THERE’S THIS PLACE where
WE CONNECT BY CURRENT
where
NATURE MEETS CULTURE
where
WE PLAY HARD AND EXPLORE RESPONSIBLY
THE OFFICIAL 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
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Stay in the Heart of Downtown Missoula
Relax in a gracious open-space setting along the Clark Fork River just steps from walking trails, vibrant shopping, dining, museums, farmers markets and more! A great place for your A stay at The Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown puts you in the center of it all. family and friends to stay after you relocate. When MISSOULA’S LARGEST FULL-SERVICE HOTEL COMPLIMENTARY they visit youFEATURES in your new Newly Renovated Guest Parking (a rarity in Downtown) home town, they’ll just be 20,000 sf of Flexible Meeting Space Indoor Pool • Fitness Center from all that makes Expansive Outdoor Venue Airportsteps Shuttle • High-Speed Wi-Fi Pet-Friendly • Lobby Bar Area-Wide Transportation Missoula so magical! Full-Service Restaurant and Bar Grab and Go Market • Espresso Bar
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200 S. Pattee Street • Missoula • (406) 721-7550 LIVE HELP 800.526.3465 // 2021IHG MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE Visit www.holidayinn.com/missouladwtn to learn about The Clean Promise
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MISSOULA
STAY WITH PURPOSE IN THE HEART OF
DOWNTOWN MISSOULA FULL-SERVICE EXTENDED STAY HOTEL FEATURING: • Every guest suite includes a kitchen, work desk, and living space
• Rooftop courtyard with fire-pit, yard games, and BBQ grill
• Complimentary hot buffet breakfast
• Indoor swimming pool
• On-site restaurants, bar, spa, and shopping
• On-site fitness center
• Within walking distance to dozens of restaurants, shops, entertainment, and more
• Complimentary airport shuttle service
• On-site guest laundry
• Marriott Bonvoy™ travel program
• Evening full bar service
• Valet parking • Flexible meeting space
Residence Inn by Marriott® Missoula 125 North Pattee Street | Missoula, MT 59802 | 406-542-6252 | Marriott.com/MSORI Operated by Aimbridge Hospitality Holdings, LLC under license from Marriott International, Inc. or one of its affiliates.
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LYNN STENERSON NMLS ID #707851
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Montana’s Brand of Banking 6
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Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
IWNESLI C DO EME
INSIDE ON THE COVER
8 WELCOME
Tubers relax in the glow of downtown lights and cool summer air after arriving at Caras Park in true Missoula fashion—by the current of the Clark Fork River. Floating is a beloved summer staple, and the Clark Fork allows tubers to drift among wildlife and wild landscapes, only to hop off their tube in the heart of downtown Missoula for an evening of outdoor music and food truck fare.
There’s This Place where life is full of little pleasures and big adventures.
12 15
16 21 22
GETTING TO MISSOULA MISSOULA BY THE SEASON
ATTRACTIONS Get started; your options are endless. LIVE LIKE A LOCAL
THERE’S THIS PLACE where
WE CONNECT BY CURRENT
Photo by Taylar Robbins
where
NATURE MEETS CULTURE
where
WE PLAY HARD AND EXPLORE RESPONSIBLY
THE OFFICIAL 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
LOCAL HISTORY
24 CULTURE
Missoula’s thriving culture shouldn’t be missed.
25 26 28 30
33
PERFORMING & LITERARY ARTS MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE ART SCENE SPORTS SPIRIT
MARKETS Mark your calendar with Missoula’s year-round markets.
34 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Come explore where the great outdoors are right outside your door.
36 38 39 40 42
46 DINING
62 LODGING
Savor the local flavor.
47 49 51
Be our guest. We can accommodate.
68
WHERE TO EAT MARKET FAVORITES
71 BEYOND MISSOULA
SWEET TREATS
Take a day trip and explore western Montana.
52 DRINKS
Cheers with local drinks around Missoula.
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56
COFFEE & TEA
HIT THE TRAIL WINTER WONDERLAND FALL FOR MISSOULA
Published by:
Relocation information provided by:
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NATIONAL PARKS
80 RELOCATION
Make Montana your reality.
SHOPPING Splurge. It looks good on you.
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT CAN’T-MISS HIKES
RV PARKS & CAMPING
60 UNIVERSITY
84 88
MISSOULA NEIGHBORHOODS EDUCATION
90 BUSINESS IN MISSOULA
OF MONTANA Higher education in the heart of the West.
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
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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. Dogs can join the fun on-leash in most parks and public outdoor spaces, or play off-leash in areas dedicated to wandering free. Open space defines Missoula. Wilderness trails begin minutes from downtown. 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. Weather is a state of mind in Missoula, and outdoor recreation is alive and well in all four seasons. 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. 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.
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CLARK FORK RIVER. TAYLAR ROBBINS
WELCOME
MISSOULA. KYLE MCGOWAN
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted our fast-paced flow of live events and activities in Missoula, but we are hopeful for all of the concerts, Griz games, festivals, art walks and brewfests the future holds. Thank you for being flexible and patient as Missoula adjusts and innovates in the face of shutdowns and setbacks. Things may look a little different this year, but the heart of Missoula remains the same—creative, adventurous, curious and welcoming. Join us in keeping Missoula’s residents and visitors healthy by following local safety guidelines, and pressing pause on your travel plans if you are feeling sick. Find travel updates and safety resources at DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE.
GILD. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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WELCOME
Top Travel Pick Northwest Travel & Life
QUESTIONS? We’re happy to help. Stop by our downtown Destination Missoula Visitor Information Center: MSO HUB, or give us a call if you are unsure about current business hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 101 E. Main St. Missoula, Montana destinationmissoula.org office@destinationmissoula.org 406.532.3250 Visitor Information: 800.526.3465 Fax: 406.541.9465
BRENNAN’S WAVE, DOWNTOWN MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
WELCOME TO MISSOULA 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, our 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. For travel updates and safety resources, visit DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE or stop by the walk-in visitor center to pick up a free mask.
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HOURS
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Please call for current office hours.
LOCAL GIVING
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GETTING HERE
GETTING TO MISSOULA
FLIGHTS TO MISSOULA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MSO)
and around town.
Seattle
M ON TA N
A
Portland
The Missoula Airport (MSO) is located 5.6 miles from downtown Missoula. Air carriers include Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier and United, offering direct flights to 15 major markets.
Minneapolis
Oakland San Francisco Salt Lake City San Jose Denver Las Vegas
Chicago
Los Angeles San Diego
Atlanta Phoenix/Mesa
Missoula is easily accessible by highway. Interstate 90 runs east-west through the Missoula valley, and Montana Highway 93 travels north-south.
Dallas
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
TAXI SERVICE MISSOULA GREEN TAXI 406.728.8294 www.missoulagreentaxi.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
AMERICAN www.aa.com DELTA www.delta.com FRONTIER www.flyfrontier.com
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.
Travel smart, and know before you go. Visit DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE for travel updates and local safety guidelines before hitting the road or catching a flight to Missoula. 12
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FLY TO MOUNTAIN TIME IN NO TIME MISSOULA AIRPORT GATEWAY TO WESTERN MONTANA
EASY ACCESS
WORLDWIDE
TO GLACIER AND YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARKS SEATTLE
DIRECT FLIGHTS TO 15 CITIES ON 6 CARRIERS
MSO
PORTLAND
MINNEAPOLIS
OAKLAND*
CHICAGO
SALT LAKE CITY
SAN FRANCISCO SAN JOSE LOS ANGELES
CONNECTIONS
LAS VEGAS
DENVER
SAN DIEGO PHOENIX/MESA
ATLANTA* DALLAS
*SEASONAL DESTINATION
FLYMISSOULA.COM
New daily nonstop service to San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose on Alaska Airlines starting March 2021. LIVE HELP 800.526.3465 // 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
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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.
TAYLAR ROBBINS
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
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AT T R A C T I O N S
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 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
AT T R A C T I O N S
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.
Playful City USA Kaboom
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 table, a 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. 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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AT T R A C T I O N S
MISSOULA ATTRACTIONS LUMBERJAXE THROWING CO Try your hand at axe throwing in an exciting, social atmosphere. Learn the ropes from experienced axe coaches, and find out who has the best aim in your group. 1210 W. Kent Ave., Suite 104 406.493.0448 www.lumberjaxethrowingco.com
Hours and availability can change quickly due to COVID-19. Keep plans flexible and call ahead before heading to your next Missoula attraction. 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
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM MISSOULA [reopening soon 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
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 ------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------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
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
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
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
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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. 5055 Expressway Rd., 406.541.4200 www.thehubmissoula.com ------------------------------------------
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 the back cover. Downtown Missoula Partnership 218 E. Main St., 406.543.4238 www.missouladowntown.com
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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. ------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------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 page 31. 600 Cregg Ln., 406.721.PARK (7275) www.missoulaparks.org
LUMBERJAXE THROWING CO
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 -----------------------------------------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
MISSOULA BUTTERFLY HOUSE AND INSECTARIUM [reopening in 2022 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 -----------------------------------------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
AT T R A C T I O N S
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
6 FEET
----------------------------------------------------------------------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 ----------------------------------------------------------------------ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION & ELK COUNTRY VISITOR CENTER Discover interactive exhibits that explore the nature of elk country. Wildlife films are shown regularly. 5705 Grant Creek Rd., 866.266.7750 www.rmef.org
Keep our Distance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------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
Maintain a six-foot distance from others, and stay on trails except to let people pass.
Smart. Safe. Ready. Learn more at:
DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
----------------------------------------------------------------------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 31. 3001 Bancroft St., 406.721.PARK (7275) www.missoulaparks.org
Community built. Kid approved. There’s always time for play at Missoula’s favorite family attractions, A Carousel for Missoula and Dragon Hollow Play Area.
TAYLAR ROBBINS
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
Forget horsepower—we’re PEOPLE-POWERED. Volunteers built the Carousel and Dragon Hollow from the ground up, and we still count on our community whenever the ponies need a helping hand. That’s the Missoula way. A Carousel for Missoula and Dragon Hollow are open daily, pandemic permitting. Call 406-549-8382 or check out www.carouselformissoula.com for current conditions and hours.
----------------------------------------------------------------------WALKING TOURS 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.” Some tours can be self-guided. 218 E. Main St., 406.543-4238 www.missouladowntown.com/tours/ unseen-missoula
On the Clark Fork River in Downtown Missoula • 101 Carousel Drive Thank you to Merrill Lynch Wealth Management for sponsorship of this ad.
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AT T R A C T I O N S
Artwork copyright Jay Laber. Private Collection.
free expression.
free admission.
classes // tours // art park 335 N. Pattee // Downtown Missoula
Tuesday - Saturday 10AM - 5PM
missoulaartmuseum.org
downtown
406-493-0528 Bigskybreakout.com 20
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LIKE A LOCAL
JEANETTE RANKIN PEACE PARK AT WATERWORKS HILL. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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 Missoula 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
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
HISTORICAL MUSEUM AT FORT MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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. 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.
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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. See ad on this page. 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
---------------------------------------------------------------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. 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
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
LOCATED AT FORT MISSOULA
OF MILITARY HISTORY
Parking • Museum • Gift Shop Picnic Area • Restrooms
MUSEUM
FACILITIES
HOURS
June 1 – Labor Day Open 12 – 5 • 7 Days a Week
FOR MORE INFO: 406.239.8958 Missoula, MT 59807 info@fortmissoula.org www.fortmissoula.org
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.
THE STORIES BEHIND FORT MISSOULA Fort Missoula was established in 1877 as a military post, but that is only the first of many stories it grew to tell. It was built in the event of conflict during the Indian Wars and steadily evolved to fill many roles throughout Missoula’s history. Perhaps one of the Fort’s most exceptional stories is that of the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps. The widespread popularity of bicycles in the late 1800s caught the attention of military leaders, and it wasn’t long before James A. Moss, Fort Missoula’s 2nd Lieutenant and an avid cyclist, organized the first bicycle-equipped regiment in the country. The Corps consisted of eight Black enlisted men who trained rigorously and completed expeditions as long as 1,900 miles. Fort Missoula’s role shifted during World War II, as it was turned over for use as an Alien Detention Center. Between 1941 and 1944 it held 1,200 non-military Italian men, 1,000 Japanese resident aliens, 23 German resident aliens, and 123 Japanese Latin and South Americans. To this day, Fort Missoula remains the largest intact WWII internment site, with most major buildings of the era still in use. For more of Fort Missoula’s many stories, visit the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula. ABOVE PHOTO: SLIDEROCK LOOKOUT. CHRIS SAWICKI/MONTANA REPERTORY THEATRE
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C U LT U R E
CULTURE
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.
With a setting as awe-inspiring as ours, a thriving cultural scene is inevitable.
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 soulstirring 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 PaddleHead game, dropping in on a book reading, perusing an art gallery and hitting the dance floor are all in a day’s play here.
Stay safe and up-to-date on all of the events and activities currently available in Missoula by visiting DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE.
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DOWNTOWN MISSOULA. KYLE MCGOWAN
C U LT U R E
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
“Almost every day in Missoula you’ll find a speaker, reading, concert, live music set, play or performance to pop in on.” Chadd Scott, Forbes
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 Repertory Theatre is the only full-season professional Equity Theatre in the state, as well as the resident theatre for the University of Montana. 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. 718 S. Higgins Ave., 406.728.9380 www.theroxytheater.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 LIVE HELP 800.526.3465 // 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
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C U LT U R E
A MISSOULA-BORN MUSICIAN: CHLOE GENDROW
T RAMPLED 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 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 up-and-coming artists, indie favorites with cult followings, and local bands making their mark on the music scene. Missoula’s Summer 2020 lineup was nothing short of epic prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, touting names like Sheryl Crow, Vampire Weekend and Trampled by Turtles. And while fans mourned the loss of summer concerts, we know they’ll be ready to sing louder and dance harder than ever before when our postponed shows return safely to Missoula. While the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to sold-out concerts and lively crowds, Missoula’s local musicians didn’t miss a beat. Artists performed live from social media, the Missoula Symphony streamed to hundreds, and small outdoor concerts offered socially distanced entertainment. Stay up-to-date with the latest musical happenings in Missoula by visiting destinationmissoula.org/events, and check for travel updates and safety resources at DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE. 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. Big-name bands play the Ogren Park at Allegiance Field, WashingtonGrizzly Stadium and the Adams Center. Festivals throughout the summer, like the River City Roots Festival, bring in bands to perform on downtown stages. Two 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.
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Music is at the heart of Missoula’s vibrant culture, so it’s no wonder that so many talented artists find their voice growing up here. Chloe Gendrow, a 23-yearold singer-songwriter still living in Missoula, is one of those artists. Chloe always knew that she wanted to make music. “I feel like this sounds cheesy, but I’ve always known that I either wanted to sing or write songs from the time I was very young. It is the one thing that has stuck with me. I felt that it was my duty to serve the younger me and give it a fair shot,” she explained. On top of working toward a degree in marketing at the University of Montana, Chloe stayed true to her younger self and kept pursuing a career in music, releasing her first EP, Growing Pains, at age 19 and her first full length album, Glow, in November of 2017 at age 21. Chloe has received a great deal of support, and surprise, throughout the community. “I think that people were caught off guard — they did not expect that music to come out of Missoula. People have been super receptive. They tell me, ‘I don’t hear this from other people.’ And that is one of the reasons I chose to make this music, too, because no one else is doing it.” Lucky for Missoula, Chloe is still creating music and gracing local stages with her eclectic pop hits and kind, carefree nature. ABOVE PHOTO: RYAN SCHMITZ
BIG SKY BREWING COMPANY AMPHITHEATER
This newly redesigned outdoor venue attracts national acts like the Lee Decembrists, Bryan Brice, MarilynLuke Manson Avett Brothers. 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.
KETTLEHOUSE AMPHITHEATER AMPHITHEATER
Situated onthe thebanks banks Situated on of the the Blackfoot BlackfootRiver River of (famous forworld-class world(famous for class fly-fishing) this fly-fishing) this new new venue venue drawsdraws performers performers like Sheryl like CAKE, Bon Iver, Crow, Ween, Alice Flogging Molly and Cooper and Trampled by Primus, Turtles, who play playunder underthe the who stars whilerafts raftsfloat float stars while by behind them on by behind them on the the wildly scenic wildly scenic river.river.
THE WILMA
elegancemeets meets Retro elegance eclectic talentwith withthe eclectic talent the likes of Jeff likes of Jason Mraz, Tweedy, Young theRainbow Giant, Melissa Kitten Surprise, Peter Etheridge and The Devil Frampton and Makes Three. Lyle Lovett. TOP HAT LOUNGE TOPintimate HAT LOUNGE An venue
An intimate venue perfect for spending perfect for spending quality time with quality time with the Oh Caamp, Shook Twins Hellos, TylerTrapper Childers and Blitzen and and Marslike and localSkizzy celebrities local celebrities like Shakewell. Shakewell.
ADAMS CENTER/ WASHINGTON- GRIZZLY GRIZZLY STADIUM STADIUM
Sir Paul Paul McCartney, McCartney,Pearl Pearland JamThe and The Jam Rolling Rolling have Stones have Stones rocked rocked MissoulaMissoula to the tops of to the tops of the the mountains and back mountains and back at Washington-Grizzly at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, while the Stadium, whilehas the Adams Center Adams big-name Center has hosted artists hosted big-name like Florida Georgiaartists Line like Georgia and Florida Chris Stapleton. Line and Elton John.
OGREN PARK ALLEGIANCE ALLEGIANCE FIELD FIELD
At the PaddleHead Osprey Stadium, At the the sounds Stadium, theofsounds of Paul Simon and Portugal. The Man and Widespread Panic have Mumford & Sons have been known known to to enliven enliven been the night air air and and keep keep the night time with the Clark Fork time with the Clark Fork River’s syncopation syncopation as as itit River’s rolls on on past. past. rolls
KETTLEHOUSE AMPHITHEATER. NEUBAUER MEDIA COURTESY OF LOGJAM PRESENTS
C U LT U R E
Missoula Venues
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C U LT U R E
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 numerous 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. Even amidst shutdowns and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no stopping Missoula’s art scene. And in the true spirit of creativity, folks continue to innovate and adjust in order to keep Missoula as vibrant and imaginative as ever. From digital gallery tours to DIY craft kits to-go, there is no shortage of creative experiences to be had. Visit DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE for updates and local safety guidelines.
MISSOULA ART MUSEUM. ANDY AUSTIN
ART AROUND EVERY CORNER
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. Creativity is especially encouraged in Missoula’s outdoor spaces, where culture, community and nature interweave. The Missoula Art Museum’s Art Park features large-scale outdoor exhibits, and the alleyway outside of Radius Gallery has been transformed into a rotating outdoor urban mural space, also known as Allez! Missoula.
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ALLEZ! MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
C U LT U R E
DIY ARTISTIC ADVENTURES Missoula is painted with the work of both local and nationally known artists, from alleyway murals to art museums. While some people are content observing the art around Missoula, others are rolling up their sleeves and creating their own art through the many DIY creative experiences popping up around town. You have plenty of options when it comes to DIY art in Missoula. The Zootown Arts Community Center and Ceramic Heart of Fire let you paint your own pottery. CREATE art bar, one of the latest additions to Missoula’s DIY art scene, serves up craft cocktails alongside craft projects ranging from jewelry to leather wallets. DIY art experiences also make for a great group outing with friends, family or coworkers. Paint your own masterpiece at Painting with a Twist or create a custom wooden sign at A&R Workshop, both of which offer a glass of wine to sip on the side. Don’t worry if you’ve never picked up a paint brush before — all of the DIY experiences in Missoula are created with everyone in mind, and you’re bound to walk out with a souvenir worth bringing home.
CREATE ART BAR. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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 20. 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
SAFERMISSOULA.ORG
Masks on Missoula. Learn more at: DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
ART • CULTURE • COMMUNITY
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 WWW.ARTSMISSOULA.ORG
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SPORTS SPIRIT
W ASHINGTON-GRIZZLY STADIUM. UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA/ADAMS CENTER PHOTO
You can hear the roar of the crowd all over town. It’s the sound of thousands of fans in the 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 PaddleHeads, an Arizona Diamondback Pioneer League baseball team. The PaddleHead’s home base is at Ogren Park at Allegiance Field on the Clark Fork River, and nothing feels more like summer than sitting in this beautiful setting while listening to the smash of a bat making contact with a ball. For those who like a little something different in their sports, you can cheer on the Hellgate Roller Derby—the local roller derby team— or the Missoula Junior Bruins ice hockey team. Stay up-to-date on current sporting events and safety guidelines in Missoula by visiting destinationmissoula.org/safe.
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 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 30
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FORT MISSOULA REGIONAL PARK. MISSOULA PARKS AND RECREATION
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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.
C U LT U R E
HOME TEAMS
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
Locations vary; visit www.gogriz.com for sports schedules. 406.243.4051 or 888.MONTANA www.umt.edu/griztix ----------------------------------------------------------------------HELLGATE ROLLER DERBY Roller derby fever hit Missoula in 2009 and has been rolling strong ever since. The Hellgate Roller Derby battle it out in league bouts from February to November.
MISSOULA, MONTANA
WWW.ATTHEFORT.ORG
406.721.PARK
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. Glacier Ice Rink, 1101 South Ave. W. 406.590.2384, www.missoulajrbruins.com
3001 BANCROFT IN PLAYFAIR PARK
----------------------------------------------------------------------MISSOULA PADDLEHEADS The 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.
600 CREGG IN MCCORMICK PARK
Missoula Parks and Recreation • 406-721-PARK • www.missoulaparks.org
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.
BIG SKY FILM FESTIVAL 18 th Annual
DOCUMENTARY
F E B R U A R Y
1 9 - 2 8 ,
2 0 2 1
bigskyfilmfest.org
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EXPERIENCE RELAXATION AND COMFORT Outside Patio Creekside Rooms Free On-site Parking Bistro Indoor Pool Hot Tub WiFi 4559 N. RESERVE STREET, MISSOULA MONTANA 406.549.5260 MARRIOTT.COM/MSOCY
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RECURRING EVENTS
Bustling markets are commonplace in Missoula, where shopping and community go hand in hand, and local goods always take the cake. Where you can grab locally sourced groceries, peruse Made in Montana arts and crafts, sample food truck fare and catch some live music all in a day’s work. Best of all, you can find Missoula markets year-round.
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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
EVENTS
MARKETS
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 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
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 2901 Brooks St M-1, Southgate Mall www.facebook.com/mslavalleywintermarket -----------------------------------------------------ORCHARD HOMES’ FARMERS MARKET Small farmers market providing vegetables, fruits, baked goods, farm-fresh 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/
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., Saturdays 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
There’s never a dull moment in Missoula, and our events calendar is proof. Check out current and upcoming events at DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/EVENTS. LIVE HELP 800.526.3465 // 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE The great outdoors, right outside your door.
Rugged and wild or laid-back and rambling, this natural playground has something for everyone. Social distancing comes easy in Missoula, where exploration and adventure in the great outdoors are a part of everyday life. 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.
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WATERWORKS HILL. TAYLAR ROBBINS
MISSOULA, MONTANA:
U.S. Cities with Natural Wonders On Their Doorsteps. LoveExploring
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.
BLUE MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA. ALEX HANICH
DID YOU KNOW?
Missoula is the setting and inspiration for the 1976 fly-fishing novella by Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It.
PATTEE CANYON RECREATION AREA A favorite Missoula recreation area for years, this 3,200acre 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.
BLACKFOOT RIVER. TAYLAR ROBBINS
“ 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.” Alisha McDarris, Terradrift
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-tonorth through the Bitterroot Valley and Missoula.
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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Start Your Adventure Here
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
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.
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.
BRENNAN’S WAVE. 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. 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. 36
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MASTERING MISSOULA’S RIVERS Three rivers run through Missoula, offering everything from a lazy midday float to multiday whitewater adventures. Whatever floats your boat (or tube, or raft, or paddleboard—you get it). When it comes to navigating the rivers around Missoula, the Montana River Guides (MRG) are local legends. This custom river outfitter has been guiding on Missoula’s iconic rivers since 1994, and they remain the only company in Montana certified to teach river rescue, as well as the only company offering guided riverboard trips. With over 20 years of experience under their belt, MRG now estimates that 70% of their guests are repeat customers or referred from a friend—proof that MRG has mastered the art of “going with the flow.” In addition to your standard whitewater and scenic trips, MRG stands out from other outfitters by offering their full and half-day riverboarding adventures on the Alberton Gorge. Swim up to 10 miles through the ancient river canyon, surfing mountain waves and learning the ins and outs of riverboarding along the way. Missoula is one of the few places in North America where you can experience a guided riverboarding trip, and the adrenaline-filled sport is well worth the journey. MRG is just one of the countless river outfitters serving Missoula—head to DESTINATIONMISSOULA. ORG/RAFTING to learn more and book your next whitewater adventure. ABOVE PHOTO: TAYLAR ROBBINS
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
CLARK FORK RIVER. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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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-of-town 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.
Like a Local Explore 60,000-acres of the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area only 15 minutes from downtown Missoula.
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RATTLESNAKE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA & WILDERNESS. ANDY AUSTIN
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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
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.
DOWNTOWN MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
Top 10 Bike-Friendly Cities in the U.S. PlacesforBikes
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.
#1 MARATHON IN AMERICA BibRave, 2018
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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.
21 COOLEST SKI TOWNS IN NORTH AMERICA Matador Network
DISCOVERY SKI AREA. ATHENA PHOTOGRAPHY
SLEDDING AT BLUE MOUNTAIN
Blue Mountain Recreation Area offers year-round outdoor fun, with 4,900 acres and 41 miles of trail to explore. Blue Mountain is a quick 15 minute drive from downtown Missoula, and makes for a convenient place to bust out the sleds once winter coats the trails with snow. You’ll find folks sledding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and letting their dogs play in the powder.
ICE SKATING
Ice skating can be enjoyed indoors and out in Missoula. Head to the Glacier Ice Rink for yearround skating at the Missoula Fairgrounds, and enjoy the crisp winter air at Pineview Park’s seasonal outdoor rink.
FAT BIKING IN THE RATTLESNAKE
Don’t give up biking for the season due to a little snow! Fat biking allows folks to explore Missoula’s mountain biking trails snow or shine, and Rattlesnake National Recreation Area boasts some of the best fat biking around.
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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. 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.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
NORDIC ADVENTURES AND WINTER TREKS
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.
MISSOULA’S LOCAL MOUNTAIN Montana’s Snowbowl is Missoula’s local mountain, and it’s more than just convenient—it’s epic. The small ski area offers friendly, local vibes, admittedly steep terrain and the best bloody mary you’ve ever tried, all within a 30-minute drive from town. Snowbowl has been a small, two-lift mountain as long as any local can remember, but that all changed in January 2020. The new lift, named Snow Park after the ski area’s original name in the 1950s, opened up hundreds of acres of terrain and over 10 new runs. With those new runs, Missoula’s go-to spot for extreme terrain suddenly offered more intermediate blue routes, and even a few greens for beginners. In the true spirit of Missoula, Snowbowl brings the community together year after year with its exciting annual events. Competitive riders gear up for the slalom and alpine race series, snowboarders await the annual Snowboard Jam and Demo Days, and the last weekend in February always means it’s time for the Snowbowl Cup Gelande Championship—a ski jumping event that attracts national media and jumpers across the U.S. as folks compete for a $8,000 cash prize. Perhaps the best part about Snowbowl is its innate ability to feel like your hometown hill. So whether you’re a professional ski jumper, a visitor learning the ropes, a local legend or just hungry for a piece of wood-fired pizza, head up the mountain. ABOVE PHOTO: NYOTA HALEY
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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 Seasons 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 and Snowbowl—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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R RO OC CK K II N N R RU UD DY Y ’’ S S T h e O rigin a l Hip s t e r D e p a r t m e nt St o re
W W W.ROCKINRUDYS.COM
38 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 to check out our vinyl store Record Heaven!
A Hipst er Dep ar t ment 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
W O R L D H E A DQU A RT E R S 2 3 7 B L AIN E ST. • R E CO RD H E AV E N 845 R O NAN ST. LIVE HELP 800.526.3465 // 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
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 MONTANA STATE PARKS www.stateparks.mt.gov COUNCIL GROVE STATE PARK 11249 Mullan Rd. www.stateparks. mt.gov/council-grove 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 44
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 MOUNTAIN BIKING MISSOULA www.mountainbikingmissoula.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 FIVE VALLEYS AUDUBON SOCIETY www.fvaudubon.org GOLFING CANYON RIVER GOLF CLUB 18 hole, East Missoula, MT 406.721.0222 www.canyonrivergolfclub.com
LARCHMONT GOLF COURSE 18 hole, Missoula, 406.721.4416 www.larchmontgolfcourse.com
BLACKTAIL MOUNTAIN Lakeside, MT, 406.844.0999 www.blacktailmountain.com
LINDA VISTA GOLF COURSE 9 hole, Missoula, 406.251.3655 www.lindavistagolfcourse.com
DISCOVERY SKI AREA Anaconda, MT, 406.563.2184 www.skidiscovery.com
MISSOULA COUNTRY CLUB 18 hole, Missoula, 406.251.2404 www.missoulacountryclub.com
LOOKOUT PASS Mullan, ID, 208.744.1301 www.skilookout.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
LOST TRAIL POWDER MOUNTAIN Conner, MT, 406.821.3211 www.losttrail.com MONTANA SNOWBOWL Missoula, 406.549.9777 www.montanasnowbowl.com CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
GARDEN CITY FLYERS DISC GOLF CLUB www.gardencityflyers.org
LOLO PASS Contact the Powell Ranger Station at 208.942.3113
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 ROCK CLIMBING FREESTONE CLIMBING 406.541.1584 www.freestoneclimbing.com
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
UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA CLIMBING WALL 406.243.2802, www.umt.edu/crec/ outdoor/wall.php
MISSOULA SNOWGOERS SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION www.missoulasnowgoers.org
DOWNHILL SKIING/ SNOWBOARDING For avalanche updates, call the West Central Montana Avalanche Advisory at 406.549.4488 or 800.281.1030 www.missoulaavalanche.org
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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WATERWORKS HILL. TAYLAR ROBBINS
Our goal is to help you pursue yours. It’s that simple. At Merrill, we’ll help you get ready for the future with a financial strategy that’s just for you. Roth-Eicholtz Group Kimberly R. Roth Senior Consultant Brian J. Eicholtz Senior Financial Advisor Erik R. Johnston Financial Advisor Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 330 North Higgins Avenue Missoula, MT 59802
Danielle Y. Eicholtz Client Associate
406.829.2467
Thomas R. Tirrell Client Associate
fa.ml.com/roth-eicholtz-group
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VEERA DONUTS. TAYLAR ROBBINS
SAVOR THE LOCAL FLAVOR. An amazing food scene is part of the charm.
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PLONK. TAYLAR ROBBINS
THE CAMINO. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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
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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.
CAFFE DOLCE. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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. PANGEA: Full bar and restaurant serving American fare with a global flare.
BURNS ST. BISTRO: Airy daytime bistro with rotating breakfast and lunch specials. BIGA PIZZA: Beer, wine, salads and brick oven pizza by scratch. IRON GRIZ AMERICAN BISTRO: Local cuisine with views of the UM Golf Course. THE CAMINO: Traditional Mexican kitchen and agave bar.
VEGAN & VEGETARIAN
FAMILY FRIENDLY
SECOND SET BISTRO: Contemporary American lunch and dinner in the historic Florence Building. ZOO THAI: Modern Thai restaurant in a hip downtown setting. MASALA: Authentic Indian dishes, scratchmade with locally sourced ingredients. VEERA DONUTS: Unique donuts and savory breakfast options, all 100% vegan.
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
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.
TOP HAT. TASTE THIS PLACE
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?
CATALYST: Bi-level coffee shop serving breakfast and lunch. TROUGH: Home-grown grub in a gourmet market. THE SHACK CAFE: 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
BISON
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.
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 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.
CAFFE 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.
Local restaurants can use our support now more than ever. Visit DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/FOOD-DRINK for more information on local dining and DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE for safety updates and resources. LIVE HELP 800.526.3465 // 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
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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 67. 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 57. 232 N. Higgins Ave., 406.728.8780 www.butterflyherbs.com Coffeehouse. $1 – $6.50. Breakfast and lunch.
CAFFE DOLCE Tucked in a charming neighborhood minutes from downtown Missoula and the University, Caffe Dolce is an Italian spot known for its fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, espresso bar and impressive wine list. See ad on this page. 500 Brooks St., 406.830.3055 www.caffedolce.com $9 - $17 Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Espresso, beer and wine. -----------------------------------------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 complements bakery goods from the GFS ovens and from Missoula’s favorite bakeries. See ad on page 83. 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.
IRON GRIZ Iron Griz is the University of Montana’s premiere dining destination, offering a vibrant Cajun-inspired menu and farm-totable vibe with sustainably sourced ingredients. See ad on page 49. 515 South Ave., 406.728.5106 www.irongriz.com $8 - $19 Lunch and dinner. Beer and wine. Catering and special events.
BIGA PIZZA. TASTE THIS PLACE
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 this page. 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.
-----------------------------------------MARKET ON FRONT Market on Front is a restaurant, artisan grocery store, coffee shop and deli in the heart of downtown Missoula with a focus on local and sustainably cultivated ingredients. See ad on page 49. 201 E. Front St., 406.541.0246 www.marketonfront.com $5 - $10 Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Catering.
-----------------------------------------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 66. 1609 W. Broadway St.,406.543.5678 www.stillroommt.com, $7 – $17. Dinner. Cocktails, beer and wine.
“ Farm-to-table is a quick trip around Missoula, where locally-grown (or -caught or -brewed or -distilled) ingredients feature prominently on restaurant menus.” Jessica Spiegel, Scott’s Cheap Flights
We are Missoula’s Coolest Hotspot!
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BREAKFAST • SANDWICHES • BURGERS
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH • SANDWICHES • BURGERS
PARADISEFALLSMISSOULA.COM
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The Place to to Watch Watch The Perfect Perfect Place Sports Sports with with Friends. Friends. 406.728.3228 406.728.3228
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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 small-town 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.
DINING
MARKET FAVORITES
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.
“ 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
Masks on Missoula. Protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Wear a mask, especially within six feet of others.
Smart. Safe. Ready.
Learn more at: DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
SOUTHERN CUISINE, MON
IRON GRIZ AA M M EE RR II C C AA N N
BB II SS TT RR O O
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LAUREN HILLESTAD
BRINGING HISTORY BACK TO LIFE IN DOWNTOWN MISSOULA A wave of new businesses and attractions are sweeping through Missoula and offering a glimpse into the city’s past. From Basements & Back Alleys tours to speakeasy cocktail bars, Missoula’s history feels more accessible than ever for history buffs and curious travelers. This wave is not accidental, though—it is in part thanks to Heritage Missoula, a program “that will work to shape the downtown experience and celebrate the distinct character of the community by tying together key natural and cultural resources into a cohesive network,” according to the Downtown Missoula Partnership website. Celebrating Missoula’s past has materialized in a number of ways, and you can experience them all. Pangea and Stave & Hoop can be found in a remodeled historic building downtown, offering a stark contrast between Missoula’s past and present. Pangea serves up global fusion cuisine in a contemporary atmosphere at street-level, while Stave & Hoop is a speakeasy-style hangout in the basement that pays homage to Montana’s history in every detail. Cranky Sam Public House is Missoula’s newest brewery and taproom. Its history is in the name as much as the building itself—originally the site of Missoula’s red light district and “Chinatown.” Cranky Sam, the brewery’s namesake, was an iconic rule breaker, and folks can find old articles recounting his mishaps and adventures on display in the brewery. Visit one, or try them all. From happy hour cocktails to underground tours, there’s no shortage of opportunities to delve into Missoula’s past.
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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 M-80 Chicken for a mean chicken 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.
2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
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, wheat-free, 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. CAFFE 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.
MARY’S MOUNTAIN COOKIES MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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DRINKS
A BREWERY FOR THE COMMUNITY Imagine Nation Brewing is hard to miss—the riverside building on Broadway Street is bright blue and decorated with a 140-foot mural depicting historical changmakers. The mural is your first glimpse into Imagine Nation’s core mission to act as a place of community gathering and transformation.
MONTGOMERY DISTILLERY. ANDY AUSTIN
DRINK UP. DRINK LOCAL. Cheers! You’re in Missoula. From signature cocktails and local craft brews to an enticing selection of wine, expertly distilled spirits, and locally roasted coffee, there’s plenty to drink in Missoula morning, noon, and night. 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-yetwelcoming 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, and there are countless ways to experience it for yourself. Keep up with social distancing by picking up a growler to-go, or opting for a spot like Highlander Beer with its sprawling outdoor patio complete with creekside seating in the summer and igloo seating in winter. No matter where you land for your next drink in Missoula, just be sure to follow local safety guidelines. Find up-to-date information at DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE. “ Missoula has long been a four-season outdoor recreation destination, offering river rafting, fly-fishing, hiking, biking, and Nordic skiing—with quality beer to wash down all those adventures.” Thrillest Travel 52
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“Our mission from the beginning was to build a brewery that could transcend how breweries serve their community, and to be really community focused and oriented by offering our space,” explained co-founder Fernanda Menna Barreto Krum. Imagine Nation not only offers their taproom for events and gatherings, but created an additional space called the Center for Community Transformation. Imagine Nation’s founders knew Missoula was the right place to bring their idea to life. Fernanda said they researched and traveled throughout the state before deciding. “Hands down, Missoula was the best fit. There are several hundred nonprofits and community-oriented organizations already doing great work at all different levels and in all different subjects, so we really wanted to offer a space and platform for people to continue to do that work.” Imagine Nation does so much beyond providing a gathering space and brewing delicious beer, though. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they joined efforts with another local business, Coaster Cycles, and used their taproom to create protective face coverings for first responders, essential workers, and other community members in need. They spark important conversations over craft brews, and lead forward-thinking initiatives whenever possible. And if you ask us, Imagine Nation’s commitment to Missoula just makes the beer taste that much better. ABOVE PHOTO: ROBERT RIVERS, IMAGINE NATION BREWING OWNER. TAYLAR ROBBINS
DRINKS
PLONK. TAYLAR ROBBINS
GREENOUGH PARK, MONTGOMERY DISTILLERY.
GILD. TAYLAR ROBBINS
SPANISH GIN AND TONIC, RUMOUR. RIO HARRIS
BAYERN PILSNER, BAYERN BREWING. TAYLAR ROBBINS
BLOODY MARY, PARADISE FALLS. TAYLAR ROBBINS
THE CAMINO. TAYLAR ROBBINS
OKTOBERFEST, THE DRAM SHOP. ALEX HANICH
TAYLAR ROBBINS
DRINK LIKE A LOCAL Take a tour of some of Missoula’s best drinks. Missoula, Montana: An Underrated Booze City in America. Whiskey Tango Globetrot
CIDER FLIGHT, WESTERN CIDER. TAYLAR ROBBINS
LOLO CREEK DISTILLERY. TAYLAR ROBBINS
ZEITGEIST, IMAGINE NATION BREWING. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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DRINKS
BREWERIES 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. NOT TO BE MISSED: Montana Original Lager 1507 Montana St., 406.721.1482 www.bayernbrewery.com -----------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------CRANKY SAM PUBLIC HOUSE Cranky Sam Public House is brewery, craft beer bar and wine bar all in one downtown location. NOT TO BE MISSED: Pearl River Pilsner 233 W. Main St., 406.540.4325 www.crankysam.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
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DISTILLERIES 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 ------------------------------------------
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.
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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.
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.
NOT TO BE MISSED: Devil’s Hump Red Ale 200 International Dr., 406.549.8193 www.highlanderbeer.com ------------------------------------------
NOT TO BE MISSED: Greenough Park 129 W. Front St., 406.926.1725 www.montgomerydistillery.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 is a local favorite with two locations, and it’s known as the birthplace of the award-winning Cold Smoke Scotch Ale®, just one of the musthave brews at KettleHouse. (ALSO) NOT TO BE MISSED: Eddy Out Pale Ale 602 Myrtle St., 406.830.3162 605 Cold Smoke Ave., Bonner, MT 406.728.1660 www.kettlehouse.com ------------------------------------------
CIDERIES
NOT TO BE MISSED: Poor Farmer Classic 501 N. California St., 406.540.4477 www.westerncider.com
WINERIES MISSOULA WINERY Offering a taste of Montana, the last best place, with a hint of French style. NOT TO BE MISSED: Last Best Red 5656 W. Harrier Dr., 406.830.3296 www.montanawinery.com ------------------------------------------
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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.
RATTLESNAKE CREEK DISTILLERS Born in the Missoula’s Rattlesnake Valley, RCD creates the finest of craft spirits including whiskey, gin and vodka. NOT TO BE MISSED: Mount Sentinel Sage 2120 Dixon Ave., 406.239.5050 www.rattlesnakecreekdistillers.com
NOT TO BE MISSED: Saint Pepin White 4175 Rattlesnake Dr., 406.549.8703 www.tenspoon.com
TOP 10 CITIES FOR BEER DRINKERS:
MISSOULA, MONTANA Smart Asset
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
2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
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.
Keep our Distance.
SAFERMISSOULA.ORG
6 FEET
Maintain a six-foot distance from others, and stay on trails except to let people pass.
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-talkedabout 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.
Smart. Safe. Ready. DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
CHEERS, MISSOULA. A great place calls for a neat drink. Find Montana spirits, specialty liquors and an unbeatable selection at KrisCo Liquor.
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.
M I S S O U L A O W N E D & O P E R AT E D 1 3 0 0 S . R E S E R V E S T. • K R I S C O L I Q U O R . C O M LIVE HELP 800.526.3465 // 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
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SHOPPING
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BETTY’S DIVINE ON THE HIP STRIP. ANDY AUSTIN 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
SHOPPING
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. You’ll also find several fine art galleries generously dotted throughout the heart of downtown.
CLOTHING • DESIGNER DENIM • JEWELRY ACCESSORIES • HOME DECOR 114 EAST MAIN • DOWNTOWN MISSOULA
COFFEE • TEAS • HERBS SPICES • UNUSUAL GIFTS
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 eco-friendly 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).
SHOP SAFE • Avoid unnecessarily touching items when browsing. • Respect your fellow shoppers and social distance when possible. • Be aware of each store’s safety guidelines. Some facilities such as fitting rooms may be temporarily closed. • Use this opportunity to shop local—small businesses can use your support more than ever.
COFFEE HOUSE
ESPRESSO • ICE CREAM SANDWICHES • SOUPS SINCE 1972
BUTTERFLY HERBS 232 NORTH HIGGINS AVENUE DOWNTOWN • (406) 728-8780 WWW.BUTTERFLYHERBS.COM
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SHOPPING
SOUTHGATE MALL Southgate Mall is going 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 Caffe Dolce. 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.
SOUTHGATE MALL. PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTHGATE MALL
Best Mall in Montana: Southgate Mall. Insider
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.
MADE IN MISSOULA, WITH LOVE Missoula is teeming with local artists and creators, and that makes for an impressive shopping scene. On top of scoring those once-in-a-lifetime finds, shopping local is the perfect way to support the community and take a piece of Missoula home with you. Your options are far from limited—whether it’s a [406] T-shirt, handmade pottery, a painting or photograph of your favorite Missoula spot, a special one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry or a handmade leather tote, you’re bound to find something worth the room in your suitcase. Missoulians are all about their Montana-made goods, so shopping local is as easy as walking into the first store you stumble upon. Hit the downtown boutiques for handcrafted clothing, handbags and beauty products. For the perfect gift, head across the river and check out Noteworthy Paper & Press or Rockin’ Rudy’s. New, reclaimed, upcycled—you name it, someone’s made it in Missoula. Like so many businesses, Missoula’s local shops and artists have felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and statewide shutdowns. And now that we’re free to hunt for treasures in Missoula once again, it’s more important than ever to embrace your inner local and support those around you. Missoula (and your closet) will thank you.
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THE MONTANA SCENE. ALEX HANICH
Are you tomorrow proof? At the University of Montana, we believe the most valuable tool we can give you is the ability to reinvent yourself again and again so you are prepared, not just for your first job, but your fourth, fifth and sixth. Here you will learn, not in silos, but across boundaries, collaborating just as you will need to in all the worlds beyond college. Here you will develop grit and perseverance, because this place cultivates it, and the future demands it. And from here, you will take with you what you need to move with confidence and aplomb, with diamond-like resilience – in a world that looks different next week, next month, next year. We call this tomorrow proofing. And it’s what we do. Come be a part of it, Griz.
STAY CONNECTED WITH US. (406) 243-6266 • BeAGriz@umontana.edu admissions.umt.edu LIVE HELP 800.526.3465 // 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
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U N I V E R S I T Y O F M O N T A N A
UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA A Flagship for America’s Future
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.
For up-to-date information on how the University of Montana is keeping their students and our community safe, visit UMT.EDU/CORONAVIRUS.
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UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA. BRIAN CHRISTIANSON 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
U N I V E R S I T Y O F M O N TA N A
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.
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LODGING
ESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT MISSOULA. RTAYLAR ROBBINS
BE OUR GUEST. Camping, glamping, hotel, motel, RV, ranch or resort, we can accommodate. 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.
ITE S IND AVA OO ILA B OU R PO LE OL TD O PE OR P TS OO L GU ES TL AU HA ND ND RY A/C ICAP PE DA RE CC FR ES IGE SIB RA WI LE TO FI R/M ICR FIT O NE WA S VE BR S RO EA KF OM A RE S ST T (F AU UL ME RAN L, C O ET T ING /BA NTIN EN ME RO R TA OM L) SQ ETIN UA G R S RE OO FO M ME OT TO ET AG TA IN E L 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
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Hotels, motels, resorts and vacation rentals across Missoula have adapted to offer the cleanest and safest accommodations possible to our city’s visitors. In return, we ask that you follow local safety guidelines, stay home if you are feeling sick and be kind to your fellow travelers and Missoula locals.
AC HOTEL BY MARRIOTT MISSOULA DOWNTOWN 175 N. Pattee Street, Missoula, MT 59802
www.marriott.com/msoac
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www.belairemotelmissoula.us
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Opening Spring of 2021
BEL AIRE MOTEL 300 E. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.543.3183
$– • • • • • • $$$
BEST WESTERN GRANT CREEK INN 5280 Grant Creek Rd., Missoula, MT 59808 406. 543.0700
www.bestwestern.com/grantcreekinn
126 $$$– • • • • • • • • • C 6 3774 150 • • • $$$$
BLUE MOUNTAIN BED AND BREAKFAST 6980 Dead Man Gulch Rd., Missoula, MT 59804 406.251.4457
www.bluemountainbb.com
5 $$$– • • • • • • F • 500 40 • $$$$
BROADWAY INN CONFERENCE CENTER 1609 W. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.532.3300
Fax: 406.728.1930 www.broadwayinnmissoula.com
79 $$– $$$$
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Complimentary hot buffet breakfast, seasonal heated pool and hot tub, fitness center, on-site restaurant, sports bar, casino, and conference facilities. In-room coffee makers and hair dryers. On-site laundry, free WiFi. Pet friendly with a fee. Complimentary airport shuttle from 7 a.m.-10 p.m., with advance notice. Full food and bar catering. Four distinctly different meeting/banquet spaces including our beautiful courtyard complete with a large event tent and cabana bar.
BROOKS STREET MOTOR INN 3333 Brooks St., Missoula, MT 59801 406.549.5115
www.brooksstmotorinn.com
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$– • • • • • C $$ Price Range: $=Under $75, $$=$75-$100, $$$=$100-$150, $$$$=$150 and higher
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2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
LODGING
MEET IN MISSOULA Both accommodating and inspiring, Missoula is a no-brainer meeting location. With 45 lodging facilities and 175,000 square feet of meeting space, it’s a brilliant place to come together for ideas big and small. There’s no place better suited to host team-building activities like skiing or whitewater rafting, indulging in a delicious post-meeting dinner or cocktail hour or exploring the town on rented bikes. Book your next meeting at MISSOULAMEETINGS.COM.
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lodging facilities
3,400 total guestrooms
175,000 square feet of meeting space Comfort Inn University
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SA V OO AILA R P BL E TD OOL O PE OR P TS OO L GU ES T HA LAU ND ND RY A/C ICAP PE DA RE CC FR ES IGE SIB RA WI LE TO FI R/M I C FIT RO NE WA S VE BR S RO EA OM K RE FAST ST AU (FUL ME RAN L, C ET T/B ONT IN INE A NT ME G RO R AL OM ) SQ ETIN UA G R S RE OO FO M ME T O ET TA OT IN GE AL ON G C A -S ITE PAC AU CA ITY DIO TE R V AIR ISU ING PO AL RT SH UT AD TL ON E PA GE IND
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Lodging Information BUDGET INN 800 E. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.549.2387
www.budgetinn.com
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$– • • • • • $$
www.campusinnmissoula.com
80 $– • • • • • • C • 1 1200 100 • $$$$
www.citilodgesuitesmissoula.us
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www.missoulacitycenter.com
15 $– • • • • $$$
Fax: 406.543.4664 www.cmoninn.com/missoula
119 $$$– • • • • • • • • F 3 1200 100 • • • 65 $$$$
CAMPUS INN 744 E. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 800.232.8013
CITILODGE SUITES & MOTEL 1135 W. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.549.4771
$– • • • • • $$
CITY CENTER MOTEL 338 E. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.543.3193
C’MON INN 2775 Expo Pkwy., Missoula, MT 59808 406.543.4600, toll free 888.989.5569
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
Fax: 406.543.2223 www.missoulacomfort.com
95 $$– • • • • • • • • F • 63 $$$$
Rested. Set. Go! We are a family and pet friendly property, that offers a 100% smoke free environment. Experience the Clark Fork River with our outdoor BBQ and riverside fire pits. Enjoy a complimentary full hot breakfast, complimentary high speed WiFi, fitness center, laundry facilities, business center, and more! We are within walking distance to the Kim Williams Trail, the University of Montana, the Missoula Children’s Theatre, and downtown Missoula. Flying into MSO? We also have that covered with a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport. Experience a new way to relax and live in comfort.
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT 4559 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.549.5260
www.marriott.com/msocy
92 $$$– • • • • • • • C 3 2666 120 • • • $$$$
Fax: 406.721.9781 www.daysinnmissoula.com
70 $– $$$$
DAYS INN MISSOULA AIRPORT Jct. I-90 & I-93; Exit 96, Missoula, MT 59808 406.721-9776 toll free 800.DAYS.INN, 800.329.7466
• • • • • • • • C • •
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171 $$$– • • • • • • • • • • 9 9000 250 • • • $$$$
2
Located at the junction of I-90 & Hwy 93 is your comfortable and affordable lodging choice. Easy to find, easy to access, lots of parking for all types of vehicles, WiFi, large grass park with a general store, lounge/casino, bakery and deli and fuel right next door. A super friendly and accommodating staff. Smoking rooms available. Stay with us, we look forward to serving you!
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON MISSOULA EDGEWATER 100 Madison St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.728.3100, toll free 800.222.TREE
Fax: 406.728.2530 www.missoulaedgewater.doubletree.com
Full-service hotel right on the scenic Clark Fork River and across from the University of Montana. Near downtown, and just 15 minutes away from the airport via complimentary hotel shuttle.
ECONO LODGE 4953 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.542.7550
www.choicehotels.com/montana/missoula/ econo-lodge-hotels/mt048
67 $– • • • • C $$$
FAIRBRIDGE INN SUITES 3803 Brooks St., Missoula, MT 59804 406.251.2665
www.fairbridgemissoula.com
80
$– • • • • • • • F 6 3580 250 • $$$
GIBSON MANSION BED & BREAKFAST 823 39th St., Missoula, MT 59803 406.251.1345
www.gibsonmansion.com
4 $$$– • • • • F 500 150 • $$$$ Price Range: $=Under $75, $$=$75-$100, $$$=$100-$150, $$$$=$150 and higher
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HAMPTON INN BY HILTON MISSOULA 4805 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.549.1800
Fax: 406.549.1737 www.hamptoninn.com
Fax: 406.532.5305 www.missoula.HGI.com
146 $$– • • • • • • • F • 1 5 22000 1600 • • • 67 $$$$
61
$$– • • • • • • • • C • $$$$
HILTON GARDEN INN MISSOULA 3720 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.532.5300, toll free 800.HILTONS
Luxurious comfort in upscale American West décor. Western Montana’s largest conference facility, with over 22,000 square feet of meeting space. Also features Great American Grill and Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern, evening room service, 24-hour Pavilion Pantry and Silver Creek Casino. Complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle.
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES 150 Expressway, Missoula, MT 59808 406.830.3100
www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/ missoula/msoex/hoteldetail
82 $$$– • • • • • • • • 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 25000 1000 • • • $$$$
3
Centrally located in the heart of downtown along the Clark Fork River. Just a short stroll to the University and one block from vibrant local shopping and entertainment. Premier full-service hotel with 200 guestrooms and suites and 15,000 square feet of meeting space with dedicated conference service staff. Outdoor park venue ideal for weddings and celebrations. Featuring Brooks & Browns Bar & Grill, a local favorite with the “best patio in town.” Newly renovated pool and fitness center, complimentary airport shuttle, WiFi and parking based on availability.
LA QUINTA INN 5059 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.549.9000
www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta
80 $$$– • • • • • • • • • C 1 384 25 • $$$$ Price Range: $=Under $75, $$=$75-$100, $$$=$100-$150, $$$$=$150 and higher
Affordable luxury: • 10 Jacuzzi Suites • 5 Hot Tubs • Game Room • Meeting Rooms
• 42” HD Flat Screen TVs • Pillow-Top Mattresses • FREE Airport Shuttle • Free Hot Breakfast
• Hi-Speed Internet • Laundry Room • Exercise Facilities • Indoor Pools
(888) 989-5569 • (406) 543-4600 Reserve Street & I-90 •Missoula, MT www.cmoninn.com
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LODGING
Lodging Information
SA V OO AILA R P BL E TD OOL O PE OR P TS OO L GU ES T HA LAU ND ND RY A/C ICAP PE DA RE CC FR ES IGE SIB RA WI LE TO FI R/M I C FIT RO NE WA S VE BR S RO EA OM K RE FAST ST AU (FUL ME RAN L, C ET T/B ONT IN INE A NT ME G RO R AL OM ) SQ ETIN UA G R S RE OO FO M ME T O ET TA OT IN GE AL ON G C A -S ITE PAC AU CA ITY DIO TE R V AIR ISU ING PO AL RT SH UT AD TL ON E PA GE IND
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Lodging Information MOTEL 6 (EXPO PKWY) 3035 Expo Pkwy, Missoula, MT 59808 406.549.6665
www.motel6.com/en/motels.mt.missoula.4034.html
68
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54
$ • • • • •
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MOTEL 6 (UNIVERSITY) 630 E. Broadway St., Missoula MT 59802 406.549.2387
www.motel6.com/en/motels.mt.missoula.4448.html
MY PLACE HOTEL 2951 Expo Pkwy, Missoula, MT 59808 406.926.1001
www.myplacehotels.com/my-place-hotel-missoula
QUALITY INN & SUITES 4545 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.542.0888
www.choicehotels.com/montana/missoula/qualityinn-hotels/mt412
52 $$$– • • • • • • • C $$$$
RED LION INN 700 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802 406.728.3300
www.redlion.com
76
$$– • • • • • • • C 1 640 60 • $$$
RESIDENCE INN MISSOULA 125 N. Pattee St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.542.6252
www.marriott.com/msori
175 $$$– • • • • • • • • • C • 2 1506 150 • • • 4 $$$$
SLEEP INN www.choicehotels.com/montana/missoula/ sleep-inn-hotels/mt421
3425 Dore Ln., Missoula, MT 59801 406.543.5883
59
$$ • • • • • • C
STAYBRIDGE SUITES HOTEL 120 Expressway, Missoula, MT 59808 406.830.3900
www.staymissoula.com
101 $$$– • • • • • • • • • F 1 1000 75 • $$$$
www.stonecreeklodgemt.com
101 $$– • • $$$$
STONECREEK LODGE 5145 Airway Blvd, Missoula, MT 59808 406.541.3600
• • • • • • C 2 1400 152 • •
SUPER 8 MOTEL (BROOKS) 3901 S Brooks St., Missoula, MT 59804 406.251.2255
www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/missoula104 $– • • • • • • C montana/super-8-missoula-brooks-street/overview $$$
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
58
$– • • • • • C $$$ Price Range: $=Under $75, $$=$75-$100, $$$=$100-$150, $$$$=$150 and higher
SPACIOUS GUEST ROOMS
Comfortable Rooms... RESTAURANT & BAR
We’ve Got You Covered . SPACE EVENT
BOOK YOUR STAY TODAY!
Learn more at: DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
1609 W. BROADWAY • 406.532.3300 www.broadwayinnmissoula.com
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Masks on Missoula.
www.broadwayinnmissoula.com Price Range: $=Under $75, $$=$75-$100, $$$=$100-$150, $$$$=$150 and higher 1609 W. Broadway
406.532.3300
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THUNDERBIRD MOTEL 1009 E Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 406.543.7251
31 $$– • • • • • • • • C $$$
TOWNEPLACE SUITES MISSOULA 3055 Stockyard Rd., Missoula, MT 59808 406.721.6000
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/msotstowneplace-suites-missoula
90 $$$– • • • • • • • • • C $$$$
TRAVELERS INN MOTEL 4850 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 406.728.8330
www.travelersinnmissoula.com
28
$– • • • • • $$
WINGATE BY WYNDHAM MISSOULA 5252 Airway Blvd., Missoula, MT 59808 406.541.8000
www.wingatemissoula.com
100 $$$– • • • • • • • • • C 5 3640 250 • • • $$$$
www.wrenmissoula.com
73 $$$– • • • • • 1 500 20 $$$$
THE WREN 201 E. Main St., Missoula, MT 59802
Opening Summer 2021! Anchored in the heart of downtown Missoula, The Wren offers 73 one-of-a-kind guestrooms designed with the Missoula traveler in mind. This modern hotel draws inspiration from the thriving culture and picturesque views right out the front door, while also providing a courtyard oasis in the middle of the city. Serving Missoula’s best coffee, and with meeting space on the ground level, The Wren is the perfect basecamp for your Montana adventures.
•
Price Range: $=Under $75, $$=$75-$100, $$$=$100-$150, $$$$=$150 and higher
“ Missoula is home to the University of Montana, which gives the city a more creative vibe than you might expect and helps fill the calendar with cultural events.” Jessica Spiegel, Scott’s Cheap Flights
Stay successful. Stay Hilton Garden Inn® Clean & Comfortable Easy to Find and Access Powered-up WiFi Free Breakfast
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.
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
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
LIVE HELP 800.526.3465 // 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
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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
110
$ • • • • • • • • • • • • 68
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$ • • • • • • • • 68
171
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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
• • • • • • • • • • • • 68
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.
SQUARE DANCE CENTER & CAMPGROUND 9955 Hwy. 12 W., Lolo, MT 59847 406.273.0141
50 $
Fax: 406.541.0884 www.lolocampndance.com
• • • • • • • • •
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The Dance Center & Campground sits on 27 acres of pine and fir forest at about 3300 feet elevation in a beautiful valley of the Bitterroot Mountains with Lolo Creek running through the property. Wi-Fi, Cable TV, Showers and Dump Station are free for campers. 23 full hookups. 31 water & electric sites. Ample space for tents or RV camping without services, including group camping. One unit per site at sites with hookups. Along with dancing, campers can enjoy disc golf, wiffleball golf, horse shoes, a walking trail, fishing (with state license). Ask us for site-seeing, hiking, farmers market and restaurant suggestions. Price Range: $=Under $75, $$=$75-$100, $$$=$100-$150, $$$$=$150 and higher
und, it’s
It’s not just a campgro
9955 Hwy. 12 W. • Lolo, MT 406.273.0141 lolocampndance.com
• Mini Golf • Swimming Pool • Visits with Yogi Bear™ • Hiking Trails • Cabins, RV Sites and Tent Sites
800-318-9644 • Missoula, MT 20
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 68
2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
WASH HANDS. WEAR MASKS.
Stay Safe Missoula. Learn more at: DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
Welcome to Missoula. Missoula. Let usWelcome show youtoaround our home. To know Missoula to callshow it home, to be part of the community, to our know your neighbors. At Windermere, Let isus you around home. our agents are some of the best in the business because their expertise is backed by unwavering local pride.
To know Missoula is to call itLet home, to beyou partmake of the community, to knowMontana. your neighbors. At Windermere, us help the move to western 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.
For visit For more moreWindermere WindermereFoundation Foundationinformation, information,please please visit windermere.com/foundation windermere.com/foundation
ForFor more Windermere SUPSUP CupCup information, go togo to more Windermere information, SupCupMT.com or follow us on @SUPCupMT SupCupMT.com or follow usFacebook on Facebook @SUPCupMT LIVE HELP 800.526.3465 // 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE 69
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2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
BEYOND MISSOULA
BEYOND MISSOULA There’s as much to explore outside of Missoula as there is in town.
REXFORD
YAAK
CANAD A
EUREKA
FORTINE TREGO
GLACIER Babb NATIONAL PARK
POLEBRIDGE
BLACKFEET INDIAN RESERVATION
MARION
HERON NOXON TROUT
ROUTECREEK OF THE THOMPSON HIAWATHA BIKE FALLS TRAIL
Turner
AH O
FORT PECK INDIAN RESERVATION
Wolf Point
Glasgow
Bainville
FLORENCE Crane
VICTOR
Brusett
DALY MANSIONGlendive
Sand Springs
Terry
CORVALLIS HAMILTON
Fallon DARBY
Miles City Hysham
Custer
Ekalaka
Colstrip
Pompeys Pillar
Billings
Hardin
Crow Agency
CROW INDIAN RESERVATION
Garryowen Saint Xavier Pryor Lodge Fort Smith Grass
Travel smart, and know before you go. Safety guidelines may vary throughout different communities in Montana, so it’s best to check before you hit the road. Find more information at www.visitmt.com/montana-aware. Bridger
Belfry
Lame Deer Busby
NORTHERN CHEYENNE INDIAN RESERVATION
Olive
Broadus
Biddle
Alzada
JEFFERSON CITY TOWNSEND BOULDER
BASIN
TWO DOT
HARLOWTON
MARTINSDALE RINGLING
SILVER STAR
MELROSE
HARRISON PONY
TWIN BRIDGES SHERIDAN POLARIS ALDER BANNACK
DILLON
Decker
WILSALL
LOGAN MANHATTAN
WHITEHALL
JACKSON
Birney Otter
Wyola
WYOMING
Ashland
WISDOM
TA SOUTH DAKO
Laurel
Park City Rockvale
JUDITH GAP
WHITE SULPHUR MONTANA SPRINGS CITY WINSTON
BUTTE
DEWEY DIVIDE
Worden
EAST HELENA
HELENA GARRISON ELLISTON CLANCY DEER LODGE
WISE RIVER
Forsyth
Bighorn
UTICA
ANACONDA
Plevna
Baker SULA
Rosebud
LEWISTOWN
HOBSON
NEIHART
CANYON CREEK
PHILIPSBURG
BITTERROOT VALLEY
CONNER Ismay
Ingomar
Roundup
VALLEY
Wibaux
Mosby
Melstone
TA NOR TH DAKO
HISTORIC ST. MARY'SCircleMISSION Winnett
DRUMMOND
Sidney
BLACKFOOT STEVENSVILLE
Savage
ROY
DENTON
STANFORD
MONARCH
WOLF CREEK
GARNET GHOST TOWN
CLINTON Fairview
LOLO
WINIFRED BELT RAYNESFORD STOCKETT GEYSER
CRAIG
LINCOLN
GREENOUGH
BONNER
Poplar
LEE METCALF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Jordan
OVANDO
Froid
Culbertson
LAN
GREAT FALLS
VAUGHN FORT SHAW ULM
CASCADE
MISSOULA
Fort Peck
Zortman Landusky
AUGUSTA
GARDEN OF ONE THOUSAND BUDDHAS
Lake
ALBERTON
Hinsdale
Saco
Virgelle Loma
FORT BENTON FAIRFIELD
ARLEE SEELEY HUSONMedicine LAKE FRENCHTOWN
Malta
BRADY
ST. IGNATIUS
Westby
BIG SANDY
CHOTEAU
NATIONAL BISON RANGE ST. IGNATIUS MISSION
DIXON
BOX ELDERR O C K Y B O Y ’ S
INDIAN RESERVATION
CONDON
RONAN
CHARLO
HAVRE
DUPUYER
BYNUM
SWAN LAKE
VALLEY
GALATA
VALIER
RUDYARD
CHESTER
CONRAD
SEELEY SWAN VALLEY
ELMO BIG ARM HOT SPRINGS POLSON
CLARK FORK VALLEY Plentywood SUPERIOR Scobey
C ANADA
EAST GLACIER PARK HEART BUTTE
BIGFORK
SOMERS LAKESIDE ROLLINS PROCTOR DAYTON
MISSION SALTESE DE BORGIAPLAINS
CHINOOK SHELBY
KALISPELL ESSEX KILA FLATHEAD VALLEY
PARADISE MIS S O URI RIV ER CO UNTRY MOIESE NOR HEAST HAUGAN ST.T REGIS
Dodson
BROWNING
COLUMBIA WEST GLACIER FALLS CORAM MARTIN CITY WHITEFISH HUNGRY HORSE
LIBBY
FORT BELKNAP INDIAN RESERVATION
SUNBURST
CUT BANK
TROY
ID
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.
G LACIER NATIONAL PARK. VISIT MONTANA
THREE FORKS
GRANT
CLYDE PARK LIVINGSTON
MCLEOD
BOZEMAN
BIG SKY
GREYCLIFF REED POINT COLUMBUS
EMIGRANT
NYE
PRAY
RED LODGE GARDINER
SILVER COOKE GATE CITY
IDAHO
MADISON JUNCTION OLD FAITHFUL
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
LAKE WEST THUMB
GRANT VILLAGE
LIVE HELP 800.526.3465 // 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
B
BEARTOOTH ALL-AMERICAN R
TOWER JUNCTION
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS
NORRIS CANYON MONIDA
ROBERTS JOLIE
ROSCOE
CAMERON
Quake Lake
LAKEVIEW
PA
ABSAROKEE FISHTAIL
West Yellowstone
DELL LIMA
BIG TIMBER
NORRIS GALLATIN GATEWAY
NEVADA CITY ENNIS VIRGINIA CITY
BELGRADE
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BEYOND MISSOULA
FLATHEAD LAKE. NOAH COUSER
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. 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 47 miles north of Missoula
29 miles north of Missoula
TAYLAR ROBBINS
Sitting quietly in the middle of the Jocko Valley you’ll find the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. These Montanamade statues inspired by Tibetan culture offer peace and tranquility, calming the soul and stimulating enlightenment.
TAYLAR ROBBINS
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.
HOT SPRINGS The Missoula area is a great jumping-off point to gain access to many of the commercially run and natural hot springs throughout the region. Over 10 natural hot springs lie in every direction, and you can reach any of them in less than two hours by car. Some folks opt to hike to natural springs like Bob Weir Hot Springs, while others enjoy the added amenities of developed spots such as Lolo Hot Springs and Quinn’s Hot Springs. VISIT MONTANA
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2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
Trego Troy
Libby
NATIONAL PARK Columbia Falls
Whitefish Kalispell Somers
Coram Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Bigfork
Thompson Falls Hot Springs Haugan De Borgia St. Regis
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Charlo
Paradise
DIG THE DISTANCE. DIG THE VIEWS.
Ronan
Seeley Lake
Arlee
Florence
PINTLER PINTLER SCENIC SCENIC ROUTE ROUTE
THE PRICKLY PRICKLY THE PEAR CANYON CANYON PEAR
Avon
Helena
Elliston
CHARTER OAK OAK CHARTER MINE && MILL MILL MINE
Garrison
Deer COMET COMET Lodge Basin
GRANITE GHOST GHOST GRANITE TOWN STATE STATE PARK PARK TOWN
Jackson
Boulder
Butte
Wise River Dewey
BIG HOLE HOLE BIG NATIONAL NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD BATTLEFIELD
Wisdom
QUARTZ QUARTZ HILL HILL PIONEER PIONEER MTNS MTNS SCENIC SCENIC BYWAY BYWAY
Polaris
Divide
COOLAGE COOLAGE FARLIN FARLIN
Jefferson City
Martins
TIZER BOTANIC BOTANIC TIZER GARDEN && GARDEN ARBORETUM ARBORETUM ELKHORN ELKHORN STATE PARK PARK STATE
LEWIS LEWIS CLARK && CLARK CAVERNS CAVERNS
Alder
Dillon
Virginia City Cameron
Grant
Dell Lima
RED ROCK ROCK RED LAKES LAKES NATIONAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE WILDLIFE REFUGE REFUGE
Monida
Ringling
Townsend
Wilsall
Logan
Three Forks
Manhattan
Belgrade Clyde P Livingston
Silver Star PONY Harrison ROCHESTER PONY Melrose ROCHESTER Twin Sheridan Norris Bridges Laurin RUBY RIVER RIVER RUBY Nevada VALLEY VALLEY Ennis SCENIC SCENIC City ROUTE ROUTE
BIG BIG SHEEP CR. CR. SHEEP BACKCOUNTRY BACKCOUNTRY BYWAY BYWAY
White Sulphur Springs
Montana City Winston
Cardwell
Whitehall
GLENDALE GLENDALE CANYON CREEK CREEK && CANYON CHARCOAL KILNS KILNS CHARCOAL
BANNACK BANNACK STATE PARK PARK STATE
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
Neihart
East Helena
RIMINI RIMINI
Clancy
Anaconda
BOULDER HOT SPRINGS
Monarch
Wolf Creek
Canyon Creek
GRANT KOHRS KOHRS RANCH RANCH GRANT NATIONAL HISTORIC HISTORIC SITE SITE NATIONAL
Philipsburg
Darby
LEWIS & CLARK CAVERNS
Belt Raynesford Ge
Craig
Drummond
Conner Sula
Stockett
MARYSVILLE MARYSVILLE
Victor Corvallis
Ulm Cascade
Lincoln
Greenough Helmville Bonner GARNET GARNET Clinton GHOST TOWN TOWN GHOST
Stevensville
Fort Shaw
Ovando
Missoula Lolo
Great Falls
Southwest Montana
Lom
Fort Benton
Fairfield Yellowstone Vaughn National Park
Augusta
St. Ignatius
Alberton
Southwest Montana
Condon
Moiese Dixon
Brady
Choteau
Hamilton
VIRGINIA CITY
Conrad Glacier National Park
Polson
Plains
Superior
Dupuyer
Bynum
Swan Lake
Rudya
Chester
Galata
Valier
Heart Butte
F la the ad Riv er
Lakeside
Shelby
East Glacier Park
BEYOND MISSOULA
Trout Creek
Kila
Marion
Heron Noxon
Cut Bank
Browning
Bozeman
Gallatin Gateway
Big Sky
MADISON MADISON RIVER RIVER VALLEY VALLEY SCENIC SCENIC ROUTE ROUTE
Quake Lake
Pray Emigrant
Gardiner Hebgen Lake
Lakeview
West Yellowstone
ORDER YOUR FREE TRAVEL GUIDE AT SOUTHWESTMT.COM OR CALL 1.800.879.1159
BE SAFE OUT HERE.
TERRY BADLANDS - AARON THEISEN
BIG SPACE IS IN OUR NATURE.
Big adventures always take a little prep. Plan your trip and learn how to travel smart in Southeast Montana at SafeOutHereMT.com.
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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.
BITTERROOT MOUNTAINS. VISIT MONTANA
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.
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.
HUNTER DAY
HIAWATHA TRAIL PHOTO
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 catch a play at the Opera House. In winter, shred the slopes at Discovery Ski Area or explore the terrain on a mountain bike in the summer.
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MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
BEYOND MISSOULA
Western Montana’s Glacier Country is a natural beauty where extraordinary experiences are found among stunning landscapes, charming small towns and the pure magic of Glacier National Park. Please travel and recreate responsibly.
ORDER YOUR FREE TRAVEL GUIDE
SafetyFirstMT.com | GlacierMT.com | #GlacierMT
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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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ADVENTURE ON. Just play it safe.
Discover the great wild open north of the park. Leave the beaten path behind for the trail less traveled, and far more than 6 feet of distance. Feed your innate curiosity with nature’s finest, frolic in a fabled small town, a winding river, or a valley that goes on forever. Live your life in full color. Just play it safe, pack a mask and travel smart. Adventure awaits.
Start discovering now. Get your FREE Travel Packet by calling 1.800.736.5276 or going to VisitYellowstoneCountry.com/Safety. Madison River LIVE HELP 800.526.3465 // 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
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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 the best locations. the choice to relocate, be sure you’re working with a qualified real estate advisor to help you navigate From a small boutique shop in Europe to more than 750 shops in the best locations the world, we’ve delivered quality service and personal attention to clients the process. At Engel & Völkers, we pride ourselves in knowing ouraround area, doing extensive research for 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 . Columbia Falls . Kalispell . Stevensville Helena, Great Falls & Bigfork (Opening Soon) Learn more at westernfrontier.evrealestate.com
©2020 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.
R E LO C AT I O N
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.
GAME-CHANGING PLACES TO LIVE
Of all the ways we describe 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 feel welcome, 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.
Sunset
Simply put, we’re all neighbors here. Missoula has a long history of welcoming newcomers into an inclusive and forward-thinking community, from Hmong refugees and Russian immigrant families back in the late 1970s and 1980s, to the refugee families that continue to integrate and thrive in our mountain town. We’re equal parts tight-knit and welcoming here, and that is what makes Missoula such a phenomenal place to call home.
“ Missoula residents regularly come together to enjoy the wide array of activities that make the culture and economy of this city more vibrant.”
Planning to pay Missoula a visit and scout out your new home? Visit DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/ SAFE for travel updates and safety resources.
Creative Vitality Suite
QUICK INSIGHTS FOUNDED 1864 POPULATION (2018) 77,058 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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WATERWORKS HILL. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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R E LO C AT I O N
SOFT LANDING MISSOULA
A PLACE TO CALL HOME: REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT IN MISSOULA The population of Missoula is just shy of 74,000 people, each with their own story. Some were born here, some actively chose to move here, and some found themselves in Missoula by sheer fate. Missoula is a proud resettlement community for refugees, thanks in large part to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), a resettlement agency, and Soft Landing Missoula, a nonprofit whose goal is to help Missoula to be a welcoming, supportive and informed community that can assist refugees to integrate and thrive.
VIEW FROM THE “M” ON MOUNT SENTINEL. TAYLAR ROBBINS
RIVER CITY ROOTS FESTIVAL, DOWNTOWN MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
Mary Poole, co-director and founder of Soft Landing Missoula, explained how it all began. “One of the first things we found out was that Montana and Wyoming were, at the time, actually the only two states in the nation that were not resettling refugees. There were folks going to Alaska and Hawaii, but not Montana. And so that was really shocking to us because we knew that Missoula has a history with resettlement. There have been times in Missoula’s history where we’ve welcomed hundreds of Hmong refugees and many Belarusian and Ukrainian families that came as refugees.” The first refugee family arrived in Missoula in 2016, and now more than 50 families from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Syria and Iraq have found a home here. IRC offers core services such administering social security cards and enrolling children in schools. Soft Landing provides long term support for families through their Community Resource Center, which is a hub for educational and recreational programming, as well as the sharing of culture through events and their food program, United We Eat. Together, these organizations create a home in Missoula for those in need.
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R E LO C AT I O N
WATERWORKS HILL. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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 October 2020, 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
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
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
Take care of yourself and the people around you. If you’re feeling sick, there are Cost Care clinics and testing sites located throughout Missoula. Visit DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE for more information and locations. 82
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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
R E LO C AT I O N
BUSINESS RESOURCES 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 THE HELLGATE VENTURE NETWORK encourages Missoula entrepreneurs to come to their informal monthly meetings for networking, presentations and Q&A. www.hellgateventurenetwork.com
LE PETIT OUTRE. ANDY AUSTIN
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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NEIGHBORHOODS
MISSOULA IN WINTER. KYLE MCGOWAN
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.
Mary Burke Orizotti Broker / Owner / Realtor 406.490.6061
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. Rachael Orizotti Rixford Broker / Realtor 406.490.9319
“ With equal amounts of outdoor adventure and an artsy, fun, college town feel, Missoula boasts being able to catch a fish and a concert in the same day.”
Chloe Wilt, Money Stephanie Orizotti Nelson Realtor 406.490.7222
Haley Tomich Realtor 406.207.4119
Our Team
Your First Decision is Your Most Important Kathy Cotner Realtor Call a broke broker with over 35 years of experience 406.207.0540
“The Key to Opening Doors and Closing Transactions.”
THE KEY
Mary Burke Orizotti Owner/Broker 406-490-6061
Your our FFirst Decision is Your Most Impor Important
Proudly Serving All Your Real Estate Needs.
“Your Favorite Home-girl.”
Alec Bray Sales Associates 406-546-0712
Rachael Orizotti Rixford Broker Associate 406-490-9319
Alec Bray Realtor 406.546.0712
“Prioritizing Your Real Estate Needs Daily”
“Luxury, Lifestyle WHERE HARD WORK,EXPERIENCE and Location”
Haley Tomich Sales Associates 406-207-4119
Kathy Cotner Sales Associate 2685 1/2 Palmer St, MISSOULA, MT 406-207-0540
AND INTEGRITY GET THE JOB DONE
406.926.2885
1720 Brooks, Missoula,www.burkeorizottirealestate.com MT 406-926-2885 www.burkeorizottirealestate.com LIVE HELP 800.526.3465 // 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT. TAYLAR ROBBINS
Discovering Strength
TOGETHER Join today and get 2 months free* + 2 free personal training sessions! *1st free month applied to your 1st full month. 2nd free month applied at the end of 12 months.
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NEIGHBORHOODS
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
DARBY. MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
• Clinton: Drive time to Missoula—20 minutes • Potomac: Drive time to Missoula—30 minutes • Drummond: Drive time to Missoula—45 minutes
Moving Missoula Forward.
Explore with Mountain Line, Missoula’s community bus service. By helping employees get to work, students get to school, and seniors and people with disabilities remain independent, Mountain Line benefits us all. • • • • •
Zero-fare Monday through Saturday Expanding fleet of electric buses Bike racks and stations Service to/from Missoula International Airport
With cleaner air at zero-fare, Mountain Line benefits us all. (406) 721-3333
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E D U C AT I O N
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.
EDUCATION
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
The health and safety of Montana’s students is a top priority. Visit DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE to learn more about the status and safety guidelines of each school.
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406.243.7811, www.mc.umt.edu
CHARTER COLLEGE MISSOULA
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.
ADVERTORIAL
TIPS FOR CHOOSING A NEW SCHOOL When moving to a new town, one of the harder decisions to make is where to send your child to school. Talking to your real estate agent is one way to get a local perspective on quality of schools and school districts. Visiting with those you meet in restaurants or retail shops always brings a broad array of perspectives. However, you as the parent know your child best. You know their strengths, areas of growth, needs, and the learning environment that fits them best. So cater your questions and inquiries around this. Here are some questions to ask your real estate agent, your potential neighbors, and the schools and school districts directly: 1. How big is the school? What is the student-teacher ratio? 2. What are the most noteworthy strengths of the school? 3. As a school, what are the identified areas of improvement you are working on? 4. What would my child’s daily schedule look like in each grade? 5. What specialty classes, after school activities, and athletic programs will my child have access to? What is the regularity of these offerings? 6. If my child is in need of any special services, such as speech, special education, counseling, etc., what services does the school offer? 7. What is a profile of your graduates (at any grade level that is applicable, 5th, 8th, 12th)? Where do most students move on to high school or college? 8. Where can I view the curriculum being taught at each grade level? 9. What does parent communication look like on a regular basis? 10. Is the school accredited? 11. How are parents involved in the school? 12. What local schools have the best reputations? 13. Can my child experience a “shadow day” at the school? Tips provided by Christina Vierra McGill Principal, St. Joseph School • Missoula Catholic Schools
You’ll be ready for life Financial Aid Available www.mcsmt.org
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BUSINESS
THE CAMINO. 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 who 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 so 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
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
Keep your business up-to-date with local safety guidelines by visiting DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE and utilizing Destination Missoula’s Business Safety Kit. 90
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We’ll handle it from here
THE ROXY THEATER. TAYLAR ROBBINS
COMING TOGETHER WHILE STAYING APART IN TIMES OF STRUGGLE
Local businesses stepped up to respond to our community’s demand for protective face coverings. Imagine Nation Brewing used their taproom to sew cloth masks, and folks can now pick up their own locally made face covering from shops including 406 Creative in downtown Missoula, Coaster Cycles in Bonner, and online through www.coldavenger.com. SPIRITS TO SANITIZER
Montgomery Distillery is known for smallbatch spirits and craft cocktails, but that changed when the COVID-19 pandemic left Missoula with a major hand sanitizer shortage. The distillery quickly pivoted and used its facility to produce hand sanitizer for local first responders, health care professionals and atrisk community members.
TM
AUGUST 6, 7 AND 8, 2021 500 Tables | Fri. 10am – 6pm, Sat 9am – 6pm, & Sun 9am – 2pm. Hilton Garden Inn & Conference Center 3720 N. Reserve St. Missoula, MT 59808
For all residential, business & construction waste removal needs.
FOR RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTACT: HAYES (406) 549-4817
Now offering All-in-One Curbside Recycling
MONTANA'S OLDEST & BEST SHOW BUY, SELL, TRADE & FREE APPRAISALS.
(406) 543-3157
Like countless cities across the world, much of Missoula shut down in order to slow the spread of COVID-19, and with that came undeniable hardship and hurdles for many Missoulians. But in response to those challenges we saw our community come together (theoretically, of course) in incredible, heartwarming, and downright brilliant ways. We realized that we don’t have to float the river or shop at farmers markets to be true Missoulians—these acts of kindness and ingenuity made us feel more “Missoula” than ever before. FACE MASKS FOR ALL
Original Missoula Gun & Antique Show
M O N TA N A
LAWYERS AND ATTORNEYS
WORKING FOR YOU
ESTATES | REAL ESTATE | BUSINESS PERSONAL INJURY | FAMILY LAW 406.541.2550 | terrazaslaw.com
DO YOU FALL? ARE YOU DIZZY? CallCome today try to schedule our newan evaluation with one of our 4D treadmill caring, experienced proven to treat balance/dizziness experts! balance problems!
Our Comprehensive Team Approach Will Evaluate & Treat Your Dizziness,Vertigo, Balance Problems & Concussions. Have you seen many different providers and still have not gotten answers to your problems?
Treatment of dizziness/vertigo, imbalance, concussions, falls, lymphedema, orthopedics 2001 S. Russell Street, Missoula, MT 59801 | M-F 8am-5pm | 406.543.7860 | www.ElementPt.com
MISS MONTANA’S NEW MISSION
Last year, the World War II plane known as “Miss Montana” completed its historic mission to fly from Missoula to Normandy for the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Normandy. This year, the Miss Montana crew answered the call for a new mission and delivered hand sanitizer to communities in need across the state.
We inspire people to seek & discover. Ideas at work, and at play.
LIVE STREAM LOCALS
Missoula lives off live music, and local musicians rely on their community for support. Missoulians found a creative way to watch live performances using platforms Facebook Live and Instagram Live, tipping musicians using Venmo and PayPal.
406.829.8200 WINDFALLSTUDIO.COM DESIGN
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BUSINESS
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.
UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
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
Together, there’s a way.
Change doesn’t happen alone.
Learn how you can help Missoula at missoulaunitedway.org.
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United Way of Missoula County
11 REASONS TO START YOUR BUSINESS IN MISSOULA Play hard and work smart in Missoula, where local businesses thrive and entrepreneurs find themselves in good company. A place where you don’t have to sacrifice the natural landscape for a healthy business landscape, and new growth is always welcome. Missoula offers unmatched opportunity for those looking to start their business, and we’ll tell you why.
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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. While hosting events and programs to help engage the community and inspire collaboration, the Chamber is also a champion for the community as a whole, helping to connect private and public sectors to create successful projects such as new childcare facilities and bringing home $13M in federal funding to build out up-andcoming areas.
825 E. Front St., 406.543.6623 www.missoulachamber.com
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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
DOWNTOWN MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS
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BUSINESS
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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).
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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.
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.
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 positions, while students still working on their degrees constitute a large pool of part-time workers. The Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce continues to help the workforce thrive by working with local educators and the Montana Department of Labor to highlight career opportunities for Montana students, supporting groups like Missoula’s 4th D Club in their mission to serve those in recovery, and working with the University of Montana to find ways the private sector can help the university succeed and thrive.
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. And when local businesses began to experience hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the community innovated and came together to support one another when it mattered most.
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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. For instance, the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce worked with the local school district to secure the use of a vacant school building for the purpose of expanding an existing child care business.
OLD SAWMILL DISTRICT. TAYLAR ROBBINS
NO SALES OR INVENTORY TAX! Montana was ranked #5 of the 10 best states in the 2020 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.
WASH HANDS. WEAR MASKS.
Stay Safe Missoula. Learn more at: DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
The power to live your life. Visit us
online to manage your account, enroll in pre-pay billing, apply for energy rebates, sign up for outage alerts and more!
1700 W Broadway, Missoula | 406.541.4433 | missoulaelectric.com
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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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DAN F. NEUMAN
EXPANDING AIR SERVICE
Missoula Airport offers nonstop flights to Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Oakland, Phoenix/Mesa, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, 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. Get masks, posters and more for your business by visiting DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE and utilizing Destination Missoula’s Business Safety Kit.
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
Farmers State Bank
www.farmersebank.com Your Montana Bank Since 1907
Member FDIC
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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. Despite the many hardships businesses have faced in the past year, new spots continue to open and thrive in Missoula. Do your part to keep them open by following local safety guidelines, which can be found at destinationmissoula.org/safe.
OLD SAWMILL DISTRICT TAYLAR ROBBINS
CRANKY SAM PUBLIC HOUSE BRIAN POWERS
MISSOULA MERCANTILE TAYLAR ROBBINS
We’re proud of these recent projects:
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 2,500-square-foot tropical butterfly house, an educational public kitchen and 2.5 acres of fruit and vegetable demonstration gardens in 2021.
THE MISSOULA MERCANTILE The newly rebuilt Mercantile building is decorated with local art and historic details reminiscent of the original building. It now offers extended-stay suites at the Residence Inn by Marriott and a variety of exciting new offerings on the main level, from restaurants, to a DIY craft cocktail bar, to an upbeat spin studio.
NEW BREWERIES & TAP HOUSES Cambie Taphouse + Coffee opened on South Higgins Avenue for coffee and beer lovers alike, and Cranky Sam Public House is now up and running next to Biga Pizza downtown. The south end of Missoula is getting another brewery when OddPitch Brewing opens in 2020, and there’s talk of a new tap house called Tap Club coming to North Reserve Street.
NEW SPOTS TO GATHER, CREATE AND LEARN The Zootown Arts Community Center has a new location in downtown Missoula where people can create art, peruse galleries, enjoy a performance or take an art class. The Missoula Public Library moved into a new facility with more room to serve the community, and Radius Gallery relocated to a larger space downtown on Higgins Ave.
OLD SAWMILL DISTRICT The Sawmill District is a new neighborhood with a historic heart, situated along the Clark Fork River. Once a sawmill complex, the 46-acre area is now a lively urban neighborhood with student and upscale housing and commercial space.
NEW SHOPPING THE GENERAL PUBLIC ALEX HANICH
BUSINESS
FUELING THE PULSE OF MISSOULA
Montana Made and Olive + Iron opened up shop on the ground floor of the Mercantile building, and Southgate Mall announced that Scheels All Sports will open a 110,000-square-foot store in the old JCPenney building. A new fishing and boating gear shop, Blackfoot River Outfitters, is open for business on Russell Street.
MORE TRAILS TO TREK Missoula added a new trail to its already impressive list of hiking options in and around the city. The 1.5-mile Barmeyer Trail leads from the heavily forested trailhead off Pattee Canyon Drive to a grassy overlook with beautiful views of the city below.
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.
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HISTORICAL MUSEUM AT FORT MISSOULA
THE MISSOULA MERCANTILE: THEN AND NOW The Mercantile building is both a new development and historic staple in downtown Missoula. Built in 1866, the Mercantile began as Missoula’s one-stop shopping center, selling everything from local groceries, furniture and hardware to wagons and farm equipment. It dominated wholesale and retail trade in the area up until the mid 1900s, and went through a number of name changes and transformations before eventually becoming a Macy’s department store and closing down in January of 2010. The building remained empty until it was purchased in 2017 and fully rebuilt into the Mercantile we know today. The Residence Inn by Marriott offers extended-stay hotel suites great for short and longterm stays in the new downtown building, while the ground floor is made up of restaurants, boutiques, a DIY craft bar, and even a spin studio. While the amenities are new, the building remains rich in history and honors its past in every detail. The rebuilt Mercantile showcases architectural features and heavy timbers reclaimed from the historic former building, while local art installations connect Missoula’s past and present. Whether you’re opting for an extended stay at the Residence Inn, or grabbing food and drinks with friends, the new Mercantile building makes for a wonderful way to enjoy Missoula while celebrating its past.
We’re here for you. Helping older adults stay connected to the resources they need.
Keep our Distance. Maintain a six-foot distance from others, and stay on trails except to let people pass.
( 4 0 6 ) 728 -76 82 M I SS O U L A AG I N GS E RV I C ES.O R G
Smart. Safe. Ready. Learn more at:
DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
n in Missoula, W he
Make Time for Music. Buy tickets and stream Missoula Symphony concerts online.
(406) 721-3194 missoulasymphony.org
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Locally owned. Locally Staffed. Local management. Local decisions.
LEARN MORE AT: 98
WWW.TRAILWEST.BANK
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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 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 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 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.
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. Missoulians never pass up the opportunity to get out and play.
YOGA ON THE CLARK FORK RIVER, DOWNTOWN MISSOULA. TAYLAR ROBBINS LIVE HELP 800.526.3465 // 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
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Trail Access Trail Parking Trail access
Side Road Main Road
On Street Side Road Bicycle Route On Street
Parking
Trail
Main Road
MAP DESIGN: ART & IMAGE ©2014
(Hwy. 93 & I-90)
(Hwy. 93 WYE & I-90)
Wye
MAPS COURTESY OF ROGER PARCHEN/ART & IMAGE
Waterworks Hill
Waterworks Hill
Downtown Downtown
MISSOULA, MONTANA
MISSOULA, MONTANA
Hig gin s bridge
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Lincoln Hills
Woods Gulch
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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 the Destination Missoula Visitor Information Center. 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
A Unique Blend of Community Li
Now presenting home sites in the newly availabl championship golf course at the heart of Montana's downtown Missoula and the University of Missoula sites adjoining the fairways and the Clark Fork Rive hiking, fishing and scenic walking trails make th
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LET YOUR DAY BEGIN WITH THIS AS YOUR BACKGROUND Canyon River GOLF Community is situated on an 18 hole championship golf course at the heart of MONTANA’S PREMIER GOLF COMMUNITY. Minutes to the downtown area and the University of Montana. Golfing isn’t the only recreational features being offered. Activities from biking, fishing, hiking, scenic walking trails, floating the Clark Fork River to peaceful sunsets all nestled amongst the trees. Canyon River offers distinctive floor plans and homesites along the beautifully maintained fairways.
Contact us additional info Mary Orizotti Call Mary BurkeBurke Orizotti or Rachael Rixford for on current lan Broker/Owner, CRSshowing today! additional information or for your private packages, lot av 406.490.6061
Mary Burke Orizotti Owner / Broker, CRS 406.490.6061 mbosales@gmail.com
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2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE // DESTINATIONMISSOULA.ORG/SAFE
Rachael Orizotti Rixford Broker / Realtor 406.490.9319 rorizotti@gmail.com
LIVE HELP 800.526.3465 // 2021 MISSOULA AREA VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE
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DESTINATION MISSOULA FULFILLMENT CENTER 516 S. ORANGE ST. MISSOULA, MT 59801
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