christine

Hi All,
I'm planning a trip to Missoula with a friend in mid-August and need some recommendations of fun things to do. We already plan to hit the Western Montana State Fair and do some fishing; maybe horseback riding. (We're city gals, so hiking and really outdoorsy stuff is not our thing.) Instead, we like funky touristy places or historic attractions. Can anyone help us urban cowgirls? Thanks in advance!

vvvvv

The only thing not outdoorsy thing I can think of is drive to Big Fork and do some shopping. Its sort of a high end tourist place, but they do have a summer theatre. Its a bit of a drive from Missoula...probably 1 1/2 to 2 hour drive. But the drive is beautiful. You can take a boat cruise on Flathead Lake if you want also.

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Mark

Even though you're city gals, you'll like following some of the Lewis and Clark trails. They did a heavy thing in Montana. Read "undaunted courage" first and get into it. AS a NYC boy, I did, and it was great.

connie

I don't know how long you are gong to be there, but if it were me I would get right out of Missoula and drive up to Glacier National Park. You will be awed by the scenery on the road through park. They have lots of levels of hiking trails you might want to try. Rangers can inform you which ones would be good for you.

There are lots of places to stay on the west side but I would make reservations now.

Flathead Lake area is beautiful and worth a drive around and perhaps a stay in the area.

ILove

We did both Missoula and Glacier National Park two years ago for vacation. We flew into Spokane and drove through parts of Idaho and Montana. Connie is right about GNP. Seeing Glacier National Park made me feel like I died and went to heaven. You would certainly have to have an appreciation for beautiful scenery. As a matter of fact, we did our horseback riding in the park and had a great time. Our side trip to Missoula included dining and a little sightseeing, but we got into town at dinner time on a Sunday evening and found most of the shops were closed and it was very quiet, pretty deserted. Even finding a place to eat was difficult. Being a small college town, I'm sure it's most active during the daytime and maybe Fri or Sat. eve. Enjoy your trip!

x

Historic attractions in Missoula, by most standards, are not that old. One interesting place near Missoula is the ghost town of Garnet.

Patsy

First, check out www.missoulian.com - our local newspaper's website - click on ENTERTAINER - the weekly arts and entertainment section - you'll find lots to do.

Downtown Missoula has lots of small galleries which you will probably enjoy - Missoula's a hotbed of artists and writers. And the Missoula Museum of the Arts always has something great on display. The Fort Missoula Historical Museum is terrific and is set on the old Fort Missoula grounds, complete with one of our ancient 1-room school houses, a fire lookout tower, etc.

Lovely boutiques and artsy shops downtown - nice shopping. GREAT food all over Missoula (Riverfront Pasta House is right on the Clark Fork River and also has homemade ice cream; The Bridge has great "bistro" food; Sushi Hana for sushi; The Depot for your traditional Montana steak - a Missoula tradition and excellent).

Since you'll be here in the summer, plan on Saturday morning at the Farmer's Market and the People's Market - 9-12 at the top of Higgins Ave. downtown.

DONT MISS "Out to Lunch" every Wednesday 11:30 - 1:30 in Caras Park downtown on the riverfront - free music, food vendors offering every conceivable type of eating. It's where Missoula gathers every week.

Afterwards, ride our beautiful carousel (handbuilt with volunteer labor & donations from the public - it's fast at 11 mph!) right next to the "Out to Lunch" venue.

Every Wed. evening there's a free band concert in Bonner Park. Thursday early evenings (5-8 I think), more free music and the food vendors at Caras Park (where Out to Lunch happens).

For an outing, try Garnet Ghost Town - it's a bit of a drive (maybe an hour or more) up the Blackfoot River and into the mountains, but it's really a cool daytrip. Take a cooler with a picnic lunch along - no "concessions" - this is a barebones ghost town. See www.garnetghosttown.org. Take your camera!

Contact one of the many raft companies -Montana River Guides - www.montanariverguides.com or 10,000 Waves - www.10000-waves.com for a half-day or full day raft trip through the Alberton Gorge. It's a gas and, in August, the water's fun but not scary.

Enjoy!