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!
