AROUND US

FOOD/DRINK

DINNER

Biga Pizza
This has been a staple of the Missoula restaurant scene. These pizzas have local and fresh ingredients. I love the Flathead Cherry one if it is in season.
Location: 241 West Main Street
Website: bigapizza.com

1889 Steakhouse
High-end steakhouse downtown. Best ribeye I have found in town. And wonderful French onion soup.
Location: 104 North Higgins Avenue
Website: 1889missoula.com

Zoo Thai
Missoula is starting to have some great ethnic food. The portions are huge and very delicious!
Location: 139 East Main Street
Website: zoothaimissoula.com

Camino
Great tacos and Mexican cuisine. I love to sit at the bar, drink a margarita, and eat guacamole and chips. The chef even lived in Mexico for a while to bring back exciting new flavors to Missoula.
Location: 125 West Alder Street
Website: caminomissoula.com

Florabella
If you want to get out of the downtown scene, head to the south side of town and check out this newer Italian restaurant. The building is gorgeous, and the food is incredible. It's more than just your classic pasta and pizza. They also have a brunch menu.
Location: 541 South Higgins Avenue
Website: florabellamissoula.com

Michi Ramen
In the basement of a fancy sushi restaurant, this is a trendy place to cozy up and eat some soup.
Location: 137 East Main Street
Website: michiramen.com

Tamarack Brewing Co.
Classic American menu. They can accommodate large groups. Sports bar downstairs with TVs. Challenge: can you eat the giant nacho plate?
Location: 231 West Front Street
Website: tamarackbrewing.com

Wally & Buck
Incredible burger and fries. They source their meat locally. Their chicken sandwich might be one of my favorite sandwiches in town (a bit spicy if you are into that).
Location: 319 East Front Street
Website: wallyandbuck.com

Top Hat
You can't go wrong with eating here. You can get everything from burger and fries to an interesting curry dish. Try their homemade tater tots.
Location: 134 West Front Street
Website: logjampresents.com/top-hat-restaurant-bar

BREAKFAST/LUNCH

Market on Front
Great sandwich, salad, coffee spot downtown. They are known for their breakfast burritos, which they stop serving at 11 am on weekdays and 2 pm on weekends. They have Wi-Fi, so good place to spread out and do some work.
Location: 201 East Front Street
Website: marketonfront.com

Veera Donuts
All things vegan! But it tastes like it's not vegan—I don’t know how they do it! I am a meat lover but love their breakfast options. They make giant vegan donuts too!
Location: 618 South Higgins Avenue
Website: veeradonuts.com

The Golden Yolk Griddle
A little off the downtown strip next to the bus station. You order at the window, and it's very quick. Good for taking on the road and heading on an adventure.
Location: 200 West Pine Street
Website: goldenyolkgriddle.com

Tagliare Delicatessen
Hands down, best sandwiches in town made with delicious meats and ingredients. They will be packed during lunch hour, but you can call and order ahead of time. Also, check out their cannolis.
Location: 1433 South Higgins Avenue
Website: tagliaredelicatessen.com

Double K Ranch Deli
It is a meat lover's paradise. This is your classic butcher shop with great cuts of meat and also an area to sit down and eat a delicious sandwich, burger, or salad. I love their fries. All the meat comes from a ranch in Darby, south of Missoula.
Location: 812 Toole Avenue
Website: doublekranchmt.com

COFFEE/BAKERY

Drum Coffee
Closest coffee shop to the property. They make delicious fresh baked goods. I love their homemade chai lattes. No Wi-Fi.
Location: Multiple locations
Website: drumcoffeeroasting.com

Black Coffee Roasting Company
If you are a coffee lover, this is your place. They have a local baker in-house that makes amazing (and giant) loaves of bread. It’s a great place to eat a baked goodie (especially their croissants) and drink coffee. No Wi-Fi.
Location: 525 East Spruce Street
Website: blackcoffeeroastingco.com

Bernice's Bakery
Great cupcakes and cakes. Great place to read a book or chat with a friend. No Wi-Fi.
Location: 190 South 3rd Street West
Website: bernicesbakerymt.com

Clyde Coffee
This is the place to come and set up shop with your laptop or have a meet-up. Great treats and drinks. Lots of tables and usually packed with university students.
Location: 610 South Higgins Avenue
Website: clydecoffee.com

Le Petit Outre
An institution of bread making in Missoula. Their coffee shop sells big loaves of bread of all sorts. They also sell their breads in most grocery stores in town.
Location: 129 South 4th Street West
Website: lepetitoutre.com

OUT ON THE TOWN

COCKTAILS AND WINE

Montgomery Distillery
Great atmosphere and yummy, good-priced cocktails. They make their own whiskey, gin, and vodkas.
Location: 129 West Front Street
Website: montgomerydistillery.com

Stave & Hoop
Walk through a downtown alleyway, down some dark stairs, and check out Missoula's speakeasy. It has dueling piano nights, comedy shows, live tunes, and yummy drinks/food.
Location: 223 North Higgins Avenue
Website: staveandhoop.com

Ten Spoon Vineyard and Winery
Missoula’s only winery, this is a nice spot to taste wines, listen to live music, and eat their wood-fired pizza. In the summer, they do outdoor concerts that are family-friendly.
Location: 4175 Rattlesnake Drive
Website: tenspoon.com

Plonk
If you want a fancy cocktail, delicious food, and a trendy scene on the rooftop (only open in warmer months), this is the place. If you are into good cheese and meats, I love the ploughman's platter. Oh, and try the GFC (Good **** Cocktail).
Location: 322 North Higgins Avenue
Website: plonkwine.com/missoula 

Grab a Drink 

The Oxford
Iconic Montana establishment. This classic dive bar has never shut their doors EVER! They serve drinks and greasy bar food 24/7.
Location: 337 North Higgins Avenue
Website: the-oxford.com

Charlie B’s
Great dive bar with your local scene. The Dinosaur Cafe is in the back and serves Cajun food.
Location: 428 North Higgins Avenue
Website: facebook.com/charliebs406

Union Club
Fun place with pool tables during the day. They have live music at night that is fun to dance to.
Location: 208 East Main Street
Website: unionclubbarandgrill.com

Draught Works
This is a great brewery to unwind. In summer, you can sit on the patio. Sometimes there is live music and a food truck. Family-friendly.
Location: 915 Toole Avenue
Website: draughtworksbrewery.com

KettleHouse Brewing Company
Right down the road in Bonner from the property is the KettleHouse Brewery and Amphitheater. Big selection of beers/NA options. You can bring your own food to the brewery, but they do always have a food truck.
Location: 605 Cold Smoke Avenue
Website: kettlehouse.com

Cranky Sam Public House
Great spot to go out with a big group and grab a beer. There is often a food truck outside and live music at night. They do fun trivia nights as well.
Location: 233 West Main Street
Website: crankysam.com

Western Cider
If you like ciders, this is the place to go! They host jam sessions on Wednesdays and yoga/cider events on Sundays.
Location: 501 North California Street
Website: westerncider.com

GILD Brewing
Tacos, beer, and arcades! This place is a great social hangout. They have old-school pinball machines and Pac-Man in the basement. Cute spot with couches upstairs to hang.
Location: 515 South Higgins Avenue
Website: gildbrewing.com

The Dram Shop
Great beers, ciders, kombuchas on tap. Chill spot where you can bring in your own food.
Location: 229 East Front Street
Website: dramshopmt.com

NightLife

Sunrise Saloon
Country bar with live tunes on Friday and Saturday to swing your partner around.
Location: 1805 Regent Street
Website: sunrisesaloonandcasino.com

The Wilma
This is one of Missoula’s largest indoor venues. Great bands come through here. Check out the shows at Logjam Presents.
Location: 131 South Higgins Avenue
Website: logjampresents.com/venue/the-wilma

KettleHouse Amphitheater
This venue is an incredible outdoor venue along the Blackfoot River just minutes from this property. It has a great lawn where you can throw a blanket down or buy tickets in the seating or pit area. Check out Logjam Presents for tickets.
Location: 605 Cold Smoke Avenue
Website: logjampresents.com/venue/kettlehouse-amphitheater

Desperado Sports Tavern
If you want to watch a sports game, this is your place. No windows, dark, lots of TVs, and great wings.
Location: 3101 South Russell Street
Website: desperadosportstavern.com

The Roxy Theater
Local independent movie theater. Amazing fresh popcorn that is served in your own metal bowl.
Location: 718 South Higgins Avenue
Website: theroxytheater.org

Longstaff House
A local Missoulian hosts musicians traveling through town at his big living room. There are a bunch of chairs to sit and listen to great tunes. Donations at the door all go to the musicians.
Location: 601 Longstaff Street
Website: longstaffhouse.com

Zootown Arts Community Center (ZACC)
Great place to support Missoula's local artists if you want a quieter evening of entertainment
Location: 216 West Main Street
Website: zootownarts.org

RIVER ACTIVITIES

Fly Fishing

Scott Stanko, Missoula Fly Water
They provide guided flyfishing trips on the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and Clarkfork Rivers. They provide each client a personalized and unforgettable experience and make every trip an adventure tailored to your interests and skill levels. They excel at managing river conditions, understanding hatches, and using various techniques across multiple rivers to ensure success.
Phone: (406) 529-8025, Email: missoulaflywater@gmail.com
Website: missoulaflywater.com

Russell Parks, Missoula Fly Fishing Outfitters
Russell Parks offers guided fly fishing trips with personalized service.
Phone: (406) 546-6305
Email: russell@missoulaflyfishingoutfitters.com
Website: missoulaflyfishingoutfitters.com

Tom Jenni’s Reel Montana
Provides fly fishing trips on Montana's premier rivers.
Phone: (406) 539-6610
Email: tom@tomjenni.com
Website: tomjenni.com

White Water Rafting

Pangaea River Rafting
Run by fabulous people who offer fun, comfortable, and exciting floats on the Clark Fork River. Based out of Superior.
Location: 11111 Mullan Road East, Superior, MT 59872
Website: https://pangaeariverrafting.com/

Montana River Guides
Provides thrilling whitewater rafting experiences on the Clark Fork River. Based in Alberton.
Location: 13990 US-10, Alberton, MT 59820
Website: montanariverguides.com

Floating/Kayaking

Floating the Clark Fork or Blackfoot Rivers
In summer, you’ll see many rafters, tubers, stand up paddle boards enjoying the rivers. July and August are perfect for floating. Rent equipment from various rental companies in town.

Clark Fork Yacht Club Tube Rental
Offers tube rentals and shuttle services for floating the Clark Fork River.
Location: 131 North Higgins Avenue, Missoula, MT 59802
Website: https://www.clarkforkyachtclub.com/

Love Boat Paddle Company
Rent kayaks, tubes, or stand-up paddleboards. They also provide shuttle services up and down the river.
Location: 200 South Pattee Street, Missoula, MT 59802
Website: loveboatpaddleco.com

The Trail Head
Offers rentals for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, rafts, cross-country skis, snowshoes, and camping gear.
Location: 221 East Front Street, Missoula, MT 59802
Website: trailheadmontana.net

LB Snow
Provides rentals for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, rafts, and winter equipment. They have an outpost close to the property with boat rentals ranging from $100–$200/day.
Location: 3275 North Reserve Street, Missoula, MT 59808
Website: lastbestskiandpaddle.com

Seeley-Swan Corridor
A series of lakes along Highway 83 toward Seeley Lake. Clearwater Lake is great for kids, Holland Lake features a hike to a waterfall, and Rainy Lake offers peaceful kayaking.

Clearwater River Canoe Trail
An exceptional 1- to 2-hour (3.5-mile) canoe or kayak trip through a dense willow marsh on the Clearwater River. A 30-minute return hiking trail eliminates the need for a shuttle.
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lolo/recreation/recarea/?recid=10327&actid=43

Trails, Trails, and More Trails

HIKING AND TRAIL RUNNING

Guide to Hiking in and Around Missoula
For hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing, check out this comprehensive guide.
Website: destinationmissoula.org/blog/guide-to-hiking-in-and-around-missoula

Glacier National Park
Known for its stunning scenery, including glaciers, lakes, and mountains. Great for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Location: Approximately 2.5 hours north of Missoula, MT
Website: nps.gov/glac

Lubrecht Experimental Forest
Only 20 minutes east from the property, Lubrecht is an outdoor classroom and research area run by the University of Montana. There are public hiking and cross-country skiing trails.
Location: 38689 Highway 200 East, Greenough, MT 59823
Website: cfc.umt.edu/lubrecht

Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness
A wonderful place for walking, running, cross-country skiing, or mountain biking. Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Missoula, with fun trails alongside the Rattlesnake River.
Location: Access via Rattlesnake Drive, Missoula, MT
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lolo/recarea/?recid=10277

Waterworks and North Hills
A network of great hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the city. You can also hike to the historic Moon Randolph Homestead.
Location: multiple trailheads
Website: https://www.trailforks.com/region/north-hills-30563/ And https://www.moonrandolphhomestead.org/

Pattee Canyon Recreation Area
Endless maintained trails perfect for walking, running, biking, and cross-country skiing. The terrain has a bit more incline, and in late summer, you can pick delicious huckleberries!
Location: Pattee Canyon Road, Missoula, MT
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lolo/recarea/?recid=10275

Marshall Mountain
A great place for backcountry skiing in winter and mountain biking in summer and fall. MTB Missoula has built intermediate and advanced mountain biking trails here. "Hello Kitty" is a favorite ride. Nice inclined logging trails for walking.
Location: 5250 Marshall Canyon Road, Missoula, MT 59802
Website: marshallmountain.com

M Trail / Mount Sentinel
Hiking up the 3/4-mile switchbacks to the iconic "M" on Mount Sentinel is Missoula's most popular trail, offering great views of the town. For the ambitious, continue to the top of Mount Sentinel (2,000 ft climb) or even farther to University Mountain.
Location: Trailhead near the University of Montana campus
Website: alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/mount-sentinel-m-trail

Kim Williams Nature Trail / Riverfront Trail
Located in the center of Missoula, this trail parallels the Clark Fork River. It transitions to a dirt trail at the start of the Kim Williams section and offers easy, flat terrain.
Location: Access from various points in downtown Missoula
Website: alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/kim-williams-nature-trail

BIKING

MTB Missoula
A fantastic organization that has built numerous mountain biking trails in Missoula. Check out their ride guide for detailed trail information.
Website: mtbmissoula.org/ride-guide

Missoula Bicycle Works
Offers good prices on bike rentals and excellent customer service.
Location: 708 South Higgins Avenue, Missoula, MT 59801
Website: missoulabicycleworks.com

Adventure Cycling Association
The go-to place in the U.S. for info, trails, and maps for bike touring and bikepacking. A great stop for bike touring and adventure riding enthusiasts.
Location: 150 East Pine Street, Missoula, MT 59802
Website: adventurecycling.org

WINTER ACTIVITIES

Cross-Country Skiing

Lubrecht Experimental Forest
Only 20 minutes east from the property, Lubrecht is an outdoor classroom and research area run by the University of Montana. There are public hiking and cross-country skiing trails with easy, intermediate and advanced terrain.
Location: 38689 Highway 200 East, Greenough, MT 59823
Website: cfc.umt.edu/lubrecht

Rattlesnake Wilderness
A wonderful place for walking, running, cross-country skiing, or mountain biking. Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Missoula, with fun trails alongside the Rattlesnake River.
Location: Access via Rattlesnake Drive, Missoula, MT
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lolo/recarea/?recid=10277

Pattee Canyon Recreation Area
Endless maintained trails perfect for walking, running, biking, and cross-country skiing. The terrain has a bit more incline, and in late summer, you can pick delicious huckleberries!
Location: Pattee Canyon Road, Missoula, MT
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lolo/recarea/?recid=10275

Lolo Pass
Ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures. Every full moon during the winter months there is live music at night in the hut. Fun to cross country ski and then drink hot cocoa in the hut.
Location: Lolo Pass on Idaho Border on Highway 90
Website: https://www.missoulanordic.org/lolo-pass

Seeley Lake Nordic Trails
Offers groomed trails and beautiful scenery for cross-country skiing.
Location: Seeley Lake, MT
Website: seeleylakenordic.org

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Montana Snowbowl Ski Resort
A local mom-and-pop ski hill that's great for hiking and mountain biking in the summer.
Location: 1700 Snow Bowl Road, Missoula, MT 59808
Website: montanasnowbowl.com

Lost Trail Powder Mountain
Offers a variety of runs and great snow conditions.
Location: 9485 US-93, Sula, MT 59871
Website: losttrail.com

Whitefish Mountain Resort
A larger resort with extensive terrain and amenities.
Location: 1015 Glades Drive, Whitefish, MT 59937
Website: skiwhitefish.com

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area
This mom and pop ski resort tends to get some of our best snow conditions.
Location: I-90 Exit, 0, Mullan, ID 83846
Website: https://skilookout.com/

HOT SPRINGS

Quinn's Hot Springs Resort
A fancy hot springs resort about a 1-hour 20-minute drive away. Day passes are available but can sell out quickly.
Location: 190 Quinn's Canyon Road, Paradise, MT 59856
Website: quinnshotsprings.com

Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
A free natural hot spring located about a 1.5-mile hike in Idaho, approximately a 1-hour 30-minute drive from Missoula.
Location: Near mile marker 152 on Highway 12, Idaho
Website: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/jerry-johnson-hot-springs

Fun things close by 

Check out this website for a calendar of all sorts of local Missoula events https://www.missoulaevents.net/

Garnet Ghost Town
About 45 minutes away is this old gold mining town. You can simply wander around the historic buildings, or if you want more of an adventure, you can hike, fish in Elk Creek, hunt, cross-country ski, snowmobile, or go on your off-road vehicle.
Location: Garnet Ghost Town Road, Drummond, MT 59832
Website: garnetghosttown.org

Bonner Milltown History Center and Museum
The town of Bonner is rich with history, and there's a small museum that's fun to check out. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 am, you can stop in and meet some old-timers chatting about the mill and what this area used to be like.
Location: 9396 MT-200, Bonner, MT 59823
Website: bonnermilltownhistory.org

Canyon River Golf Club
A 15-minute drive brings you to this beautiful course near the Clark Fork River.
Location: 1268 Bandmann Trail, Missoula, MT 59802
Website: canyonrivergolfclub.com

Meet Gus-the Worlds Largest Larch Tree
A gentle, mile-long nature trail loops through the Girard Grove near the western shore of Seeley Lake.
https://crownofthecontinent.net/entries/gus-worlds-largest-larch-tree-seeley-lake-montana/7589f2e8-37dd-4a92-a35b-6ab6ad5627ef

Clark Fork River Market
Missoula has a fantastic farmers market scene in the summer. The food market is by the river, but if you walk farther north up Higgins Street, you’ll find the craft market as well. A fun thing to explore on a nice summer morning. Runs on Saturday May–October downtown from under the Higgins Avenue Bridge to the north side of Higgins street.
Link: https://www.clarkforkmarket.com/

FOR KIDS

A Carousel for Missoula
A delightful handcrafted carousel that's fun for kids and adults alike.
Location: 101 Carousel Drive, Missoula, MT 59802
Website: carouselformissoula.com

Splash Montana Water Park
A fantastic outdoor water park featuring slides, pools, and a lazy river.
Location: 3001 Bancroft Street, Missoula, MT 59801
Website: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/169/Splash-Montana

Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium
Get your bug on and wonder through the tropical greenhouse filled with butterflies from around the world and an exhibit area featuring a wide array of insects.
Location: 1075 South Ave W #2, Missoula, MT 59801
Website: https://www.missoulabutterflyhouse.org/