Known as the “Garden City” for its dense trees and lush green landscape, Missoula is nestled in the heart of the northern Rockies of western Montana.
A community of nearly 100,000 residents, Missoula lies in an alpine forest setting where five valleys converge. It’s 140 miles from Glacier National Park and 270 miles from Yellowstone National Park.
Three major rivers, countless lakes, and seven wilderness areas offer a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, including world-class hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, and water recreation.
Although cultural tourism wasn’t invented in Missoula, the town has come close to perfecting it. As Montana’s most diverse city, Missoula thrives on the events and attractions that make this community so special.
Sporting events, the symphony, live theater productions, gallery events, museums, public markets, festivals, and fairs offer an abundance of entertainment throughout the year.
Missoula’s array of attractions, such as A Carousel for Missoula; Brennan’s Wave, a downtown kayak park; MoBASH Skatepark; the visitor center at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation; and the Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center, the largest smokejumper base in the nation, provide fun experiences for the entire family.
The literary and dramatic arts are alive in Missoula. The annual Montana Festival of the Book, International Wildlife Film Festival, and the International Choral Festival are among the many events that draw attendees from around the globe.
Missoula also offers excellent choices for both the casual and serious shopper. Downtown Missoula has more than 100 boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores set in one of the city’s numerous historic districts. Missoula is also home to Southgate Mall, Montana’s premier enclosed shopping destination, with more than 100 specialty stores.
Missoula is the proud home of the University of Montana. Founded in 1893, the University of Montana is the largest school in the Montana state university system. Situated on a 200-acre campus and considered one of the 10 most beautiful schools in the country, the University of Montana is home to 13,000 students and boasts excellent law, journalism, and business schools, and a forestry and conservation program. The University’s schools train students for professions in business, education, fine arts, and pharmacy/allied health sciences. The University is also home of the Montana Grizzlies and their award-winning mascot—Monte.
Missoula is in the middle of it all, where recreation, culture and fun abound.
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