TRAVEL INFORMATION Know Before You Go

Brian Christianson

Missoula

Missoula, Montana—of “A River Runs Through It” fame—is a cultural hub and the state’s second-largest city, offering some of the most robust services and amenities a production company will find in Big Sky Country, including the newly renovated and expanded Missoula Montana Airport. The scenic Clark Fork River runs through the heart of town, with riverfront trails, scenic walking bridges, and surfers enjoying Brennan’s Wave in Caras Park. This bustling downtown area is home to historic sites like the Milwaukee Depot and the Wilma theater, as well as family-friendly attractions like A Carousel for Missoula.

Missoula’s landscape is dominated by the iconic Mount Sentinel and its popular M trail, offering sweeping views of the city, along with Mount Jumbo. Surrounding the city are three popular recreation areas—Pattee Canyon, Blue Mountain and the Rattlesnake Wilderness—perfect for capturing Montana’s natural beauty. The University of Montana, Washington-Grizzly Stadium and Ogren Park (home of the Paddleheads baseball team) provide varied settings for film projects, from academic and sports scenes to open-air events.

Missoula also features idyllic farmers markets, local wineries like Ten Spoon Winery, and cultural landmarks such as the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, complete with a lookout tower and teepee burner. The Fort Missoula Regional Park, Missoula County Fairgrounds, and Moon Randolph Homestead add even more filming locations with historical significance. Kim Williams Trail and Boone and Crockett Club’s headquarters offer additional outdoor filming spots along the river.

This eclectic mountain town flawlessly combines big-city amenities with breathtaking landscapes. With period architecture in nine historic districts, diverse dining options, a thriving music scene, and ample lodging, Missoula is a perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty.

Hospitals

Transportation

Missoula Montana Airport – offering nonstop flights to major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles

Population

76,955 (2022)

Elevation

3,209’

Climate

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average High

34

40

49

57

66

74

85

84

73

58

42

33

Average Low

19

23

38

34

41

47

52

51

43

34

26

19

Public Lands

Accommodations

Missoula offers a large number and wide array of accommodations, including bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, vacation homes and RV parks. Click here for options.

Film + Television Credits

Movies: Record Safari, Love Like Gold, Pretty Ugly People, Under Siege 2: Dark Territory, Disorganized Crime, Red Skies of Montana

Television: Yellowstone, Ice Road Truckers

Clark Fork River, Downtown Missoula.
Clark Fork River, Downtown Missoula.  Photo: Jordan Lefler
Big Dipper Ice Cream
Big Dipper Ice Cream
Clark Fork River near the DoubleTree.
Clark Fork River near the DoubleTree.
Higgins Avenue and Main Street
Higgins Avenue and Main Street
Downtown Missoula
Downtown Missoula
Downtown Missoula
Downtown Missoula
Brennan's Wave
Brennan's Wave  Photo: Jordan Lefler
View from Mount Sentinel
View from Mount Sentinel  Photo: Jordan Lefler
Brennan's Wave
Brennan's Wave  Photo: Destination Missoula
Milwaukee Depot
Milwaukee Depot  Photo: Destination Missoula
Caras Park.
Caras Park.  Photo: Destination Missoula
Brennan's Wave
Brennan's Wave  Photo: Destination Missoula
Bess Reed Park
Bess Reed Park  Photo: Destination Missoula
A Carousel for Missoula
A Carousel for Missoula  Photo: Destination Missoula
A Carousel for Missoula
A Carousel for Missoula  Photo: Destination Missoula
A Carousel for Missoula
A Carousel for Missoula  Photo: Destination Missoula
The Wilma
The Wilma  Photo: Destination Missoula
Downtown Missoula
Downtown Missoula  Photo: Destination Missoula
University of Montana
University of Montana  Photo: Destination Missoula
CLARK FORK RIVER, MISSOULA
CLARK FORK RIVER, MISSOULA  Photo: ANDY AUSTIN
MISSOULA MONTANA AIRPORT
MISSOULA MONTANA AIRPORT  Photo: ANDY AUSTIN
MONTANA MUSEUM OF ART & CULTURE
MONTANA MUSEUM OF ART & CULTURE  Photo: ANDY AUSTIN
BROADWAY, DOWNTOWN MISSOULA
BROADWAY, DOWNTOWN MISSOULA  Photo: ANDY AUSTIN
THE OXFORD, DOWNTOWN MISSOULA
THE OXFORD, DOWNTOWN MISSOULA  Photo: ANDY AUSTIN
MISSOULA
MISSOULA  Photo: ANDY AUSTIN
OGREN PARK, MISSOULA
OGREN PARK, MISSOULA  Photo: ANDY AUSTIN
THE "M", MOUNT SENTINEL
THE "M", MOUNT SENTINEL  Photo: JOURNAL OF LOST TIME
VIEW FROM THE "M" TRAIL
VIEW FROM THE "M" TRAIL  Photo: JOURNAL OF LOST TIME