Missoula: A Montana Gem

by rlaurendeau on July 29, 2010

What began as a trading post used to trade with the nearby Native Americans, Missoula, Montana is now a booming city. Known at the “Garden City” of Montana, Missoula is known for its beautiful foliage, forests, and fresh waters — a reason that many vacationers make Missoula their vacation destination. With year-round activities like outdoor recreation, events, and popular breweries, Missoula has an appeal to a wide variety of vacation types.

Outdoor recreation opportunities vary based on the season. If you plan to visit Missoula during the summer months, you will enjoy hiking through seemingly limitless mountain trails or kayaking or canoeing on one of the three rivers that run through the area. Other fun summer outdoor activities include biking, horseback riding, golf, swimming, fishing, and much more. If you’re really into water sports, such as jet skiing, boating, or water skiing, you can get a Montana jet ski rental or boat rental at some really affordable rates!

Winter activities include skiing (both downhill and cross country) for individuals of all ability levels. Or, if you prefer snowboarding, you can do that too! Many Missoula guests also enjoy snowmobiling through the forest paths or meadows blanketed with MT snow. Other winter activities include ice skating and ice fishing. Oh, and don’t forget to pack your bathing suit so you can enjoy the local hot springs!

Another attraction unique to Missoula is the many Ghost Towns in the area. Just like you see on the old Western movies, you can visit these ghost towns for yourself and imagine what went on there in years past. Visiting these Montana ghost towns is a great way to discover more about Montana and American history. Note that some of the ghost towns are maintained, while others are not. We recommend that you get an SUV rental in Montana so you can easily travel from ghost town to ghost town.

If you enjoy driving tours, then you may want to take a day to visit the local breweries that have put Missoula on the map. Missoula has three breweries in the area, all of which are unique from one another. You can sample a bit of everything from traditional ales to foreign lagers all within the Missoula area. However, if you plan to do the brewery tour all in one day, please be responsible and have a designated driver.

Although Missoula has much more to offer, we want to at least mention one last activity that makes Missoula unique to other vacation destinations within the United States. In Missoula, you can actually go gold and gem mining. This activity has become quite popular for tourists, so you will want to be sure to check it out. Missoula is home to one of the largest sapphire deposits in the world, so you never know what you’re going to find.

Missoula, Montana is located in the midst of many forested areas, but don’t worry. You can easily fly into the Missoula International Airport, get a car rental in Montana, and be on your way to a Missoula adventure. Whether you decide to hit the river rapids or go digging for gems, you’re bound to think that Missoula was a diamond of a vacation destination.

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