🌆
Stop 7: Missoula, MT
Montana's most vibrant, progressive city — University of Montana town, incredible outdoor culture, great food scene, Clark Fork River running through downtown. Surprising amount of family-friendly activities.
Where to Stay
🏨 Hotels
DoubleTree by Hilton Missoula-Edgewater
★★★
$180–$280/night
On the Clark Fork River — great views and riverside walking trails from hotel. Indoor pool. Kids can fish/kayak right from the hotel grounds. Famous DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies at check-in.
⭐ Best Location on the River
Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown
★★★
$160–$240/night
Indoor pool, game room. Walkable downtown location — easy access to Caras Park and the river walk.
C'mon Inn Grand Hotel & Suites
★★★
$150–$230/night
Large indoor pool with waterslide 🎉. Arcade/game room. Free breakfast buffet. Best for families who want waterslide + budget rates.
💰 Best for Families Wanting Waterslide
🚐 RV Parks
Jim & Mary's RV Park
$64.81/night
Most Popular RV Park in the USA (Campspot Awards winner). Right off I-90, less than 10 min to downtown Missoula. 70 unique spaces, beautiful gardens, Montana gift shop. Excellent amenities, dog park, laundry. 4.9 stars, 172 reviews.
🏆 #1 Rated RV Park in the USA
Jellystone Park Missoula
$60–$90/night
Family resort RV park. Pool, activities, Yogi Bear theme — kids go absolutely crazy for it. Full hookups, playground, jumping pillow. The most fun RV park option for the kids.
Missoula KOA
$55–$80/night
Full hookups, pool, playground. Close to downtown. Reliable KOA property.
Attractions & Activities
A Carousel for Missoula
Hand-carved 1995 carousel in Caras Park — $1/ride. One of the most beautiful carousels in America. Kids will want to ride it multiple times. Right on the river.
Splash Montana Aquatics Center
Public outdoor waterpark/pool with waterslides. ~$10/person — incredible value. Kids absolutely love this after days of hiking. Great summer afternoon activity.
Clark Fork River Walk
Beautiful urban trail along the river — free, great for bikes/scooters. Caras Park riverside park with farmers market (Saturdays), concerts, and outdoor events.
UM Campus + M Trail
Beautiful University of Montana campus, Grizzly Stadium, and the M Trail — short hike to the giant M on the hillside above town with panoramic city views.
Brennan's Wave
Artificial surf wave on the Clark Fork. Watch surfers and kayakers ride the wave right in the middle of downtown. Fascinating urban spectacle — Montana's surf culture.
10,000 Waves Raft & Kayak
Clark Fork family float trips — class II-III whitewater. $50–$80/person. A great way to experience Montana's famous river culture.
Family Hikes
🅼
The M Trail 🟡 Moderate
2 miles RT · 620 ft gain · Panoramic city views · Ages 8+
The signature Missoula hike. Switchbacks up to the iconic white "M" on Mount Sentinel. Panoramic views of the city, Clark Fork River, and mountains beyond. Start near the UM campus.
🌊
Kim Williams Trail 🟢 Easy
Easy · Flat riverside · Perfect for bikes · All ages
Easy flat riverside trail along the Clark Fork. Perfect for bikes (rent in town). Beautiful views of the river and mountains. Great for the younger kids too.
Restaurants
- The Notorious P.I.G.BBQ — excellent ribs, brisket, pulled pork. Kids love it
- Biga PizzaBest pizza in Missoula — communal tables, funky vibe
- Bridge PizzaAnother excellent pizza option — great atmosphere
- Tamarack BrewingGreat burgers, brewery for adults, solid kids menu
- PlonkWine bar with excellent food — surprisingly kid-friendly for a wine bar
Location