Montana Traveler™
A Guide to Missoula

University of Montana

Bitterroot Mountains

Bayern Brewery

Missoula Restaurants : Historical Museum at Fort Missoula

Missoula, Montana

Missoula, Montana

Missoula, Montana (pop. 58,460) is home to the University of Montana and the mighty Grizzlies. The Grizzlies hang around the University's athletic department and are famous for smashing opponents in the Big Sky Conference. The Grizzly football team won NCAA Division I-AA national championships in 1995 and 2001.

Enrollment at the University of Montana is about 12,668. As might be expected in a college town, many tea sippers populate local hangouts. Away from the university, Missoula is a regular sort of town. Many folks work in forestry and forest products industries.

Beer drinkers in Missoula, Montana stop at the Bayern Brewery for a mug of Bayern Pilsener or Bayern Amber, brewed by the resident Master Brewer. The brewery, the only German microbrewery in the Rockies, is know for its quality lager beers. Before leaving, patrons often pick up a baseball cap, stitched with the nifty Bayern logo.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Wildlife Visitor Center in Missoula draws many nature lovers and conservationists to Missoula, Montana. Visitors to the Center enjoy educational exhibits, a display of trophy elk mounts, wildlife conservation films, plus a gift shop with clothing, wildlife art, and calendars. The 22-acre site features a delightful Outdoor Walking Trail. Native wildlife can often be viewed on the property. Don't miss this place!

The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is another top attraction in Missoula. The museum features over 22,000 objects and 13 historical structures. On site are five fort buildings, a homestead cabin and barn (circa 1900), a rural schoolhouse (1907), a church (1863) built by the Jesuits, and a railroad depot (1910). The museum offers a rare opportunity to see how pioneers lived in western Montana.

Shopping is great in Missoula, Montana. Southgate Mall, the main mall in Missoula, with many stores, including major department stores, is located on Highway 93 South.

The Hilton Garden Inn is open in Missoula. The hotel offers complimentary HBO and a complimentary USA Today newspaper. On-site breakfast restaurant is open.

The Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown at the Park offers good lodging in Missoula, Montana. This hotel is near all the action downtown on Higgins Street. The lodging link below lists many Missoula, Montana motels and hotels.

Missoula restaurants and bars are tops. Most of he best restuarants and bars are concentrated along a five-block section of Higgins Street, a major north-south artery though the downtown area. The Shack Cafe is a good choice for breakfast, lunch and evening dining. For fresh pastries, breads, and desserts, don't miss Bernice's Bakery. At the El Cazador, the Hernandez family cooks up authentic Mexican cuisine.

The Iron Horse Brew Pub sells every beverage imaginable, plus has good food, especially sandwiches. The Iron Horse Brew Pub rocks even on weekdays. Tasty sandwiches and veggies are served at Worden's Market and Deli. For sushi and traditional Japanese food, Sushi Hana is a favorite of everyone.

The Pearl Cafe is open for upscale dining. "Rabbit with red wine and mushroom sauce" cost a mere $28. The menu at another local favorite, Caffe Dolce, lists house-made pasta, pizza, salmon, lamb burger and more. Wines are from Italy, France, and Spain.

Missoula's events are highlighted by Missoula Downtown.

Missoula has suburbs, too. Sort of. The city of Stevensville (pop. 2,187) is located 30 miles south of Missoula on U.S. Highway 93. Stevensville claims to be Montana's oldest town, dating back to a Jesuit settlement founded in 1841.

For a nice evening rest in complete privacy and a rural setting try the Farmhouse on Burnt Fork Creek guesthouse (866-776-3992) in Stevensville. $149 double. An added bonus, Stevensville visitors can pick the best java around at Bitterroot Coffee Roasters.

Southwest Montana is a hiker's paradise. Enjoy Missoula, Montana.