Missoula Montana
Missoula is dubbed the Garden City for its mild winters relative to the rest of Montana. Depending on the season, there's hiking, sking, fishing, running rivers and riding mountain bikes. Missoula is also a literate town; it's commonplace to chat with a local author about his or her latest book. (John Updike dubbed Missoula the "Paris of the 90's," a flattering but somewhat gross exaggeration). more info
Missoula Montana Listings: (add your listing)
Lolo Trail Center
One of the coolest outdoor centers in Montana. Offering beautiful log lodge rooms for individuals and families, combined w/ activities like hiking, swimming, horseback & more.
(406) 273-2201
Lewis and Clark came through the Missoula Valley in 1805, but it wasn't until 1860 that Europeans settled here (although a Jesuit priest, DeSmet, opened a mission south in the Bitterroot Valley in 1841).
Before settlers arrived, Western Montana was home to the Salish, Pend d'Oreille, and Kootenai tribes.
Missoula is located in an old, glacial lakebed, which is now cut by Clark Fork River. The Bitterroot River feeds into the Clark Fork on the Southwest edge of town; the famed Big Blackfoot River meets the Clark Fork just east of town.
The University of Montana is here, as is the Northern Region headquarters for the U.S. Forest Service. Retail trade is way up, while extractive industries like logging are waning.
Just as the university students leave each year, the tourists arrive. Missoula is 3 hours south of Glacier National Park and 3-and-a-half hours west of Yellowstone National Park. It is surrounded by national forests and a handful of wilderness areas. In short, it's not a bad place to hang out in the summer or (if you like the snow) winter.
Jeanette Rankin, the nation's first Congresswoman, was reared in Missoula in the late 1800s. She was elected to Congress before women could vote, on the eve of the first World War. She served one term, then was re-elected to Congress on the eve of the second World War. She is the only legislator to have voted against entering both wars.
The town is still steeped in active politics. And its economy is still based on retail trade -- people from hundreds of miles around use Missoula as their base for shopping and for finding medical and other professional services. The University of Montana and the Forest Service are also heavy economic hitters here.
With its superb airport and physical geography, Missoula is the place to enjoy your vacation, no matter what the season.
Missoula Montana, MT Weather
Currently Outside 39FClear. Chilly. |
Other pages you might find helpful:
Missoula Whitewater Association
The Missoula Whitewater Association strives to educate paddlers on conserving river resources, river safety, and other river regulations in Montana.
Whitewater Slalom
Whitewater Slalom offers info on slalom events, races, and results throughout the country.
