Welcome to Missoula

Deep in the Montana Rockies, nestled in the heart of five valleys, is a community along an ancient river bed. The town in this serene mountain setting on the Clark Fork River is known as Missoula, a Salish Native American term for “the area by cold waters.”

Also known as the “Garden City” for its populous trees and plentiful flower gardens, Missoula is the shopping, recreation, entertainment and education hub of Western Montana.

Montana is known as the “Sportsman’s Paradise,” and the Missoula area is no exception. Outdoor enthusiasts find a plethora of activities in and just outside the city’s environs. Hunters pursue deer, elk, upland birds, waterfowl and other wild game, all within close proximity to town. Freshwater fishing off access paths outside of town or in town on either the Clark Fork or Bitterroot Rivers, is noted as some of the best in the nation.

Bike trails are so ample that Missoula is rated as one of America’s top biking cities. Also, golfers find sufficient variety in playing the five area courses.

Beyond numerous neighborhood parks, Missoulians have integrated the city into the original landscape, providing for walkways, bikeways and green-areas to line the banks of the Clark Fork. Locals enjoy viewing the ever-present wildlife while hiking off of many trail heads, or camping and horseback riding in any of the near by wilderness preserves. Alpine skiing and snow boarding at Snowbowl and Marshall Mountain ski-hills, both within close driving range, are always popular winter past times. Missoula is a post for alternative sports as well with accommodations for rock climbing, rafting and kayaking.

The arts and cultural center for Montana, downtown Missoula vibrates with entertainment possibilities. The University Repertory Theater is host to Montana’s only equity company. The Missoula Children’s Theater is the largest childrens’ touring group in the country, bringing the organization national acclaim for its innovative and energetic approach to childrens’ staging.

Privately-owned art galleries flourish downtown, and the public art museum frequently presents new and inspiring exhibits. Annually scheduled activities such as the United Peoples Pow Wow, Hellgate Rendezvous and the Western Montana Fair, combined with ballet and symphony performances and speakers at the University, create a superfluous social calendar.

Two favorite local happenings are the “Out to Lunch” series and the Farmers’ and Peoples’ Markets. “Out to Lunch” is held every Wednesday afternoon in the summer on the banks of the Clark Fork. Local performers and speakers entertain for free while townspeople and tourists tempt their palates with a variety of the valley’s cuisine.

At the Farmers’ and Peoples’ Markets, Montana vendors display goods ranging from hand-made sweaters, jewelry and homemade food items, to fresh produce and flowers. For both activities, the community comes out in mass to shop and socialize.

Education is a priority in Missoula, and the University of Montana has been a pivot-point for the town since its founding in 1893. Over the last 100+ years, the University has grown to include both a College of Liberal Arts and seven professional schools.

While early child care programs are plentiful, Missoula’s high schools are recognized among the best state-wide. The community is dedicated to providing its children with “A+” preparation for an ever-evolving future.

Missoulians think fondly of their town as a permanent place to “hang their hats.” They strive to create a community set on companionship, camaraderie and caring, and they understand their responsibility to maintain a balance between the uncultivated beauty of the valley’s wilderness and a civilized, cultured city within.

You can find great local Missoula, MT real estate information on Localism.com Mary Louise Zapp Knapp, Missoula, Western Montana is a proud member of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network, a free online community to help real estate professionals grow their business.