Things to Do in Missoula: A One-Day Downtown, River and Culture Itinerary

Begin in Missoula city centre, then make the riverfront your first main stop. That order sets up a straightforward day: follow the trail to Caras Park, then finish downtown at the Missoula Art Museum.

If you are using local transit, Mountain Line provides a system map and schedules on its route and timetable page.

Its Saturday Market Trolley runs on Saturdays from May through October, linking the Fairgrounds with the Missoula Farmers Market, Missoula People’s Market and Clark Fork River Market downtown. For route choices and service details, see how to get around Missoula from the hotel.

Ron’s River Trail is an approximately 2-mile route along the north side of the Clark Fork that connects several riverfront parks. The south-side trail system, which extends to Reserve Street, is called the Milwaukee Trail.

For this itinerary, follow Ron’s River Trail toward Caras Park. The route also crosses Kiwanis Park and Bess Reed Park, so you can keep walking through the connected riverfront spaces rather than treating the trail as a separate out-and-back outing. Trail markers help along the way, and the city provides a map on its Riverfront Trails page.

Missoula parks are open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. unless otherwise posted; lighted riverfront trails are open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Dogs are allowed in parks on leashes.

Caras Park is a useful riverfront pause on Ron’s River Trail, with a trail kiosk and map to help you orient yourself. After your walk, continue into downtown for the museum stop rather than doubling back along the same route.

If you are driving, the New Park public lot is on Caras Drive by the riverfront. It charges $1.00 per hour Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; payment is available at the meter or through Passport Parking, which adds a $0.35 convenience fee.

Central Park Garage, Park Place Garage and ROAM Garage offer public hourly parking, with the first hour free and $1.00 per hour afterward Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For a separate park outing beyond the riverfront, what to know about Greenough Park’s trails and access can help you plan another stop.

The Missoula Art Museum is a downtown stop for contemporary art connected to the community, state and region. It is at 335 Pattee Street, and admission is free.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month; it is closed Sunday and Monday. It is wheelchair accessible, with a wheelchair available for public use, push-button door openers and an elevator serving all floors.

For transit, the museum is two blocks east of the Mountain Line Bus Depot on Pine Street and at the first outbound stops for routes 1 and 12. Street parking is metered by the hour on surrounding blocks, with free street parking after 5 p.m. and on weekends.

The adjacent Pine Street lot is not open to the public on weekdays, but is available free after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. Check the City of Missoula’s official site before you go for current museum and parking details.

If you want to add a performance to a downtown visit on another day, the Wilma Theatre’s shows, tickets and location are also worth checking when planning your schedule.

How long is Ron’s River Trail?

Ron’s River Trail is approximately 2 miles long. It follows the north side of the Clark Fork and crosses Caras, Kiwanis and Bess Reed parks.

Is admission to the Missoula Art Museum free?

Yes. Admission to the Missoula Art Museum is free.

When is the Missoula Art Museum open?

It is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. It is closed Sunday and Monday.

Can you bring a dog to Missoula parks?

Dogs are allowed in Missoula parks on leashes.