In Missoula, discoveries range from a hand-carved carousel to art and history museums, as well as trails along the river and Mount Sentinel. The following places offer different highlights, so you don’t have to choose just one theme.
Culture and History in Missoula
A Carousel for Missoula is one of the first fully hand-carved carousels built in the United States since the Great Depression. Seasonal carousel rides are offered at Caras Park in downtown. The Ponykeepers continue to carve, paint, restore, and maintain the carousel by hand—a craft that shapes not only its creation but also its ongoing upkeep.
The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula offers a different way to explore history. It covers 32 acres of the historic Fort Missoula site. You can explore the grounds on your own; outdoor signs explain the surroundings. There are also four separate indoor spaces for exhibits. A guided tour covers the exhibits and the grounds of the World War II internment camp for Japanese and Italian people located there. Since scheduling and reservation details may vary, it’s a good idea to check before your visit.
The art museums also differ in their focus. The Missoula Art Museum (MAM) is dedicated to the faithful and collaborative representation of contemporary Indigenous art. It is a free public museum with eight galleries; check the latest visitor information in advance. The permanent collection of the Montana Museum of Art and Culture comprises nearly 12,000 works of art, including contemporary art by Native American artists. Together, they offer two different ways to experience art in Missoula: an institutional mission and an extensive university collection.
At the Smokejumper Visitor Center, the free tour includes the Smokejumper loft, the ready room, and the National Smokejumper Memorial. The museum there also features a fire lookout tower originally built in 1938. The tour and museum offer a distinct focus on Smokejumper history.
Natural History and Trails
The Montana Natural History Center’s museum covers the flora, fauna, and natural history of western Montana. It also covers the history of Glacial Lake Missoula. The Center is located along the Kim Williams Trail in Missoula. This brings together a regional natural history focus and a named trail at the Center’s location.
The Riverfront Trail offers another perspective on the city: it connects the river, downtown, and the skyline on a route through the center of Missoula. There is also a self-guided bike tour for cycling. At Mount Sentinel, an extensive trail network connects hikers, runners, and mountain bikers with Missoula’s open space system. The “M” Trail has 13 switchbacks and offers sweeping views across the Missoula Valley.
Brennan’s Wave, an artificial wave, is located on the Clark Fork River in downtown. If you’re interested in the river landscape and urban design, it offers a different perspective from the trails on Mount Sentinel. The Silver’s Lagoon Interpretive Trail aims to introduce visitors to the animals found at the lagoon while they walk, picnic, or play. Fishing at Silver’s Lagoon is designated for young people up to and including age 14 and adults with disabilities; check the fishing regulations before your visit. The activities mentioned and the educational purpose give this trail its own focus.
Caras Park as a Gathering Place for Markets and Rides
Caras Park brings together several of the themes described here: it’s home to the seasonal rides at A Carousel for Missoula, and the park hosts weekly farmers markets and food truck events. If a market or event fits your travel plans, check the latest dates in advance. Between art, history, natural history, and trails, you can choose what to focus on during your stay in Missoula and look for hotels that suit your plans.
Discover more destinations: Lolo, Clinton, Seeley Lake.
Return to the main travel overview: Missoula County.
