Known as the “Garden City” for its dense trees and lush green landscape, Missoula is nestled in the heart of the northern Rockies in western Montana. A community of approximately 85,000 residents, Missoula lies in a mountain forest setting where five valleys converge.

Missoula started as a settlement called Hell Gate when C. P. Higgins and Francis Worden began a trading post to accommodate travelers. The settlement was later renamed Missoula, taken from a Salish Indian word meaning “near the cold, chilling waters.”

Missoula offers a variety of recreation opportunities. Three major rivers run through the area: the famous Blackfoot River to the northeast, the beautiful Bitterroot River to the south and the Clark Fork of the Columbia River, which flows through the city. Fly fishermen, rafters, kayakers and canoers thrive on the waters of western Montana.

Historic Downtown Missoula features classic early-century buildings and offers unique shops, galleries, fine dining, cultural activities and an exciting nightlife.

Hotels and resorts

Wilma Hotel

http://www.wilmastudio54.com/

Urbanization in Missoula, there’s no better place to accommodate your luggage, than this historic hotel, awarded in the categories of restaurant, Wilma Hotel. Wilma advise the 5th floor studio is a loft that has been artfully renovated and redecorated with bamboo coverings, cabinets crafted by hand, includes an iPod docking station and wi-fi. The attraction of this hotel property, is its diversity of people that are looking for business meetings, photography classes, kayaking on the river, see the Montana Grizzly games in NCAA football championship, film festival, among other activities.

Paws up

http://www.pawsup.com/

Ever, by the time it was, someone thought it would be possible to combine the luxury of the resorts, with tents and air fields? No? To prove that this mix there, which seems to be a trend of the future, Pawns Up Ranch, gives you the opportunity to see with their own eyes. This luxurious property offers accommodation only 28, but choices! Since log homes, cabins 2 floors in pine, with wood stove / stone fireplace and hot tubs outdoor heating, slate bathrooms, wi-fi, housekeeping, butler. What more can a city perks ask? In summer, guests can opt for luxe safari style tents, camping and picnic along the Blackfoot River. 

Galleries

Monte Dolack Gallery

http://www.dolack.com/

Monte’s original paintings, posters and prints, including the humorous ‘Invaders Series’, can be found in homes and offices around the world. His love of the natural world combined with his exuberant curiosity and travel experiences help shape the images that he creates.

Rocky Mountain School of photography gallery

http://www.rmsp.com/

Rocky Mountain School of Photography Gallery features monthly exhibits by local and nationally acclaimed photographers who are instructors or students of RMSP

Design Shops

Barney Jette Jewelry Design

http://www.barneyjettejewelry.com/

Every piece moves visually, a gestural quality influenced by the Montana landscape where Barney was born and raised. Barney Jette is known for his distinctive style of channel setting creating clean, contemporary designs featuring Yogo and Montana Sapphires as well as fine diamonds.

The artist shop

http://www.missoulaartistsshop.com/

The Artists’ Shop is Missoula’s premier artist-owned, artist-run cooperative gallery, and is located in the heart of historic downtown Missoula, Montana. The shop feature ceramics, jewelry, glass, calligraphy, fine woodwork, fiber, local t-shirts, cards, photography, painting, prints, rock work, metal work, and more.

Restaurants

The Red Bird

http://www.redbirdrestaurant.com/index.html

The Red Bird believes in feeding fresh food grown in a sustainable manner, which provides a constant rotation of menu, adopted regional foods available seasonally. The creation of animals is generated locally thus maintaining their freshness at the time of preparation of the dishes. This use of abundant natural food of Montana, enhances the local economy performing contracts with local producers thereby reducing operating costs.

 Scotty’s table

http://scottystable.net/

Located near the historic Wilma Theater, Scotty’s Tabble celebrates the best producers and farmers in Montana offer. Each time it is served with the best food in the region. The highlight of the menu goes for organic vegetables, wild mushrooms, fresh fish and lamb, accompanied by regional wines as well as from other parts of the globe.

Ciao Mambo

http://www.ciaomambo.com/

The lights are low, the music is turned up, wine is flowing, and the energy is buzzing in the air. It’s a perfect evening and the perfect setting for…Italian food at MAMBO’S. 

Museums

Missoula Art museum

http://www.missoulaartmuseum.org/

The Missoula Art Museum strives to engage artists and audience in the creative exploration of contemporary art relevant to our community, state and region.

Historical museum at Fort Missoula

http://www.fortmissoulamuseum.org/

The Historical museum at Fort Missoula Museum is a complex located in the city, featuring historic Fort Missoula as a centerpiece, located on-site.Fort Missoula was built in 1877 as a way to respond to the demands of citizens have protection against attacks by Native Americans. Today, the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is an authentic counter all the stories that happened in the area.

Montana Museum of art & culture

http://www.umt.edu/montanamuseum/

The Montana Museum of Art & Culture acquires and preserves art that expresses the spirit of the American West and its relationship to the world.

Country club living

Canyon River golf club

http://canyonrivergolfclub.com/

Larchmont Golf Course

http://www.larchmontgolfcourse.com/ 

Luxury properties

Williams and associates real estate professionals

http://realestate.missoulacountyhomes.com/idx/6363/results.php?lp=&hp=&bd=&ba=&searchSubmit=Search&city%5B%5D=30609

Spas

The Spa and the Peak

http://www.peakmissoulaspa.com/spa/

More than a relaxing experience, therapeutic massage frees muscle tension and soothes the soul.

Sorella’s Day Spa

http://sorellasdayspa.com/ 

Art shows

First night Missoula

http://missoulacultural.org/firstnight/

 First Night Missoula is an annual community New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts. Hundreds of performing, visual and literary artists showcase their diverse talents in more than 100 events throughout Missoula.

Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival

http://www.umt.edu/music/node/271

The University of Montana’s annual Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival is a celebration of jazz performance and education. 

Points of interest

A Carousel for Missoula

http://carouselformissoula.com/

A Carousel for Missoula is a carousel attraction in Missoula, Montana. It is located in the downtown Caras Park inside the Dragon Hollow.

What’s so special about A Carousel for Missoula is that it is volunteer built and hand carved by participating individuals. 

The Wilma Theatre

http://thewilma.com/

The Wilma Theatre is a historic building in Missoula, Montana. It is a performance and entertainment complex located at the downtown area of the city that dates back to the early 1900s. 

Garden City Brewfest

http://www.missouladowntown.com/play/mda-events/winter-brewfest/

A local festivity started in the early 1990s; the Garden City Brewfest is where a beer enthusiast should be every first Sunday of May. This event is annually hosted by the Missoula Downtown association and features the products of the local breweries.