Missoula Vacation Packages & Travel Deals
A city in US state of Montana, Missoula is located along the Clark Fork Rivernear the confluences with the Blackfoot and Bitterroot Rivers in Western Montana. The city is located at the convergence of five mountain ranges and therefore it is often referred to as the 'hub of the five valleys'. It is a university town offering a surprisingly varied array of cultural attractions and entertainment.
Missoula also serves as a wonderful base to explore some of the most exciting landscapes of Montana. Nature buffs are attracted to its several superb trails, both in the town and countryside. In addition, the city also features around 5,000 acres of conservation land, incorporating Mount Jumbo with huge populations of elk and deer.
Places of Interest in Missoula
The Elk Country Visitor Center
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Missoula, the Elk Country Visitor Center is run by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. This foundation is a group dedicated to protecting the calving grounds, ranges, and migration routes of the state's elk population. Along with its plethora of displays boasting the wildlife conservation efforts of the group, the center also offers tourists a chance to know more about this native species with exhibits of mounted elk along with spectacular nature films and photos.
The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
Located on the historic Fort Missoula, the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula offers a magnificent look into the early years of settlers, townsfolk, and everyday soldiers. The exhibits at the museum unearth the history of once dominant timber industry, the building and operation of fort, and modern day forest management. In addition, this site also offers educational programs and demonstrations of its equipment. Guided tours are also offered here.
Lolo National Forest
Encompassing more than two million acres of area, Lolo National Forest is one of the most important timber areas in Montana. The forest is unique for its large grassy and open slopes. Lolo National Forest incorporates four individual wilderness areas- Rattlesnake Wilderness, Selway-Bitterroot, Welcome Creek, and Scapegoat. The forest features a plethora of recreational opportunities including skiing, fishing, snowmobiling, and hiking.
The Art Museum of Missoula
A wonderful place to visit for art lovers, the Art Museum of Missoula was established in 1975. The museum hosts a number of topnotch international and national exhibits. It also hosts several educational programs and workshops. Major highlight of the museum is its permanent collection of Contemporary American Indian Art, incorporating more than 100 works by the indigenous population of the state.