Missoula: Museums, History and Trails

In Missoula, art and history sit alongside city paths and the open space system. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, you can first consider whether museums, historic sites, cycling or events should be your focus.

Art and Natural History

The Missoula Art Museum (MAM) is a free public museum with eight exhibition galleries. It is dedicated to the faithful and collaborative representation of contemporary Indigenous art. The Montana Museum of Art and Culture has its own collection focus: its permanent collection comprises nearly 12,000 works of art, including contemporary art by Indigenous American artists.

The Montana Natural History Center is located on the Kim Williams Trail. Its museum explores the flora, fauna and natural history of western Montana; the history of Glacial Lake Missoula is also among its topics. This means you can find both art collections and a look at the region’s natural history in Missoula.

Craftsmanship and History

A Carousel for Missoula is among the first fully hand-carved carousels built in the United States since the Great Depression. The Ponykeepers continue to carve, paint, restore and maintain the carousel by hand. It offers rides at Caras Park in downtown Missoula.

The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula spans 32 acres of the historic Fort Missoula site. You can explore the grounds on your own; outdoor signs explain the site. The museum has four separate exhibition galleries. It also offers a tour of the exhibits and grounds of the World War II internment camp for Japanese and Italians located there.

A free tour at the Smokejumper Visitor Center includes a visit to the smokejumper loft, the ready room and the National Smokejumper Memorial. The Center’s museum also features a fire lookout tower originally built in 1938. Check current tour times before your visit; reservations and schedules for the tour at Fort Missoula may vary.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

The Riverfront Trail runs through the center of Missoula and connects the river, downtown and the skyline. There is also a self-guided bike tour along the trail. Mount Sentinel offers an extensive trail network that connects hikers, runners and mountain bikers with Missoula’s open space system.

Another point of reference when choosing a trail is the “M” Trail: it has 13 switchbacks and offers wide views over the Missoula Valley. This describes a different kind of orientation from the Riverfront Trail, with its connections to the river, downtown and the skyline.

Water and Events

Brennan’s Wave, an artificial wave, is located on the Clark Fork River in downtown. The Silver's Lagoon Interpretive Trail has a different focus: it is designed to introduce children and families to the animals found at the lagoon as they walk, picnic or play.

Weekly farmers markets and food truck festivals take place at Caras Park. If you’d like to plan your stay around a market or festival, check the specific event dates.

Explore more destinations: Seeley Lake, Lolo, Clinton

Return to the main travel overview: Missoula County.