MISSOULA DAY TRIPS

A short day trip out of Missoula can bring you to fly-fishing hot-spots, wildlife watching, small town charm and so much more. Natural hot springs hide in breathtaking forests, NATIONAL while bison roam one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the nation. You won’t need to travel BISON RANGE far, we’re surrounded.

Find your next epic day trip out of Missoula here, or take a look at some of our favorites:

National Bison Range

•• One of Montana’s best kept secrets sits 50 miles north of Missoula. •• The National Bison Range, National Wildlife Refuge, is home to an impressive number of different species. See the iconic bison, as well as deer, elk, bighorn sheep and more all while taking in the stunning views of the Mission Mountain Range. •• On your way back to Missoula, be sure to stop by the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, a tranquil spot to take in the peace and calmness of the Western Rockies. •• For a sweet treat, stop at Windmill Village Bakery along Highway 93 for some seriously scrumptious doughnuts.

Explore the Bitterroot

•• The Bitterroot Valley is home to charming small communities and big, beautiful mountain views. Head south down US Highway 93 for some good ole fashioned Montana fun, stopping to explore the quaint communities along the way. •• In Lolo, be sure to check out Travelers’ Rest State Park which is rich in history and Native American culture and a pivotal site of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Lolo Peak Brewing Co. serves up great food and craft beer nearby. •• Your next stop is Stevensville. Stroll downtown to check out the small-town soda shop, Creamery Antique Mall, local restaurants and breweries. •• Be sure to visit the Daly Mansion in Hamilton, located on 46 acres of lush landscape, which is the historic home of 19th century American industrialist Marcus Daly, one of Montana’s famous copper kings. •• For a quaint town plucked straight from a Western movie, pass through Darby and take in grazing bison and snow- capped peaks. If you’ve watched the series Yellowstone this town may feel familiar—it is filmed at Chief Joseph Ranch just outside of Darby.

DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG | 1.800.526.3465 DOWNTOWN MISSOULA

Hot Springs

The Missoula area is a great jumping-off point for access to commercially run and natural hot springs located throughout Western Montana. Find yourself a private spot to soak in under the brilliant show of the Milky Way above. •• The closest commercial hot springs to Missoula is Lolo Hot Springs, accessed by a quick and beautiful 45 minute drive Through The Lolo National Forest. •• If you are feeling adventurous head over to Jerry Johnson or Weir Hot Springs, both accessed by short hikes and rewarded with great views and natural outdoor pools. •• Other hot springs in the surrounding area include Quinn’s Hot Springs, Lost Trail Hot Springs Resort, Symes Hot Springs and Aldema Hot Springs.

Fly Fishing

There is no activity more iconic than fly fishing in Montana’s scenic, blue-ribbon rivers. It wouldn't be a trip to Missoula without a fishing adventure on rivers made famous by A River Runs Through It. Fishing is absolutely central to our community. Missoula sits at the confluence of three major rivers: the Blackfoot, the Clark Fork and the Bitterroot. •• Hire a guide for a full or half-day expedition, or check out a local tackle shop and take to the waters in perfect Montana solitude. Blackfoot River Outfitters, The Missoulian Angler Fly Shop and Renegade Fly Fishing Outfitters are great places to start.

Flathead Lake

With over 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline, Flathead Lake is worthy of a day trip outside Missoula. •• Fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of thirteen public access sites around the lakes. •• A summer drive brings you to endless roadside stands selling locally grown Flathead cherries. •• For a cold beer or lakeside dining, make your way to towns like Lakeside, Polson and Bigfork.

For help planning your upcoming trip VISIT OUR WALK-IN to Missoula call Destination Missoula VISITOR CENTER at 1.800.526.3465 or visit the online trip planner. 101 EAST MAIN MISSOULA, MT 59801 GET TO KNOW MISSOULA

Come for the marathon but stay for Missoula—a place where THE "M" TRAIL we float the river to our next concert and sample craft beer with local artists. Explore three rivers and 60,000 acres of wilderness and be back in time for a nice dinner downtown. Yes, we do it all here.

Foodie

From street food to fine dining, Missoula’s dining establishments are worth savoring. We’re talking locally sourced, award- winning, mouth-watering cuisine from the reservation-only restaurant downtown to the food truck outside one of our great breweries. Whether you’re looking to try your first bison burger or have a vegan-friendly vacation, Missoula’s food scene can dish it up.

It’s hard to make decisions when you’re hungry. We made it easy by listing all the options you’ll need here.

Outdoor Enthusiast

When in Montana, do as the Montanans do: take to the trails and rivers for an epic day of adventure by bike, surfboard, raft, tube or kayak. With over thirty trails inside city limits and three rivers to explore, you won’t have to search far for good clean fun. Don’t worry if you forgot your gear at home, because rental shops like The Trail Head have everything you need.

Missoula is a “choose your own adventure” kind of place, and we’re here to help. Surf through all the outdoor recreation opportunities that lie ahead here.

SENTINEL FIRE ROAD

DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG | 1.800.526.3465 CARAS PARK Cultural Tourist

We’re so much more than craft beer and river floats. Missoula’s past is rich with American Indian history and the remnants of westward expansion, while our vibrant art scene touches every corner of the city. Dive deep into Missoula’s culture and see what you find.

From smokejumpers to contemporary art, Missoula has a story to tell. Learn more here.

Cocktails & Craft Brew Connoisseur

Hop heads rejoice! Montana has the second highest number of craft breweries per capita in the U.S., so there is no shortage of microbrew magic in Missoula. For a fun spin on handcrafted beverages, take a break from your IPA and sip a signature cocktail at one of the local distilleries.

Music Lover

Big city entertainment meets small town charm in Missoula. The downtown district may only be 12 square blocks, but it packs a big punch when it comes to our nightlife and music scene. On any given night, live music can be heard at Missoula’s bars, restaurants and breweries, with toe-tapping tunes ranging from classic country to jazz and blues. Missoula’s unique and beautiful outdoor venues bring in major concerts with music from all genres – think Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, Norah Jones and Nathaniel Rateliff.

It doesn’t matter when you’re in town, there’s always something going on. Check out our music site and find your next concert here.

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101 EAST MAIN MISSOULA, MT 59801

DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG | 1.800.526.3465