of flavors, including gluten-free and lactose-free options.

• Posh Chocolat: The closest sweet treat location to The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins, this Award winning, hand crafted artisan chocolate shop offers truffles, pastries, hot chocolate, espresso drinks and breakfast burritos.

• Bernice’s Bakery: Keeping Missoula sweet since 1978 with cakes, cupcakes, lunch, cookies and more.

• Morning Birds Bakery: Coffee shop and bakery offering croissants, danishes, and other pastries, plus sandwiches.

• Tea and Crepe Missoula: Casual, globally inspired dessert shop featuring bubble tea, crepes, and rolled ice cream.

• Bigfoot Cookies: Casual bakery specializing in large, freshly baked cookies, plus ice cream.

• Tandem Doughnuts and Bakery: Bright cafe serving up rotating gluten-free and vegan pastries, plus coffee.

coffee and tea in missoula

• Black Coffee Roasting Company: Savor organic coffee roasted in house that brings you back to your roots and into a whole new era of flavor.

• Break Espresso: The Break is a Montana fixture where students and families alike gather for great conversation and great coffee. A slice of pie alone is worth the trip.

• Butterfly Herbs: Stock up on your favorite teas in bulk at Butterfly Herbs. You can also buy brewing and other kitchen accessories, as well as whole bean gourmet coffees.

• Cafe Florabella: Enjoy artisan coffee, fresh pastries and breakfast and lunch items in this sun-filled cafe.

• Clyde Coffee: Hit the South Higgins location or the cafe’s outpost in the Missoula Public Library for great coffee, good vibes and the much-talked-about avocado toast.

• Dog & Bicycle: This relaxed Sawmill District spot is a coffee shop, bakery and cafe - try one of their breakfast burritos with your morning coffee.

• Dog Wash Cafe: This new addition to Missoula’s coffee shop scene serves local Drum Coffee and good eats from tis location at the new LOGE Missoula hotel.

• Drum Coffee: Fitz and the Tantrums drummer John Wicks and his wife started this Italian-inspired espresso bar that roasts its own coffee and also serves unique baked goods made in house.

• Hunter Bay Coffee and Roasters: This cafe on Missoula’s Northside serves its own fresh-roasted coffee and locally sourced fare.

• Lake Missoula Tea Company: Sip a custom-brewed tea from an actual teacup, or stock your home from a long list of premium artisanal loose teas.

• Liquid Planet: Taste house-roasted coffee and cocoa, chai and tea from around the world at this Missoula favorite.

• Pearl Boba Tea: Inspired by Taiwanese dessert flavors, the refreshing and fun “bubble tea” is famous for its sweet (and chewy!) tapioca pearls.

• Tea and Crepe: Milk teas, bubble teas, green teas, yogurt drinks and more are on Tea and Crepe’s menu as are sweet crepes, rolled ice cream and savory rice balls.

• On-The-Go Coffee and Tea: Favorite local kiosks and counters are Loose Caboose, Florence Coffee Co., Good Americano, Liquid Planet, Catalyst2Go, and Nitro Coffee.

breweries around missoula

• Bayern Brewing: Love a lager at Bayern, where you’ll find a wide selection of Bavarian master brews at Montana’s oldest-and only German - brewery. Located upstairs is the Edelweiss Bistro, serving traditional German Food. Not to be missed: Face Plant Doppel Weizen.

• Big Sky Brewing Company: Big Sky Brewing strives to produce balanced, world-class beers, while having as much fun as possible. Not to be missed: Moose Drool Brown Ale.

• Conflux Brewing Company: The scenic mountain view from this brewery is unbeatable — much like their great beer, great food and great community-first attitude. Not to be missed: Firefight Irish Red.

• Cranky Sam Public House: Cranky Sam Public House is a brewery, craft beer bar and wine bar all in one downtown location. Not to be missed: Tropical Blonde.

• Draught Works Brewery: A Westside taproom, Draught Works has a cool, industrial feel with a huge patio out front, ideal for warm-weather tasting. Not to be missed: Pineapple Express Tropical IPA.

• Gild Brewing: Missoula’s hip strip upped its cool factor with craft beer, Mexican street food and a basement arcade. Get the goods at Gild. Not to be missed: Survey Says Mexican Lager.

• Great Burn Brewing: Locally owned, fun, family-friendly brewery featuring traditional ales brewed with a West Coast flair. Not to be missed: Smoke Chase Porter.

• Highlander Beer - Missoula Brewing Company: Missoula Brewing Company features a full line of traditional beer styles as well as some cutting-edge, knock-out, crazy-hopped and barrel-aged recipes of this modern age of craft brewing. Not to be missed: Strawberry Wheat.

• Imagine Nation Brewing Co.: This community-oriented microbrewery not only serves an array of inventive craft brews — it serves as a popular Missoula gathering space. Check their calendar for live music, food truck and community event offerings and enjoy a beverage in the tasting room or in the outdoor beer garden. Not to be missed: Lupujus IPA (NA also available).

• Kettlehouse Brewing Co.: The closest brewery to The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins. The KettleHouse Brewing Company is a local favorite, and it’s known as the birthplace of the award-winning Cold Smoke Scotch Ale, just one of the must-have brews at KettleHouse. (Also) Not to be missed: Bongwater Hemp Pale Ale.

• Lolo Peak Brewery: Venture just outside of Missoula to Lolo Peak Brewery, where you’ll find a rustic taproom serving unique dishes and an impressive list of craft brews. Not to be missed: BuffaloTrout Golden Ale.

• Oddpitch Brewing: Find a rotating lineup of experimental, traditional and barrel-aged brews at OddPitch, an exciting new addition to Missoula’s brewery scene. Not to be missed: Cold Fresh Joy Pilsner.

• Tamarack Brewing Co.: With a bar and restaurant downstairs and upstairs, and flat-screen televisions galore, Tamarack is a great place to catch a game, taste some brews and chow down. Not to be missed: Sip N’ Go Naked Apricot Ale.

cideries in missoula, montana

Western Cider: Missoula’s first (and beloved) cidery offers a unique lineup for ciders. Not to be missed: Poor Farmer Classic.

Distilleries in missoula, montana

Montgomery Distillery: The distillery opened its doors to sippers and swillers in 2012. Offering signature cocktails made with the distillery’s Quicksilver Vodka and Whyte Laydie Gin, Montgomery also makes its own syrups and limited edition spirits. Not to be missed: Single Malt Whiskey.

Lolo Creek Distillery: Next to Lolo Creek Steakhouse is Missoula County’s newest distillery. Enjoy a cocktail on the patio by the firepit with a view of the mountains. Not to be missed: Honey Huckleberry Vodka.

Wineries in missoula, montana

Ten Spoon Winery: Ten Spoon is located in Rattlesnake on a gorgeous piece of land with killer views. The winery crafts organic regional wines free of synthetic chemicals. Not to be missed: Flathead Cherry Dry.

gourmet choices in missoula

• Florabella: Cozy yet refined setting with curated Italian wines and homemade pasta dishes.

• Boxcar Bistro: French-inspired cuisine in an elegant detailed yet casual atmosphere.

• Brasserie Porte Rouge: This French-inspired eatery has good food, great wine and a cute wrap-around bar.

• The Stables: A new downtown wine bar and restaurant (with a full bar and craft beer offerings) featuring a menu inspired by classic cuisine.

grab and go choices in missoula, montana

• Good Food Store: The in-store deli, salad bar, hot bar, pizza oven and cafe offer breakfast, lunch and dinner options.

• Market on Front: Gourmet sandwiches and salads in an urban market.

• Tagliare Delicatessen: Contemporary Italian deli with specialty food and wine.

• Notorious P.I.G.: Slow-cooked meats inspired by the barbecues of St. Louis.

• Catalyst2Go: Wholesome, delicious, ready-to-eat breakfast and lunch items and take-home-and-heat foods.

bison choices around missoula

• The Still Room: Locally sourced, from-scratch dishes best enjoyed on the patio.

• James Bar: Hearty American fare in a laid-back bar.

• 1889: An upscale Montana steakhouse that serves bison filet.

• Blue Canyon Kitchen and Tavern: Enjoy bison and elk menu items at this Reserve Street eatery.

• Tamarack Brewing Co.: Their bison tacos and burger pair well with their house-brewed beer.

where to catch a game in missoula

• Paradise Falls: American comfort food in an easygoing tavern.

• Press Box: American grub and draft beer in a sports-themed setting.

• Thomas Meagher Bar: Irish restaurant offering pub food, a lengthy whiskey list and screens galore.

farm to table around missoula, montana

• Basal: Clean eating — from smoothies to grab and go options.

• Biga Pizza: Beer, wine, salads and brick over pizza from scratch.

• The Camino: Traditional Mexican kitchen and agave bar.

• Double K Ranch Deli: Sandwiches, salads, and more featuring meats raised and processed locally.

best burgers and fries in missoula

• Top Hat: Unique, house-made dishes in a live-music venue.

• Wally and Buck: Creative burgers made with local ingredients.

• Iron Horse: Bar and grill with daily happy hour specials.

• Missoula Club: This Missoula institution’s burgers are no frills but all flavor.

Did you see some of your favorites on our lists? If not, feel free to comment below and we’ll be sure to update this list of Missoula Restaurants and Eateries.

After savoring Missoula’s incredible food scene, treat yourself to the ultimate relaxation just 25 minutes away at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins. Nestled in a peaceful forest setting, our pet-friendly, off-grid cabins offer the perfect place to unwind—whether you’re stargazing under clear skies, embarking on our fun scavenger hunt, or simply disconnecting from the daily grind and screens. Make your foodie adventure complete by pairing delicious bites with cozy nights surrounded by nature’s calm at The Hohnstead.