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Things to do in Missoula: 2 local trip ideas

2 ready-made day trips in Missoula, Montana: hidden gems and nature. Each one strings together a handful of stops in order.

Hidden GemsNature
Hidden Gems trip

Missoula Like

4 stops · about 4 hr 45 min of stops · ~$45 per person

Skip the standard tourist loops for a truly local day of retro diners, old-growth forest walks, and underground neighborhood mainstays in Missoula.

  1. 1

    Ruby's Cafe

    2101 Regent St, Missoula, MT 59801, USA
    Ruby's Cafe, Missoula

    A classic, no-nonsense local diner. Try the sourdough pancakes or chicken-fried steak.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$15 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Greenough Park

    1001 Monroe St, Missoula, MT 59802, USA
    Greenough Park, Missoula

    Skip Mount Sentinel's crowds; stroll this quiet, old-growth cottonwood forest along Rattlesnake Creek.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · Free · Directions
  3. 3

    Double Front Cafe & Bar

    122 W Alder St, Missoula, MT 59802, USA
    Double Front Cafe & Bar, Missoula

    A Missoula institution serving fresh, hand-battered fried chicken in a low-key setting since Prohibition.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$18 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Double Front Cafe & Bar

    122 W Alder St, Missoula, MT 59802, USA
    Double Front Cafe & Bar, Missoula

    Head to the basement lounge—voted by locals as one of the best-kept neighborhood secrets for cheap drinks.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$12 per person · Directions
Nature trip

Rivers, Canopies, and Gardens

5 stops · about 6 hr 45 min of stops · ~$40 per person

Immerse yourself in Missoula’s lush riverfront trails, bird-filled urban canopies, and vibrant botanical displays, paired with locally beloved scratch-made meals along a highly walkable, contiguous path.

  1. 1

    Bernice's Bakery

    190 S 3rd St W, Missoula, MT 59801, USA
    Bernice's Bakery, Missoula

    Start your morning with a legendary huckleberry danish or a slice of fresh quiche and local coffee.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$15 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Caras Park

    123 Carousel Dr, Missoula, MT 59802, USA
    Caras Park, Missoula

    Stroll down to the riverfront to watch kayakers surf Brennan's Wave and enjoy the scenic mountain backdrop.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · Free · Directions
  3. 3

    Greenough Park

    1001 Monroe St, Missoula, MT 59802, USA
    Greenough Park, Missoula

    Walk along the shaded, paved Bolle Birdwatching Trail tracking the bubbling Rattlesnake Creek.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · Free · Directions
  4. 4

    The Camino

    105 N Pattee St, Missoula, MT 59802, USA
    The Camino, Missoula

    Relax with a late lunch of house-made corn tortilla tacos and fresh, bright salsas in the heart of downtown.

    ★ 4.3 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$25 per person · Directions
  5. 5

    Rocky Mountain Gardens

    1075 South Ave W, Missoula, MT 59801, USA
    Rocky Mountain Gardens, Missoula

    Head south to explore more than 20 distinct educational growing areas and flora suited to Western Montana.

    ★ 5.0 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · Free · Directions

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