3 Days in Missoula, Montana Itinerary

  • Day 1: Downtown Missoula
    10 minutes (3 miles) from Missoula International Airport

    Spend the morning exploring Downtown Missoula, a vibrant area with an abundance of shops, galleries, and restaurants. Visit the Missoula Art Museum to view a range of contemporary Western art. For lunch, head to Caffè Dolce for delicious Italian cuisine. After lunch, take a stroll through the Caras Park and along the Clark Fork River.

  • Day 2: Outdoor Adventure
    25 minutes (12 miles) from Downtown Missoula to Blue Mountain Recreation Area

    Take a break from the city and explore the natural beauty of the area. Start the day with a hike up the Blue Mountain Recreation Area, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Afterward, cool off with a refreshing dip in Rattlesnake Creek and enjoy a picnic lunch. End the day with a scenic drive to the Mission Mountains for incredible sunset views.

  • Day 3: Bitterroot Valley Wine Trail
    45 minutes (33 miles) from Downtown Missoula to Hamilton

    Sip and savor some of Montana's best wines on the Bitterroot Valley Wine Trail. Start the day with a tour and tasting at Ten Spoon Vineyard and Winery, followed by a lunch stop at the Bitter Root Brewing for their famous wood-fired pizza. Continue your wine journey with visits to Montana Wines, Stevensville Winery, and Hidden Legend Winery, where you can taste mead made from local honey.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Missoula Art Museum (1 hour, free)
  • Caffè Dolce (1.5 hours, $20)
  • Blue Mountain Recreation Area (3 hours, free)
  • Bitter Root Brewing (1.5 hours, $30)
  • Ten Spoon Vineyard and Winery (1.5 hours, $15)
  • Montana Wines (1 hour, $10)
  • Stevensville Winery (1 hour, $20)
  • Hidden Legend Winery (1 hour, $15)
  • Total Estimated Costs ($110)

Transportation

In Missoula, the best way to get around is by car. Rental car options are available at the airport, and there are several car rental agencies in town. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. Estimated total transportation costs for this itinerary are $60.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Glacier National Park for a breathtaking outdoor adventure. For those looking for a more leisurely experience, spend an afternoon relaxing at Greenough Park.

If you have less time, consider skipping the Bitterroot Valley Wine Trail and spend more time exploring Downtown Missoula or taking a day trip to the National Bison Range.

Airports

Missoula International Airport (MSO) is located approximately 7 miles northwest of Downtown Missoula. It is the second-busiest airport in Montana, with several airlines providing service to major US cities such as Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, and Salt Lake City.

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