View from the deck of the Clarkfork River

Tarkio River Lodge

Best Western Grant Creek Inn

C'Mon Inn

Campground

Hoagieville

A Missoula Must. Try The Hoagiefries

Johnny Carino's Italian

Anonymous's Family Favorite

Mustard Seed Asian Cafe: Restaurant

Don't miss out on this local favorite

Fort Missoula

Founded in 1877, Fort Missoula has had a fascinating history. In 1888, it became home to the all-black (except for its officers) 25th Infantry. In 1896, these so-called Buffalo Soldiers journeyed 1,900 miles to St. Louis on bicycles to prove the machines' potential military value. During World War II, Fort Missoula was used as an internment camp for Italian seamen. The museum has small exhibits about both these episodes, as well as changing exhibits on regional history. There are also historical buildings on site, including a schoolhouse, church, homestead cabin and one of the original barracks used by the Italian internees.

Glacier National Park

Hike The "M"

Missoula is surrounded by mountains, but a quintessential experience close to town is hiking the "M" Trail to the white stone letter emblazoned on Mount Sentinel. It's a half-hour of switchbacks, but the view of the Missoula valley is worth it. Alternatively, you can walk up to the "L" on neighboring Mount Jumbo. Notice the "stairsteps" etched into the mountains, a result of the ebb and flow of Glacial Lake Missoula, which covered the entire valley during the Ice Age. You'll often see paragliders hovering above Jumbo; there's also a hang glider launch site on the top of Mount Sentinel.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Smoke Jumpers Center

Smokejumping, a risky technique of fighting wildfires by parachuting into or near them, was developed in Missoula and Winthrop, Washington, and immortalized by Missoula native Norman Maclean in his book Young Men and Fire. Summers you can take a free tour of the Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center to learn about the natural role of fire, firefighting equipment, and wildland firefighting; you can even see the inside of a fire lookout. If it's fire season, you'll get to see the smokejumpers themselves, making and repairing their gear.

The University of Montana

Wooden Carousel

With its gloriously colorful horses, elaborate gargoyles and joyful band organ, A Carousel for Missoula has become one of the city's top attractions since it opened in 1995. Hand-carved by volunteer artisans, it's a real beauty, and one of the first completely hand-carved carousels built since the Depression. It's also one of the fastest carousels in the country, with outside horses that zip around at over 7 mph, so believe it or not, you actually have to buckle up! The carousel is located next to another all-volunteer built project, the Dragon Hollow playground. Open all year