THE MISSOULA VALLEY
Why we love this area.
The Missoula Area was know to Indians as "Nemissodatakoo," a Flathead Indian term meaning "by or near the cold chilling waters." At the confluence of the Clark Fork, Blackfoot and Bitterroot Rivers, Missoula lives up to its name.

Nestled in the Rockies of Western Montana, Missoula is surrounded by millions of acres of National Forest, wilderness and recreation areas. Within an hour's drive, you can hike four different mountain ranges, bike hundreds of miles of trails, and float five major rivers. In addition, Missoula is known as the cultural mecca of Montana, with a wide range of hotels, restaurants, shops and galleries, several museums, a ballet company, live theater, and a symphony. It's also home to the University of Montana, laid-back coffee houses, historic bars, riverside parks, and cozy book stores. The combination of Montana culture and wilderness splendor makes Missoula the place we love.

GETTING TO MISSOULA
Missoula is situated just off Interstate 90. Several highways converge in the area making it an ideal hub for road trips to other parts of Western Montana. Some say you'll find Missoula between hot and cold running water—midway between the thermal hotsprings of Yellowstone National Park and the glacial streams of Glacier National Park. A half day's drive from either of these national parks, Missoula International Airport is just minutes from downtown Missoula and offers several daily flights on Northwest, Delta, and Horizon Airlines

WHAT TO DO
Of course there's no better way to see and experience Montana than from the trail or the river. However, while you're here, consider checking out a few of Missoula's cultural highlights.


ENTERTAINMENT

The Carousel Ride is the first fully hand-carved carousel built in America since the Great Depression. You'll see why the locals absolutely love this place—it's magical. Adults end up enjoying modern craftsmanship and saying "they just don't build things like they used to." Well, take heart, and come to the Missoula's Carousel—this is a dream come true.

Missoula Event Calender

Current Missoula Weather Conditions

Missoula Links

Downtown Missoula Events Schedule

The New Crystal Theatre and The Wilma Theatre
If you're going to take in a movie while you're here, check out one of Missoula's unique theatres. The Crystal is a funky filmhouse dedicated to independent and foreign releases that you won't find in the mainstream theatres. The Wilma is a grand, historic theatre worth the ticket just to sit there for two hours. Better yet, they're both right next to the river in downtown Missoula.

Missoula is also host to numerous festivals, musical ensembles, theatre groups, history centers, dance troupes, visual art centers and one of the West's most distinguished writing communities.


MUSEUMS

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
RMEF is home to a spectacular collection of some of the largest trophy elk ever taken as well as an interpretive center that the whole family will enjoy. RMEF has conserved and enhance nearly 2 million acres of wildlife habitat since 1984.

The Smokejumper Center
Take a tour of an active that is home to the hottest smokejumpers in the country.

Missoula is also home to the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula and the Art Museum of Missoula.


SPECIAL EVENTS
Depending on when you visit you'll find plenty of interesting events to attend. Look for an issue of the Missoula Independent, Missoula's award-winning, free weekly newspaper, for a detailed listing of the week's events. Or Call the Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-526-3465 or (406) 543-6623. Here's a short list of what to look for:

Out To Lunch at Caras Park
Every Wednesday in June, July and August from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., this series features live entertainment and a wide variety of food vendors at Caras Riverfront Park, downtown Missoula.

Bonner Park Concerts
Free concerts on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. from late June through August.

Farmers Market
An amazing potpourri of locally grown produce, foods, and crafts Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings at the north end of Higgins Street. Can't miss it.