Missoula Area Recommendations
Gifts & Shopping
Missoula Makers Co.
A unique, curated shopping experience of locally handmade items from 80+ makers. This adorable storefront is in the old Florence building, conveniently located within walking distance of historic downtown Missoula.
www.mslamakers.com / 112 W Front Street, Missoula MT 59802
Rockin Rudy’s
Known as the original hipster department store, Rockin Rudy’s is a truly Missoulian place to visit. You’ll find a curated selection of unique goods, including items from local makers, snacks of all kinds and even used Vinyl and CDs if you’re into music.
www.rockinrudys.com / 237 Blaine Street, Missoula MT 59801
Montana Antique Mall
One of the largest antique malls in Montana, with 4 floors and 15,000 square feet of oddities, antique and collectibles. It’s a great place to explore; you never know what you’re going to find!
www.montanaantiquemall.com / 331 Railroad Street W, Missoula MT 59802
Eating Out
Kampfire Steakhouse
A Montana steakhouse with a passion for scratch-made food and outstanding hospitality. Conveniently located just a 6-minute drive North of Jim & Mary’s. Reservations are recommended in the evenings.
www.kampfiresteakhouse.com / 16995 US-93 N, Missoula MT 59808
The Montana Club
A local favorite, The Montana Club is easy to get to from the park and has a large variety to choose from, ensuring everyone gets what they want. Plus, if you’re in town during your birthday, you can get a discount equal to your age. Just ask when you’re ordering!
www.montanaclub.com / 4561 N Reserve Street, Missoula MT 59808
There is a vast array of restaurants in Missoula; it’s basically a foodie’s paradise. While the ones above are a popular choice for visitors new to Missoula, we have plenty of suggestions! Stop in, tell us what you’re craving, and we’ll point you in the right direction!
We don’t carry a lot of groceries in the gift shop at the park, but there are several grocery options in town in you prefer to cook during your stay, including Costco, Albertson’s, and WinCo. All are located off Reserve St. (exit 101).
Museums
Outdoor Recreation
Montana Natural History Center
The Montana Natural History Center’s museum encompasses the flora, fauna, and natural history of western Montana. The museum exhibits and art gallery take about 30-45 minutes for adults to explore, and they’re kid-friendly! Between the Naturalist Field Station, outdoor Nature Adventure Garden, and the ever-popular Kids’ Discovery Room, there’s much for your little ones to discover!
www.montananaturalist.org / 120 Hickory Street, Suite A, Missoula MT 59801
National Museum of Forest Service History
The NMFSH manages its own collection of more than 50,000 artifacts, documents, and memorabilia relating to the history and culture of the Forest Service. Plus, it’s only a 5-minute drive from Jim & Mary’s!
www.forestservicemuseum.org / 6305 U.S. Highway 10 W, Missoula, MT 59808
Museum of Mountain Flying
The Museum of Mountain Flying’s mission is to preserve for future generations, the legends, lore and historical legacy of pilots and other individuals whose pioneering aviation exploits helped bring America’s Rocky Mountain West into the Air Age. The Centerpiece of the Museum is “Miss Montana”, an aircraft well known throughout the state. Visit today to learn more! It’s a quick, easy drive from the park.
www.museumofmountainflying.com / 5843 Museum Way, Missoula, MT 59808
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Four elk hunters with a goal of ensuring the future of North America’s grandest game animal and the habitat it needed to thrive founded the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 1984. Today, RMEF is one of the most effective and efficient conservation organizations in the United States. Working together with members, volunteers and conservation partners, it is a strong voice for elk, elk country, hunters and public access as well as wildlife management and conservation issues.
www.rmef.org / 5705 Grant Creek Rd, Missoula, MT 59808
Butterfly House & Insectarium
With a tropical greenhouse filled with butterflies from around the world and an exhibit area featuring a wide array of insects, arachnids, millipedes, centipedes, and crustaceans, the Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium provides a truly unique Montana experience. Whether you’re looking for a memorable and powerful learning opportunity for yourself or your entire family, they’ve got something for visitors of all ages.
www.missoulabutterflyhouse.org / 1075 South Ave W #2, Missoula, MT 59801
Trails & Hiking
There are several trails to hike in and around town. If you're looking for something easy and relaxing, the Riverwalk near Caras Park in the historic downtown and McClay Flats are both great places to start. Waterworks Trail, Rattlesnake Recreation Area, and the Blue Mountain area have several options for trails and difficulty. If you prefer a challenge, try the iconic M Trail just behind the University of Montana. While it can be a tough hike, especially for those not used to the elevation, it does have amazing views of the Missoula Valley.
Fishing
We are no experts in fly fishing or otherwise, but we do know where to send you! Call or stop in at Grizzly Hackle off Front St. (exit 104) in downtown Missoula. They offer guides & fishing excursions, but also great advice about where to fish and what you’ll find in the area. Another great resource is Kingfisher Fly Shop off Broadway (exit 105).