THERE’S THIS PLACE where
INSPIRATION TAKES FLIGHT
where
MOUNTAINS AND RIVERS MEET ARTS AND CULTURE
where
SMALL-TOWN PRIDE MEETS BIG-CITY VIBES
THE OFFICIAL 2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
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2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG
Stay in the Heart of Downtown Missoula
Relax park-side along the Clark Fork River, just steps from vibrant shopping, dining, night-life, museums, outdoor recreation, festivals, and more!
A great place for your family and friends to stay after you relocate. When they visit you in your new COMPLIMENTARY FEATURES home town, they’ll just be Guest parking (a rarity in Downtown) steps all that makes Indoor Poolfrom • Fitness Center Airport Shuttle • so High-speed Missoula magical!Wi-fi
A stay at The Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown puts you in the center of it all.
MISSOULA’S LARGEST FULL-SERVICE HOTEL 20,000 sf of Flexible Meeting Space Newly Renovated • Pet-friendly • Lobby Bar Full-Service Restaurant and Bar Grab and Go Market • Espresso Bar
200 S. Pattee Street • Missoula • (406) 721-7550 • HolidayInn.com 2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // LIVE HELP 800.526.3465
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2 3 and c
BEDROOM TOWNHOMES
• Main level , barrier-free living • Comprehensive HOA for mowing, exterior maintenance snow removal and more • Four floor plan options to choose from • Well appointed & convenient to all amenities
CALL LOREN FOR A PERSONAL SHOWING TODAY!
ValleyViewMissoula.com
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2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG
BECKY PEDERSON
CAROL HOLMAN
TERESA MORRISON
LYNN STENERSON
NMLS ID #1115389
NMLS ID #478584
NMLS ID #707806
NMLS ID #707851
MISSOULA 258-1437
HAMILTON 375-5381
MISSOULA 258-1423
MISSOULA 258-1434
MONTANA HOME LOAN EXPERTS Buying, building or refinancing your Montana home? Our experienced Real Estate team can find the solution that best fits your needs. Local knowledge and expertise. Discover the difference.
Montana’s Brand of Banking 6
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Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
INSIDE ON THE COVER Paraglider and Missoula resident Nick Franczyk soars above Missoula’s lower Rattlesnake area near Waterworks Hill. The sport has become increasingly popular here, as gliders can easily take off right in town from Mt. Sentinel or Mt. Jumbo and glide through the fresh mountain air—just one more reason why Missoula, Montana, is extraordinary.
8 WELCOME
There’s This Place where life is full of little pleasures and big adventures.
12 15
GETTING TO MISSOULA MISSOULA BY THE SEASON
THERE’S THIS PLACE where
INSPIRATION TAKES FLIGHT
where
Photo by Taylar Robbins
MOUNTAINS AND RIVERS MEET ARTS AND CULTURE
16 ATTRACTIONS
where
SMALL-TOWN PRIDE MEETS BIG-CITY VIBES
THE OFFICIAL 2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
Get started; your options are endless.
21 22
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL LOCAL HISTORY
24 CULTURE
Missoula’s thriving culture shouldn’t be missed.
25 26 28 30
32
PERFORMING & LITERARY ARTS MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE SPORTS SPIRIT ART SCENE
EVENTS Mark your calendar with Missoula’s best events.
36 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Come explore where the great outdoors are right outside your door.
38 40 42 44
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT HIT THE TRAIL WINTER WONDERLAND
48 DINING
66 LODGING
Savor the local flavor.
49 51 53
Be our guest. We can accommodate.
72
WHERE TO EAT MARKET FAVORITES
73 BEYOND MISSOULA
SWEET TREATS
Take a day trip and explore Western Montana.
54 DRINKS
Cheers with local drinks around Missoula.
57
58
COFFEE & TEA
Relocation information provided by:
78
NATIONAL PARKS
80 RELOCATION
Make Montana your reality.
SHOPPING Splurge. It looks good on you.
62 UNIVERSITY
84 88
MISSOULA NEIGHBORHOODS EDUCATION
90 BUSINESS IN MISSOULA
OF MONTANA Higher education in the heart of the West.
FALL FOR MISSOULA
Published by:
RV PARKS & CAMPING
Welcome trailblazers and innovators.
100 MAP OF MISSOULA
Destination Missoula Visitor Information Center 101 E. Main St. | Missoula, Montana | 406.532.3250 OFFICE@DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG
Mailing address: 140 N. Higgins Ave., Suite 202 Missoula, Montana 59802
Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce 825 E. Front St. | Missoula, Montana | 406.543.6623 INFO@MISSOULACHAMBER.COM MISSOULACHAMBER.COM
Mailing address: P.O. Box 7577 Missoula, Montana 59807
#Missoula #VisitMissoula #TheresThisPlace
#MissoulaChamber #MovingMissoulaForward
2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // LIVE HELP 800.526.3465
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WELCOME
THERE’S THIS PLACE… There’s this place where solitude, wilderness and adventure are only minutes from gourmet restaurants, funky local shops and a killer music scene. It’s a place encircled by high mountain peaks and soft rolling hills, where trails begin at your doorstep. Missoula, Montana lies at the convergence of three rivers and seven wilderness areas. Playing outside is a way of life here, friendly folks smile and say hello, and social calendars are filled with outdoor concerts and festivals, art openings, theater performances and meetups for good food and good company. It’s a place where commutes are measured in minutes, businesses thrive, and even those working nine-to-five jobs know the value of a good lunchtime hike. And yes, a river really does run through it. On any given day you’ll see anglers gracefully casting in the Clark Fork River. Downstream, kayakers and river surfers perform athletic feats atop the man-made Brennan’s Wave. Tubing becomes an alternative form of transportation in the summer as people ride the river right through town. Off the water, they use the trail system that crisscrosses the city, or they cycle the country’s friendliest streets. Missoula is a hive of cultural activities, drawing artists, musicians and performers from across the globe. Music venues here regularly appear on lists of best places to listen to live tunes, and you can find a show almost any night of the week. The first Friday of each month is dedicated to celebrating art with downtown galleries and shops welcoming patrons after normal business hours. The University of Montana draws renowned speakers and students from far and wide, and gives Missoula that diverse and lively college-town feel. Missoulians’ love of good beer is rivaled only by their appreciation for good coffee. Dozens of coffee shops supply necessary caffeine, and Missoula’s breweries pour award-winning beers. Local distilleries craft gin, whiskey and vodka from local fruits and grains, and cideries here have perfected the art of hard cider. You won’t find a friendlier, more laid-back place, whether you’re traveling solo, with the family, or with your furry canine friend. Children are almost always included at local events, and dogs can run around in parks and other off-leash areas dedicated to wandering free.
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2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG
Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris, Food Travelist
25 Best Towns Ever: Missoula Outside Magazine
WATERWORKS HILL. TAYLAR ROBBINS
Open space defines Missoula. Wilderness trails begin right in town. You can mountain bike, hike or ski—all before work. People seek solitude outside, but they also forge a tight community, coming together while shopping for local produce at farmers markets and attending brewfests, which seem to occur every other weekend in the summer. Here, weather is a state of mind. Even in winter, the lines at Big Dipper Ice Cream snake across the sidewalk. It’s that good. And snow doesn’t deter frenzied Griz fans who still happily pack the football stadium when the temperatures drop below freezing. Outdoor recreation is alive and well in all four seasons here. When winter shows up, folks trade in their hiking boots, fly rods and mountain bikes for skis, snowboards and fat bikes. Wildflowers go crazy in the springtime, spattering the hillsides. In the summer, the sun doesn’t set until well after 10 p.m. There’s always a reason, and a season, to be outside.
discover more at DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG
Adventure meets variety in Missoula. It’s a place of small-town values and urban amenities—where you can paddle or hike all day and take in a concert or theater performance in the evening. It’s a place of mountains and rivers; arts and culture; equality and inclusion; and families, explorers, scholars and educators from all over the world. It’s a place where all are welcome. And it’s a place to experience for yourself.
2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // LIVE HELP 800.526.3465
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WELCOME
MISSOULA PRAISE “ Missoula is the best lost and found on Earth. We get lost in its friendly people, fantastic food, and amazing natural beauty. But we also get found because this is a place where our souls can breathe. We will continue to visit for any reason in any season. Missoula is a home for our hearts.”
WELCOME
QUESTIONS? We’re happy to help. Give us a call or stop by our downtown Destination Missoula Visitor Information Center: MSO HUB Downtown 101 E. Main St. Missoula, Montana destinationmissoula.org office@destinationmissoula.org 406.532.3250 Visitor Information: 800.526.3465 Fax: 406.541.9465
Top Travel Pick Northwest Travel & Life
RATTLESNAKE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA & WILDERNESS. ANDY AUSTIN
WELCOME TO MISSOULA There is so much to do in Missoula, it might feel overwhelming just thinking about where to begin and how to fit it all in. Don’t stress—Destination Missoula has you covered. Learn about the city and its history, plan your stay, and chart your course at destinationmissoula.org. For over 15 years, Destination Missoula’s number one focus has been visitor experience, providing an up-to-date calendar of events, plus countless ideas for a memorable visit. Take advantage of insider tips, travel deals, online trip planner and one-on-one help to plan your best Missoula vacation. Looking for a restaurant recommendation or a dog-friendly hike? Destination Missoula’s downtown walk-in visitor center can answer questions and give advice on everything this vibrant community offers. Find all the logistical information you need, plus get travel tips and insider info for a personalized unforgettable Montana adventure.
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2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG
SUMMER HOURS (Memorial Day – Labor Day) Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. FALL, WINTER, SPRING HOURS (September – May) Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. RETAIL HOURS (January – May) Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. (June – December) Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
GETTING HERE
GETTING TO MISSOULA
FLIGHTS TO MISSOULA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MSO)
and around town.
Seattle
M ON TA N
A
Portland
Minneapolis
Oakland
The Missoula International Airport (MSO) is located 5.6 miles from downtown Missoula. Air carriers include Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier and United, offering direct flights to 13 major markets.
San Francisco
Salt Lake City
Las Vegas
Chicago Denver Atlanta
Los Angeles Phoenix/Mesa Dallas
Missoula is easily accessible by highway. Interstate 90 runs east-west through the Missoula valley, and Montana Highway 93 travels north-south. DISTANCE FROM MISSOULA Billings, MT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345 mi/555 km
Great Falls, MT . . . . . . . . . . . 168 mi/270 km
Salt Lake City, UT . . . . . . . . . 524 mi/843 km
Boise, ID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369 mi/593 km
Helena, MT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 mi/181 km
San Francisco, CA. . . . . . 1,071 mi/1,723 km
Bozeman, MT. . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 mi/325 km
Kalispell, MT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 mi/194 km
Seattle, WA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476 mi/766 km
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. . . 364 mi/585 km
Los Angeles, CA. . . . . . . 1,211 mi/1,948 km
Spokane, WA. . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 mi/318 km
Denver, CO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 895 mi/1,440 km
Phoenix, AZ . . . . . . . . . . . 1,230 mi/1,979 km
Whitefish, MT. . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 mi/222 km
Glacier National Park. . . . . . 140 mi/225 km
Portland, OR . . . . . . . . . . . . . 549 mi/883 km
Yellowstone National Park. . 264 mi/395 km
See pages 100 – 101 for a map of Missoula.
CAR RENTAL ALAMO AIRPORT 406.543.3131, www.alamo.com ALAMO WEST BROADWAY 406.549.3355, www.alamo.com AVIS CAR RENTAL 406.549.4711, www.avis.com BUDGET RENT A CAR 406.543.7001, www.budget.com DOLLAR RENT A CAR 406.542.2311, www.dollar.com ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR Airport: 406.721.2484 Broadway: 406.721.1888 www.enterprise.com
YELLOW CAB MISSOULA 406.543.6644 www.yellowcabmissoula.com ÜBER www.uber.com LYFT www.lyft.com AIR TRANSPORTATION MISSOULA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 5225 Hwy 10 W., 406.728.4381 www.flymissoula.com
HERTZ CAR RENTAL 406.549.9511, www.hertz.com
AIRLINES ALASKA www.alaskaair.com
NATIONAL CAR RENTAL Airport: 406.543.3131 Broadway: 406.549.3355 www.nationalcar.com
ALLEGIANT www.allegiant.com
RENT A WRECK 406.721.3838 www.rentawreck.com THRIFTY CAR RENTAL 406.549.2277, www.thrifty.com
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TAXI SERVICE MISSOULA GREEN TAXI 406.728.8294 www.missoulagreentaxi.com
AMERICAN www.aa.com DELTA www.delta.com FRONTIER www.flyfrontier.com
2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG
UNITED www.united.com CHARTER FLIGHTS MINUTEMAN AVIATION 406.728.9363 www.minutemanaviation.com NORTHSTAR AIR EXPRESS 406.721.8886 www.northstarmso.com GROUND TRANSPORTATION AIRPORT SHUTTLER 406.543.9416 Bus service to/from downtown Missoula and Missoula International Airport. MOUNTAIN LINE 406.543.8386 www.mountainline.com Free public transportation within Missoula including services to Missoula International Airport.
BUS TRANSPORTATION ARRIVING/DEPARTING MISSOULA The Missoula bus depot is at 1660 W. Broadway St. GREYHOUND BUS LINES 406.549.2339, www.greyhound.com JEFFERSON LINES 800.451.5333 www.jeffersonlines.com CHARTERED BUS SERVICE BEACH TRANSPORTATION 406.549.6121, www.beachtrans.com TUCKER TRANSPORTATION 406.273.2694 www.tuckertransportation.com MONTANA ADVENTURE SHUTTLE 406.493.2345 www.mtshuttle.com
RIDE LIKE A LOCAL ON MISSOULA’S FREE BUS SYSTEM Not in the mood to drive? The Mountain Line zero-fare public transit system makes it incredibly convenient to travel around town. Late evening service is offered until 10 p.m. on Missoula’s four most popular routes.
FLY TO MOUNTAIN TIME IN NO TIME MISSOULA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GATEWAY TO WESTERN MONTANA
EASY ACCESS
WORLDWIDE
TO GLACIER AND YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARKS
SEATTLE
CONNECTIONS
DIRECT FLIGHTS TO 13 CITIES ON 6 CARRIERS
MSO
PORTLAND
MINNEAPOLIS
OAKLAND*
CHICAGO*
SALT LAKE CITY
SAN FRANCISCO* LAS VEGAS
DENVER
LOS ANGELES* PHOENIX/MESA
ATLANTA* DALLAS
*SEASONAL DESTINATION
flymissoula.com
2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // LIVE HELP 800.526.3465
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LOCAL GIVING
Montana’s year-round playground.
SEASONS
MISSOULA BY THE SEASON
There’s no wrong time to visit Missoula—that’s part of the beauty. Every season offers a unique adventure. That’s why folks come back again and again, and, in some cases, never leave.
WINTER (Dec. – Feb.) High Low Precip. Sunshine
SPRING (March – May) High 57.4°F Low 32.9°F Precip. 4” Sunshine 56%
32.8°F 17.7°F 2.98” 32.3%
TAYLAR ROBBINS
This little mountain town wears a lot of hats and “ski destination” is one of its most fitting. A downhill and cross-country mecca, Missoula makes the perfect basecamp for the region’s five ski areas, in-town trails, and bounty of backcountry terrain. Snow lovers, ski bums, sledders, shredders, ice climbers and winter wonderland wanderers unite in a community that craves the cold stuff and knows how to warm up at the end of a long day in deep powder.
The season of new growth, rushing rivers, thawing ground and emerging wildlife has eager explorers ready to get off the slopes and onto sparkling waters and lush trails. It’s time to lace up your hiking boots, pump up your bike tires, dust off your golf clubs and head out into the wildflowers and wide-open green spaces as they emerge from the blanket of winter. SEASONAL FAVORITE: GOLFING
SEASONAL FAVORITE: DOWNHILL SKIING
With a whole handful of downhill ski areas to choose from—all boasting mixed and exciting terrain, epic snowfall levels, affordable lift tickets and no lift lines—it’s no wonder Missoulians welcome winter with open arms.
Missoula’s surprisingly long golf season can start as early as March. And with almost a dozen golf clubs and courses in the area, it’s pretty easy to tee up during Montana’s invigorating spring renewal.
SUMMER
FALL
(June – Aug.) High 80.4°F Low 48.5°F Precip. 3.97” Sunshine 72.7%
(Sept. – Nov.) High 56.3°F Low 44.2°F Precip. 2.87” Sunshine 52% SARA SCHROEDER
KYLE MCGOWAN
Daylight graces Missoula’s summers by hanging around very late into the evening. Warm weather and alpine sunshine mean play by day and by night. It’s the time to be on the water, in the water or by the water, whether with a rod, in a boat or on a board. It’s the time to meet up with friends at the farmers market or on a downtown patio for brews and adventure brags. See a live concert in an amphitheater on the banks of the famed Blackfoot River. Or, simply, head out on your own two feet and trek as many trails as you can.
Locals love autumn in Missoula because hunting season is on and ski season is right around the corner. Plus, the unreal fall colors are good for the soul. As the temps cool down, the wildlife viewing outside of town gets good, the rivers offer new fishing opportunities, cold-brew coffees are traded in for warm, seasonal lattes, and sweater weather makes for an even tighter-knit community. Plus, it’s Griz football season, and community pride runs very, very deep.
SEASONAL FAVORITE: TUBING
Missoula’s population increases by 30% during a Montana Grizzlies home game, and stands are filled with Griz fans wildly cheering on their favorite team. The whole town displays a spirited exuberance with pre- and post-game festivities, too.
It’s not uncommon to spot a car with multiple inner tubes tied to the top of it heading up the road to one of many Clark Fork River boat launches and put ins, where tubers joyfully float right down the river into downtown Missoula.
FEB
MARCH APRIL
MAY
SEASONAL FAVORITE: FOOTBALL
AVERAGE
JAN
SUNRISE
8:16AM 7:42AM 7:16AM 6:48AM 6:01AM 5:45AM 5:56AM 6:33AM 7:13AM 7:53AM 7:39AM 8:14AM
JUNE
JULY
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
SUNSET
5:14PM 5:59PM 7:00PM 8:24PM 9:04PM 9:26PM 9:26PM 8:46PM 7:48PM 6:49PM 5:03PM 4:47PM
2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // LIVE HELP 800.526.3465
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ATTRACTIONS
ATTRACTIONS Get started; your options are endless.
By foot, bicycle, boat or car; on a trail, a road or a river— Missoula unfolds its treasures. It’s not just the wilderness lover the Garden City indulges. Missoula’s full of inspiration indoors, too, from a stateof-the-art Rocky Mountain Elk Country Visitor Center to an exquisitely hand-carved (and surprisingly fast!) carousel ride. Spin the dial from past to present at the Montana Natural History Center. Splash around in indoor and outdoor water parks. Discover the wonder of the newly remodeled all-abilities Dragon Hollow playground. Stroll through art galleries, shops and boutiques. Trace Missoula’s early days on a selfguided riverfront walking tour. There’s a year-round schedule of festivals and events taking place “under the tent” in Caras Park, and they all draw a crowd. Missoula’s a place where adventure, delight and gratitude have seeped their way into the city’s very foundation—where every turn holds the promise of something new and something unforgettable.
discover more at DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/ATTRACTIONS
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A CAROUSEL FOR MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS 2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG
ATTRACTIONS
Playful City USA Kaboom
A CAROUSEL FOR MISSOULA + DRAGON HOLLOW PLAY AREA In 1991, Missoula cabinetmaker Chuck Kaparich made a promise to the city of Missoula. “If you will give it a home, and promise no one will ever take it apart,” he said “I will build A Carousel for Missoula.” Kaparich had already carved four carousel ponies and purchased an antique carousel frame in thousands of pieces. The Missoula City Council agreed, and Kaparich’s dream became a community dream. Missoulians donated time, services and materials; school children collected 1 million pennies to adopt four ponies; stainedglass artists constructed windows; mechanics poured Babbitt. The story of the carousel is one of a labor of love— of wood and metal, of concrete and colored glass, of hearts and hands, and countless hours of hard work. By opening day—in May of 1995—over 100,000 hours of volunteer time had gone into the construction of the carousel next to Caras Park at the edge of the Clark Fork River, later joined by Dragon Hollow playground. If magic can happen anywhere, it can happen in Missoula.
SPLASH MONTANA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
FAMILY FUN for all ages For the young and the young at heart, Missoula provides entertainment for the whole family. MAKE A SPLASH AT CURRENTS, SPLASH MONTANA AND MULTIPLE SPLASH DECKS Because we know water play is an essential family activity, Missoula offers two aquatic centers and several splash decks in public parks so you and the kids can abandon dry land and cool down. THE HUB FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER Arcade favorites, go-karts and laser tag bring out the child in all of us. It’s always game time at The HUB, and with a meal from The Pit Stop, The Hub has everything your friends and family (or your corporate meeting) need for a full day or evening of fun. SPECTRUM Science and creativity merge at SpectrUM, a hands-on science center promoting learning and discovery through exhibits like a Large River Ecosystems flight simulator, a Discovery Bench for incorporating the five senses into science exploration, a Brain Lab and a DigiZone. FLYING SQUIRREL Family fun is fast-paced at the Flying Squirrel, Missoula’s indoor trampoline park complete with high-energy activities like dunk hoops, climbing walls, slacklines, foam pits and a full arcade. When it’s time to catch your breath, take advantage of the café and lounge. MONTANA NATURAL HISTORY CENTER What’s the best way to learn about Montana’s natural history? Dig in—literally! Montana’s Natural History Center offers interactive exhibits on local flora, fauna, geology and ecology, such as the Missoula Butterfly House’s current exhibit. Their Nature Adventure Garden combines play and nature by replacing typical playground equipment with boulders, hills and other natural structures for young explorers.
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ATTRACTIONS
MISSOULA ATTRACTIONS SAARA SNOW
ADVENTURE CYCLING ASSOCIATION Stop in to learn about local and national cycling opportunities, see artifacts and exhibits and learn more about the world of bike travel. 150 E. Pine St., 406.721.1776 800.755.2453 www.adventurecycling.org -----------------------------------------BIG SKY BREAKOUT Friends and family have one hour to escape a themed room. Work together to solve puzzles, find clues, crack codes and unlock hidden mysteries to escape. See ad on page 20. 307 N. 2nd St. W. and 104 E. Main St., 406.493.0528 www.bigskybreakout.com
TAYLAR ROBBINS
BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB Located in the historic Old Milwaukee Depot, the visitor gallery features a history of wildlife conservation, the World’s Record Diorama for trophy animals and activities for kids. 250 Station Dr., 406.542.1888 www.boone-crockett.org
A CAROUSEL FOR MISSOULA The carousel offers rides, birthday parties and private rentals. The gift shop carries carousel and Missoula-specific gifts and souvenirs. See ad on page 19. 101 Carousel Dr., Caras Park 406.549.8382 www.carouselformissoula.com -----------------------------------------CHILDREN’S MUSEUM MISSOULA [reopening in 2020 inside the new Missoula Public Library] The Children’s Museum Missoula provides fun, interactive and educational exhibits and programs that promote learning through play for children of all ages. 406.721.7690 www.childrensmuseummissoula.org TAYLAR ROBBINS
DOWNTOWN MISSOULA Catch a show, view an art exhibit, shop in over 70 specialty stores and boutiques, dine at one of over 50 restaurants and enjoy Missoula’s nightlife, all in downtown Missoula. See ad on page 34-35. Downtown Missoula Partnership 218 E. Main St., 406.543.4238 www.missouladowntown.com -----------------------------------------DRAGON HOLLOW This newly renovated play area next to the carousel features an all-abilities playground and is open daily. See ad on page 19. 101 Carousel Dr., Caras Park 406.549.8382 www.carouselformissoula.com -----------------------------------------FLYING SQUIRREL MISSOULA Come experience an adrenaline rush with an indoor trampoline park that includes basketball dunk courts, a toddler trampoline court, foam pits and more. 2501 Brooks St., 406.926.3544 www.flyingsquirrelsports.us/ missoula-montana HUB MISSOULA
-----------------------------------------LEWIS & CLARK TRAIL ADVENTURES Bring along a growler of your favorite Missoula craft brew or beverage on The River Pub. This laid-back float is a great way to spend a hot summer day. 912 E. Broadway St., 406.728.7609 www.trailadventures.com -----------------------------------------MEMORIAL ROSE GARDEN Dedicated to veterans and casualties of America’s 20th century conflicts, as well as police officers and firefighters, the garden borders the Blue Star Memorial Highway—a nationwide highway network that pays tribute to armed forces that have defended the U.S. Rose Park at the corner of Brooks St. and Mount Ave. ------------------------------------------
CITY PARKS Picnic spots, playgrounds, courts, splash decks and sports fields abound at Missoula’s many city parks. McCormick, Bonner and Fort Missoula Regional parks rank among the biggest and the best. 600 Cregg Ln., 406.721.PARK (7275) www.missoulaparks.org -----------------------------------------CURRENTS AQUATIC CENTER This indoor facility features water slides, a water playground, a leisure and lap pool, a sparkling spa and a party room. Borrow a cruiser bike and tour the Riverfront Trail System. See ad on this page. 600 Cregg Ln., 406.721.PARK (7275) www.missoulaparks.org
LEWIS AND CLARK INTERPRETIVE SITE Four colorful historical interpretive signs detail the experiences of early explorers in the area. Next to Brennan’s Wave in Caras Park, Downtown Missoula
THE HUB FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER Challenge your family and friends to a race at The Hub’s go-kart track or test your laser tag skills in the multilevel arena. See ad on page 19. 5055 Expressway Rd., 406.541.4200 www.thehubmissoula.com
MISSOULA BUTTERFLY HOUSE AND INSECTARIUM [reopening in 2021 at the Missoula Fairgrounds ] The Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium has interactive exhibits of live invertebrates and a classroom for school programs and events. 406.317.1211 www.missoulabutterflyhouse.org -----------------------------------------MISSOULA SMOKEJUMPER VISITOR CENTER Learn about smokejumpers and wildland fire management at the Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center. Guided tours are available. 5765 W. Broadway St. 406.329.4934 www.facebook.com/MissoulaSmokejumper-Visitor-Center ------------------------------------------
3001 BANCROFT IN PLAYFAIR PARK
600 CREGG IN MCCORMICK PARK
Missoula Parks and Recreation • 406-721-PARK • www.missoulaparks.org 18
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MOBASH SKATEPARK MOBASH is a 15,000-square-foot skatepark christened in 2006 by Tony Hawk and Bam Margera. Helmets required. 600 Cregg Ln., 406.721.PARK (7275) www.missoulaparks.org
ATTRACTIONS
MONTANA NATURAL HISTORY CENTER The Montana Natural History Center promotes understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of nature through the natural history museum and special programs throughout the community. 120 Hickory St. Suite A, 406.327.0405 www.montananaturalist.org
52,000 square feet of indoor fun! Indoor go kart track Two story laser tag arena Arcade games Fantastic food
----------------------------------------------------------------------RIVER CITY BREWS RAFTING TOURS Enjoy a relaxing river float with a pint of your favorite local brew and a great group of friends . 406.924.9713 www.rivercitybrews.com
5055 Expressway (Close to the airport)
----------------------------------------------------------------------ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION & ELK COUNTRY VISITOR CENTER Discover interactive exhibits that explore the nature of elk country. Wildlife films are shown regularly. See ad on page 20. 5705 Grant Creek Rd., 866.266.7750 www.rmef.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------SPECTRUM DISCOVERY AREA [reopening in 2020 inside the new Missoula Public Library] Interactive exhibits and activities offer a unique, hands-on experience geared toward engaging kids in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 812 Toole Ave., 406.728.STEM (7836) www.spectrum.umt.edu -----------------------------------------------------------------------
ON FASTEST CA
Call for information (406) 541-4200 or go to www.thehubmissoula.com
A community-built carousel with
SPLASH MONTANA Bring the entire family to Splash Montana, an outdoor water park with three water slides, a lazy river, a water playground, a leisure pool and more. See ad on page 18. 3001 Bancroft St., 406.721.PARK (7275) www.missoulaparks.org
Ride a Wild Pony
#1 Trave
Dig up souvenirs in the gift shop and learn about our in ourin museum! on one of the fasteststory carousels the world!
----------------------------------------------------------------------THIRST GEAR Thirst Gear is a sud-soaked brew bike made for exploring. Up to 15 people can get on board and pedal their way through an epic Zootown pub crawl. 229 E. Front St., 406.396.5784 www.thirstgear.com
Visi
----------------------------------------------------------------------WALKING TOURS The Downtown Missoula Heritage Program (Unseen Missoula) offers historic downtown guided walking tours, including “Basements and Back Alleys” and “Pedal Through the Past.” Some tours can be self-guided. 218 E. Main St., 406.543-4238 www.missouladowntown.com/tours/ unseen-missoula
discover more at DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/ ATTRACTIONS
#1 ATTRACTION ON YELP
Meet a Friendly Dragon at Dragon Hollow, an all-abilities play area!
A community built carousel with beautiful horses hand-carved by local volunteers. CarouselForMissoula.com • Caras Park on the Clark Fork River • 406-549-8382 June-August: At least 11am-7pm • September-May: 11am-5:30pm
carouselformissoula.com • Caras June–August: At least 11am
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ATTRACTIONS
ELK COUNTRY
VISITOR CENTER
COME SEE THE NEW NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC INVISIBLE BOUNDARIES DISPLAY Trophy Elk Display • Elk Country Wildlife Diorama Wildlife Theater • Walking Trail
FOR INFORMATION
720-0419-006
406-523-4545 or 866-266-7750 WWW.RMEF.ORG
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Directions: Take I-90 to Exit 101 in Missoula. Drive 1⁄4 mile north to 5705 Grant Creek Road.
2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG
accessible with RV parking. Open year round.
LIKE A LOCAL
Live Like a Local Part of the allure and charm of Missoula is exploring town like a local, any time of year. It’s an adventure in and of itself, because Missoula is like no other place on earth. It’s just that special. ENJOY FIRST FRIDAYS
SHOP SATURDAY MARKETS
This year-round art walk has Missoulians strolling downtown streets the first Friday of the month as galleries and shops open their doors for art viewing, artist meet and greets, and food, drinks and music.
Stock up on produce, fresh flowers, baked goods and the sounds of local street musicians at the Missoula Farmers Market. Nearby, find local artisans offering Made in Montana arts and crafts at The Peoples Market, and make your way to the Clark Fork Market for fresh produce, pastries, breads, homemade jams and locally sourced meats and cheeses.
LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC
Missoula’s live music scene is quickly topping the charts as one of the best in the West. Local musicians and national acts sell out venues big and small all year long.
EXPLORE THE WILDERNESS
River surfers and kayakers ride and play at Missoula’s manmade Brennan’s Wave near Caras Park. Rent a board or boat from a local gear shop to join the spectacle or watch the action from the riverbank or the observation deck.
Only minutes from town, Pattee Canyon, Blue Mountain and the Rattlesnake recreation areas offer mountain biking, hiking and fresh mountain air—especially lovely in winter when Montana transforms into a wonderland of snow. Enter designated wilderness only 15 miles off the main trailhead in the Rattlesnake.
SKI THE BOWL
FLOAT THE RIVER
In Missoula’s backyard, Montana Snowbowl ski area combines deep powder and diverse runs with some of the best wood-fired pizza and bloody marys in the region.
Missoula is a river town, and that is most apparent when the temperatures climb and hundreds head to the water, inner tubes in hand. Pack a cooler (rig it to your tube so you won’t lose it) and make a day of it.
SURF THE RIVER
Y OGA ON THE CLARK FORK RIVER, DOWNTOWN MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
GO OUT TO LUNCH OR DINE DOWNTOWN TONIGHT
Locals gather for food truck fare and live music at Missoula’s signature summer events—Out to Lunch on Wednesdays and Downtown ToNight on Thursdays, both free at Caras Park all summer. GET ON THE BEATEN PATH
The city’s extraordinary pathway system travels throughout Missoula and also connects to the Kim Williams Nature Trail. You can even bike 50 miles from Missoula to Hamilton on the Bitterroot Trail. During winter, hit the trails on your fat bike, snowshoes or cross-country skis. DRINK LOCAL
Missoula has so many breweries we lost count, and every last one of them is worth a visit. Serving up local favorites and award-wining brews, even the most highbrow beer nerds will find something they love. Distilleries, wineries and cideries? We’ve got those, too.
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HISTORY
LOCAL HISTORY Did you know that this drop-dead gorgeous valley used to be a vast glacial lake? Or that the name Missoula comes from the Salish word “Nemissoolatakoo?” That Missoula was a major stop on the Lewis and Clark expedition? Or that the first woman ever elected to the United States Congress hailed from here? Missoula’s history has more tributaries than you can count. And the town proudly showcases its lively and diverse background through historically-devoted places like The Holt Heritage Museum and The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula. If you’re fascinated by the early days of aviation, take a trip to the Museum of Mountain Flying where you’ll find vintage aircraft and so much more. The city’s cultural past is vibrant and diverse, melding the stories and lives of people—pioneers, homesteaders, fur trappers, gold rushers, and railroaders—who came from around the world to settle with the American Indians who were already inhabiting the valley. Missoula’s past truly does run deep, and its roots are grounded in the lives of the men and women who shaped, and were in turn shaped, by this sublime landscape.
HISTORICAL MUSEUM AT FORT MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
FORT MISSOULA Western Montana’s rich history is brought to life on Fort Missoula’s 32 acres, with over 20 well-preserved historic structures. Established in 1877 during the Indian Wars, this once-major military post also served as the starting point for the African American 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps’ 1,900-mile ride to St. Louis, Missouri; a WWI military training center; a 1933 Civilian Conservation Corps headquarters; and a WWII internment camp housing 2,200 Italian and Japanese nationals. Rotating exhibits explore a range of thought-provoking historical topics. Explore the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula. LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION Much of the landscape near Missoula that Lewis and Clark crossed remains unchanged. Montana's rivers and highways flow past scores of landmarks touched by the expedition. In 1806 Captain Lewis traveled through the Missoula Valley. Near Missoula, Lewis and Clark camped at present day Lolo in an area called Travelers’ Rest. It’s the only place they camped twice and one of two sites in the country with physical evidence of their journey. They wrote about Lolo Hot Springs and the trek across the Bitterroot Mountains along the Lolo Trail.
SETTLING MISSOULA Hell Gate Village Trading Post was established in 1860 by Christopher P. Higgins (where downtown Missoula’s “main drag” gets its name) and Frank Worden. By 1866, the settlement had moved east, 5 miles upstream, and was renamed Missoula Mills, later shortened to Missoula.
AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE Long before Europeans arrived, the Salish, Kootenai, Pend d’Oreille, Blackfeet and Shoshone called Missoula home. The valley acted as a natural corridor through the mountains. American Indian tribes passed through headed to and from the buffalo-rich eastern plains. Conflict was common, and the eastern canyon entrance was reportedly so strewn with bones that French fur trappers called it Hell’s Gate. Today Hellgate Canyon and a local Missoula high school bear the name. There are seven Indian reservations in Montana, two of which are easily accessible using Missoula as a home base: The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation and the Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Reservation. American Indian cultural heritage is revered here, and annual gatherings and celebrations like pow wows offer glimpses into the way of life of the American Indian people through traditional dress, art, music, dance and storytelling. While visiting the region’s Tribal Nations, purchasing authentic American Indian arts and crafts helps preserve tradition and offers something extra special to remember Montana by.
MISS MONTANA: BACK ON THE MAP Built as a war bird in 1944, this DC-3 was destined for WWII. Miss Montana never saw combat, but she holds a special meaning for Montanans. She served as a military transport vessel for 30 years, and on August 5, 1949, when a large wildfire broke out in the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, smokejumpers jumped out of the plane to the fire, and of those only three survived. The fire claimed the lives of 13 firefighters and 12 smokejumpers. On June 6, 2019—after years of retirement in the Museum of Mountain Flying and 10,000 volunteer hours of restoration—15 Montana smokejumpers departed the aircraft in formation over the beaches of Normandy honoring those who lost their lives in WWII, and paying tribute to the history of Montana’s smokejumpers. PHOTO BY PAUL CYR
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HISTORY
GLACIAL LAKE MISSOULA Nearly 15,000 years ago, the region was submerged under Glacial Lake Missoula, a prehistoric proglacial lake. Periodically, an ice dam on the Clark Fork ruptured, causing flooding, which happened about 40 times over 2,000 years, and forever changed the landscape all the way to the Pacific coast. Ancient shorelines, ripple marks, scoured lakes, dry channels, falls and flood debris are still visible in the area today. Explore Glacial Lake Missoula at the Montana Natural History Center.
A NATURAL PLACE FOR
MUSIC
NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD From a town that started as a trading post and fort for people heading out West, the introduction of a railway in 1887 helped expand the population from roughly 300 to 12,000 by 1920. The Northern Pacific Railway reached Missoula in 1883, the same year the city was incorporated.
DISCOVER HISTORY IN MISSOULA HALLWAYS TO HISTORY “Hallways to History: A Photographic Walk Through Missoula’s Past,” offers a photographic tour of Missoula’s history. The exhibit is on display daily in the major hallways at Southgate Mall. 2901 Brooks St., 406.721.5140 www.shopsouthgate.com
MUSEUM OF MOUNTAIN FLYING The Museum of Mountain Flying preserves the history of Johnson Flying Service and Aviation in the northern Rocky Mountain West, and houses the famous and historic Miss Montana plane. Missoula International Airport, 406.721.3644 www.museumofmountainflying.org
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HISTORICAL MUSEUM AT FORT MISSOULA The Historical Museum was established to preserve and interpret the area’s history with 13 buildings on 32 acres and an impressive collection of artifacts. 3400 Captain Rawn Way, 406.728.3476 www.fortmissoulamuseum.org
ROCKY MOUNTAIN MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY The Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History promotes the commemoration and study of the U.S. armed services from the frontier period to the present. Memorabilia and donations accepted. Fort Missoula, Buildings T-310 and T-316 406.549.5346, www.fortmissoula.org
---------------------------------------------------------------HOLT HERITAGE MUSEUM This “Cowboys and Indians – Rodeos and Pow Wows,” museum captures the essence of the Old West with the country’s largest private collection of western memorabilia, including American Indian artifacts and celebrity cowboy boots. Open by appointment only. 6800 Lewis & Clark Trail, Lolo 406.273.6743 www.holtmuseum.com ---------------------------------------------------------------THE MONTANA NATURAL HISTORY CENTER Connecting people with nature, the museum encompasses the flora, fauna and natural history of the region. Explore Glacial Lake Missoula, fossils, Montana ecosystems and more. 120 Hickory St. Suite A, 406.327.0405 www.montananaturalist.org
Plan your next concert getaway at logjampresents.com/destinationmissoula
Locally-Sourced House-Made
---------------------------------------------------------------TRAVELERS’ REST STATE PARK A place where visitors can say with certainty they are walking in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. Interpretative programs are offered daily in the summer, with special events throughout the year. See ad on this page. 6717 Highway 12 W., Lolo 406.273.4253 www.travelersrest.org ---------------------------------------------------------------UNSEEN MISSOULA The Downtown Missoula Heritage Program (Unseen Missoula) offers historic downtown guided walking tours, including “Basements and Back Alleys” and “Secrets of the Clark Fork River.” 218 E. Main St., 406.543-4238 www.missouladowntown.com/tours/ unseen-missoula
MISSOULA’S COMMUNITY CINEMA New, independent, foreign & classic films, 35mm programming, live theater and community events Home of the International Wildlife Film Festival & Montana Film Festival
Travelers’ Rest State Park A journey through history, just a few miles away.
6717 Highway 12 West, Lolo, MT www.travelersrest.org 406-273-4253
theroxytheater.org 718 S Higgins Ave
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CULTURE With a setting as awe-inspiring as ours, a thriving cultural scene is inevitable. Once you’ve climbed mountains and forded streams, keep your senses turned on for some city-sized entertainment. It’s a small town with big personality. With eclectic music and food, book and wildlife film festivals, and an art scene that just won’t quit, Missoula’s vivacious and diverse culture is only matched by— and obviously inspired by—its sense of adventure and its natural beauty. Missoula has an insatiable thirst for cultural variety. You know when you hike a favorite trail and the view still gets you every time? A “cultural harvest” is maintained here, to make sure that the vast embraces of big sky and mountains are always in good company with soul-stirring art, music and nightlife, not to mention an unrivaled commitment to spectator sports. So don’t just settle for a mere taste of Missoula. Catching a Griz or Osprey game, dropping in on a book reading, perusing an art gallery and hitting the dance floor are all in a day’s play here.
“ Missoula is one of the most impressively energetic art towns I’ve ever visited.” D avid A. Smith, Arts columnist at the Waco Tribune
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RIVER CITY ROOTS FESTIVAL. ATHENA PHOTOGRAPHY 2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG
CULTURE
PERFORMING & LITERARY ARTS Nature’s bounty may look like Missoula’s main stage, but if you’re looking for live theater with curtains and comfortable chairs, this town invites audiences to an array of brilliant performances. The Missoula Community Theatre, Missoula Children’s Theatre and the Montana Repertory Theatre offer musicals, dramas and comedies from autumn to spring each year. Located on the Hip Strip, the Roxy Theater hosts screenings and events seven days a week including documentaries, cult classics and community events. All the world may be a stage according to Shakespeare, but catching a show in a place like Missoula is something altogether special. On top of its love for theater, the city also boasts an impressive array of local bookshops where you can catch live readings and rub elbows with some amazing writers. Here, far-flung and local authors alike delicately pull words off a page, creating a cacophony of images and feelings that will rival any of your most cherished Missoula memories. Need a place to start? Check out local bookstores Shakespeare and Co. and Fact and Fiction for upcoming events. UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
MISSOULA’S PERFORMING ARTS BARE BAIT DANCE Bare Bait Dance showcases regional performers and choreographers in contemporary dance productions. Their season runs September through March. 406.241.0097, www.barebaitdance.org -----------------------------------------BETWEENTHELINES THEATRE Raw, contemporary theater staged seasonally at The Roxy Theater. 406.728.9380, www.facebook.com/ BetweenTheLinesTheatre406 -----------------------------------------DENNISON THEATRE Famous speakers and renowned musicians have taken the stage in the Dennison Theatre on the University of Montana campus since 1935. Renovated in 1996, the theater is air conditioned and handicapped accessible. University of Montana, 406.243.2853 www.umt.edu/dennison-theatre -----------------------------------------INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL The sound of music will fill the air in July 2022, when the 12th International Choral Festival convenes in Missoula. World-class choirs from five continents gather every three years to share a week of music and cultural exchange with local audiences. 406.721.7985, www.choralfestival.org
MASQUER THEATRE The Masquer Theatre at the University of Montana School of Theatre & Dance is a black-box theater, where seats surround three sides of the stage. Students often perform in this intimate space. PARTV building, University of Montana, 406.243.4481 www.umt.edu/umarts/theatredance -----------------------------------------MCT, INC. | MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATRE AND MISSOULA COMMUNITY THEATRE For over 40 years, the Missoula Children’s Theatre and Missoula Community Theatre have provided Missoula with outstanding family entertainment. The Missoula Community Theatre season runs October through May each year. 200 N. Adams St., 406.728.7529 www.mctinc.org -----------------------------------------MISSOULA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND CHORALE Nearly 200 of the area’s finest musicians come together for a concert season that includes numerous Masterworks Concerts, Youth and Family Concerts and Symphony in the Park, a popular summer event. Concerts held in the Dennison Theatre, University of Montana 406.721.3194 www.missoulasymphony.org
MONTANA REPERTORY THEATRE The Montana Rep season runs October – April with performances at the Montana Theatre. PARTV building, University of Montana, 406.243.6809, www.montanarep.org -----------------------------------------MONTANA THEATRE Commonly called the Mainstage, the largest stage in the University of Montana’s PARTV building hosts large student productions, as well as the Montana Repertory Theatre. PARTV building, University of Montana, 406.243.4481 www.umt.edu/umarts/theatredance -----------------------------------------ROCKY MOUNTAIN BALLET THEATRE Since 1998, the Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre (RMBT) has performed locally, regionally, and internationally. The RMBT offers classes for ages three through adult. 2704 Brooks St., 406.549.5155 www.rmbt.org
ROXY THEATER Missoula’s nonprofit community cinema hosts weekly screenings of award-winning new and classic independent films, live music, community events, and the annual International Wildlife Film Festival. See ad on page 23. 718 S. Higgins Ave., 406.728.9380 www.thevtheater.org -----------------------------------------STRING ORCHESTRA OF THE ROCKIES This 15-member orchestra is comprised of teachers and professional musicians who perform without a conductor and feature many internationally acclaimed guest artists. Concerts held in the UM Music Recital Hall, University of Montana, 406.493.2990, www.sormt.org -----------------------------------------THE WILMA Missoula’s entertainment hub, the Wilma is a recently remodeled historic theater featuring numerous world-famous film festivals and a wide variety of concerts and other performances year-round. 131 S. Higgins Ave., 406.830.4640 www.thewilma.com
discover more at
Discover more inspiration at: DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/ARTS-CULTURE DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/ARTS-CULTURE 2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // LIVE HELP 800.526.3465
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CULTURE
TRAMPLED BY TURTLES AT THE BIG SKY
BREWING COMPANY AMPHITHEATER. TAYLAR ROBBINS
MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE The sounds of Mumford & Sons, Pearl Jam, Norah Jones, Brad Paisley and other famous musicians swell into the streets and rise up to the mountains on any given night. Music pulses through Missoula. There’s country, bluegrass and rock. There are local bands trying to make it big and bona fide rock stars on Missoula’s stages. It’s no wonder Missoula’s music scene is considered the best in Montana and is gaining notoriety throughout the West. Missoula is undeniably a music town. You can find live music any day of the week. Sometimes the biggest challenge is prioritizing which shows you want to see and which venues you want to hit. Lineups include internationally known performers—think Elton John, the Rolling Stones and Foreigner—along with upand-coming artists, indie favorites with cult followings, and local bands making their mark on the music scene. THERE’S NEVER A BAD SEAT IN THE HOUSE The Top Hat offers an intimate setting with a dance floor for all ages (and scheduled family-friendly nights). The Wilma, a renovated historic theater, can accommodate more people and bigger shows and is known for having one of the best sound systems in the Northwest. It’s also a beautiful building with a rich history. Big-name bands play the Ogren Park Allegiance Field, Washington-Grizzly Stadium and the Adams Center. Festivals throughout the summer, like the River City Roots Festival, bring in bands to play on downtown stages. Two new outdoor amphitheaters combine some of Missoula’s favorite things—the outdoors, live music and local beer. The Big Sky Brewing Company Amphitheater features a world-class stage set against the big blue sky, and the KettleHouse Amphitheater is situated on the banks of the Blackfoot River. There’s no better place to be than outside on a Montana summer evening.
THE LIL SMOKIES AT THE KETTLEHOUSE AMPHITHEATER. LOGJAM PRESENTS
Missoula Venues BIG SKY BREWING COMPANY AMPHITHEATER
This newly redesigned outdoor venue attracts national acts like Lee Brice, Marilyn Manson and Steve Miller Band. Savoring a show here is the perfect way to spend a quintessential Missoula summer evening against the backdrop of rolling foothills and the big blue sky that gave the brewery and venue its name.
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KETTLEHOUSE AMPHITHEATER
Situated on the banks of the Blackfoot River (famous for world-class fly-fishing) this new venue draws performers like CAKE, Bon Iver, Flogging Molly and Trampled by Turtles, who play under the stars while rafts float by behind them on the wildly scenic river.
THE WILMA
Retro elegance meets eclectic talent with the likes of Jason Mraz, Young the Giant, Melissa Etheridge and The Devil Makes Three. TOP HAT LOUNGE
An intimate venue perfect for spending quality time with Caamp, Shook Twins and Blitzen Trapper and local celebrities like Shakewell.
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ADAMS CENTER/ WASHINGTON- GRIZZLY STADIUM
Sir Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam and The Rolling Stones have rocked Missoula to the tops of the mountains and back at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, while the Adams Center has hosted big-name artists like Florida Georgia Line and Chris Stapleton.
OGREN PARK ALLEGIANCE FIELD
At the Osprey Stadium, the sounds of Portugal. The Man and Mumford & Sons have been known to enliven the night air and keep time with the Clark Fork River’s syncopation as it rolls on past.
MISSOULA.LIVE
CULTURE
Your ticket to Missoula’s music scene can be found at Missoula’s premier music site MISSOULA.LIVE. Get info on the who, what, when and where of live music in the Garden City, and read the blog for music news in Big Sky Country’s mountain-sound hot spot.
MISSOULA LOVE FROM
MONTANA’S FAVORITE BAND: THE LIL SMOKIES “ L ike a million and a half other bands, we met and formed in college. About a decade ago, in Missoula. At first, it was late night garage jams, then it was picking at the Saturday Farmers Market and Sean Kelly’s open mic nights. We landed our first gig, we took it to the streets and then a few years later took it to the highway. Regardless of where the road takes us, Missoula is always in our heart. We wouldn’t be where we are today without our Montana family, friends and fans. The years of constant gigging around the area formed us into the band we are today and set the path we are currently on—KettleHouse Amphitheater, Red Rocks, hundreds of festivals, hitting over 200,000 miles on the odometer and playing for sold out crowds in venues we could have only dreamed of.
As we take on bigger stages and new places, one thing holds true—the road takes a toll and the thought of home gets us through. The seasons, wide spaces, mountains and rivers. The sense of community that is thoroughly lacking in most places. We love how people look you in the eye and nod when you walk by in the morning. We don’t take that for granted. With each performance, we carry the many lessons Missoula crowds taught us in our early days. Missoula audiences are truly the best, and we will be forever grateful for their constant support and encouragement. We are very proud to call Missoula The Lil Smokies’ home. We will always carry this torch; long after our instruments are resting in their cases.”
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CULTURE
SPORTS SPIRIT You can hear the roar of the crowd all over town. It’s the sound of thousands of fans packed in Washington-Grizzly Stadium cheering on their Montana Grizzlies. Decked out in maroon and silver, Griz fans are some of the loudest and most loyal college fans you’ll meet. Everyone is a Griz fan in Missoula. And when they’re not screaming themselves hoarse for the Griz, they cheer for the Missoula Osprey, an Arizona Diamond Back Pioneer league baseball team. The Osprey’s home base is at Ogren Park Allegiance Field on the Clark Fork River, near an actual osprey nest. Nothing feels more like summer than sitting in this beautiful setting while listening to the smash of a bat making contact with a ball. You don’t even have to care about baseball for this to be a perfect evening. For those who like a little something different in their sports, you can cheer on the Hellgate Rollergirls—the local roller derby team—or the Missoula Junior Bruins ice hockey team.
The Nine Best College Football Cultures You’ve Never Heard Of. Golf Digest
FORT MISSOULA REGIONAL PARK In a place where the outfield is endless, it’s no surprise Missoula is a draw for regional sports tournaments. The city’s new state-of-the-art Fort Missoula Regional Park boasts seven softball diamonds, 11 multipurpose fields, a dog park, and 156 acres of recreation space. The landscape and architecture offer a nod to the area’s past, complete with interpretive trails that tell its story, an all-inclusive playground, sports fields and courts—all modern and top-of-the-line.
The facilities are perfect for tournament play, but also offer space for lawn games like croquet and bocce ball. The entire park is accessible by bike via the South Reserve Street pedestrian bridge, which connects with the community’s other pathways. So even if you are headed to the park to spectate, there’s no excuse to not get in a workout— or at least get really good at bocce ball.
FORT MISSOULA REGIONAL PARK 28
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ACRES
10
MULTI-SPORT GRASS FIELDS
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WASHINGTON-GRIZZLY STADIUM. KYLE MCGOWAN
FORT MISSOULA REGIONAL PARK. MISSOULA PARKS AND RECREATION
SYNTHETIC TURF SPORTS FIELD
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RUGBY PITCH
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SOFTBALL DIAMONDS
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TENNIS COURTS
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PICKLEBALL COURTS
GRIZZLY ATHLETICS The University of Montana offers 15 intercollegiate athletic programs for student-athletes. You can find the Grizzlies in action in a variety of sports from August through mid-May. There are also a variety of club teams to watch.
CULTURE
HOME TEAMS
WE DO MORE THAN YOU THINK. MONTANA’S FIRST BEST PLACE.
Locations vary; visit www.gogriz.com for sports schedules. 406.243.4051 or 888.MONTANA www.umt.edu/griztix ----------------------------------------------------------------------HELLGATE ROLLERGIRLS Roller derby fever hit Missoula in 2009 and has been rolling strong ever since. The Hellgate Rollergirls battle it out in league bouts from February to November.
STEVENSVILLEMT.ORG
1919 North Ave. W., www.hellgaterollerderby.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------MISSOULA JR BRUINS The Missoula Bruins Junior A Hockey Team’s season runs from September through February with home games played at the Glacier Ice Rink.
E X P E R I E N C E T H E B ES T PA R K I N T H E N O R T H W EST
Glacier Ice Rink, 1101 South Ave. W. 406.590.2384, www.missoulajrbruins.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------MISSOULA PADDLEHEADS/ MISSOULA OSPREY The Missoula Osprey have recently rebranded their team for the upcoming 2020 season and are now the Missoula PaddleHeads. Missoula PaddleHeads Professional Baseball Club is the Pioneer League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. They play a 76-game schedule (38 home) from mid-June through early September.
MISSOULA, MONTANA
WWW.ATTHEFORT.ORG
406.721.PARK
Ogren Park at Allegiance Field, 700 Cregg Ln. 406.543.3300, gopaddleheads.com
PLAY MISSOULA
There’s a recreation hotspot where play is revered. Where teams come together for the love of sport. The offerings are many and diverse, and the hospitality and amenities are top notch. Missoula is the perfect place to host a sports tournament. Here, we play long after the game is over. Visit destinationmissoula.org/sports for more information on how to bring your sports event to Missoula.
PARTV Center, UM Campus Open Tuesday-Saturday 12-6 p.m. 406.243.2019 www.umt.edu/montanamuseum Photo: Matthew Hamon, from the project RatljÓst
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CULTURE
ART SCENE Creativity here runs as wild as Montana’s rivers. From one-of-a-kind sculptures to photography, ceramics and contemporary paintings, the Missoula Art Museum and the Dana Gallery offer a stunning rotation of regional and American Indian artists. And that’s just the beginning—Missoula boasts 12 art galleries. Don’t miss the most prominent fine art collection (11,000 pieces) in the Rocky Mountain Northwest at the Montana Museum of Art and Culture. And don’t forget to check out First Friday Gallery Night when the downtown scene explodes with art on every block along with samplings of freshly crafted poetry and culinary delights…food for the soul and the belly. Be sure to visit The Artists’ Shop, Radius Gallery, and 4 Ravens Gallery where local artists display their dynamic work.
MONTANA MUSEUM OF ARTS AND CULTURE. TAYLAR ROBBINS
MISSOULA’S ART PARK. TAYLAR ROBBINS
MISSOULA’S PUBLIC ART SCENE
Missoula’s public art scene is flourishing, and everything is fair game. From over 50 traffic signal boxes dripping in colorful artwork to dozens of sculptures in every configuration, around each corner you’ll meet a testament to the city’s love of art. MISSOULA’S ART PARK
This new addition to downtown Missoula is designed to encourage creativity in public spaces. It features large-scale outdoor art right outside the Missoula Art Museum. This space is a fantastic entryway to one of Missoula’s cultural fixtures.
MISSOULA ART MUSEUMS MISSOULA ART MUSEUM Missoula Art Museum (MAM), a contemporary art museum, offers a spectacular attraction in the heart of the historic downtown: a free, public museum that boasts eight exhibition spaces, displaying 26 contemporary art exhibits per year. See ad on page 31. 335 N. Pattee St., 406.728.0447 www.missoulaartmuseum.org
MONTANA MUSEUM OF ART & CULTURE MMAC’s rotating exhibits and programs highlight historic and contemporary art from its holdings, as well as invitational and nationally renowned traveling exhibitions. See ad on this page. 32 Campus Dr. in the PARTV building, University of Montana, 406.243.2019 www.umt.edu/montanamuseum
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
First Friday Gallery Night Browse downtown galleries, museums and businesses to see the latest creations of local artists and new exhibits. First Friday of the month 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Downtown Missoula destinationmissoula.org/blog/first-fridays-missoula
Looking for more Missoula arts and culture?
art culture community www.artsmissoula.org
406.541.0860 info@artsmissoula.org www.artsmissoula.org 327 E. Broadway, Missoula, MT P.O. Box 7662, Missoula, MT 59807
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Visit DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/ ARTS-CULTURE
CULTURE
THE CENTER OF MISSOULA’S ART WORLD
At the core of the arts movement is the Missoula Art Museum (MAM), a free public museum that has been around since 1974. The people at MAM believe that access to art is a right, not a privilege. For this reason, MAM has always been—and remains to this day—admission free. “There are all sorts of barriers that people overcome to come into the museum for the first time,” says Brandon Reintjes, Senior Curator. “Free admission is a foundational philosophy and one of our core values. It connects to basic democratic and human rights ideals—making these great civic spaces open to everybody so that you can engage different ideas. It is akin to a public library where the knowledge that is contained therein is open to everybody. It’s a fountain for our society.” MAM is a regional contemporary museum, focusing on art made in the intermountain west. “We certainly like to see artists pushing their boundaries. We try to focus on contemporary native art as well as Montana modernism. Our top floor is dedicated to contemporary American Indian art.” MAM’s art spaces extend beyond the borders of the museum’s walls and into the Art Park, an outdoor, collaborative space that serves as an additional exhibition space for large scale outdoor sculptures. “It’s really quite incredible to see the power and the impact of public art and public spaces and how it has extended our footprint and made our extension to the community more visceral.” Perhaps it is the pristine natural beauty that surrounds the town. Maybe it is the blending of ideas and attitudes, or maybe it is a little of both. But Missoula nurtures art and, in turn, art nurtures Missoula.
MISSOULA ART MUSEUM. ALEX HANICH
Artwork copyright Guillermo Galindo.
free expression. free admission. MAM // classes // tours // art park 335 N. Pattee // Downtown Missoula // Tuesday - Saturday 10AM - 5PM
missoulaartmuseum.org
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EVENTS
DOWNTOWN TONIGHT IN CARAS PARK. TAYLAR ROBBINS
OUR CALENDAR IS ALWAYS FULL If you’re planning a trip to coincide with one of Missoula’s special events, you’re going to need to visit again and again to catch it all. The ceaseless beauty of Missoula can be fully appreciated by way of its events calendar, with indoor and outdoor activities all year long. Where else can you catch a wave and a show on the same block? While planning your trip, consider this helpful list packed with festivals and celebrations. Some are annual. Others are monthly and weekly. The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in February is Montana’s largest and the region’s premiere festival for nonfiction films, where reality plays itself. April features the world’s longest running International Wildlife Film Festival. In May, the Garden City BrewFest proves why Missoula was named one of the Top 10 Cities for Beer Drinkers by Smart Asset. Among infinite choices for summer fun, you can enjoy the Missoula Marathon in June and the fireworks in July. Join us for the River City Roots Festival in August, the Montana Book Festival in September and the Parade of Lights in December. Is all of the above sounding pretty great to you? Plan a series of visits to experience the widest variety of Missoula’s offerings.
Visit Destination Missoula’s event listings at DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/EVENTS for the current schedule of everything happening in town.
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MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS Ballet Beyond Borders . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January Big Sky Documentary Film Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . February International Wildlife Film Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April MaggotFest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May Garden City BrewFest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May Garden City River Rod Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June Missoula Marathon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June Independence Day Celebration at Fort Missoula . . . . . . July Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks at Southgate Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July International Choral Festival (every three years, next festival: July 2022) . . . . . . . . . . . July Montana Bicycle Celebration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July KidsFest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July Western Montana Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August River City Roots Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August Missoula Symphony in the Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August GermanFest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September In the Footsteps of Norman Maclean Festival. . . . . September Montana State Hemp & Cannabis Festival . . . . . September Maverick BrewFest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September Montana Book Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September Montana Film Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October Festival of the Dead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November Parade of Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December First Night Missoula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December
EVENTS
RECURRING EVENTS DOWNTOWN TONIGHT Free family event. Enjoy live music, food vendors, a beer garden and activities for kids. Thursdays 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. June – August Caras Park, Downtown Missoula www.missouladowntown.com --------------------------------------------------------------------FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHT Browse downtown galleries, museums and businesses to see new exhibits and the latest creations of local artists. First Friday of the month 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Downtown Missoula www.artsmissoula.org/gallery-guide --------------------------------------------------------------------KIDX KLUB Free crafts and activities for children. One Tuesday per month (varies). 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Southgate Mall near the fountain 2901 Brooks St. www.shopsouthgate.com/kidx/register ---------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSOULA FARMERS MARKET. TAYLAR ROBBINS
MISSOULA MARKETS CLARK FORK MARKET This outdoor farmers market boasts locally-produced meat, dairy products, fruits, veggies, flowers, baked goods, live music, coffee, a bar and vendors who dish up breakfast and lunch. Saturdays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. May – October under the Higgins Street Bridge, east of Caras Park www.clarkforkmarket.com -----------------------------------------MISSOULA FARMERS MARKET Nearly 100 local vendors are on hand to offer their produce, plants, flowers, breads and coffee. Saturdays 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. May – October in Circle Square at the north end of Higgins Street Downtown Missoula www.missoulafarmersmarket.com -----------------------------------------TUESDAY EVENING FARMERS MARKET Stock up on produce, plants, flowers and breads from local vendors. Tuesdays 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. June – September Circle Square at the north end of Higgins Street, Downtown Missoula www.missoulafarmersmarket.com
MISSOULA PEOPLES MARKET Dozens of craftspeople showcase their photography, jewelry, clothing, soap, glass art, and other handmade items. Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. May – September, W. Pine St. Downtown Missoula www.missoulasaturdaymarket.org -----------------------------------------MISSOULA VALLEY WINTER MARKET Farmers market promoting local produce, meat, eggs and other farm goods as well as locally roasted coffee, baked goods, prepared breakfast and lunch items, and handmade arts and crafts. Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. November – mid-April 705 S. Higgins Ave. www.facebook.com/ mslavalleywintermarket -----------------------------------------ORCHARD HOMES’ FARMERS MARKET Small farmers market providing vegetables, fruits, baked goods, farmfresh eggs, jewelry, jams and jellies, and a variety of other crafts. Thursdays 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. late June – September 2537 S. 3rd St. W. (Orchard Homes Country Life Club), www.facebook.com OrchardHomesFarmersMarket/
MISSOULA OUTDOOR CINEMA Watch beloved children’s movies, quirky independent films and cult classics on a huge screen under the stars. Sunset (times vary) Saturdays July – August, Headstart School, corner of Worden Ave. and Phillips Ave. www.missoulaoutdoorcinema.org --------------------------------------------------------------------MONTANA WINERY & EVENT CENTER Sip locally crafted reds and whites in a beautiful space while listening to live music. Wednesday – Friday 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. 406.830.3296 5646 W. Harrier Dr., www.missoulawineryandeventcenter.com --------------------------------------------------------------------OUT TO LUNCH Montana’s longest running festival features live music and over 20 food vendors. Wednesdays 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. June – August Caras Park, Downtown Missoula www.missouladowntown.com --------------------------------------------------------------------SUMMER BAND CONCERTS The Missoula City Band plays free weekly summer concerts at Bonner Park. Wednesdays 8 p.m., late June – mid-August Bonner Park, corner of Ronald Ave. and Hastings St. University District, www.missoulacityband.org --------------------------------------------------------------------TEN SPOON VINEYARD & WINERY WINE TASTINGS Taste award-winning wines, enjoy live music and bring a full picnic basket! Children and well-behaved dogs welcome. Fridays 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. November – March and Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. April – October, 406.549.8703, 4175 Rattlesnake Dr. www.tenspoon.com
America the Beautiful Series: Best Farmers Markets in the U.S. Tripping 2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // LIVE HELP 800.526.3465
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ADVERTORIAL
DOWNTOWN MISSOULA WELCOMES YOU! On behalf of our entire Downtown Missoula community, we welcome you and your family, friends and coworkers to spend some time in Montana’s most culturally-diverse and vibrant city center. As one of America’s Great Neighborhoods, Downtown Missoula has something for everyone, no matter your age, interests, or income. With more than 100 restaurants, coffee shops, bars, breweries and distilleries, and nearly 100 shopping destinations, Downtown Missoula is comprised of mostly locally-owned, small businesses that care about their community and the people who live in it. As a major entertainment district for Western Montana, Downtown Missoula features museums, theaters, dance studios, art studios, and live music from dawn to dusk. We invite you to discover or rediscover Downtown Missoula! Come see some of our new businesses and support those long-standing staples that make Missoula so unique.
DOWNTOWN
MISSOULA
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Enjoy more than 100 restaurants, coffee shops, bars, breweries and distilleries and nearly 100 shopping destinations.
ATHENA PHOTOGRAPHY
ADVERTORIAL
RECREATION: One of the primary attractions for folks who live and visit Western Montana is outdoor recreation, and Downtown Missoula is an excellent complement for those who enjoy the great outdoors. There are fun places and spaces where Missoulians and their guests can recreate in and around Downtown Missoula, including: First Interstate Place and Bank Street Park, Missoula Art Park, Brennan’s Wave, and Ron’s River Trail. The Guide to Downtown Missoula showcases both the Public Art and Historical SelfGuided Walking tours with more than 20 destinations on each tour. Pick up the Guide to Downtown Missoula at the Downtown Missoula Partnership (218 E. Main Street) or Destination Missoula (140 N. Higgins Avenue). For more information, visit www. missouladowntown.com. DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN: Downtown Missoula is a hot market for investment and new businesses with commercial, housing and transportation projects. The Downtown Master Plan helped guide the investments and improvements over the past 10 years, and Missoula’s city center is more vibrant than ever. With so much change taking place, updating the Downtown Master Plan has been in the works since fall of 2018.
The Downtown Master Plan is the community’s vision for Missoula’s city center, and it serves as the guiding tool for all things that impact Downtown Missoula. It helps both the private sector and the public agencies make decisions. Dover, Kohl & Partners, one of the most prestigious planning firms in the country, guided the community engagement and writing of the new Downtown Master Plan for Missoula.
ATHENA PHOTOGRAPHY
The plan focuses on all things that make a downtown great, including economic development, historic preservation, housing, parking, parks and trails, public spaces, streets, transportation, and more. The values the plan is centered around include authenticity, inclusivity, innovation, sustainability, versatility and viability. PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION: There are many transportation and parking options for those coming downtown to shop, dine, stay or work. With ample parking, zerofare bus service, Uber and Lyft for folks who choose to commute sustainably, there are options for everyone!
Parking options include paid on-street, off-street, and garage parking. You can pay on street at any of the digital parking kiosks, but you’ll need your license plate number. Look for the yellow “Pay Parking Here” signs. You can also pay via the Passport Parking app, which provides parkers a convenient way to pay on the go without stopping at a meter. Metered parking is always free after 5 p.m. weekdays, weekends, and state of Montana holidays. Downtown Missoula now has four public parking garages, and the first hour is always free at Central Park and Park Place. Each hour thereafter is only $1. There are more than 200 hourly spaces between Central Park, Park Place, and the newly opened ROAM Parking Garage. Folks can enjoy shopping, dining, and Downtown Missoula for as long as they like. HOUSING: With projects large and small, new development and renovations,
Downtown Missoula has welcomed almost 1,500 new apartments, townhomes, condos and more. Some of the more recent developments include: Old Sawmill District: Polleys Square, Cambium Place and The Sawyer, ROAM, Spruced Lofts, Toole Crossing, Lee Gordon Place and Sweetgrass Commons.
MAKE IT MEMORABLE. MAKE IT DOWNTOWN. 406.543.4238 | WWW.MISSOULADOWNTOWN.COM
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OUTDOOR RECREATION
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE The great outdoors, right outside your door. Rugged and wild or laid-back and rambling, this natural playground has something for everyone. Exploration and adventure in the great outdoors are a part of everyday life here. Swoon-worthy wilderness calls from all directions. Pick a spot and grab your gear. No matter the weather or your fitness level, there’s something for you. Indulge in your favorite activities on land or in the water. Try something new, or practice a familiar skill. Bring your own equipment or find what you need from a local gear shop or rental provider. Missoula’s got hiking trails and biking trails, ski hills and wandering hills, fishing rivers and floating rivers. And if you’ve got wheels, there are three major recreation areas just a few minutes’ drive outside of town.
BLUE MOUNTAIN. ALEX HANICH
START YOUR ADVENTURE HERE RATTLESNAKE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA AND WILDERNESS This 60,000-acre wilderness complex to the north of Missoula offers a variety of hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and bicycling opportunities on developed trails. PATTEE CANYON RECREATION AREA A favorite Missoula recreation area for years, this 3,200-acre spot has an abundance of ponderosa pines and a network of scenic trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. BLUE MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA This 4,900-acre area offers off-road trails for hikers, equestrians, bicyclists and ATV enthusiasts. There are also two wheelchair accessible loops plus handicap parking and restrooms. Find breathtaking views on this 41-mile trail system and a forest-fire lookout at road’s end. CLARK FORK RIVER The Clark Fork River runs straight through the heart of Missoula, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors. BLACKFOOT RIVER The Blackfoot River has become one of the state’s most popular due in part to its beautiful natural setting and the fame gained from the novella and film A River Runs Through It. BITTERROOT VALLEY AND RIVER Western Montana’s Bitterroot River runs 75 miles south-to-north through the Bitterroot Valley and Missoula.
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WATERWORKS HILL. TAYLAR ROBBINS
OUTDOOR RECREATION
“ Missoula is clearly a city that adores the outdoors, especially the water, and we barely scratched the surface of the hiking and rafting available. I was impressed by the quality vegan options in a town of this size, especially given there weren’t many dedicated vegan or vegetarian restaurants to speak of. Alisha McDarris, Terradrift
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OUTDOOR RECREATION
“ This was my first visit to Missoula. I came to ride the Bitterroot Trail and discovered beautiful country, great people and excellent food along the way. I’m looking forward to my next chance to explore this exciting outdoor destination.” Dan Shryock
Like a Local Brennan’s Wave is a man-made wave on the Clark Fork River in downtown Missoula. It’s the perfect place to watch kayakers, surfers and maybe a brave tuber.
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OUTDOOR RECREATION
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT There’s a famously good reason that locals go surfing on their lunch hour. It’s the same reason that experts and newcomers go fly-fishing side by side in the middle of downtown and that freestyle kayaking competitions are hosted here. The Clark Fork River runs right through town. Just about everybody spends time on, in, and around the river. Why not star in your own movie? We’ll provide the iconic setting, the authentic extras, suitable gear and experienced guides. We’ll even throw in a picnic lunch. From high-adrenaline whitewater to a relaxing float with a backdrop of ponderosa pines, mountain shorelines and bald eagles, come have a blast and splash around with us. TUBING/STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING Whether gliding along a smooth lake surface or navigating the ebb and flow of a river, tubing and stand-up paddleboarding attract a wide range of water enthusiasts looking to relax under Montana’s big sky. Easy access to the water and a variety of rental vendors equals a stress-free day of discovery. FLY-FISHING Nestled in sheer wild wonder, Missoula offers the perfect setting for a peaceful day of casting a fly rod on the river. With an impressive number of skilled award-winning fishing outfitters and guides, three rivers, and Rock Creek’s blue-ribbon trout stream, Missoula has been named one of the country’s top ten fly-fishing towns.
DID YOU KNOW?
Missoula is the setting and inspiration for the 1976 fly-fishing novella by Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It.
BLACKFOOT RIVER. TAYLAR ROBBINS
WHITEWATER RAFTING Hitting the rapids is exhilarating no matter your vessel of choice, but whitewater rafting—led by any one of Missoula’s several rafting guides—lends a sense of community to the whole experience. With a variety of rafting expeditions tailored to your needs and preferences, it’s an adventure made for you. KAYAKING Kayaking draws quite the crowd with Brennan’s Wave, in the heart of downtown. A wave system created in memory of a local kayaker, Brennan’s Wave brings Montana’s outdoors into Missoula’s city limits.
BRENNAN’S WAVE. TAYLAR ROBBINS
SURFING Missoula houses one of the only mountain surf shops in the country and thrill seeking ratchets up to a whole new level here as more and more people are choosing to chase the nonstop ride of a rushing river. Watch surfers conquer the water at Brennan’s Wave near Caras Park. 2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // LIVE HELP 800.526.3465
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OUTDOOR RECREATION
HIT THE TRAIL Welcome to 360 degrees of awesome via Missoula’s astonishingly vast network of hiking and biking trails. You can pace yourself according to elevation gain and distance and there are trailheads almost everywhere: along the riverfront or at the base of any mountain or foothill. You’re rewarded with views of snowcapped peaks, the shape of the river as it carves through downtown, profusions of wildflowers, and likely even a few deer. Take your pick from switchbacks galore as well as trails hugging the edges of hillsides. Catch the sunrise from one of Missoula’s many peaks and watch the valley take its morning bath in mesmerizing early light. The birdsongs and dew-drenched grasses make it all worthwhile. You can bookend your day with a breathtaking portrait of the sunset from yet another mountaintop, giving new meaning to the phrase “paint the town.” By foot or on wheels, Missoula has a path with your name on it. Many, actually. BIKING With easy and immediate access available to all forms of biking, Missoula’s cycling culture is on the rise. Hundreds of miles of biking trails crisscross the land and offer stunning vistas. Major mountain biking trail systems run through the Rattlesnake Recreation Area, Pattee Canyon and Blue Mountain, offering miles of single track only minutes from downtown. The Clark Fork Riverfront Trail System links to biking trails in the Deer Creek and Marshall Mountain areas. Ride the chairlift up and bike down at Snowbowl Ski Area. Competitive riders race in leagues, regular trail series and cyclocross. There are also several competitive race teams in Missoula. Those interested in the more social aspect of biking join regular organized rides. Missoula’s bike lanes and extensive pathway system allow for stress-free bike commuting through town. The Bitterroot Trail is a 50-mile paved path that connects Missoula and Hamilton. It is a perfect way to explore the charming towns along the way, complete with amazing views of the Bitterroot Mountains. ZIP LINING For the dry-land thrill seeker, or anyone who craves the sensation of flying, Montana Snowbowl ski resort boasts a dizzying collection of zip lines in the summer that will pump your adrenaline into overdrive. RUNNING The Missoula Marathon was ranked the #1 marathon in the U.S. by BibRave and The Runner’s Edge in downtown Missoula was named the Best Running Store in the U.S. It’s safe to say, Missoula loves to run. And with all the trails and wide-open spaces, it’s no wonder. As many as 40 organized races are held here each year, where Run Wild Missoula is a way of life.
In 2018, the Missoula Marathon was ranked the #1 Marathon in the U.S. by the BibRave 100. 40
MISSOULA MARATHON. GAMEFACE MEDIA
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RUNNING WILD AND GAINING SPEED From its humble origins back in 2006, Run Wild Missoula (RWM) has evolved into the largest memberbased organization based solely in the Missoula area. Tony Banovich, Executive Director of RWM, explains why this club works for Missoula, and shares how the marathon has grown to be consistently one of the top-rated marathons in the country. “Our mission is to promote running and walking for people of all ages and abilities. Running is a sport you can do throughout a lifetime, for most people. Whether you are starting from step one with walking to training as an elite runner, there is a place for you here. For some people it is a significant change in their lifestyle or their quality of life. People do things through the club that they didn’t think they could ever accomplish.” With over 1,600 members and more than two dozen sponsors, RWM sees an incredible amount of community support. “Missoula has become such an active fitness community, and we fit right into the heart of that. The sponsors that come in are always excited to be involved because everything that we are doing is positive, healthy, good spirited, and exciting. I think it’s the overall social fabric of the community that helps drive our success.” RWM hosts the Missoula Marathon annually, an event that sees such success, in large part, thanks to the community of runners who organize the event. “Virtually everyone in charge of the race is a runner, so it’s a business of passion. People want the race to be good because we know what we would want from a race experience. We’re going to give you the quality that you see in [a larger city], but you’re going to get small-town charm, too.” PHOTO BY VOTOGRAPHY IMAGES
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Can’t-Miss Hikes Hiking in Missoula is one of those activities almost anyone can appreciate. From stunning steep peaks to peaceful, leisurely strolls, it’s one of Missoula’s most popular pastimes. THE “M” (MOUNT SENTINEL) A quick hike that’s all about the incline and the fresh air, ascending the “M” offers the quintessential snapshot of Missoula Valley. WATERWORKS HILL Multiple trails encourage exploration and every bend shares something new. Hike to the ever-evolving rock and stone community-made peace sign. THE “L” (MOUNT JUMBO) A system of trails spreads out in all directions, and in the spring the arrowleaf balsamroot flower paints the entire face of the mountain yellow. BLUE MOUNTAIN Succumbing to the wilderness surrounding Missoula, these trails deliver sweeping views and a sense of out-oftown adventure among their many twists and turns. PATTEE CANYON Several trails crisscross acres of a thickly wooded wonderland where getting lost is as easy as finding your way back. RATTLESNAKE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA AND WILDERNESS Five miles from downtown, you’ll find this spectacular area with 60,000 acres and a system of trails that open up new pockets of nature for all who venture in.
VIEW FROM THE “M” ON MOUNT SENTINEL.
TAYLAR ROBBINS
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WINTER WONDERLAND
Ski the West
Summer isn’t endless after all, but we can still guarantee a perfect visit when Missoula’s temperatures cool down. There’s no need to stay indoors when there’s an abundance of adventure to be had any time of year. Snow season in Missoula is as dramatically vivid as a holiday postcard. There are no winter blues in this landscape, except for that gloriously bright dome overhead. Grab your skis, snowboards, snowshoes or snowmobiles. The many options for epic powder exploration—all within reach of town—will fulfill even winter’s shortest days.
Winter in Montana is a wonderland of deep, fluffy, white powder. And Missoula is the perfect basecamp for your wild winter experience. Within range of five ski areas, it’s kind of a no brainer. MONTANA SNOWBOWL is right in Missoula’s backyard. Within minutes you can go from city streets to snow globe, complete with fresh soft powder and a rustic lodge serving wood-fired pizza and bloody marys talked about far and wide. BLACKTAIL MOUNTAIN offers affordable, familyfriendly skiing with stunning views of Flathead Lake and a unique topto-bottom run. Beat the crowds and pricey lift tickets at one of Montana’s best-kept secrets. LOOKOUT PASS lets you straddle the Montana/ Idaho border, hone your skills at their famous ski school, and warm up in one of the oldest ski lodges in the northwest. LOST TRAIL POWDER MOUNTAIN is a true Montana treasure loved by beginners and experts alike. You’ll find more snow here than any other resort in Montana. Waist-deep powder and authentic winter fun are yours for the taking.
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DISCOVERY SKI AREA. ATHENA PHOTOGRAPHY
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DISCOVERY SKI AREA is known around here as “Disco” and has all the beautiful views, wideopen slopes, tree skiing, powder bowls, groomed trails and mogul runs you need for an epic day of powder play.
In and around Missoula’s city limits, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing provide a fun and fresh way to get outside and enjoy the beauty of a Missoula winter wonderland. Several places in town provide affordable rentals. LOOKOUT PASS SKI TRAILS are known for generous snowfall and are located next to and part of the snowmobile trail system. There are nine ungroomed trails that total 7.3 miles of cross-county exploration. LUBRECHT FOREST maintains more than 12 miles of dog-friendly ski trails, and you can make it an overnight excursion with a Lubrecht cabin or lodge rental. PATTEE CANYON RECREATION AREA is set in a beautiful, lush wooded canyon near Missoula and offers a mix of flat and hilly groomed skate and classic trails. RATTLESNAKE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA offers 61,000 acres of stunning, glaciated terrain in some of Montana's premier urban wilderness, blending the best of both wilderness and civilization. The main Rattlesnake and side drainages are readily accessible to cross-country skiers. SEELEY CREEK NORDIC SKI TRAILS are a series of linked groomed ski trails in one of Montana’s most-desired recreation areas. Skiers can take their pick of a short, medium or long route.
NORDIC SKIING AT LOLO PASS. NELSON KENTER
A SLEDDER’S PARADISE
Hit the trails and get lost in the wilds of winter. A couple hours’ drive brings you to any one of several snow-packed areas that appear as if they were made just for powering up and plowing through. LOLO PASS offers 250 miles of groomed, connecting trails and a series of interconnecting loop trails straddling two national forests on the Montana-Idaho border. Head deep into the heart of the Bitterroot Range, with lots of meadows and play areas along the way. SEELEY LAKE—tucked between the Mission Mountains and the Swan Range—is one of western Montana’s most popular year-round recreation areas. From town, snowmobilers can fan out on over 230 miles of groomed trails in nearly every direction to scenic lookouts, cozy lodges, cafés and backcountry lakes. GARNET boasts a 116-mile trail system for snowmobilers and skiers, complete with spectacular views of the Blackfoot Valley, the Mission Mountains, the Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Pintler Range. The 31.5-mile Garnet National Winter Recreation Trail takes snowmobilers and skiers into the heart of the ghost town and the surrounding area. HAUGAN offers snowmobiling opportunities for all abilities, combining vast riding possibilities with a family atmosphere. Trails begin right off I-90. You’ll see friendly faces at trailside stops with designated trails, open meadows and scenic views. MISSION MOUNTAIN trails offer up-close exploration of this picturesque range. Because the trails are on the Flathead Indian Reservation, snowmobilers need special recreation permits widely available at gas stations and convenience stores on the reservation.
FROM SNOWBOWL TO THE OLYMPICS In 2018, an average of 19.8 million viewers a night rooted on Team USA in the PyeongChang Olympics. And in Missoula, they were all rooting for one: Missoula native, Darian Stevens. Darian’s journey to the Olympics began simply enough: a girl living in Missoula who loved skiing at Montana Snowbowl. Growing up in Montana, Darian began skiing at Snowbowl when she was just 3 years old. “My mom said that I would always ski down really fast and wait for everyone at the bottom, and I would get really annoyed that I couldn’t go faster.” After years of competitive skiing, Darian left Montana at 17 to train in Utah—not an easy choice for a girl who was at the time a junior in high school. “At first it was really hard [to be away from family]. I decided that instead of feeling like I was missing out, I would learn to embrace it. I realized that it was really cool not being a regular kid.” Her dedication and efforts paid off, and the Olympics defied all her expectations. “During opening ceremonies, it was amazing to walk in with every Team USA athlete. Everyone is so excited. It was an honor. It was surreal, really.” Even though she lives and trains away from home, she loves coming back to Missoula to see family and friends and to do “Missoula things.” “I love going back to Snowbowl— it is the best mountain ever. [I like] floating the Clark Fork and going to Caras Park. I go hiking with my mom up the M or at Blue Mountain. I go disc golfing with my brother. Missoula will always be home to me.” PHOTO BY ZACH DOLEAC
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OUTDOOR RECREATION
NORDIC ADVENTURES AND WINTER TREKS
OUTDOOR RECREATION
FALL FOR MISSOULA Even in autumn you can keep your heart rate up with biking and hiking around town. And the golfing season can be surprisingly long, starting as early as March and continuing well into October. From water’s edge to summit, birding and hunting are popular pastimes. Opportunities for exploration aren’t at all limited to those summer days of late twilight. So, gear up and layer up: you’ll have a new perspective in no time.
Best Cities to Watch the Season Change: Missoula, Montana. Expedia
RIVERFRONT WALKING TRAIL, DOWNTOWN MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
BIRDING With infinite locales available in minutes, you can spot your next yellow warbler or great horned owl by lunchtime and be back on the search for a bald eagle before you know it.
HUNTING Autumn’s shifting colors signal the beginning of a long tradition in Montana. Hunting here is not merely a sport or remotely a chore, but a way of life that carries a history and love of the wild with it.
GOLFING Gorgeous green spaces meet relaxation at any one of Missoula’s seven golf courses. Most are open to the public and feature mature trees and sweeping fairways underneath Montana’s big sky. Missoula is also home to Montana’s only links course, The Ranch Club.
FOLFING The four major folf courses in or near Missoula—Blue Mountain, Pattee Canyon, Snowbowl, and Sky Ranch—all offer fun and challenging rounds of disc golf in beautiful settings. Missoula Parks and Recreation’s “Folf in the Parks” program invites families to play together at beginner-friendly, temporary courses set up throughout the city.
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Prepare for a future no one can predict. The future belongs to those who will be able to reinvent themselves again and again over the course of their lifetimes. That’s why at UM we help our students develop their critical-thinking skills, find and define their creative talents and master the art of communication. Study here and you will emerge a well-rounded, well-prepared individual – so you can go take on the world.
STAY CONNECTED WITH US. (406) 243-6266 • BeAGriz@umontana.edu admissions.umt.edu 2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // LIVE HELP 800.526.3465
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OUTDOOR RECREATION
OUTDOOR RECREATION RESOURCES NATIONAL FOREST RECREATION For information about national forests, campgrounds, fire restrictions, trails and trail conditions, maps, state parks, and closures, contact the following: FOREST SERVICE NORTHERN REGION Building 26, Fort Missoula 406.329.3511, www.fs.usda.gov/r1 MISSOULA RANGER DISTRICT & LOLO NATIONAL FOREST SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE 24 Fort Missoula Rd., 406.329.3750 www.fs.usda.gov/lolo BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT MISSOULA OFFICE 3255 Fort Missoula Rd. 406.329.3914 www.blm.gov/office/missoulafield-office MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS REGION 2 3201 Spurgin Rd., 406.542.5500 www.fwp.mt.gov/regions/r2 BEAVERHEAD-DEERLODGE NATIONAL FOREST 420 Barret St., Dillon, MT www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf BITTERROOT NATIONAL FOREST 1801 N. 1st St., Hamilton, MT www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot FLATHEAD NATIONAL FOREST www.fs.usda.gov/flathead LOLO NATIONAL FOREST 406.329.3750 www.fs.usda.gov/lolo To reserve a Forest Service cabin or lookout tower, visit: www.recreation.gov
HIKING HIKE WILD MONTANA For information on hikes in Montana, visit www.hike.wildmontana.org BIKING ADVENTURE CYCLING ASSOCIATION 800.755.2453 www.adventurecycling.org MISSOULA BICYCLE CLUB www.missoulabicycleclub.org MISSOULA IN MOTION 406.552.6675 www.missoulainmotion.com
RUNNING RUN WILD MISSOULA 406.544.7073 www.runwildmissoula.org HORSEBACK RIDING ADVENTURE MISSOULA 406.813.0595 www.adventuremissoula.com BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN OF MISSOULA 406.531.2455 www.bchmt.org/missoula BIG SKY HORSE PARK (membership required) 3500 North Ave. 406.396.1302 www.bigskyhorsepark.org DOUBLE ARROW RESORT Seeley Lake, MT, 406.677.2777 www.doublearrowresort.com DUNROVIN RANCH Lolo, MT, 406.273.7745 www.dunrovinranchmontana.com BIRDING
MONTANA STATE PARKS www.stateparks.mt.gov
FIVE VALLEYS AUDUBON SOCIETY www.fvaudubon.org
COUNCIL GROVE STATE PARK 11249 Mullan Rd. www.stateparks. mt.gov/council-grove
GOLFING
MILLTOWN STATE PARK Overlook area: 1353 Deer Creek Rd. Confluence area: 7363 Juniper Dr. www.stateparks.mt.gov/milltown BOATING & FLOATING For more information on the Alberton Gorge, Blackfoot River, the Flathead Lake Marine Trail and Thompson Chain of Lakes, contact Montana, Fish, Wildlife & Parks. www.fwp.mt.gov/recreation/ activities/boating 46
MOUNTAIN BIKING MISSOULA www.mountainbikingmissoula.com
CANYON RIVER GOLF CLUB 18 hole, East Missoula, MT 406.721.0222 www.canyonrivergolfclub.com HIGHLANDS GOLF CLUB 9 hole, Missoula, 406.721.GOLF www.thekeeprestaurant.com/ the-highlands KING RANCH GOLF COURSE 18 hole, Frenchtown, MT, 406.626.4000 www.kingranchmt.com
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MOUNT SENTINEL. TAYLAR ROBBINS
LARCHMONT GOLF COURSE 18 hole, Missoula, 406.721.4416 www.larchmontgolfcourse.com
DISCOVERY SKI AREA Anaconda, MT, 406.563.2184 www.skidiscovery.com
LINDA VISTA GOLF COURSE 9 hole, Missoula, 406.251.3655 www.lindavistagolfcourse.com
LOOKOUT PASS Mullan, ID, 208.744.1301 www.skilookout.com
MISSOULA COUNTRY CLUB 18 hole, Missoula, 406.251.2404 www.missoulacountryclub.com THE RANCH CLUB 18 hole, Missoula, 406.532.1000 www.ranchclub.com THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA GOLF COURSE 9 hole, Missoula, 406.728.8629 www.umt.edu/golf FOLFING GARDEN CITY FLYERS DISC GOLF CLUB www.gardencityflyers.org FISHING For information on licenses, regulations and fishing access sites, visit Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: www.fwp.mt.gov/fishing HUNTING Game animals include: deer, elk, antelope, moose, upland game birds, waterfowl, turkey, black bear, mountain lion, wolf, bison, bighorn sheep and mountain goats. For more information about seasons, regulations, access, maps and permits, visit Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: www.fwp.mt.gov/hunting DOWNHILL SKIING/ SNOWBOARDING For avalanche updates, call the West Central Montana Avalanche Advisory at 406.549.4488 or 800.281.1030 www.missoulaavalanche.org BLACKTAIL MOUNTAIN Lakeside, MT, 406.844.0999 www.blacktailmountain.com
LOST TRAIL POWDER MOUNTAIN Conner, MT, 406.821.3211 www.losttrail.com MONTANA SNOWBOWL Missoula, 406.549.9777 www.montanasnowbowl.com CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING LOLO PASS Contact the Powell Ranger Station at 208.942.3113 LUBRECHT SKI TRAILS www.cfc.umt.edu/lubrecht/activities/ skiing/default.php NORDIC SKIING DISCOVERY SKI AREA www.skidiscovery.com/the-mountain MISSOULA NORDIC SKI CLUB www.missoulanordic.org SEELEY LAKE NORDIC SKIING www.seeleylakenordic.org SEELEY LAKE REGIONAL OUTDOOR CENTER FOR KINETIC SPORTS www.seeleylakerocks.org SNOWMOBILING For avalanche updates, call the West Central Montana Avalanche Advisory 406.549.4488 or 800.281.1030 www.missoulaavalanche.org MISSOULA SNOWGOERS SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION www.missoulasnowgoers.org
Welcome to Missoula. Let us show you around our home. To know Missoula is to call it home, to be part of the community, to know your neighbors. At Windermere, our agents are some of the best in the business because their expertise is backed by unwavering local pride. Let us help you make the move to western Montana.
WINDERMEREMISSOULA.COM | (406) 541-6550 | 2800 S. RESERVE ST. RELATIONSHIPS | COMMUNITY | COLLABORATION | PROFESSIONALISM
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CAFFÈ DOLCE. TAYLAR ROBBINS
CIAO MAMBO. TAYLAR ROBBINS
SAVOR THE LOCAL FLAVOR. An amazing food scene is part of the charm.
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Foodies visiting Missoula be warned: You will feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven. You might assume that a place surrounded by breathtaking wilderness couldn’t possibly offer knockout food, too, but you’d be wrong. No matter how discerning your palate, there’s a handcrafted dining experience with your name on it. Morning, noon and night, there are taste bud pleasing menus all over town, from ultra-friendly breakfast joints (Catalyst Café & Espresso Bar) to one-of-a-kind hipster food trucks (Tia’s Tamales, Clove Cart Pizza, Bison Burgers), from take-out Brazilian combos (Five on Black) to counter-style East Indian (Masala), from classy elegance (Pearl Café) to happy hour heaven—which happens not once but twice a day at Plonk. (Please run, do not walk, to Plonk. You can thank us later.) The only hard part about eating in Missoula involves the challenge of choosing from a
2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG
DINING
Where to Eat in Missoula We know, it can be tough to choose from Missoula’s seemingly endless list of restaurants. Here’s a handy guide to our go-to dining experiences for every occasion.
GOURMET
FARM TO TABLE
PLONK: Fine wine, food and cocktails with a metropolitan personality. THE PEARL: French-influenced cuisine in a white-tablecloth setting. SCOTTY’S TABLE: Upscale Mediterranean dishes made with local ingredients. 1889: Steak, seafood and a full bar in the Mercantile Hotel.
BURNS ST. BISTRO: Airy daytime bistro with rotating breakfast and lunch specials. BIGA PIZZA: Beer, wine, salads and brick oven pizza by scratch. ROOSTERLOO: Market and eatery with an attached greenhouse. IRON GRIZ AMERICAN BISTRO: Local cuisine with views of the UM Golf Course.
VEGAN & VEGETARIAN
FAMILY FRIENDLY
IZA: Pan-Asian dishes in a Zen atmosphere. SECOND SET BISTRO: Contemporary American lunch and dinner in the historic Florence Building. GREEN SOURCE: Organic smoothies, juice and food made with local ingredients. MASALA: Authentic Indian dishes, scratchmade with locally sourced ingredients.
GRAB AND GO THE GOOD FOOD STORE: Large array of pre-made, natural dishes to go. EL DIABLO: Made-to-order burritos and tacos. MARKET ON FRONT: Gourmet sandwiches and salads in an urban market. TAGLIARE DELICATESSEN: Contemporary Italian deli with specialty food and wine.
BISON
PLONK. TAYLAR ROBBINS
STILL ROOM: Locally sourced, from-scratch dishes near downtown. JAMES BAR: Hearty American fare in a laid-back bar. THE DEPOT: Steak and seafood in a contemporary cowboy setting.
WHERE TO CATCH A GAME rapidly growing restaurant scene. Here’s one mouthwatering master plan. Grab an early caffeine jolt from Black Coffee Roasting Co., where coffee is an art form. Hike until you’re dying for breakfast (try the Hob Nob Café). Go for a bike ride and work up your readiness for a picnic lunch (farmers market, Market on Front, Good Food Store). Paddle until it’s time to select a primo spot for dinner (Biga Pizza, Top Hat, Rumour). Get the picture?
PARADISE FALLS: American comfort food in an easygoing tavern. TAMARACK BREWING: House-brewed beer, pub fare and TVs to spare. IRON HORSE: Bar and grill with daily happy hour specials. PRESS BOX: American grub and draft beer in a sports-themed setting.
THE MONTANA CLUB: Steakhouse, seafood and a full bar with multiple locations. HUHOT: Customizable stir-fry dishes in a casual setting. MACKENZIE RIVER: Pizza, sandwiches and more in heaping portions. CIAO MAMBO: Italian dishes and wine in an art-filled atmosphere.
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH CATALYST: Bi-level coffee shop serving breakfast and lunch. TROUGH: Home-grown grub in a gourmet market. SHACK: Breakfast and lunch made from scratch in an antique-filled setting. HOB NOB: Low-key café offering breakfast, lunch and vegan options.
DINING WITH A VIEW CAFFÈ DOLCE: Italian dishes, espresso, beer and wine in a charming neighborhood. CONFLUX: House-brewed beer and pub food with a Southern twist. FINN: Waterfront dining overlooking the Clark Fork River. THE KEEP: Upscale eatery with panoramic mountain and city views.
BEST BURGERS & FRIES TOP HAT: Unique, house-made dishes in a live-music venue. WALLY & BUCK: Creative burgers made with local ingredients. THE THOMAS MEAGHER BAR: Irish restaurant offering pub food and a lengthy whiskey list.
For a list of the newest restaurants in Missoula, see page 96. Visit DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/FOOD-DRINK for more information on dining. 2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // LIVE HELP 800.526.3465
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MISSOULA RESTAURANTS BLUE CANYON KITCHEN & TAVERN/HILTON GARDEN INN Enjoy creative American cooking in a comfortable sophisticated mountain lodge setting. Savor steaks, seafood and vegetarian entrées. Enjoy a happy hour cocktail and appetizer in the tavern. See ad on page 71. 3720 N. Reserve St., 406.541.BLUE www.bluecanyonrestaurant.com American, Contemporary Dining, desserts. $20 – $35. Dinner only. Casino. Cocktails, beer and wine. Catering and private dining. Private dining capacity is 30. -----------------------------------------BROOKS & BROWNS HOLIDAY INN DOWNTOWN Featuring regional brews, great food and live entertainment. Located along the Clark Fork River at the Holiday Inn Downtown. Happy hour daily 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. and all day Sunday. See ad on page 3. 200 S. Pattee St., 406.532.2056 www.holidayinn.com/missoulapark American. $7 – $25. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cocktails, beer and wine. Up to 1,000 people reception, 450 banquet. -----------------------------------------BUTTERFLY HERBS Offering fresh coffees, teas (Evening in Missoula), bulk spices, botanicals, gifts and fine toiletries. The café features homemade soups, fresh salads, sandwiches and coffee ice cream specialties. Missoula’s first and favorite espresso bar. See ad on page 59. 232 N. Higgins Ave., 406.728.8780 www.butterflyherbs.com Coffeehouse. $1 – $6.50. Breakfast and lunch.
CIAO MAMBO The lights are low, the music is up, the wine is flowing and the energy is buzzing. It’s the perfect setting for Italian food. The pasta dishes with rich, savory sauces and fresh ingredients, thin-crust pizzas baked to perfection and unmatched service will keep you coming back for more. See ad on this page. 541 S. Higgins Ave., 406.543.0377 www.ciaomambo.com, Italian. $10 - $25. Dinner. Beer and wine. Banquet facility capacity is 40. -----------------------------------------FINN/DOUBLETREE Finn Restaurant and Deck featuring steak and seafood entices with a fabulous river view, savory menu and extraordinary service. See ad on page 2. 100 Madison St., 406.542.4660 www.facebook.com/FINNmissoula/ Steak, seafood. $15 - $50. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cocktails, beer and wine. Banquet capacity is 20. -----------------------------------------GOOD FOOD STORE The GFS deli features salads and sandwiches, Fire Deck pizza, wok bowls, a selection of soups, a salad bar and a hot bar offering a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner entrées. Locally-roasted coffee/espresso drinks and an extensive smoothie/juice/ kombucha menu complement bakery goods from the GFS ovens and from Missoula’s favorite bakeries. See ad on page 95. 1600 S. 3rd St. W., 406.541.3663 www.goodfoodstore.com Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Retail sales of beer and wine, no on-site consumption.
PARADISE FALLS Paradise Falls is a restaurant, lounge and casino offering family-friendly menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy the newly renovated deck and experience why this has been Missoula’s coolest hot spot for over 20 years. See ad on page 51. 3621 Brooks St., 406.728.3228 www.paradisefallsmissoula.com Sports bar, American, family dining. $5 – $16. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Casino. Cocktails, beer and wine. Catering. Banquet capacity 80.
24 Coolest Towns in the USA: Missoula, Montana Matador Network
PLONK. TAYLAR ROBBINS
PLONK Plonk is an excursion into the world of fine wine, food, cocktails, service and atmosphere. Merging elements of evolving culture, style, art, music and fashion. Plonk endeavors to create an all-encompassing dining experience. See ad on page 51. 322 N. Higgins Ave., 406.926.1791 www.plonkwine.com, French inspired new American, $10 – $35. Happy hour and dinner. Cocktails, beer and wine. -----------------------------------------THE STILL ROOM Formerly known as the Broadway Bar, the Still Room is located within five minutes of downtown and features a locally sourced menu, craft cocktails, extensive local beer selection and outdoor bar and pool/ hot tub. See ad on page 68. 1609 W. Broadway St.,406.543.5678 www.stillroommt.com, $7 – $17. Dinner. Cocktails, beer and wine.
“ Missoula really surprised us. We knew it would be beautiful, and we figured we’d have fun, but we had no idea just how scenic, how adventurous, and how advanced this charming mountain town is. From the booming culinary scene to floating down the Clark Fork River with a beer in hand, we had the time of our lives... and we can’t wait to come back!” Alli & Bobby Talley, The Traveling Newlyweds
®
®
406.543.0377
541 s. higgins ave. • downtown missoula ciaomambo.com /ciaomambomissoula open 5 pm daily • banquet room available for 40+ guests 50
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FARMERS MARKET. TAYLAR ROBBINS
MARKET FAVORITES
Great Hour Specials Specials on on Great Happy Happy Hour Food Food & & Drinks. Drinks. 3621 BROOKS STREET 3621 BROOKS STREET
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH • SANDWICHES • BURGERS
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH • SANDWICHES • BURGERS
PARADISEFALLSMISSOULA.COM
DINING
We are Missoula’s Coolest Hotspot!
The Place to to Watch Watch The Perfect Perfect Place Sports Sports with with Friends. Friends. 406.728.3228 406.728.3228
Missoula’s outdoor markets draw plenty of travelers from near and far, but locals look forward to strolling the market streets week after week because smalltown pride runs deep here, shopping local is a community value and, quite frankly, everyone’s got their Saturday morning ritual, and here, it often involves a farmers market favorite. HUCKLEBERRY HEAVEN: When huckleberry season is in full swing (August through September), you’ll find quart and gallon-sized bags of the coveted berry scattered throughout the market. If you manage to snag some, good luck not eating the whole lot before you make your way to the other side of the street. MORELS OR ELSE: You might call it an obsession. From April to August, the elusive morel mushrooms are popping up near cottonwood-lined river bottoms and burn areas, and some of the dedicated hunter-gatherers who are lucky enough to spot them and pluck them from the ground sell them at the market, making it a little easier for everyone to get their hands on some…if you’re lucky. MELON MADNESS: You’ll not find a better melon west of the Mississippi. Dixon Melons are a Missoula market hot commodity, and for good reason. Try their “Candy Girls” cross between a cantaloupe and a honey dew, or their “Sinful” tropical melon. 2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // LIVE HELP 800.526.3465
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MISSOULA STORY:
FROM FOUR WHEELS TO FOUR-SEASONS, NINJA MIKE’S IS A LOCAL FLAVOR TO SAVOR We really like food here in Missoula. Okay, we are obsessed, and for good reason. Every once in a while, favorite food trucks evolve into fullservice restaurants thanks to the support of the community. Places like Masala, Tia’s Tamales, Wally & Buck, and the community-loved Ninja Mike’s have experienced such successes. Ethan Sky, Owner and Operator of Ninja Mike’s, shares his gratitude for the Missoula community that allowed him to grow his roots and his business here in town. ROOTS Ninja Mike’s has been around Missoula for 11 years, with nine of those years operating only at the farmers market, originally serving one locally sourced breakfast sandwich. From there, Ninja Mike’s evolved from a one-sandwich booth to a food truck must on Saturdays. The food truck was built in 2015, and then in September of 2018 a year-round corner shop opened in downtown Missoula. LOCAL MATTERS “[Sourcing local] tastes better, it’s better on the environment, and I am supporting families that I know,” Ethan says about sourcing his food from local farmers and ranchers. “And the food tastes better. I’m not a chef necessarily, but I do pride myself on how I source my ingredients. If you source your ingredients well, it is really hard to mess up your food. When you put them all together, the final product tastes phenomenal.” COMMUNITY LOVED When Ethan decided to open up a storefront, his loyal customers came together and raised over $20,000 to turn his dream into a reality. Ethan says that he is overwhelmed by the support and incredibly grateful. “[Missoula is home to] incredible people who are conscious and intentional. I’m so grateful that we’ve been able to be here as long as we have, and we plan on sticking around. We are excited for the future.”
OUT TO LUNCH AT CARAS PARK. TAYLAR ROBBINS
FOOD TRUCKS Missoula’s food truck scene is one to savor. These unique vehicular vendors can be found truckin’ around Missoula all year long, serving up food that is as diverse as the city itself. You’ll also find food trucks seasonally at festivals and events like the Clark Fork Market, Downtown ToNight and Out to Lunch in Caras Park. Visit Missoula’s own Ninja Mike for a mean breakfast sandwich, and mix things up with Kamoon Arabian Cuisine or Vietnam Noodle for lunch—as far as we’re concerned, you can never have enough food truck fare. From BBQ, bison tacos, and Big Dipper ice cream to tamales, Thai and teriyaki, the food truck culture in Missoula is one of dedication and borderline obsession. Mini doughnuts? There’s a truck for that, too. Look up vendors’ daily locations by visiting their websites and Facebook pages. MARK YOUR CALENDAR
BACON & BREW FEST
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NINJA MIKE’S. TAYLAR ROBBINS
2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG
Late April/early May Caras Park
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL March 29, 2020 University of Montana
DINING
Top Sweet Treats When you’re on vacation, there’s no better time to treat yourself. For inspiration, here are some of Missoula’s finest sweet treats. LOCAL ICE CREAM: SWEET PEAKS AND THE BIG DIPPER Ice cream classics and uniquely delicious recipes create a world of flavor completely devoted to making your taste buds happy regardless of the season. BERNICE’S BAKERY CUPCAKES From a sumptuous white wine cake with smooth buttercream frosting to a mouthwatering, wheatfree, vegan chocolate and mint concoction, Bernice’s Bakery cupcakes are pure decadence and utterly enjoyable no matter your dietary preferences. BLACK CAT BAKE SHOP There’s no better way to start the day than with a breakfast pastry from Black Cat. Black Cat crafts baked goods like works of art, and they taste even better than they look. CAFFÈ DOLCE GELATO Savor a sweet taste of Italy with decadent gelato. The rich Italian ice cream is perfect for a hot afternoon in the summer, or for winter dreaming of warmer days to come. POSH CHOCOLAT Artisanal chocolates devoted to exotic flavors and created from highly inventive combinations, these treats are as shockingly flavored as they are delicious and a bold choice for any true chocolate lover. MUSTARD SEED DESSERTS Delectable morsels designed to entice any palate, these desserts are perfectly sized to sample and share with friends. VEERA DONUTS Vegan or not, the sweet and savory donuts of Veera will satisfy your sweet tooth—and your curiosity. What does the flavor Bruce Banner or Sweet Leaf taste like? You’ll have to find out for yourself. PLONK DESSERT BOARD Chef’s choice house-made cookies, truffles, crème brûlée, ice cream and dessert pastries make up the lavish dessert board at Plonk Wine Bar. MARY’S MOUNTAIN COOKIES Edible cookie dough, quarter-pound cookies and even your very own ice cream-filled cookie creations await at Mary’s Mountain Cookies. Simply follow the aroma of freshly-baked treats next time you’re strolling through downtown Missoula.
THE STEVIE AT VEERA DONUTS. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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DRINK UP. DRINK LOCAL. Cheers! You’re in Missoula. From signature cocktails to local craft brews from an enticing selection of wine to expertly distilled spirits, and locally roasted coffee, there’s plenty to drink in Missoula from dawn to the wee hours. Brewed-to-perfection espresso; masterbrew craft beers from traditional to cutting-edge; must-try distilled liquors that will take your breath away; and ciders pressed from local apples. You’ll discover that Missoula is equally good at wildlife and nightlife. Check out some historic watering holes for old-school dive-bar lovers, e.g., Charlie B’s, The Missoula Club, Stockman’s Bar and The Oxford. Breweries in downtown Missoula are landmark venues and family-friendly to boot. Plus, there’s the sleek-yet-welcoming Montgomery Distillery, acclaimed for the “best gin in the world.” There’s the Top Hat (with its triple-arch Brunswick backbar) and The Dram Shop (with its everchanging and supremely astonishing variety). When it comes to mixology, you can be an ‘A’ student in Missoula. Missoula’s local beverage scene is dynamic and growing. New bars and breweries planned for the coming year will expand the menu of distinctive drink offerings and experiences.
Top 10 Cities for Beer Drinkers: Missoula, Montana Smart Asset
AN APPLE A DAY While it may feel like an old friend to Missoula’s community, Western Cider is relatively new, with its doors opening for business in the spring of 2017. Despite the newness, this place has made its mark on Missoula, on the cider community of the Pacific Northwest, and at large. So what came first, the cider or the apple? For co-owner and orchardist Michael Billingsley, it is a little bit of both. “I did not know what I was going to plant, but I was really interested in orcharding, and then I tasted my first good cider. That is when everything clicked and fell into place. It was an ‘ah-ha’ moment.” Western Cider, Missoula’s only cidery, serves up locally sourced and crafted apple cider (including apples from Michael’s orchard in the Bitterroot Valley). “We are fortunate enough to have wonderful apples for cider that just grow beautifully here. You get better cider from these old trees. It’s our climate, soil, the cool nights—it’s Montana.” Between the rich history of apples in the area and Missoula love of craft, a cidery felt natural. “Missoula has such a great history of orchards. My kids press apples at school, there are big events at places like Moon Randolph Homestead, or neighborhoods will get together and harvest and press apples together. It feels unique.”
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GILD. TAYLAR ROBBINS
PHOTO BY RIO CHANTEL
TAKE A TOUR OF SOME OF MISSOULA’S BEST DRINKS.
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DRINKS
Drink Like a Local
B AYERN PILSNER, BAYERN BREWING. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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EITGEIST, IMAGINE NATION BREWING. ZTAYLAR ROBBINS
GREENOUGH PARK, MONTGOMERY DISTILLERY. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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BREWERIES
DISTILLERIES
CIDERIES
BAYERN BREWING Love a lager at Bayern, where you’ll find a wide selection of Bavarian masterbrews at Montana’s oldest—and only German—brewery. Located upstairs is the Edelweiss Bistro serving traditional German food.
HIGHLANDER BEER – MISSOULA BREWING COMPANY Missoula Brewing Company features a full line of traditional beer styles as well as some cuttingedge, knock-out, crazy-hopped and barrel-aged recipes of this modern age of craft brewing.
LOLO CREEK DISTILLERY Next to Lolo Creek Steakhouse is Missoula County’s newest distillery. Enjoy a cocktail on the patio by the firepit with a view of the mountains. NOT TO BE MISSED: Huckleberry Lemonade 6610 US-12, Lolo, MT, 406.926.2803
WESTERN CIDER It’s Missoula’s first (and beloved) cidery, and offers a unique lineup of ciders.
NOT TO BE MISSED: Montana Helles Lager 1507 Montana St., 406.721.1482 www.bayernbrewery.com
NOT TO BE MISSED: Devil’s Hump Red Ale 200 International Dr., 406.549.8193 www.highlanderbeer.com ------------------------------------------
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-----------------------------------------BIG SKY BREWING COMPANY Big Sky Brewing strives to produce balanced, world-class beers, while having as much fun as possible. NOT TO BE MISSED: Moose Drool Brown Ale 5417 Trumpeter Way, 406.549.2777 www.bigskybrew.com -----------------------------------------CONFLUX BREWING COMPANY One of Missoula’s newest breweries is all about gathering for good—blending good beer, good food and good folks with environmentally sustainable and community-driven practices. NOT TO BE MISSED: Velvet Danger Hazelnut Brown 200 E. Main St., 406.926.3589 www.confluxbrewing.com -----------------------------------------DRAUGHT WORKS BREWERY A Westside taproom, Draught Works has a cool, industrial feel with a huge patio out front, ideal for warm-weather tasting. NOT TO BE MISSED: That’s What She Said Cream Ale 915 Toole Ave., 406.541.1592 www.draughtworksbrewery.com -----------------------------------------GILD BREWING Missoula’s hip strip recently upped its cool factor with craft beer, Mexican street food and a basement arcade. Get the goods at Gild. NOT TO BE MISSED: Gildabeast 515 S. Higgins Ave. www.gildbrewing.com -----------------------------------------GREAT BURN BREWING Locally owned, fun, family-friendly brewery featuring traditional ales brewed with a West Coast flair. NOT TO BE MISSED: Smoke Chaser Porter 2230 McDonald Ave., 406.317.1557 www.greatburnbrewing.com
IMAGINE NATION BREWING CO. A community-oriented and community-based Missoula microbrewery grounded in the world’s great brewing traditions. NOT TO BE MISSED: Freedom Fighter IPA 1151 W. Broadway St., 406.926.1251 www.imaginenationbrewing.com -----------------------------------------KETTLEHOUSE BREWING CO. The KettleHouse Brewing Company has three locations, and you must visit all of them. Birthplace of the award-winning Cold Smoke Scotch Ale®, just one of the must-have brews at KettleHouse. (ALSO) NOT TO BE MISSED: Eddy Out Pale Ale 602 Myrtle St., 406.830.3162 313 N. 1st St., 406.728.1660 605 Cold Smoke Ave., 406.728.1660 -----------------------------------------LOLO PEAK BREWERY Venture just outside of Missoula to Lolo Peak Brewery, where you’ll find a rustic taproom serving up unique dishes and an impressive list of craft brews. NOT TO BE MISSED: No Salmon Pale Ale 6201 Brewery Way, Lolo, MT www.lolopeakbrewery.com -----------------------------------------TAMARACK BREWING CO. With a bar and restaurant downstairs and upstairs, and flat-screen televisions galore, Tamarack is a great place to catch a game, taste some brews and chow down. NOT TO BE MISSED: Sip N’ Go Naked Apricot Ale 231 W. Front St., 406.830.3113 www.tamarackbrewing.com/ missoula
Best Beer Counties in the USA Expedia
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NOT TO BE MISSED: Poor Farmer Classic 501 N. California St., 406.540.4477 www.westerncider.com
MONTANA DISTILLERY With brick walls, pine floors and industrial metal, The Montana Distillery Tasting Room has a rustic Montana feel reminiscent of the days when 631 Woody Street was the Garden City Railroad Bar and a big part of the downtown area.
WINERIES MISSOULA WINERY Offering a taste of Montana, the last best place, with a hint of French style.
NOT TO BE MISSED: The Bitterroot 631 Woody St., 406.541.1889 www.mtdistillery.com
NOT TO BE MISSED: Last Best Red 5656 W. Harrier Dr., 406.830.3296 www.montanawinery.com
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MONTGOMERY DISTILLERY The distillery opened its doors to sippers and swillers in 2012. Offering signature cocktails made with the distillery’s Quicksilver Vodka and Whyte Laydie Gin, Montgomery also makes its own syrups and limited edition spirits.
TEN SPOON VINEYARD AND WINERY Ten Spoon is located in the Rattlesnake on a gorgeous piece of land with killer views. The winery crafts organic regional wines free of synthetic chemicals.
NOT TO BE MISSED: Greenough Park 129 W. Front St., 406.926.1725 www.montgomerydistillery.com
NOT TO BE MISSED: Saint Pepin White 4175 Rattlesnake Dr., 406.549.8703 www.tenspoon.com
-----------------------------------------RATTLESNAKE CREEK DISTILLERS Born in the Missoula’s Rattlesnake Valley, RCD creates the finest of craft spirits including whiskey, gin and vodka.
Missoula, Montana: An Underrated Booze City in America.
NOT TO BE MISSED: Mount Sentinel Sage 128 W. Alder St., 406.239.5050 www.rattlesnakecreekdistillers.com
Whiskey Tango Globetrot
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
GARDEN CITY BREWFEST May 9, 2020 Caras Park
WINTER BREWFEST February 2020 Caras Park
MISSOULA MARATHON BEER RUN June 26, 2020 Caras Park
WESTERN CIDER HARVEST PARTY October 2020 Western Cider
DRAUGHT WORKS. TAYLAR ROBBINS
DRINKS
Sip and Savor: COFFEE AND TEA
Mornings are happier with caffeine. Sample some of Missoula’s favorite coffee and tea shops. BLACK COFFEE ROASTING COMPANY Savor organic coffee that brings you back to your roots and into a whole new era of flavor. BREAK ESPRESSO A buzzing (and spacious!) café where students and families alike gather for great conversation and great coffee. The Break is a Montana fixture. A slice of their pie alone is worth the trip. BUTTERFLY HERBS Stock up on your favorite teas in bulk at Butterfly Herbs. You can also buy brewing and other kitchen accessories, as well as whole bean gourmet coffees. CATALYST CAFÉ & ESPRESSO BAR With 25 years in business, the Catalyst has definitely mastered the art of coffee and brunch. For a coffee alternative, try the London Fog latte. CLYDE COFFEE Hit the South Higgins Hip Strip for great coffee, good vibes and the much-talked-about avocado toast. Clyde’s casual and inviting atmosphere makes for a unique breakfast stop or remote work spot. DRUM COFFEE Fitz and the Tantrums drummer John Wicks, along with his wife, started this Italian-inspired espresso bar, serving unique baked goods like olive oil coffee cake. LAKE MISSOULA TEA COMPANY Sip a custom-brewed tea from an actual teacup, or stock your home from a long list of premium artisanal loose teas. LIQUID PLANET Taste a variety of coffee, cocoa, chai and tea from around the world at one of Missoula’s most established coffeehouses. ON-THE-GO There’s a lot to do in Missoula, but local coffee kiosks have you covered when you are on the run without the time to sip and savor. Try local favorites like Loose Caboose, Florence Coffee Co., Good Americano and Nitro Coffee.
ICED COFFEE AT BUTTERFLY HERBS. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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SHOPPING
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SHOPPING
COFFEE • TEAS • HERBS SPICES • UNUSUAL GIFTS
BROWSE. BUY. REPEAT. Go ahead, take a piece of Missoula home…tax free.
Whether you’re looking for gear, souvenirs, locally made finds, treats or treasures, Missoula has four distinct shopping areas to explore. From the boutiques and galleries of downtown to the name-brand stores in Southgate Mall, there’s much to browse and plenty to take home. Want to see what’s unique and local? Check out some of Missoula’s exceptional retail value and charm. It’s got everything you need, and everything you want. And with no sales tax, you’ve got a great excuse to splurge. DOWNTOWN Downtown offers a variety of local boutiques, one-of-a-kind restaurants and unique experiences you’ll only find in Missoula. As you wander, stay alert for inspiring historic architectural details and vibrant murals in tucked-away alleys. Boutique windows and café bulletin boards remind you to save room in your schedule for live music, theater and pop-up poetry. Don’t forget to re-fuel while you shop! From snacking to dining, there’s plenty to munch on. Find chic fashion alongside fun souvenirs and elegant and eclectic jewelry to pair with comfortable footwear. Browse through The Green Light for eco-friendly and local décor and clothing. You’ll also find several fine art galleries generously dotted throughout the heart of downtown. Cross Higgins Bridge and you’ll discover Missoula’s “Hip Strip” with a bustling lineup of shops including Upcycle (Missoula’s very own collection of ecofriendly original goods and artwork), Betty’s Divine (irresistibly cool clothing, shoes and accessories), Jeanette Rankin Peace Center and Olive Branch (a globally conscious fair-trade gift shop), Bathing Beauties (with a sea of bead varieties), and Enlyten Lab (offering sensory deprivation floats).
COFFEE HOUSE
ESPRESSO • ICE CREAM SANDWICHES • SOUPS SINCE 1972
BUTTERFLY HERBS 232 NORTH HIGGINS AVENUE DOWNTOWN • (406) 728-8780 WWW.BUTTERFLYHERBS.COM
LOCAL GIFTS AND APPAREL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
SOUTHGATE MALL Southgate Mall recently went through an extensive upgrade. This isn’t just a remodel…it’s a full-scale transformation that includes a dine-in movie theater, pedestrian-friendly parking areas and an even wider selection of unique stores and brand names. Southgate Mall hosts special events all year long and includes dining options every member of the family will enjoy. Try the Asian fusion menu at The Mustard Seed and finely crafted Italian inspirations at Caffè Dolce.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
SUMMER MADE FAIR June 21, 2020 Caras Park
HOLIDAY MADE FAIR
December 13, 2020 Adams Center, University of Montana
AND
Best Mall in Montana: Southgate Mall. Insider
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SHOPPING
NORTH RESERVE STREET Stretching for several miles along the outskirts of Missoula, North Reserve Street is where you’ll find familiar stores like Target, Old Navy, REI and TJ Maxx. Remember, there’s no shame in buying an extra suitcase to take home all the good stuff you find. And since you really shouldn’t shop on an empty stomach, there are plenty of places to snack on local specialty foods as well as classic and familiar dining spots.
SOUTH CROSSING National retailers are gathered in the newest user-friendly shopping area of Missoula, where Brooks Street meets Reserve Street. Men’s Wearhouse, Kohl’s and Boot Barn are here, and so is Cabela’s—an outfitter’s dream, boasting 42,000 square feet of excursion gear. A variety of restaurants in the area will whet your appetite and fuel your tax-free shopping spree.
MISSOULA MAKER: GOERTZEN ADVENTURE EQUIPMENT Founded by Joe Goertzen in 2008, GOERTZEN Adventure Equipment handcrafts the leather bag that will be by your side for a lifetime. Inspired by the wild rivers and mountains of Montana, Joe began creating fly-fishing equipment and quickly expanded to a general leather apparel line. GOERTZEN leather bags and purses are built for all adventures, from dusty rodeos to a walk through Central Park. Similarly, GOERTZEN’S fly-fishing equipment cleverly captures all the classic elegance of fly-fishing and translates it into a convenient and adaptable tool, which can be handed down to your next generation of anglers. GOERTZEN continues to use fine craftsmanship and intelligent designs to grow every year and ship leather bags and fly-fishing equipment all over the world. Stop by the shop, located in the heart of Missoula, and see your bag being made by hand. When Joe’s not in his shop, he can be found climbing, fishing, hunting and traveling with his family, friends, and chocolate lab. “The best part of making it, is testing it out.” – Joe Goertzen FORREST HARDIN
Looking for more Missoula inspiration? Sign up for the Inspire Digital Magazine at: DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/ INSPIRE
Modern & Timeless Essentials for You & Your Home Opening February 2020 114 East Main Street • CloverLifestyle.net • 406.542.2213
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R RO OC CK K II N N R RU UD DY Y ’’ S S T h e O rigin a l Hips t e r D e p a r t m e n t St o re
W W W.ROCKINRUDYS.COM
37 YEARS RUNNING
From humble beginnings in1982, Rockin Rudy’s has grown from a small independent record shop to one of the go to stops for residents and visitors of Missoula looking to find the perfect gift for any occasion. Still infused with the love of music Rockin Rudy’s has one of the largest music selections in the Northwest. With a strong focus on our customers we strive to make your experience something you’ll remember for years to come or at least till the next time you stop in. So stop by and get that perfect gift for your crazy aunt or audiophile uncle just don’t forget to say hi to the store cats, Johnnie & Jolene! See you soon! Don’t forget our Vinyl Store!
A Hipst er Dep ar tment St ore MONTANA PRODUCTS • MUSIC - CD’S, LP’S • CARDS • GIFTS • JEWELRY • CLOTHING • BODY PRODUCTS • INCENSE TOYS • CANDLES • HIPPIE PRODUCTS • AUDIO ACCESSORIES • TURNTABLES • CARTRIDGES • FLASKS • STICKERS MONTANA TEA & COFFEE • CANDY • CHOCOLATES • GAMES • HOT SAUCE • PUZZLES • LIGHTS & LAMPS • WALL ART • POSTERS • PLANTS FREE ADVICE • BAGS & BOXES • CERAMIC ART • JOURNALS • WRAPPING PAPER • RIBBON • POST CARDS • MONTANA JERKY
WORLD HE AD Q UART E R S 237 B L A INE ST. • 2020 REMISSOULA C O RD H EAND AVRELOCATION E N 8GUIDE 4 5// LIVE RO N800.526.3465 AN S T. AREA VISITOR HELP 61
UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA A Flagship for America’s Future
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UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
At the University of Montana, classrooms don’t fit in classrooms. Rather, UM students perform field research at the school’s 26,000-acre experimental forest, 3,500-acre working cattle ranch or at Flathead Lake where the university operates one of the oldest active field research stations in the U.S. The campus, named one of the most beautiful in America by Travel & Leisure magazine in 2017, is also the state arboretum, with more than 2,000 trees. And, a river runs through it—literally; the Clark Fork meanders between the mountain campus and the Missoula College. It’s not uncommon to hike to the “M,” do some fly-fishing or run a kayak through Brennan’s Wave between classes. The academic offerings are equally impressive. UM’s college of business is the best in the Big Sky Conference, the wildlife biology program is recognized as the top program in North America, and professional programs in pharmacy and physical therapy are nationally renowned. From journalism to the arts, and computer science to creative writing, UM provides a world-class education in a truly extraordinary setting. In addition, the Missoula College unit of the UM provides two-year occupational and technical education covering 40 programs in areas including nursing, business and industrial technology.
UM QUICK FACTS UM alumni include Pulitzer Prize winner Andrew Sean Greer, Emily Graslie, host of “The Brain Scoop” on YouTube and chief curiosity correspondent at Chicago’s Field Museum, Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons, and Jeannette Rankin—the first female elected to U.S. Congress. UM also leads the nation in Udall Scholars with 42 scholars and 13 honorable mentions. Dr. Jim Elser, professor of ecology and director of UM’s Flathead Lake Biological Station, was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in 2019 in recognition of his research accomplishments. Alumni in the arts at UM include recipients of eight Emmy awards, an Oscar, a Golden Globe and a Bessie award.
UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
Missoula was recently named on the list of “Charming College Towns With Off-Campus Appeal,” by afar.com. Missoulians are proud of their university and UM is equally enamored with its host community.
NIVERSITY OF MONTANA. UBRIAN CHRISTIANSON 2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // LIVE HELP 800.526.3465
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ADVERTORIAL
5 TIPS FOR RELOCATING TO MISSOULA LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE Missoula is a mélange of unique neighborhoods, all offering something special to those who call this place home. Live in the historic University District with the buzz of lively activity from the University of Montana, or find a little land out of town a bit where there’s room to roam. Find the place in Missoula that’s right for you—it’s important to live in an area that will complement your lifestyle. GET SCHOOLED The school system in Missoula is exceptional, and offers a variety of excellent options—both public and private. There’s somewhere for every student. The Missoula County Public School system offers nine elementary schools, three middle schools and three high schools. You’ll also find independent school districts in Missoula County, including Target Range and Hellgate, which serve students K – 8. In addition, there is a nice variety of private schools in the area that serve children from preschool through high school. It’s important to visit schools and meet with teachers and administrators to find the environment in which your child will best thrive. BE INVOLVED Missoula is an extremely interactive community. There are so many groups, nonprofits and organizations that you can belong to, participate in and actively be a part of. Take some time to review the options and pick one (or more) that you’re passionate about. Not only is this a great way to give back to the community, but it’s also an effective way to network, meet people and make friends. ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS Western Montana is a haven for outdoor lovers. Boating, hiking, skiing, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, to name only a handful, are all just minutes from Missoula. One of the most desirable things about living here is the ability to enjoy these outdoor activities—it’s one of the top reasons why we love where we live! Photo Courtesy of Radd Icenoggle
WORK WITH A PRO We are wherealready our clients Last but not least, whether you’re considering a move to Western Montana or you’ve madeare. In theto best the choice to relocate, be sure you’re working with a qualified real estate advisor helplocations. you navigate From a small boutique shop in Europe to more than 750 shops in the best locations the process. At Engel & Völkers, we pride ourselves in knowing ouraround area, doing extensive research for the world, we’ve delivered quality service and personal attention to clients who have welcomed us. Wherever you find beautiful properties, premium service, and our clients and offering premier service to our incoming community members. We toleader ourin luxury real extraordinary living, you will findwelcome Engel & Völkers,you the world estate. beautiful state and our intimate community. Give us a call, and put us to work! If you are thinking of buying a home in Western Montana, find out how we can help you.
Tips provided by Dawn Maddux, License Partner of Engel & Völkers Western Frontier www.westernfrontier.evrealestate.com
A Real Estate Brokerage If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing. Properties printed in this publication may no longer be listed with the brokerage or available for sale.
A BESPOKE APPROACH TO MONTANA REAL ESTATE.
WE ARE ENGEL & VÖLKERS.
At Engel & Völkers Western Frontier, our real estate advisors are known for their unmatched level of local neighborhood knowledge paired with extensive global resources and personal connections, to provide an exclusive experience tailored to each of our client’s unique needs. We dedicate our time, expertise and passion to help you follow your dream, home. Engel & Völkers Western Frontier Missoula . Polson . Hamilton . Whitefish . Bigfork (Opening Soon) Learn more at westernfrontier.evrealestate.com
©2019 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.
LODGING
R ESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
BE OUR GUEST. Camping, glamping, hotel, motel, RV, ranch or resort, we can accommodate.
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Whether you’re here for a vacation or a business trip, with or without family, trying to connect or disconnect, Missoula offers a range of memorable, convenient and hospitable stays. From B&Bs to guest ranches, brand hotels to cabins, we know how to make you feel at home in town or in the country, with accessibility to shops or the airport, conventions or scenery. North Reserve Street hotels provide proximity to Interstate 90 and Highway 93 as well as the airport; downtown hotels place you within walking distance of the University of Montana and the Clark Fork River; Broadway Street and Brooks Street properties offer convenient access to shopping, restaurants and sports venues.
BEL AIRE MOTEL 300 E. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.543.3183
www.belairemotelmissoula.us
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BEST WESTERN GRANT CREEK INN 5280 Grant Creek Rd., Missoula, MT 59808 406. 543.0700
www.bestwestern.com/grantcreekinn
126 $$$– • • • • • • • • • C 6 3600 150 • • • $$$$
BLUE MOUNTAIN BED AND BREAKFAST 6980 Dead Man Gulch Rd, Missoula, MT 59804 406.251.4457
www.bluemountainbb.com
5 $$$– • • • • • • F • 500 40 • $$$$
BROADWAY INN CONFERENCE CENTER 1609 W. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.532.3300
Fax: 406.728.1930 www.broadwayinnmissoula.com
79 $$– $$$$
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Complimentary hot buffet breakfast, seasonal heated pool and hot tub, fitness center, on-site restaurant, sports bar, casino, and conference facilities. In-room coffee makers and hair dryers. On-site laundry, free WiFi. Pet friendly with a fee. Complimentary airport shuttle from 7 a.m.-10 p.m., with advance notice. Full food and bar catering. Four distinctly different meeting/banquet spaces including our beautiful courtyard complete with a large event tent and cabana bar.
BROOKS STREET MOTOR INN 3333 Brooks St., Missoula, MT 59801 406.549.5115
www.brooksstmotorinn.com
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www.budgetinn.com
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www.campusinnmissoula.com
80 $– • • • • • • C • 1 1200 100 • $$$$
www.citilodgesuitesmissoula.us
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www.missoulacitycenter.com
15 $– • • • • $$$
BUDGET INN 800 E. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.549.2387
CAMPUS INN 744 E. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 800.232.8013
CITILODGE SUITES & MOTEL 1135 W. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.549.4771
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CITY CENTER MOTEL 338 E. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.543.3193
Price Range: $=Under $75, $$=$75-$100, $$$=$100-$150, $$$$=$150 and higher
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LODGING
Clean & Comfortable Easy to Find and Access Powered-up WiFi Free Breakfast Next Door Wheat Montana Bakery & Deli Meals * Pastries * Espresso Lounge/Casino
Missoula Airport Jct. I-90 & US 93, Exit 96 Missoula, MT
406-721-9776
www.daysinnmissoula.com
Affordable luxury: • 10 Jacuzzi Suites • 5 Hot Tubs • Game Room • Meeting Rooms
• 42” HD Flat Screen TVs • Pillow-Top Mattresses • FREE Airport Shuttle • Free Hot Breakfast
• Hi-Speed Internet • Laundry Room • Exercise Facilities • Indoor Pools
(888) 989-5569 • (406) 543-4600 Reserve Street & I-90 •Missoula, MT www.cmoninn.com
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SA V OO AILA R P BL E TD OOL O PE OR P TS OO L GU ES T HA LAU ND ND RY A/C ICAP PE DA RE CC FR ES IGE SIB RA WI LE TO FI R/M I C FIT RO NE WA S VE BR S RO EA OM K RE FAST ST AU (FUL ME RAN L, C ET T/B ONT IN INE A NT ME G RO R AL OM ) SQ ETIN UA G R S RE OO FO M ME T O ET TA OT IN GE AL ON G C A -S ITE PAC AU CA ITY DIO TE R V AIR ISU ING PO AL RT SH UT AD TL ON E PA GE IND
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Lodging Information C’MON INN 2775 Expo Pkwy., Missoula, MT 59808 406.543.4600, toll free 888.989.5569
Fax: 406.543.4664 www.cmoninn.com/missoula
119 $$$– • • • • • • • • F 3 1200 100 • • • 67 $$$$
This is Montana! C’mon Inn and enjoy our 3-story log-and-rock atrium complete with indoor pools and five hot tubs. Corner of I-90 & Reserve St. Pillow-top mattresses in every room. 50” or 56” wall-mount HD TVs in every room. Free hot breakfast.
COMFORT INN - UNIVERSITY 1021 E. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.549.7600, toll free 877.424.6423
95 $$– • • • • • • • • F • 69 $$$$
Fax: 406.543.2223 www.missoulacomfort.com
Rested. Set. Go! We are a family and pet friendly property, that offers a 100% smoke free environment. Experience the Clark Fork River with our outdoor BBQ and riverside fire pits. Enjoy a complimentary full hot breakfast, complimentary high speed WiFi, fitness center, laundry facilities, business center, and more! We are within walking distance to the Kim Williams Trail, the University of Montana, the Missoula Children’s Theater, and downtown Missoula. Flying into MSO? We also have that covered with a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport. Experience a new way to relax and live in comfort.
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT 4559 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.549.5260
www.marriott.com/msocy
92 $$$– • • • • • • • C 3 2666 120 • • • $$$$
Fax: 406.721.9781 www.daysinnmissoula.com
70 $– $$$$
DAYS INN MISSOULA AIRPORT Jct. I-90 & I-93; Exit 96, Missoula, MT 59808 406.721-9776 toll free 800.DAYS.INN, 800.329.7466
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171 $$$– • • • • • • • • • • 9 9000 250 • • • $$$$
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Located at the junction of I-90 & Hwy 93 is your comfortable and affordable lodging choice. Easy to find, easy to access, lots of parking for all types of vehicles, WiFi, large grass park with a general store, lounge/casino, bakery and deli and fuel right next door. A super friendly and accommodating staff. Smoking rooms available. Stay with us, we look forward to serving you!
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON MISSOULA EDGEWATER 100 Madison St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.728.3100, toll free 800.222.TREE
Fax: 406.728.2530 www.missoulaedgewater.doubletree.com
Full-service hotel right on the scenic Clark Fork River and across from the University of Montana. Near downtown, and just 15 minutes away from the airport via complimentary hotel shuttle.
ECONO LODGE 4953 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.542.7550
www.choicehotels.com/montana/missoula/ econo-lodge-hotels/mt048
67 $– • • • • C $$$
FAIRBRIDGE INN SUITES 3803 Brooks St., Missoula, MT 59804 406.251.2665
www.fairbridgemissoula.com
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GIBSON MANSION BED & BREAKFAST 823 39th St, Missoula, MT 59803 406.251.1345
www.gibsonmansion.com
4 $$$– • • • • F 500 150 • $$$$ Price Range: $=Under $75, $$=$75-$100, $$$=$100-$150, $$$$=$150 and higher
SPACIOUS GUEST ROOMS
Comfortable Rooms... NEW RESTAURANT & BAR
We’ve Got You Covered . SPACE EVENT
BOOK YOUR STAY TODAY! 1609 W. BROADWAY • 406.532.3300 www.broadwayinnmissoula.com
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Event Space... Bar & Grill... 2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG
www.broadwayinnmissoula.com 1609 W. Broadway
406.532.3300
A Luxurious Place to Rest in Missoula.
406-306-0990 mtnestrentals.com
LODGING
MEET IN MISSOULA Both accommodating and inspiring, Missoula is a no-brainer meeting location. With 45 lodging facilities and 170,000 square feet of meeting space, it’s a brilliant place to come together for ideas big and small. There’s no place better suited to host team-building activities like skiing or whitewater rafting, indulging in a delicious post-meeting dinner or cocktail hour or exploring the town on rented bikes. Book your next meeting at MISSOULAMEETINGS.COM.
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lodging facilities
3,400 total guestrooms
170,000 square feet of meeting space Comfort Inn University
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SA V OO AILA R P BL E TD OOL O PE OR P TS OO L GU ES T HA LAU ND ND RY A/C ICAP PE DA RE CC FR ES IGE SIB RA WI LE TO FI R/M I C FIT RO NE WA S VE BR S RO EA OM K RE FAST ST AU (FUL ME RAN L, C ET T/B ONT IN INE A NT ME G RO R AL OM ) SQ ETIN UA G R S RE OO FO M ME T O ET TA OT IN GE AL ON G C A -S ITE PAC AU CA ITY DIO TE R V AIR ISU ING PO AL RT SH UT AD TL ON E PA GE IND
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Lodging Information HAMPTON INN BY HILTON MISSOULA 4805 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.549.1800
Fax: 406.549.1737 www.hamptoninn.com
61
$$– • • • • • • • • C • 67 $$$$
Located off I-90 at Exit 101. Enjoy our extended continental breakfast, fitness center, business center, HBO, freshly baked cookies and 24-hour pool. Pet friendly.
HILTON GARDEN INN MISSOULA 3720 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.532.5300, toll free 800.HILTONS
Fax: 406.532.5305 www.missoula.HGI.com
146 $$– • • • • • • • F • 15 22000 1600 • • • 71 $$$$
Luxurious comfort in upscale American West décor. Western Montana’s largest conference facility, with over 22,000 square feet of meeting space. Also features Great American Grill and Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern, evening room service, 24-hour Pavilion Pantry and Silver Creek Casino. Complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle.
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES 150 Expressway, Missoula, MT 59808 406.830.3100
www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/ missoula/msoex/hoteldetail
82 $$$– • • • • • • • • F 1 336 14 • • $$$$
HOLIDAY INN MISSOULA DOWNTOWN 200 S. Pattee St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.721.8550, toll free 888.HOLIDAY
Fax: 406.728.3472 www.holidayinn.com/missoula-park
198 $$– • • • • • • • • F • 10 15000 1000 • • • $$$$
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Centrally located in the heart of downtown along the Clark Fork River. Just a short stroll to the University and one block from vibrant local shopping and entertainment. Premier full-service hotel with 200 guestrooms and suites and 15,000 square feet of meeting space with dedicated conference service staff. Outdoor park venue ideal for weddings and celebrations. Featuring Brooks & Browns Bar & Grill, a local favorite with the “best patio in town.” Newly renovated pool and fitness center, complimentary airport shuttle, WiFi and parking based on availability.
LA QUINTA INN 5059 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.549.9000
www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta
80 $$$– • • • • • • • • • C 1 384 25 • $$$$
MOTEL 6 (EXPO PKWY) 3035 Expo Pkwy, Missoula, MT 59808 406.549.6665
www.motel6.com/en/motels.mt.missoula.4034.html
68
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MOTEL 6 (UNIVERSITY) 630 E. Broadway St, Missoula MT 59802 406.549.2387
www.motel6.com/en/motels.mt.missoula.4448.html
MOUNTAIN VALLEY INN 420 W. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.728.4500
www.mountain-valley-inn.business.site
MY PLACE HOTEL 2951 Expo Pkwy, Missoula, MT 59808 406.926.1001
www.myplacehotels.com/my-place-hotel-missoula
QUALITY INN & SUITES 4545 N Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.542.0888
www.choicehotels.com/montana/missoula/qualityinn-hotels/mt412
52 $$$– • • • • • • • C $$$$
RED LION INN 700 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802 406.728.3300
www.redlion.com
76
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RESIDENCE INN MISSOULA 125 N. Pattee St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.542.6252
www.marriott.com/msori
175 $$$– • • • • • • • • • C • 2 1506 150 • • • $$$$
SLEEP INN 3425 Dore Ln., Missoula, MT 59801 406.543.5883
www.choicehotels.com/montana/missoula/ sleep-inn-hotels/mt421
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SLEEPY INN MOTEL 1427 W. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.549.6484
Price Range: $=Under $75, $$=$75-$100, $$$=$100-$150, $$$$=$150 and higher
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STAYBRIDGE SUITES HOTEL 120 Expressway, Missoula, MT 59808 406.830.3900
www.staymissoula.com
101 $$$– • • • • • • • • • F 1 1000 75 • $$$$
www.stonecreeklodgemt.com
101 $$– • • $$$$
STONECREEK LODGE 5145 Airway Blvd, Missoula, MT 59808 406.541.3600
• • • • • • C 2 1103 152 • •
SUPER 8 MOTEL (BROOKS) 3901 S Brooks St., Missoula, MT 59804 406.251.2255
www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/missoula104 $– • • • • • • C montana/super-8-missoula-brooks-street/overview $$$
SUPER 8 MOTEL (RESERVE) 4703 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.549.1199
www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/missoulamontana/super-8-missoula-reserve-st/overview
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31 $$– • • • • • • • • C $$$
THUNDERBIRD MOTEL 1009 E Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.543.7251
TOWNEPLACE SUITES MISSOULA 3055 Stockyard Rd., Missoula, MT 59808 406.721.6000
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/msotstowneplace-suites-missoula
90 $$$– • • • • • • • • • C $$$$
TRAVELERS INN MOTEL 4850 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.728.8330
www.travelersinnmissoula.com
28
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WINGATE BY WYNDHAM MISSOULA 5252 Airway Blvd, Missoula, MT 59808 406.541.8000
www.wingatemissoula.com
100 $$$– • • • • • • • • • C 5 3600 250 • • • $$$$ Price Range: $=Under $75, $$=$75-$100, $$$=$100-$150, $$$$=$150 and higher
Stay successful. Stay Hilton Garden Inn® Western Montana’s largest hotel conference center with 22,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space. Luxurious comfort in upscale American West decor. Moments away from golf, fishing, skiing, biking, hiking, and more. Easy access to the cool stuff you came to see.
Hilton Garden Inn Missoula and Conference Center 3720 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 Tel: 1-406-532-5300 • www.missoula.hgi.com • www.bluecanyonrestaurant.com
Camping is as close as you can get to really experiencing Western Montana’s true beauty. Visit DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/ CAMPING for more information.
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LODGING
Lodging Information
LL H WA O O K ST UP E S SH DIS OW PO ER SAL S LA UN D H A RY F ND AC PU ICAP ILITI E P LL -T ED A S RE HRO CC ST U GH ESS A IBL TE URA E NT N SP T NE AC AR ON ES BY -S IT GR E FO OC OD E GIF RIES SER VIC TS E H O SW P IM MI NG AD ON PO PA OL GE
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RV Parks & Camping JELLYSTONE PARK™ RV RESORT 9900 Jellystone Ave., Missoula, MT 59808 406.543.9400, toll free 800.318.9644
Fax: 406.543.9405 www.jellystonemt.com
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Missoula’s newest and highest rated RV park, Good Sam rated Jellystone 9.5 out of 10 stars. Large pull-throughs, oversized sites, lots of grass, 50-amp service, camping cabins, swimming pool, mini golf, pavilion, horseshoe pit, basketball court, ice cream socials, store/gift shop. Swim and golf packages available. Complimentary WiFi and complimentary cable TV.
JIM AND MARY’S RV PARK 9800 Hwy 93 N., Missoula, MT 59808 406.549.4416
Fax: 406.543.9889 www.jimandmarys.com
Missoula’s nicest RV park, family-owned and operated with beautiful landscaping and gardens that can’t be beat! Big rig spaces, community room for guests to gather and the latest in WiFi and cable access. Tourist information/trip planning services, 10 star rated restrooms, satellite friendly, choose open or shady spaces. RVers are the best...and the best come to Jim and Mary’s!
MISSOULA KOA 3450 Tina Ave., Missoula, MT 59808 406.549.0881, toll free 800.562.5366
Fax: 406.541.0884 www.missoulakoa.com
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Family fun headquarters! Heated pool and hot tubs, shaded pull-through full hookup RV sites, premium tent sites, deluxe cabins, camping cabins, mini-golf, bike rentals, KOA Kafe and Gathering Place serving breakfast daily, meeting room available for groups/ reunions, ice cream social, free WiFi and great cell phone reception! KOA Mountain Mercantile featuring high-quality gifts and apparel. Open year-round. Some services are seasonal. Price Range: $=Under $75, $$=$75-$100, $$$=$100-$150, $$$$=$150 and higher
und, it’s
It’s not just a campgro
Jellystone Park™
9800 Highway 93 N. Missoula
406-549-4416
Call or e-mail us for prices & reservations jimandmarys@montana.com www.jimandmarys.com
OPEN YEAR ROUND 72
2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG
• Mini Golf • Swimming Pool • Visits with Yogi Bear™ • Hiking Trails • Cabins, RV Sites and Tent Sites
JellystoneMT.com 800-318-9644 • Missoula, MT YOGI BEAR: TM & © Hanna-Barbera. (s19)
BEYOND MISSOULA B ITTERROOT MOUNTAINS. VISIT MONTANA
REXFORD
YAAK
BEYOND MISSOULA
CANAD A
EUREKA
FORTINE TREGO
GLACIER Babb NATIONAL PARK
POLEBRIDGE
There’s as much to explore outside of Missoula as there is in town.
MARION
NOXON TROUT
ROUTECREEK OF THE THOMPSON HIAWATHA BIKE FALLS TRAIL
VALLEY
NATIONAL BISON RANGE ST. IGNATIUS MISSION
DIXON
CLARK FORK VALLEY Plentywood SUPERIOR Scobey
Turner
ID AH O
ALBERTON
Hinsdale
Saco
Wolf Point
Glasgow
Bainville
FLORENCE Crane
VICTOR
Brusett
DALY MANSIONGlendive
Sand Springs
Winnett
Terry
CORVALLIS HAMILTON
Fallon DARBY
Miles City Hysham
Custer
Ekalaka
Colstrip
Pompeys Pillar
Billings
Bridger
Belfry
Hardin
Crow Agency
CROW INDIAN RESERVATION
Garryowen Saint Xavier Pryor Lodge Fort Smith Grass
Lame Deer Busby
Ashland NORTHERN CHEYENNE INDIAN RESERVATION
Olive
WISDOM
Broadus
Birney Otter Biddle
Wyola
Alzada
BUTTE
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS
Two Dot
Harlo
Martinsdale Ringling
LOGAN MANHATTAN
WHITEHALL SILVER STAR
MELROSE
HARRISON PONY
TWIN BRIDGES SHERIDAN POLARIS ALDER BANNACK
DILLON
Decker
WYOMING
Judith Gap
MONTANA CITY Winston
JEFFERSON CITY TOWNSEND BOULDER
BASIN
JACKSON TA SOUTH DAKO
Laurel
Park City Rockvale
EAST HELENA
HELENA GARRISON ELLISTON CLANCY DEER LODGE
DEWEY DIVIDE
Worden
Utica
CANYON CREEK
WISE RIVER
Forsyth
Bighorn
Hobson
Neihart
ANACONDA
Plevna
Baker SULA
Rosebud
Stanford
Monarch
WOLF CREEK
PHILIPSBURG
BITTERROOT VALLEY
CONNER Ismay
Ingomar
Roundup
VALLEY
Wibaux
Mosby
Melstone
TA NOR TH DAKO
BLACKFOOT STEVENSVILLE
Savage
HISTORIC ST. MARY'SCircleMISSION Jordan
DRUMMOND
Sidney
Denton
Raynesford Geyser
GARNET GHOST TOWN
CLINTON Fairview
LOLO
CRAIG
LINCOLN
GREENOUGH
BONNER
Poplar
Win
Belt STOCKETT
OVANDO
Froid
Culbertson
LEE METCALF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
GREAT FALLS
VAUGHN FORT SHAW ULM
CASCADE
MISSOULA
Fort Peck
Zortman
Landusky
FAIRFIELD AUGUSTA
GARDEN OF ONE THOUSAND BUDDHAS
Lake
Malta
Virgelle Loma
Fort Benton
CHOTEAU
ST. IGNATIUS
Westby
ARLEE SEELEY HUSONMedicine LAKE FRENCHTOWN
FORT PECK INDIAN RESERVATION
BRADY
CONDON
RONAN
ROCKY INDI RESERV
Big Sandy
CONRAD
SEELEY SWAN VALLEY THE PEOPLE'S CENTER
CHARLO
H Box Elder
DUPUYER
BYNUM
SWAN LAKE
ELMO BIG ARM HOT SPRINGS POLSON
Rudyard
Chester
GALATA
VALIER
BIGFORK
SOMERS LAKESIDE ROLLINS PROCTOR DAYTON
MISSION SALTESE DE BORGIAPLAINS
C ANADA
SHELBY EAST GLACIER PARK HEART BUTTE
KALISPELL ESSEX KILA FLATHEAD VALLEY
PARADISE MI SSO URI RIVER COUNTRY MOIESE NOR HEAS T HAUGAN ST.T REGIS
Dodson
BROWNING
COLUMBIA WEST GLACIER FALLS CORAM MARTIN CITY WHITEFISH HUNGRY HORSE
HERON
FORT BELKNAP INDIAN RESERVATION
SUNBURST
CUT BANK
TROY LIBBY
After you’ve wandered the town, and sampled the local cuisine, head out in any direction. You’re at the convergence of five valleys and three major rivers and within 100 miles of seven wilderness areas. Exploration is easy with dozens of day trips at the touch of your GPS. Opportunities abound for blue-ribbon trout fishing, visiting the Flathead Indian Reservation, paddling on serene lakes, and viewing wildlife like bison, antelope and elk. Between stunning scenery and historical distinction, among charming communities and majestic national parks, you’ll see how inexhaustible Big Sky Country can be. Aim for the closest ghost town or explore your way north toward the breathtaking peaks of Glacier National Park or south to the otherworldly geysers of Yellowstone National Park.
BLACKFEET INDIAN RESERVATION
THREE FORKS
GRANT
CLYDE PARK
BIG SKY
ABSARO
FISHT EMIGRANT
NYE
PRAY
ROSC
RE GARDINER MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS
LAKEVIEW
SILVER COOKE GATE CITY
TOWER JUNCTION
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
NORRIS CANYON
IDAHO
GREYC R MCLEOD
CAMERON
Quake Lake
MONIDA
BIG TIMBER
LIVINGSTON
BOZEMAN
West Yellowstone
DELL LIMA
WILSALL
NORRIS GALLATIN GATEWAY
NEVADA CITY ENNIS VIRGINIA CITY
BELGRADE
MADISON LAKE JUNCTION WEST THUMB OLD FAITHFUL GRANT VILLAGE
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BEYOND MISSOULA
NATIONAL BISON RANGE. TAYLAR ROBBINS
MISSION VALLEY to the north of Missoula Just 40 minutes north of Missoula on Highway 93 is the famous Ravalli Hill. As you crest the hill before heading into the Mission Valley, the Mission Mountains appear, seemingly out of nowhere, and as majestic as it gets. The snowcapped Missions are known for pristine alpine lakes, peaceful meadows and abundant wildlife. Don’t forget to look for the stunning Elizabeth Falls as you head up over the hill. MUST-SEE DESTINATION
MUST-SEE DESTINATION
GARDEN OF ONE THOUSAND BUDDHAS
NATIONAL BISON RANGE
29 miles north of Missoula
47 miles north of Missoula
Sitting quietly in the middle of the Jocko Valley you’ll find the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. These Montana-made statues inspired by Tibetan culture offer peace and tranquility, calming the soul and stimulating enlightenment.
Established in 1908 to preserve the nearly extinct bison, the National Bison Range is a wonderfully scenic drive for wildlife viewing. Bring binoculars to spot Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, black and grizzly bears and, of course, plenty of American bison.
TAYLAR ROBBINS
MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
FLATHEAD VALLEY to the north of Missoula Just 1.5 hours north of Missoula, you’ll find the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi— Flathead Lake. This magnificent and pristine body of water is the perfect setting for all manner of water play, from sailing, kayaking and speed boating to fishing, swimming and waterskiing. A short boat ride from the west shore, you’ll find Wild Horse Island—a day-use state park where wild horses, bighorn sheep, coyotes, deer and a variety of birds make their home. If you’re visiting during July or August, fuel up at a roadside Flathead cherry stand for a true taste of what Montana’s nature has to offer. Take a drive around the lake and explore towns like Bigfork, known for its quaint, small-town charm, lively arts scene, eclectic shops and fine dining. On your way back to Missoula, make sure to stop at The People’s Center in Pablo for a look into the history and heritage of the Salish, Pend d’Oreille and Kootenai Tribes. MUST-SEE DESTINATION
THE PEOPLE’S CENTER 65 miles north of Missoula Just one hour north of Missoula, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Salish, Pend d’Oreille and Kootenai Tribes at The People’s Center and museum in Pablo. The Tribes aim to educate the public and foster an awareness of their way of life, in order to help preserve and protect it. They encourage participation in their traditional activities and celebrations, like pow wows and artisan markets. BRITTNEY MASSEY/ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY
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BEYOND MISSOULA
Western Montana’s Glacier Country is a natural beauty where truly authentic experiences are found among stunning landscapes, charming small towns and the mesmerizing peaks and glistening waters of Glacier National Park.
ORDER YOUR FREE TRAVEL GUIDE
GlacierMT.com | #GlacierMT
WE BELIEVE IN CHANGING MORE THAN JUST TIRES. Helping is something that runs deep within us. And it’s something we’ve stood for since Les Schwab opened his doors in 1952. Doing the Right Thing Matters isn’t just a tagline, it’s our promise to always put you and the community first.
Missoula South 1505 Dearborn Ave 406-721-0888
Missoula North 2800 W Broadway St 406-721-1770
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BEYOND MISSOULA
BITTERROOT VALLEY to the south of Missoula Grab your backcountry boots and head south to the Bitterroot Valley where you’ll find 1.6 million acres of wilderness containing an extensive trail system, 84 miles of river with world-renowned fishing access, and a breathtaking canyon every few miles. Take Highway 93 south from Missoula to explore the small communities peppering the Bitterroot Valley. From Lolo to Darby, each town’s unique charm is well worth the visit. CLARK FORK VALLEY to the west of Missoula Follow the same path glaciers took down the Clark Fork Valley just west of Missoula for an unforgettable geological experience. Alberton Gorge’s rose-colored cliffs border the waters, making any whitewater rafting trip invigorating and beautiful. If water isn’t what you’re feeling, check out the famous Route of the Hiawatha bike trail.
HIAWATHA TRAIL PHOTO
B LODGETT CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL. VISIT MONTANA
ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA 117 miles northwest of Missoula With 10 tunnels and seven trestles over 15 miles of trail, this historic converted railroad offers a unique ride for the whole family. Don’t forget your headlamp! You’ll need it once you’re riding through the Taft Tunnel, which runs for a mile and a half underground through a natural spring before opening back up to the wilderness.
DID YOU KNOW?
The series Yellowstone starring Kevin Costner is filmed in Darby, Montana in the Bitterroot Valley. HUNTER DAY
BLACKFOOT VALLEY to the east of Missoula The Blackfoot River runs through the Blackfoot Valley and was made famous by the 1976 fly-fishing novel by Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It. The historic valley is filled with rolling hills, family-owned ranches and various river access points where you can try your luck and cast a line in the water.
MUST-SEE DESTINATION
GARNET GHOST TOWN 56 miles east of Missoula Tucked back in the Garnet Mountain Range, you’ll find Montana’s most intact ghost town and friendly people to tell its story.
SEELEY SWAN VALLEY to the east of Missoula Head east to the Seeley Swan Valley where there’s something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. In the heat of the summer, take a dip in one of a chain of mountain lakes or hike to the scenic Morrell Falls. Rent a canoe and bird-watch as you meander through the willow marsh on the Clearwater River Trail. Visit in the winter for perfectly groomed snowmobile trails throughout the valley, vast Nordic ski trails northeast of Seeley, and ice fishing on seemingly endless lakes. For off-the-grid adventures, head to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. With over a million acres, you’ll discover one of the most preserved mountain ecosystems in the world with rugged peaks, alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, grassy meadows and big river valleys. DOWNTOWN PHILIPSBURG 76 miles southeast of Missoula While sapphire mining is definitely the main attraction in Philipsburg, you should also spend some time perusing the candy shop downtown for a nostalgic sweet treat and catching a play at the Opera House. In winter, shred the slopes at Discovery Ski Area. 76
2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG
MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
BEYOND MISSOULA
OUT HERE, BIG SKY MEETS BIG ADVENTURE.
TERRY BADLANDS
GLACIER Hitting the trail means pressing pauseNATIONAL on the everyday and taking an PARK unchartered route toward discovery. Whether you explore on two wheels,
by horseback, by boat or on your own two feet, each mile is more than a measure of distance—it’s the thrill of a lifetime. Yaak
Rexford
Eureka
ORDER YOUR FREE TRAVEL GUIDE: SOUTHEASTMONTANA.COM Troy OR CALL 1.800.346.1876 #OutHereMT | #SouthEastMontana Libby
Columbia Falls
Whitefish Kalispell Kila
Marion
Heron
Thompson Falls Hot Springs Haugan De Borgia St. Regis
Bigfork
the
ad
er
Charlo
Lolo Florence Stevensville
Fort Shaw Ulm Cascade
Ovando
Raynesford Ge Monarch
Wolf Creek
Neihart
Canyon Creek
Drummond PINTLER SCENIC ROUTE
Avon Garrison
GRANT KOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Philipsburg
GRANITE GHOST TOWN STATE PARK
Helena
Elliston
CHARTER OAK MINE & MILL
Deer COMET Lodge Basin
Wisdom
Jackson
QUARTZ HILL PIONEER MTNS SCENIC BYWAY
Polaris
Jefferson City
Divide GLENDALE & CANYON CREEK CHARCOAL KILNS
COOLAGE FARLIN
Alder
Dillon
ELKHORN STATE PARK
LEWIS & CLARK CAVERNS
Virginia City Cameron
Dell Lima
RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Monida
Wilsall
Logan
Cardwell
Grant
BIG SHEEP CR. BACKCOUNTRY BYWAY
Ringling
Townsend
Three Forks
Manhattan
Belgrade Clyde P Livingston
Silver Star Harrison Melrose ROCHESTER PONY Twin Sheridan Norris Bridges Laurin RUBY RIVER Nevada VALLEY Ennis SCENIC City ROUTE
BANNACK STATE PARK
Martins
TIZER BOTANIC GARDEN & ARBORETUM
Whitehall
White Sulphur Springs
Montana City Winston
Boulder
Butte
Wise River Dewey
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
East Helena
RIMINI
Clancy
Anaconda
BOULDER HOT SPRINGS
Belt
MARYSVILLE
Victor
Sula
Stockett
Craig
THE PRICKLY PEAR CANYON
Lincoln
Greenough Helmville Bonner GARNET Clinton GHOST TOWN
Darby
Explore Southwest Montana, just a short drive from Yellowstone and Glacier national parks. • Take a scenic drive • Follow in the footsteps • Explore a ghost town of Lewis & Clark • Dig for sapphires • Relax in a hot spring
Great Falls
Southwest Montana
Missoula
Lom
Fort Benton
Fairfield Yellowstone Vaughn National Park
Augusta
Seeley Lake
Arlee
Corvallis
Southwest Montana
Condon
Ronan
St. Ignatius
Alberton
Brady
Choteau
Moiese Dixon
Dupuyer
Bynum
Polson
Paradise
Rudya
Conrad Glacier National Park
Riv
Swan Lake
Chester
Galata
Valier
Heart Butte
Fla
Conner
LEWIS & CLARK CAVERNS
Shelby
East Glacier Park
Hamilton
VIRGINIA CITY
Cut Bank
Browning Coram Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Plains
Superior
DIG DEEPER get off the beaten path
Sunburst
Lakeside
Noxon Trout Creek
Somers
Sweetgrass
Babb
Polebridge
Fortine Trego
Bozeman
Gallatin Gateway
Big Sky
MADISON RIVER VALLEY SCENIC ROUTE
Quake Lake
Pray Emigrant
Gardiner Hebgen Lake
Lakeview
West Yellowstone
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BEYOND MISSOULA
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK. VISIT MONTANA
NATIONAL PARKS Make Missoula your basecamp for national park exploration. A trip to Montana isn’t complete without visiting Glacier and Yellowstone national parks. And, with both in driving distance of Missoula, you’re in luck. GLACIER NATIONAL PARK 136 miles north of Missoula This awe-inspiring land is sky high with natural wonders. Drive the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road and pass mountain goats and songbirds enjoying wildflower-filled meadows, marvel at 400-foot waterfalls and witness ancient glaciers. With so much to see, the park’s red bus tours are pretty convenient and totally fun. If you’re looking for a backcountry adventure, plan to visit North Fork, Two Medicine and Many Glacier. When you’re filled with memories to last a lifetime, relax with the locals in one of the serene surrounding communities. And don’t miss MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT the famous Polebridge Mercantile, serving up fresh baked goods and authentic Montana charm. Visit the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning to see the diverse art collection from tribal people of the Northern Plains including the Blackfeet, Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Sioux, Assiniboine, Arapaho, Shoshone, Nez Perce, Flathead, Chippewa and Cree. Several communities near Glacier National Park are worth a visit. Kalispell is home to the Conrad Mansion and the Hockaday Museum of Art. Visiting during the winter months? Check out Whitefish. Slip on your mittens before heading to the Whitefish Winter Carnival in early February. Festivities include the Penguin Plunge (participants jump into an ice hole in Whitefish Lake!), an old-fashioned parade and a torch-light ski parade followed by a fireworks show. Or stay and ski Whitefish Mountain Resort. Last but not least, don’t forget to visit Columbia Falls, known as the gateway to Glacier National Park. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK 265 miles east of Missoula Take an easy and scenic four-hour drive southeast of Missoula to West Yellowstone or Gardiner and find yourself in America’s first national park: Yellowstone. Meander through this corner of the Rocky Mountains and experience unbelievable alpine rivers, deep canyons, dense forests, hot springs and geysers, like the famous Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring and the Norris Geyser Basin. The park’s remarkable features are connected by 466 miles of roads and 15 miles of boardwalks, making these breathtaking sights accessible to anyone. Wildlife (including bison, elk, antelope, bear and wolves), recreation opportunities and stunning vistas are all abundant in Yellowstone.
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BOLDLY GO.
Yellowstone above and beyond.
Mountains of discovery sit quietly north of Yellowstone and wait for those who seek adventure as a way of life. Those who forge their own path through nature’s wild wonderland.
Start discovering now. Get your FREE Travel Packet by calling 1.800.736.5276 or going to VisitYellowstoneCountry.com. Big Sky Resort, Big Sky Montana 2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // LIVE HELP 800.526.3465
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RELOCATION
MAKE MISSOULA HOME As any local can attest, it’s impossible to ignore the strength and vibrancy of life in Missoula. Those of us who call it home feel like we’ve been let in on a little secret. We’ve hit the lifestyle jackpot, and we don’t take that for granted. Instead, we continue to make sure Missoula stays one magical place to live, work and play. Of all the ways we describe and refer to our beloved mountain town, “community” really speaks to who we are. This is a place where local businesses pitch in to help us all thrive. Where residents make sure their neighbors are warm and well fed. Where families flourish, students succeed, and outdoor enthusiasts are in their element. A place where downtown serves as a gathering ground for music, food, festivals, fundraisers, recreation and shopping local. Where you run into your friends on the trail, on the river, or on the barstool. We’re woven tightly here, and that is what makes Missoula a phenomenal spot to call home.
QUICK INSIGHTS FOUNDED 1864 POPULATION (2016) 73,340 NICKNAME The Garden City COORDINATES 46°51 45 N., 114°0 42 W. TIME ZONE Montana is in the Mountain Standard Time Zone from October through April and the Mountain Daylight Saving Zone from April through October. CLIMATE Elevation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,209 feet Growing Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 days Average annual snowfall . . . . . . . . . 41.4 inches Average annual precipitation. . . . . . . 13.7 inches Average wind speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.4 mph
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FISHING ON THE CLARK FORK RIVER, DOWNTOWN MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
#10, Missoula, Montana: 20 Game-Changing Places to Live Fodor’s Travel
RELOCATION
P LAYFAIR PARK. SOPHIA BAY
A PLACE TO CALL HOME Missoula is proud to be a resettlement community for refugees thanks in large part to co-director and founder Mary Poole and the hard-working citizens at Soft Landing, a nonprofit whose goal is to help Missoula be a welcoming, supportive and informed community that assists refugees to integrate and thrive.
C ARAS PARK AND THE WILMA IN DOWNTOWN MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
Mary never worked with refugees before founding Soft Landing. It began in September of 2015 when a photo of Alan Kurdi, the 3-year-old Syrian refugee who drowned while crossing the Mediterranean, emerged. “Some friends and I started asking ‘How can we help refugees?’ We all donated what we could afford to give, but it wasn’t enough. And at that point, the question evolved to ‘How we can help refugees right here in Missoula?’” Mary and her friends quickly learned that helping refugee families was not a simple matter. It is a long, complicated, drawn-out, rigid process that is called “resettlement,” and it requires the presence of a resettlement agency that holds a contract with the federal government with the State Department. But that didn’t stop them. At the same time they were reaching resettlement agencies, they were reaching out to community leaders to gauge interest, and the results snowballed quickly to the point of no return. “What we found was an enormous drive in our city. We got a yes from every single community leader we asked. Way before families even got here, when this was just an idea, we already had hundreds of people signed up on volunteer lists.”
B RENNAN’S WAVE IN DOWNTOWN MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
To date, approximately 300 people have been resettled in Missoula from Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Syria and Iraq. “We really focus on community building, like soccer games, celebrations, and teaching refugees how to drive. Our days are long but rich and full of laughter and generosity. It’s been really incredible to see all the relationships that have formed.”
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RELOCATION
TAX STRUCTURE The state of Montana has no general sales tax.
NorthWestern Energy 406.542.5950 www.northwesternenergy.com
Property taxes are determined by the taxable value of the property multiplied by the mill levy.
WATER/SEWER Missoula Water 406.552.6700 www.ci.missoula.mt.us/water
Individual income tax ranges from 1% – 6.9% of taxable income. Montana’s corporation tax is 6.75% of net income. HOUSING Missoula is comprised of 18 different neighborhoods, from Grant Creek in the northwest (adjacent to the local ski resort) to Fairview/Pattee Canyon in the southeast (at the base of a popular recreation area).
CITY OF MISSOULA SEWER 406.523.4679 WASTE DISPOSAL Republic Services 406.543.3157, www.disposal.com RECYCLING AND COMPOST GARDEN CITY RECYCLING 406.493.1528 www.gardencityrecycling.com
As of April 2019, average rent for an apartment in Missoula is $890. One bedroom apartments in Missoula rent for $795 a month on average.
MISSOULA COMPOST COLLECTION 406.370.5876 www.missoulacompost collectionllc.com
The median home value in Missoula is $308,400.
RECYCLING WORKS INC. 406.215.4650 www.recyclingworksmt.com
MISSOULA ORGANIZATION OF REALTORS www.missoularealestate.com
HEALTH CARE
UTILITIES POWER Missoula Electric Co-Op (power) 406.541.4433 www.missoulaelectric.com NorthWestern Energy (power and gas) 406.542.5950 www.northwesternenergy.com PROPANE Amerigas 800.AMERIGAS www.amerigas.com
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COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER A 152-bed acute care hospital. Partners with Seattle Children’s Hospital to ensure the best in pediatric care. 2827 Fort Missoula Rd. 406.728.4100 www.communitymed.org PROVIDENCE ST. PATRICK HOSPITAL A 253-bed hospital affiliated with Providence Health Services. Home of the International Heart Institute of Montana. 500 W. Broadway St., 406.543.7271 www.saintpatrick.org
2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG
D OWNTOWN MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
WESTERN MONTANA CLINIC A group of 55 health care providers in 18 specialties. 500 W. Broadway St., 406.721.5600 www.westernmontanaclinic.com
TOWNSQUARE MEDIA 406.728.9300 www.townsquaremedia.com
PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF MISSOULA COUNTY 406.542.3116 www.bgcmissoula.org
MISSOULA PUBLIC LIBRARY 406.721.2665 www.missoulapubliclibrary.org
CHILD AND YOUTH SERVICES
NEWSPAPERS
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA 406.926.1810 www.montanabsa.org
MISSOULIAN 406.523.5200 www.missoulian.com
GIRL SCOUTS OF MT AND WY 406.252.0488 www.gsmw.org
NEWS SITE
JADYN FRED FOUNDATION 406.370.2159 www.jadynfred.org
MISSOULA CURRENT 406.830.5035 www.missoulacurrent.com TELEVISION KECI-TV (NBC) 406.721.2063, www.keci.com KPAX-TV (CBS) 406.542.4400, www.kpax.com KTMF-TV (ABC/FOX) 406.542.8900, www.ktmf.com RADIO CHERRY CREEK RADIO 406.728.5000 www.cherrycreekradio.com KBGA COLLEGE RADIO 406.243.6758, www.kbga.org
CHILD WELFARE SERVICES THE PARENTING PLACE 406.728.5437 www.parentingplace.net WATSON CHILDREN’S SHELTER, INC. 406.549.0058 www.watsonchildrensshelter.org INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY SERVICES CHILD CARE RESOURCES 406.728.6446 www.childcareresources.org MISSOULA EARLY LEARNING 406.926.3688 www.missoulaearlylearning MY VILLAGE www.myvillage.com
KUFM MONTANA PUBLIC RADIO 406.243.4931, www.kufm.org
SOFT LANDING MISSOULA 406.493.0504 www.softlandingmissoula.org
MISSOULA RADIO COMPANY 406.721.6800 www.trail1033.com
YWCA MISSOULA 406.543.6691 www.ywcaofmissoula.org
MOUNTAIN BROADCASTING 406.542.1025, www.moclub.com
RELOCATION
BUSINESS RESOURCES ONTEC is ground zero for M entrepreneurs. The facility offers workspace, conference rooms and video conferencing, and qualified staff are available to guide professionals through the start-up process. www.montanaenterprisecenter.com HE MONTANA T MANUFACTURING EXTENSION CENTER, a Montana State University program with an office in Missoula, helps manufacturers succeed by offering counseling services for business management, facility planning, food safety, lean manufacturing, marketing, leadership and more. www.montana.edu/mmec At the MISSOULA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER, certified business consultants offer free one-on-one business advising to entrepreneurs. Recent success story: the Yates family’s Conflux Brewing. www.sbdc.mt.gov/Missoula
THE BLACKSTONE LAUNCHPAD at the University of Montana prepares students, alumni and faculty to start their own business. Competitions like “Epic Pitch” and the John Ruffatto Business Startup Challenge enable students to vie for thousands of dollars in awards and introduce themselves and their vision to potential investors. Success stories include Tom Snyder, who started the Brazilian fastcasual restaurant Five on Black, and Dave Harriton, founder of American Expedition Vehicles. www.umt.edu/launchpad
#9, Missoula, Montana: 10 Most Forward Thinking U.S. Cities in 2019. Trip.com
THE HELLGATE VENTURE NETWORK encourages Missoula entrepreneurs to come to their informal monthly meetings for networking, presentations and Q&A. www.hellgateventurenetwork.com
The Line is my
road trip
WATERWORKS HILL. TAYLAR ROBBINS
Ride the Line.
Explore Missoula and enjoy the ride. With twelve routes, Mountain Line buses can take you to all the great destinations Missoula has to offer.
Download our mobile app for real-time bus tracking and rider alerts.
Free Wi-Fi on Board
• Monday through Saturday • 15 minute frequency routes • Bike carries and bike station • Service to Missoula International Airport Mountain Line is ZERO-FARE. Ride for free. (406) 721-3333
www.mountainline.com | Call us or visit our website. Find your route. #RideTheLine. 2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // LIVE HELP 800.526.3465
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NEIGHBORHOODS
NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT. TAYLAR ROBBINS
MISSOULA NEIGHBORHOODS A strong sense of community binds Missoula’s neighborhoods, but the unique character of each defines them. EAST MISSOULA
LEWIS AND CLARK
Just a few minutes outside of town through Hellgate Canyon and flanked by Mt. Jumbo, you’re only a few miles from the university. There are more affordable homes and new, higher-end housing options, but the secret’s out and this little community is growing fast.
Lewis and Clark Elementary School sits at the heart of this family-friendly neighborhood and recreation opportunities tied to the school abound. Find tennis courts, soccer fields and playgrounds. Sidewalks link quiet streets lined with traditional homes built in the 1950s and 1960s.
FAIRVIEW/PATTEE CANYON
MILLER CREEK
At night from this hillside neighborhood the lights of the valley twinkle. Find a variety of home styles and sizes. A favorite for hikers, runners and bikers, recreation is right outside your door, with services just down the street in the valley.
Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Missoula, find densely built neighborhoods that border miniature farmsteads and stunning views of the Bitterroot Valley. With a golf course and forest service land nearby, Miller Creek is a thriving community on the edge of adventure.
FRANKLIN TO THE FORT
This tight-knit neighborhood is steeped in history and community pride. Running west of Russell Street (a main Missoula corridor) to Fort Missoula with its playgrounds, fields and museum, there’s an abundance of open space and recreation opportunities. GRANT CREEK
A beautiful drainage winding into the mountains, a babbling creek, elk grazing in a meadow—this is the Montana you dream about, just northwest of city center. The farther up you drive, the closer you get to Snowbowl ski area. DOWNTOWN MISSOULA
Missoula’s city center boasts shops, bars, restaurants, coffee shops and farmers markets. Grand historic homes line the neighborhood, while apartments, high-end condos and modest bungalows sit in downtown proper. Urban setting meets outdoor fun with the Clark Fork River and a network of trails.
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MULLAN ROAD
Rural homes with horses and livestock dot the landscape, but traditional neighborhoods abound here as well. The sweeping mountain views, the Clark Fork River and a sense of escaping the city draw people to this corner of town. NORTHSIDE-WESTSIDE
Missoula’s most up-and-coming neighborhood mixes modern architecture with historic homes and an eclectic urban feel. You can walk or bike downtown, or easily access Interstate 90. The Northside-Westside neighborhood is full of families and first-time homebuyers. RATTLESNAKE
One of the most tranquil places to live in Missoula, open space defines the Rattlesnake with its traditional neighborhood living and easy access to recreation—think trail running, hiking and mountain biking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter—right outside your door.
NEIGHBORHOODS
RIVER ROAD
It wasn’t that long ago that this neighborhood was known more for its apple trees than homes. Bordered by the Clark Fork River and blending family farms, residential homes and large commercial businesses, it retains a rural feel while continuing to grow. RIVERFRONT
The Riverfront Trail System cuts through this neighborhood and the Clark Fork River borders it. There’s more traffic on the pathways than the streets. The trails become a way to commute to work, head downtown for lunch or get in a quick workout. ROSE PARK
Known as the “slant streets,” the Rose Park neighborhood is named for the park at its heart. This is a neighborhood you might see on TV, where kids bike the streets, residents watch the happenings from their front porches and everyone waves at each other. SOUTH 39TH
South 39th Street is all about access and convenience, while retaining neighborhood charm with sidewalks, boulevards, bike lanes, bird-watching and an incredible network of hidden trails that lead into the South Hills.
When it’s time, let our agents help you write the next chapter. We know that when you disrupt your life to list your house for sale, it can be an enormous relief to have wisely chosen an agent with the knowledge and skills to free you from the many distractions that a real estate transaction brings. As your trusted advisors, our agents will stay relentlessly focused on keeping your interests as their top priority. Our agents know what it takes to get you where you are meant to be. That’s CONSUMER STRONG, and our agents know every chapter by heart.
©2019 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.
www.BHHSMT.com
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NEIGHBORHOODS
SOUTH HILLS
This neighborhood offers a dramatic view of the valley and the surrounding mountains. The name might lead you to imagine rolling hills, but it’s actually more of a mountain that climbs 6,000 feet to a tree-topped summit. SOUTHGATE TRIANGLE
The Southgate Triangle area is full of quiet residential streets, as well as commercial businesses, most notably Southgate Mall. There’s also easy access to the community’s pathway system, so you can bike or walk anywhere you want. TARGET RANGE
Old barns and horses milling in pastures make Target Range a countryside escape while remaining only minutes from city amenities. This historically rural neighborhood melds farms and residential homes, giving it a pastoral feel. UNIVERSITY DISTRICT
Whether it’s a football game or a concert, living in this neighborhood puts you right in the center of it all. Old giant trees and big beautiful homes offer a storybook setting. Students, professors and long-time residents make this neighborhood the melting pot of the community.
SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES You’ll find a small-town experience in Missoula’s surrounding communities while remaining a short drive from dining, bars, museums, music venues and shopping. These outlying towns offer the best of both worlds—fewer people and acres of space and affordability while remaining close to an urban center. SOUTH OF MISSOULA
• Lolo/Florence: Drive time to Missoula— 20 minutes • Stevensville/Victor: Drive time to Missoula—40 minutes • Hamilton/Corvallis: Drive time to Missoula—1 hour • Darby: Drive time to Missoula—1 hour and 15 minutes NORTH OF MISSOULA
• Arlee: Drive time to Missoula—25 minutes • St. Ignatius: Drive time to Missoula—45 minutes • Ronan: Drive time to Missoula—60 minutes WEST OF MISSOULA
• Frenchtown: Drive time to Missoula—20 minutes • Alberton: Drive time to Missoula—30 minutes EAST OF MISSOULA
• Clinton: Drive time to Missoula—20 minutes • Potomac: Drive time to Missoula—30 minutes • Drummond: Drive time to Missoula—45 minutes
Connecting older adults and their loved ones to services, education and volunteer opportunities.
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GLOBAL EXPOSURE MONTANA EXPER TISE
WE ARE ENGEL & VÖLKERS.
Looking for your dream home in Montana? At Engel & Völkers we will guide you through every step of the process and make sure the journey is just as perfect as your destination.
Engel & Völkers Western Frontier Missoula . Polson . Hamilton . Whitefish . Bigfork (Opening Soon) Learn more at westernfrontier.evrealestate.com
©2019 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
MISSOULA COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Education is a core value in Missoula, and we invest in it. Missoula County Public Schools supports all students in accordance with the Achievement for All Plan—a mission to ensure every student achieves his or her full potential, regardless of circumstance and ability. MCPS leads the state in implementing programs like the AP Capstone Diploma, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program K – 12, a Dual Language Immersion Pathway K – 8, Career Academies and national recognition for a fine arts programs and expanding preschool classrooms for four-year-olds. Through Graduation Matters Missoula, we’re working to reduce the dropout rate, and have formed a Mental Health and Wellness Committee, plus committees focused on the needs of gifted students, Native American students, and students living in poverty. 406.728.2400, www.mcpsmt.org MISSOULA COLLEGE
Missoula College is a two-year college in the Montana University System (MUS), delivering career-technical education (CTE), transfer education, developmental education and community education. Career-related associate degrees and certificates are offered in more than 30 disciplines including allied healthcare, nursing, accounting and business, paralegal services, culinary and hospitality, information technology, diesel mechanics, sustainable construction, and welding technologies. Transfer education allows students to complete the first two-years of the baccalaureate degree as a Missoula College student at affordable two-year college tuition rates. 406.243.7811, www.mc.umt.edu
CHARTER COLLEGE MISSOULA
UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
Named Montana’s top university by U.S. News and World Report, the University of Montana provides a well-rounded educational foundation (on one of the most beautiful campuses in the country) to navigate a complex and quickly changing world. Students engage with faculty members and researchers, connect across disciplines and develop important career skills, realizing their full potential and tackling the most important issues of our time. At its core, UM aspires to educate agile, lifelong learners prepared to solve complex interdisciplinary challenges. Students, faculty members, staff and alumni work together to advance society’s well-being while contributing to the economic prosperity and quality of life in our region, our state and around the world. 406.243.0211, www.umt.edu
Top 20 College Towns in America American Institute for Economic Research
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Charter College Missoula prepares students to become medical assistants while still juggling the responsibilities of work and family. The innovative program at Charter College offers students hands-on training on campus with additional online curriculum. Charter College offers a way to change your life while still living your life. www.chartercollege.edu/missoula-mt WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY
Walla Walla University’s Missoula campus offers a master’s in social work program that can be earned in six continuous quarters. That means you can get your degree in only a year and a half. The intensive program focuses on clinical practices. Students can take a variety of electives on topics like aging, addiction and child welfare. The school’s new building on Mullan Road provides a professional and warm atmosphere that is easy to access. www.wallawalla.edu/academics/grad-studies/social-work/missoulacampus/ PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Missoula’s small contingent of private schools offers people a chance to personalize the learning experience they want for their kids. Students can start their private school education in elementary school and follow it through high school graduation. There are 13 private schools that serve about 1,500 students. That means small classes and individual attention. The schools mix a focus on academics with specialized curriculums that include religious or experiential learning.
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
FOCUSING ON OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE: TRAINING AND CAREER PATHWAYS INITIATIVE From pre-apprenticeships, to apprenticeships, to on-the-job and continuing education, there are many ways people enter today's workforce outside of the two- and four-year college system, and Missoula’s workforce committee is shining a light on the region’s career pathways. By forming a collaboration between Missoula’s business sector and public and private school counselors, individuals who work with at-risk youth and career and technical education department chairs, the right people are hearing directly from businesses on what business needs are today. Through this initiative, partnerships with organizations like the Department of Labor will give counselors, teachers and students direct access to pathways into careers that may not require four-year schooling—another way we’re strengthening Missoula’s workforce and focusing on future generations of Missoulians.
" To strengthen the workforce you need buy-in and support from the business community, and we've got that here in Missoula. And I think that's the heart of a community...a community I'd want to live in." Kim Latrielle, Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce
Missoula County Public Schools
When our students achieve, we all achieve.
• International When our students achieve, weBaccalaureate all achieve. •
Dual Language Immersion
• AP and Dual Credit Courses International Baccalaureate You'll be ready for life • Career Academies Dual Language Immersion• and Exposure Programs STEM and FINE ARTS K-12 Financial Aid Available AP and Dual Credit Courses www.mcsmt.org Health Science Academy WWW.MCPSMT.ORG Finance Academy 2020 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // LIVE HELP 800.526.3465 SPARK! Arts Integration Highest graduation rate in Montana
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BUSINESS
D OWNTOWN MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
BUSINESS IN MISSOULA It’s easy to fall in love with Missoula for its outdoor recreation opportunities, thriving art scene and friendly people. But those aren’t the only reasons businesses are choosing Missoula as their home base. Quality of life is exceptional here. Employees love where they live and can easily find a work-life balance. Here, it’s easy to find not just a job, but a career doing something you love while enjoying everything this family-friendly community offers. Missoula is a place that values hard work, fosters innovation and encourages businesses to thrive. And yeah, you also get the Missoula lifestyle, where you can run trails at lunch, ski on the weekends and listen to live music almost any night of the week. Living here just makes sense.
WHAT ABOUT MISSOULA MAKES DOING BUSINESS UNIQUE? “ No matter where you run a business I think it’s probably very stressful and very rewarding. It’s exciting and daunting all at the same time, but to own a business in Missoula, at least for me, you get the added benefit of feeling like you’re doing it for people you care about, in a place that cares about you. It’s almost like we’re not just in it for ourselves, we’re in it for this whole place, because we love it and want it to thrive and prosper and grow, it loves us back, that is real community. Owning a business in Missoula makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger, part of something special. So many people have contributed to our success along the way but the folks that work at the Chamber were the first. They helped us get the word out about this crazy wonderful business, we are forever grateful to them.”
“ Business in Missoula is different for many reasons. It is more face to face and based on personal relationships than bigger cities and we love that. We get to know our clients and vendors on such a more personal level than we feel would happen in other areas. We have a support network; it isn’t just based on how much money is made—but a feeling that people genuinely want to help and support us. The community focus of Missoula is what solidified us wanting to do business here – giving back (in various ways) is such important to the business community. We wanted to be a part of that.” Daniella Monger, Garden City Janitorial
Big Sky Breakout
OPPORTUNITY ABOUNDS IN MISSOULA
The diversity of Missoula’s economy means no matter your field, whether you are in education, medicine or an entrepreneur, you can find a job doing what you love in a place you love. AVERAGE WAGES
Annual Average Total Wages for Missoula: $40,372
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TOP PUBLIC EMPLOYERS
TOP PRIVATE EMPLOYERS
Missoula County Public Schools University of Montana City of Missoula County of Missoula U.S. Department of Agriculture
Community Medical Center Providence St. Patrick Hospital AT&T Montana Rail Link Walmart
BUSINESS
WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER: ADDRESSING AMERICA’S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS The health of our community lies in the health of our people, and Missoula is doing the work to change the conversation around behavioral health issues and create a culture of acceptance. That’s just how we do things around here. The stigma of things like addiction and mental illness keeps people silent for fear of judgement and risk of job loss. But the workplace is one of the most important settings to discuss these issues, so there’s a huge opportunity for employers that’s mostly overlooked or ignored. We need to change this climate of fear surrounding behavioral health in America’s workplaces, and we’re starting right here in Missoula. The city is focused on giving our businesses the tools to support anyone who’s struggling for whatever reason. A healthy company culture attracts and retains employees— happy ones. It also decreases social isolation, and increased confidence means increased production. In Missoula—a place where nature nurtures the soul, we’re not immune to the global problem of issues surrounding behavioral health, but we are proactive and forward-thinking in how we’re responding to these issues because, in our community, we’re all in this together.
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BUSINESS
11 REASONS TO START YOUR BUSINESS IN MISSOULA
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D OWNTOWN MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
HIGHLY ACTIVE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE As the largest business organization in Missoula, the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce advocates for local businesses and a healthy business environment. Members can join the Missoula Young Professionals group, enroll in the annual “Leadership Missoula” program, take business-related classes and hobnob with other professionals at monthly Business After Hours events. 825 E. Front St. 406.543.6623 missoulachamber.com
MISSOULA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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DEDICATION TO ATTRACTING NEW BUSINESS Missoula Economic Partnership (MEP) plays an integral role in bringing several new companies to Missoula, including tech firms such as 4Cast and ClassPass, and creating new, high-paying jobs. www.missoulapartnership.com
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.BUSINESS-FRIENDLY GOVERNMENT The Montana Department of Commerce is a boon to business owners. A few of their programs include the Montana Board of Investments’ In-state Loan Program (www.investmentmt.com), Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (www.marketmt.com/BSTF) and Primary Sector Workforce Training Grant Program (www.marketmt.com/WTG). Visit www.marketmt.com for a full list of ways the state government can help you start and maintain a business.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT Local funding possibilities include MoFi (www.mofi.org), a double bottom line, non-bank lender, Goodworks Ventures (www.goodworksventures.com), which invests in businesses that seek to make the world a better place, technology-centric Next Frontier Capital (www.nextfrontiercapital.com) and Dorsey & Whitney LLC (www.dorsey.com/locations/missoula), a law firm known to help startups pro bono or at a significantly reduced cost.
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HELPING MISSOULA FAMILIES THRIVE One of the biggest issues facing today’s workforce is child care. More parents are being forced to abandon careers as the cost of quality child care is out of reach and waitlists are high. Missoula is addressing the problem head on by spearheading a child care initiative to address the need for our workforce to have access to quality, affordable 0-5 child care.
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LAWYERS AND ATTORNEYS
WORKING FOR YOU WILLS | REAL ESTATE | PERSONAL INJURY | WORKERS COMPENSATION
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The city and its business community are working together on ways to decrease waitlists by increasing open childcare spots. Solutions include on-site childcare in businesses, expansion of current child care centers, businesses combining efforts and creating shared child care facilities for their sectors of town, and incorporating child care centers into current development projects. We’re a community continuing to foster and grow access to quality child care, connecting families with the care they need. Community collaboration at work—you’ll find it in Missoula, Montana.
Partnering with families to support the developmental needs of children. • Early Intervention (Don’t wait-&-see; it’s FREE from birth to age 3!) • Family Education & Support • Autism & Behavioral Services Schedule a FREE early-childhood screening today! 1-800-914-4779 • Childdevcenter.org Serving Western Montana families since 1975 This ad sponsored by
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UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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HIGHLY SKILLED AND EDUCATED WORKFORCE Since Missoula is home to the University of Montana, Missoula College, Montana Code School, Charter College, and Walla Walla University, business owners can count on there being plenty of highly qualified graduates to fill full-time professional positions in a large number of fields. Students still working on their degrees constitute a large pool of part-time workers.
.COMMUNITY SUPPORT OF SMALL BUSINESS Missoulians love to shop, eat and drink local. Just check out our thriving downtown, the bustling farmers markets, and our wildly popular Missoula MADE Fairs.
NO SALES OR INVENTORY TAX! Montana was ranked #5 of the 10 best states in the 2019 State Business Tax Climate Index by the Tax Foundation. www.taxfoundation.org
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NONPROFITS THAT HELP PROFESSIONALS SUCCEED The ability to meet and network with people who face similar challenges in the workplace is immeasurable. Missoula Businesswomen’s Network (www.discovermbn.com), the Missoula Building Industry Association (www.buildmissoula.com), and the Montana High Tech Business Alliance (www.mthightech.org) allow businesspeople to do just that.
INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS Want the entire world to be your customer? The University of Montana’s Montana World Trade Center helps Montana businesses gain a foothold and strengthen relationships in international markets. Connect with businesspeople around the world, attend an overseas trade mission, or join TechEx, a new service geared toward helping Montanans learn the ins and outs of technology exports. www.mwtc.org
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W ALKING BRIDGE. TAYLAR ROBBINS
EXPANDING AIR SERVICE
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BURKE ORIZOTTI REAL ESTATE Our Team Our Team
Your Your First First Decision is Your Most Most Important Decision is Your Important
Missoula International Airport offers nonstop flights to Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Oakland, Phoenix/Mesa, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle and Salt Lake City. The Missoula International Airport will have a completely new and expanded passenger terminal and twice the gate capacity by 2022.
“The Key to Opening “The Key toDoors Opening Doors and Closing Transactions.” and Closing Transactions.” Mary Burke Orizotti Mary Burke Orizotti Owner/Broker Owner/Broker 406-490-6061 406-490-6061
THE THE KEY KEY Call a broke broker with over 35Call years of experience a broke broker with over 35 years of experience
Your our FFirst Decision is FFirst Decision is Your our Your Most Important Impor Your Most Impor Important
“Your Favorite Proudly Serving All Serving All“Your Favorite Proudly Home-girl.” Your Real Estate YourNeeds. Real Estate Needs.Home-girl.” Rachael Orizotti Rixford Rachael Orizotti Rixford Alec BrayAlec Bray Broker Associate Broker Associate Sales Associates Sales Associates 406-490-9319 406-546-0712 406-546-0712406-490-9319 “Prioritizing “Prioritizing Your “Luxury, Lifestyle Your “Luxury, Lifestyle Real Estate Needs and Location” Real Daily” Estate Needs Daily” and Location” Haley Tomich Haley TomichKathy Cotner Kathy Cotner Sales Associates Sales Associate Sales Associates Sales Associate 406-207-4119 406-207-4119 406-207-0540 406-207-0540
1720 Brooks, Missoula, MT MT 1720 Brooks, Missoula, 406-926-2885 406-926-2885 www.burkeorizottirealestate.com www.burkeorizottirealestate.com
One of Montana’s Natural Wonders • “Best Green Business” and “Best Organic Selection,” 2019 Best of Missoula awards, Missoulian. • “One of the nation’s eight finest neighborhood supermarkets,” Bon Appetit magazine. • Produce department voted Missoula’s favorite for more than 25 years running. • Pizza, wok bowls, made-to-order sandwiches, housemade soups & salads in the GFS Deli. • Fresh juices, fruit smoothies, kombucha and espresso in the GFS Café. • More than 800 bulk foods & spices.
1600 S. 3rd St. West
406.541.3663
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New Business and Development A strong and thriving community is a constantly nurtured one. That’s why Missoula makes a very dedicated effort to maintain a focus on growth, renovation and sustainability. We take care of our city. We preserve its true nature and we’re passionate about the quality of its evolution.
KETTLEHOUSE AMPHITHEATER. LOGJAM PRESENTS
CONFLUX BREWING. ALEX HANICH
AMC DINE-IN THEATRE. SOUTHGATE MALL
We’re proud of these recent projects:
BASAL. ALEX HANICH
BUSINESS
FUELING THE PULSE OF MISSOULA
FAIRGROUND RENOVATIONS + BUTTERFLY HOUSE The historic commercial and culinary arts building at the Missoula Fairgrounds has been lovingly renovated and plans are underway for a new learning center, butterfly house and demonstration garden.
MIDTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD Change is happening in Midtown Missoula with new businesses opening and expanding in the area. The beloved Bridge Pizza opened a second location across from the new Southgate Mall entrance, and Trail Head River Sports is now open for river recreation fun. The 2019 opening of The Dram Shop’s second location means Missoula is now the proud home of two growler fill stations.
NEW BREWERIES & TAP HOUSES Level Up is raising the number of breweries in Missoula to 12 and Bridge Pizza just announced they’ll be opening brewery number 13 in the near future. KettleHouse Brewing Co. recently opened its third location just outside of Missoula in Bonner. Missoula’s “neighborhood living room”—a new tap house named Brewed is coming soon (2020) to the Lower Pattee Canyon neighborhood, and the Tap Club opens on Reserve Street in 2020 as well.
MUSIC VENUES Missoula’s concert scene has skyrocketed since the recent renovations at The Wilma and The Top Hat, two of the Northwest’s best music venues. The debut of the KettleHouse Amphitheater on the banks of the Blackfoot River and Big Sky Brewing Amphitheater’s new stage continue to thrill outdoor concertgoers.
NEW RESTAURANTS We love to eat and we love good food. Here’s a list of our newest dining hot spots, four of which can be found in the new Merc Building downtown. • 1889 • Zoo Thai • The Camino (opening soon) • Basal • Notorious P.I.G. BBQ (second location) • Second Set Bistro • Gild
AND HERE’S WHAT’S IN THE WORKS… • Plans are in the works for the redevelopment of an old Days Inn motel in downtown Missoula. The Wren Hotel should be completed by 2021, and will significantly enhance the emerging city hub. • Due to open in 2020, a new 105,000 square-foot Missoula Public Library will host Missoula Community Access Television, SpectrUM Discovery Area, Families First Children’s Museum and a café. • Construction at Missoula International Airport is well underway on a multiphase plan that will enlarge the terminal and add gates. The airport will be fully expanded by 2022, allowing it to offer more options and modern amenities to a growing number of passengers. • The AC by Marriott hotel is set to open in late 2020, and will include a rooftop terrace and bar as well as a “speakeasy style” restaurant. • Adoption of a Downtown Master Plan realizes a community-driven vision for the future of Downtown Missoula. • Plans for Drift, Missoula’s new entertainment complex at the corner of Orange and Broadway, include a 6,000 capacity indoor venue, 200-room boutique-style hotel, approximately 10,000 square feet of additional event space, two restaurants, a 400-stall parking facility and a monumental riverfront promenade that runs along Missoula’s river trail system. 96
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Reasons to Love Living in Missoula THE PEOPLE We’re more than just a community. The city itself knits each and every person together, connecting and uniting us all under one big sky. Go get lost and then ask for directions, people-watch at Caras Park or grab a barstool next to a local and you’ll see for yourself. There is a level of diversity, of open arms and of exploration that abounds within Missoulians. THE ARTS Artists flock to Missoula and it’s no surprise why. The culture is utterly distinct, the lifestyle unequivocal to anywhere else and the heady combination of the then and the now, the young and the old, the tangible and that which is beyond reach, makes way for a space that is constantly being reinvented and renewed. The city itself is pure art. Inspiration comes easily in Missoula. THE OUTDOORS Mother Nature made the perfect backyard, and it’s right outside our doors. Sublime mountain ranges, a labyrinth of trails and an abundance of surging rivers are just the tip of the glacier, so to speak. No planning necessary, Missoulians never pass up the opportunity to get out and play. THE FOOD A small town with an appetite rivaling that of a big city, Missoula’s devotion to good food and amazing eateries can be seen at every festival and celebration or right in the heart of downtown. The people here demand diversity, they crave fresh and exotic new ways to enjoy a meal, and they are never disappointed in the tapestry of flavors Missoula reveals with each new day. THE LIFESTYLE What’s living, without quality of life? When you’re surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor adventure that’s hard to match, and immersed in a tightly-woven community of fierce dedication and local pride, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve got it made in Missoula. Living life on mountain time is really living life.
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Trail Trail Trail Access Trail access ParkingParking
Main Road Main Road
Side Road Side Road
On Street On Street Bicycle Route Bicycle Route
MAP DESIGN: ART & IMAGE ©2014
(Hwy. 93 & I-90)
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MAPS COURTESY OF ROGER PARCHEN/ART & IMAGE
Waterworks Hill
Waterworks Hill
Downtown Downtown
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Lincoln Hills
Woods Gulch
MAP OF MISSOULA
Fort Missoula Regional Park
Travel around Missoula for free with Mountain Line public transit system. Visit www.mountainline.com or download the mobile app for route information.
City maps with greater detail are available at both the Destination Missoula Visitor Information Center and the Missoula Chamber of Commerce. 825 E. Front St. | Missoula, Montana | 406.543.6623
Copies of this map are available at the Destination Missoula Visitor Information Center. 101 E. Main St. | Missoula, MT 59802 | 406.532.3250
Visit Destination Missoula at 101 East Main
MAP OF MISSOULA
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A Unique Blend of Community Living and Outdoor Recreation Now presenting home sites in the newly available Phases 6 and 7. Situated on an 18 hole
Achampionship Unique Blend ofatCommunity Living andGolf Outdoor Recreation golf course the heart of Montana's Premier Community only minutes to downtown Missoulahome and the Missoula. Offering floor plans Now presenting sitesUniversity in the newlyofavailable Phases 6 and distinctive 7. Situated on an 18 holeand home sites adjoining the Clark Fork River. Blending activities only fromminutes golfing, championship golffairways course atand the the heart of Montana's Premier Golf Community tobiking, hiking, fishing andand scenic walking trails make this your most desirable homeand destination. downtown Missoula the University of Missoula. Offering distinctive floor plans home sites adjoining the fairways and the Clark Fork River. Blending activities from golfing, biking, hiking, fishing and scenic walking trails make this your most desirable home destination. SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD
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MaryBurke BurkeOrizotti Orizotti Mary Broker/Owner, CRS Broker/Owner, CRS 406.490.6061 406.490.6061 mbosales@gmail.com mbosales@gmail.com 102
Contactusus Contact forfor additional additionalinformation information on home oncurrent currentland land home packages, packages,lotlotavailability availability and pricing. and pricing.
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Tory Dailey Tory Dailey Broker, CRS, CRS, GRI GRI Broker, 406.880.8679 406.880.8679 tory@lambrosera.com
tory@lambrosera.com
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DESTINATION MISSOULA FULFILLMENT CENTER 516 S. ORANGE ST. MISSOULA, MT 59801
PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Missoula, MT 59802 Permit No. 559