Missoula, MT
Halfway between Glacier and Yellowstone national parks is Montana's cultural hub and second-largest city, Missoula. With nine historic districts, funky boutiques, live theater, a symphony, diverse dining options, a thriving music scene, ample lodging options, plus access to nearby wilderness areas, unrivaled outdoor playgrounds and five golf clubs, Missoula perfectly combines big-city amenities with outdoor recreation and Montana's natural wonders. This eclectic mountain town is also home to the state's oldest college—the University of Montana.
Chambers + Visitor Information
Annual Events
History
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. In 1860, C.P. Higgins and F.L. Worden opened a trading market that they called the Hellgate Village. (Today you can buy wine, espresso and huge deli sandwiches at Wordens Market on Higgins Street downtown). The name hellgate came from French trappers, who found carnage from warfare, including bones and bodies, in the canyon on the east edge of town. The Blackfeet and Flathead used the close confines of the canyon to battle one another. The canyon is still called Hellgate today, but only winter winds are a threat now.
Hellgate Village was a success, followed by a flour mill and a sawmill, which the new settlers dubbed Missoula Mills. Mills was eventually dropped, leaving the town with the name Missoula. Which, by the way, comes from a butchered version of the Salish name for the area, "Nemissoolatakoo."
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.
Upcoming Events
Open Mic: Music, Poetry & Comedy
December 23rd at 6 p.m.
Imagine Nation Brewing Co. 1151 Broadway St Missoula, MT
Featured Listings
Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
Missoula, MT 59804
406.728.3476
Directions
Visit Website
Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History
Missoula, MT 59804
406.239.7738
Directions
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UM Conference and Event Services
Missoula, MT 59812
406.243.4119
Directions
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Artists' Shop Art & Fine Craft Gallery
Missoula, MT 59802
Bitterroot Valley Shuttle
Missoula, MT 59808
Bolt & Bruizers Bakery & Barkery
Missoula, MT 59801
Broadway Inn Conference Center
Missoula, MT 59808
Cambie Taphouse + Coffee – Sawmill District
Missoula, MT 59801
Fairfield Inn & Suites Missoula
Missoula, MT 59808
Hair by Jessica D. @ Tres Chic Hair & Nail Salon
Missoula, MT 59801
La Quinta Inn - Missoula
Missoula, MT 59808
MCT, Inc. (Missoula Children's Theatre & Missoula Community Theatre)
Missoula, MT 59802
Missoula MADE Fair
Missoula, MT 59801
Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center
Missoula, MT 59808
Missoula Symphony Orchestra & Chorale
Missoula, MT 59812
Montana Natural History Center
Missoula, MT 59801
Montana Repertory Theatre
Missoula, MT 59812
Mountain Berry Bowls - Missoula
Missoula, MT 59802
Museum of Mountain Flying
Missoula, MT 59808
Park Side Credit Union - Missoula
Missoula, MT 59808
Sons of Norway at the Nordic Pines
Missoula, MT 59804
SpectrUM Discovery Area
Missoula, Mt 59802
Sweet Peaks Ice Cream - Missoula
Missoula, MT 59802
Travelodge Inn & Suites by Wyndham Missoula University Park
Missoula, MT 59802
Wilma Condo Vacation Rental
Missoula, MT 59802
