Greenough Park is a 42-acre city park in Missoula, Montana, known for its natural setting along Rattlesnake Creek. You can follow a paved path through the park, explore additional unpaved trails and find picnic facilities among its features. For a broader day out, a one-day Missoula route covers downtown, the river and local culture.
- Location: 1001 Monroe Street, Missoula.
- Park hours: Open daily
- Trail options: A paved trail runs the length of the park, with additional unpaved paths.
- Birding: More than 100 bird species have been identified in the park.
What to expect at Greenough Park
Greenough Park is a natural-feeling city park donated to Missoula by the Greenough family. The City describes it as Missoula’s most natural park, and its 42 acres include trails, picnic facilities and play equipment.
The park has picnic tables, a picnic shelter, restrooms, play equipment, a volleyball court and horseshoes. Fishing and jogging trails are also available. These features make it possible to combine a walk with time at the picnic area or playground.
Trails, creek and natural setting
Greenough Park’s paths follow Rattlesnake Creek and include both paved and unpaved sections. The Montana tourism listing describes the park as extending about 1 mile beside the creek, with a paved trail running its length and additional unpaved paths near the water and into less disturbed areas.
The Arnold Bolle interpretive birding trail is another option for exploring the park. More than 100 bird species have been identified there. The creekside setting and quieter paths give the park a different character from a paved route alone.
The Greenough Picnic Shelter sits on the park’s eastern edge, with four extra-large picnic tables and a playground nearby. If you plan to use the shelter or play area, you can combine them with a walk on the paved trail.
How do you get to Greenough Park from the hotel?
Greenough Park is about 3.3 miles from WoodSpring Suites Missoula. The park’s address is 1001 Monroe Street, and driving directions from I-90 go via the Van Buren Avenue exit, Locust Street and Monroe Street.
The hotel offers rooms for your Missoula visit.
Access, seasons and visitor etiquette
Missoula’s general park rules allow dogs on leashes and prohibit other animals in parks. They also prohibit overnight parking and camping. Open Space rules prohibit motorized use, fires and fireworks, tree cutting, and collecting plants or rocks; visitors should pack out litter and dog waste.
Fire danger can lead to temporary closures, and seasonal closures may be made to protect wildlife or native plants or to allow land-management work. The City of Missoula provides current conservation-land notices. Park hours and rules can change, so check the official site before you go.
FAQs
Is Greenough Park free to enter?
The City’s park information does not state an admission price. Check the City of Missoula’s official information before your visit for current access details.
Can you walk beside Rattlesnake Creek?
Yes. The park has a paved path along its length and additional unpaved paths near the creek.
Are dogs allowed in Greenough Park?
Missoula’s park rules allow dogs on leashes. Pack out dog waste.
How can you get around Missoula?
For transport options around the city, this guide to getting around Missoula covers ways to plan local trips. The park’s picnic shelter, playground and trails are among its features.