Things to Do in Missoula, Montana
When you think of Missoula, fly-fishing is one of the first things that comes to mind but that is only a small part of what Missoula is about. Hiking, biking riding, Fort Missoula, University of Montana – Go Griz, Mobash State Park, art galleries, Missoula Carousel, hot springs, and more.
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Visitor Center
5105 Grant Creek Rd.
Missoula, Mt 59808
(866) 266-7750
Dec 1 – April 30
8 am – 5 pm (M-F)
10 am – 5 pm (Sat)
Closed (Sunday)
May 1 – Nov 30
8 am – 6 pm (M-F)
9 am – 6 pm (Sat)
9 am – 6 pm (Sunday)
Holiday Closures
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas
December 24-26
New Years
January 1–2
The Visitor Center is more than just a museum; it’s an experience that reveals the beauty, diversity and importance of elk country across North America.
Discover Elk Country
Fun and interactive, our exhibits invite you to learn more about elk, elk country and the role the RMEF plays in conservation. Discover the diverse wildlife that calls elk country home, explore the role we all play in conserving habitat and connect with the rich heritage that makes the outdoors so important to so many of us. Along the way, you’ll hear elk bugle, test your knowledge of wildlife, identify animal tracks, feel the weight of an elk antler, and enjoy wildlife conservation films. Other highlights include an impressive display of trophy elk mounts and our gift shop featuring Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation clothing and merchandise, wildlife art, calendars, and more.
Outdoor Walking Trail
Those wanting to stretch their legs will enjoy the beautiful, wooded nature trail that winds its way around the 22-acre RMEF property. Watch for the white-tailed deer, turkeys, bald eagles, owls, trout and other wildlife that frequent the property.[
The Smokejumper
Visitors Center
5765 W. Broadway
Missoula, MT 59808
(406) 329-493
Directions
Smokejumper Visitor Center is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day 7 days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In the Visitor Center, tourists can see many displays explaining firefighting procedures, smokejumping history, and other fire-related issues. In addition, there are several short educational videos and an actual fire lookout from 1937 that visitors can enter.
Guided tours of the jump base are given 6 times daily at 10 and 11 a.m. and at 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m. The tour is 45 minutes to an hour long and takes visitors through the working facility of the smokejumpers. The tour takes an in-depth look at the profession of smokejumping and allows visitors to learn about jump gear, parachutes, cargo and aircraft.
Visitors traveling in small groups do not need to make prior reservations to take e guided tour of the smokejumper loft. Larger groups of ten or more people should call in advance and schedule a private tour
Rattlesnake National
Recreation Area
VanBuren Exit of I90
North 3 miles
Missoula Ranger District
(406) 329-3814
The southern boundary of the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness (RNRAW) is four miles north of Missoula, Montana. The National Recreation Area (NRA) lies south and adjacent to the wilderness and receives heavy use, particularly in the South Zone, within about three miles of the main trailhead. Far fewer people venture into The Rattlesnake Wilderness which is in the more remote, and northern, portion of the RNRAW.
There is a trail that takes off from the main trailhead into the National Recreation Area along Rattlesnake Creek to within three miles of a scenic cluster of high alpine lakes in the wilderness. The elevation varies from 3600 feet at the NRA entrance to 8620 feet on McLeod Peak.
Ft. Missoula Museum
3400 Captain Rawn Way
Missoula, Montana 59808
(406) 728-3476
Hours
Memorial Wknd – Labor Day Wknd
Mon-Sat 10am – 5pm
Labor Day Wknd – Memorial Wknd
Tue-Sun 12n-5pm
Closed Mondays &
All major holidays
The historical museum at Ft. Missoula has exhibits tell the story of the 1877 fort & local history, plus restored buildings on-site. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to learn about the history of Missoula.