One Day in Missoula Itinerary - Top Things to do in Missoula, Montana |
Posted: November 4, 2022 |
Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/vYSWrh9w66E Experience the beautiful outdoors of Montana during your visit to one of the most scenic cities in America. Set between two mountain ranges (the Bitterroot and the Sapphire), Missoula boasts some of the best recreational activities found in Western Montana. From hikes and bike trails to boating and fly fishing, you'll always have something amazing to see and do. What’s the best time to visit Missoula?The best time to visit Missoula depends on what you plan to do while you are there. If you’re a skier, you’ll of course want to arrive in the winter, but most people visit during the summer months between June and August because it is warmer and drier than other seasons. Just remember that summer is a busy time in Missoula. Expect destinations to be packed with tourists. The weather is great with warm days and cool nights, so it's perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and rafting. A few facts about MissoulaMountains, forests, rivers, and lakes dominate the area surrounding Missoula with over 59 miles of trails and over 4,200 acres of conserved open space. The city has four distinct seasons, so you can enjoy hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. Missoula is also home to The University of Montana, a public research university known for its respected academics, unique architecture, and Big Sky Conference athletics. The campus is beautifully situated and well worth an afternoon stroll if you have time. One day in Missoula ItineraryThings to do in Missoula are plentiful. From the town's many museums and galleries to its natural wonders and outdoor activities, there's no end of places to explore. So how do you choose what to do during your visit? We've put together a one-day itinerary so you can maximize your time in Missoula. Start Your Day on the Clark Fork River
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/whitewater-rafting-adventure-5952208/ Depending on the time of year, it may be a bit chilly in the morning, but that just means you’ll have the Clark Fork River mostly to yourself. It winds its way through downtown Missoula before heading out into the wilderness beyond town. If you’re there in season (June-September), it’s worth visiting Pangea River Rafting. Their day trips are family-friendly and ideal for beginners, and you’ll see stunning views of Alberton Gorge. The trip includes lunch, and you’ll be done by mid-afternoon. If it’s the wrong time of year or you don’t want such a long commitment, stroll along the riverwalk downtown. You can go from the University of Montana’s main campus west to the Natural History Center in about 20 or 25 minutes, and you can cross the Orange Street Bridge to reach Caras Park. Lunch Near Caras ParkCaras Park is one of Missoula's most popular parks, and it's located right downtown next to the Clark Fork River. There's plenty going on here from concerts and festivals to outdoor activities like biking, hiking, kayaking, skating, or just relaxing with friends on a bench under some shade trees. Just north of the park, you’ll find plenty of restaurant options for lunch, all within walking distance. Climb Mt. SentinelWhile you’re in the area, you’ll have time for one of Missoula’s best hikes. Mount Sentinel is an iconic landmark, and it’s just east of the university’s main campus. At 5,158 feet high, it's also one of the city’s highest points, and it offers panoramic views, especially during sunsets, of the city below and the surrounding mountains. The hike up to the “M” won't take long (about 20 minutes), but there are plenty of benches along the way if you need a break or want to take some photos. Stroll Down the Hip StripThe downtown area is full of great shops and restaurants, but if you're looking for something different, head north on Higgins Avenue until you hit the intersection with Broadway Street. This is where you'll find a bunch of cool businesses ranging from coffee shops to vintage clothing stores and bookstores. There are also several breweries in the area that offer tours where you can learn about how they make beer or spirits before sampling some of their drinks. This is a great area to grab dinner and unwind in the evening. Top things to do in MissoulaBeautiful mountains and trails surround Missoula, so it's no wonder that hiking is a popular activity in town. With over 400 acres of public land within city limits alone and even more within a short drive of town, Missoula offers something for everyone when it comes to exploring nature on foot. The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is one of the most beautiful places in Montana. It's located just north of Missoula, and it's home to some amazing hiking trails that go through thick forests and alongside crystal-clear lakes. If you want something more tranquil, Lolo National Park is great for picnics and hiking as well. Where to stay in Missoula?Blue Mountain Bed & BreakfastIf you're looking for something a bit more upscale than the average motel, check out Blue Mountain Bed & Breakfast. The rooms here are spacious and comfortable, and each one has its own private entrance and bathroom. You can also enjoy a (free) delicious breakfast in the morning before heading out on your day's activities. Doubletree by HiltonThe DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Missoula is located on the banks of the Clark Fork River and offers an ideal location for exploring all that Missoula has to offer. The hotel features a well-equipped fitness center as well as an on-site restaurant and lounge. Guest rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, in-room movies, and a coffeemaker. City Center MotelThe City Center Motel is a great place to stay if you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodations in downtown Missoula. It’s close to the University of Montana and the Clark Fork River, so it has easy access to many of the city’s attractions. The motel’s rooms have cable TV and free Wi-Fi, and there are laundry facilities on site. Alberton OrchardsIf you’re feeling adventurous and don’t mind staying a bit outside the city, Alberton Orchards has some chic cabins with absolutely gorgeous views. This is glamping—you will have cozy accommodations within walking distance of orchards and vineyards. Enjoy a fresh farm-to-table breakfast or come back and finish your day by watching the sunset with a glass in hand. Day Trips from Missoula
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/lake-mcdonald-glacier-national-park-1874262/ Day trips are a great way to get out of town. Have a long, boring drive ahead of you? Some fun car games can help you pass the time until you get to some of the many gems in the surrounding area of Montana. Flathead Lake has miles upon miles of shoreline offering plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and other water sports. Skiing and snowboarding are also popular activities at Big Mountain Ski Resort just outside Kalispell which is another 30 minutes away from Missoula. It’s not a trip to Montana without visiting Glacier National Park. The scenic drive follows the Continental Divide where you'll pass through numerous viewpoints along the road, which offer spectacular panoramic views of the park's peaks and valleys. While a bit further, you can also check out Yellowstone’s famous geysers. Extra tips for Visiting MissoulaWeather can be unpredictable in Montana, especially in the mountains of Western Montana where Missoula is located. If it's hot outside during the day, pack some extra clothing because temperatures drop quickly in the evening hours after sunset. While you might pack light, bring along a light jacket or sweatshirt just in case it gets chilly at night too! There is nothing like escaping the city and seeing all that the natural world has to offer. If you're planning a trip to Missoula, Montana, it's essential to set aside at least one day for exploring and adventuring. From world-class fly fishing, hiking, biking, and skiing to history, culture, art, and delicious food these activities are not to be missed on your trip. Missoula offers something for everyone, so don't forget to include plenty of outdoor activities.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|