🌲 Saddle Up for Missoula: A Cowgirl's Guide to Exploring Montana's Hippest Mountain Town

Whether you’re rollin’ into Missoula for a weekend getaway or just passin’ through on your big Montana adventure, this lively little city is full of surprises. Think riverside views, indie shops, and enough good eats to make you wanna extend your stay. Here's my guide to the best places to eat, explore, and soak up all the Big Sky magic in Missoula.

🥾 Things to See & Explore

📍 The “M” Trail...no picture needed...you can't miss it!

Let’s start with a local classic. If you’re feelin’ spry and want killer views of the valley (and a bit of a leg burn), hike the trail up to the giant white "M" on Mount Sentinel. It’s short but steep — and totally worth it for sunrise or sunset.

🛍️ Downtown Missoula

You’ll find a mix of hipster vibes and old-school Western charm downtown. Pop into boutiques, bookstores, and souvenir shops. 

🚣 Clark Fork River Walk

We loved walking along the Clark Fork River, so much activity and things to see, like the Van Buren Bridge, Montana's own Love Lock Bridge. I recommend heading over early morning or later in the day as the sun sets to get some amazing pictures. I was so taken back by all the Love Locks, I could not stop taking photos.

Don't forget your lock ❤️

And after all that walking downtown and along the Clark Fork River...

🍽️ Where to Eat in Missoula

🥩 The Stables - On our list for next time...we will be back!

Rustic, cozy, and classy — this spot nails the Montana vibe with elevated comfort food. Think perfectly grilled steaks, hearty sandwiches, and craft cocktails that'll make you wanna sit a spell. Great for a date night or girls' night out after a day of adventuring.

🍝 Ciao Mambo – Mountain Italian

Big flavor, bold sauces, and even bigger portions. This ain’t your average pasta joint — it’s lively, a little romantic, and downright delicious. 

Don’t skip the Pasta Ravenna: bowtie pasta with grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and mushrooms in a roasted garlic cream sauce. It did not disappoint — it was the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes after the first bite and go, “Mmmm!”

Their house wine pairs perfectly, and YES, it’s totally acceptable (and highly encouraged) to ask for extra garlic bread. Carb it up, cowgirl — no judgment here.

🍝 Cowgirl Review: Ciao Mambo – Mountain Italian Magic

We loved the food. Like, eyes-rolling-back-in-our-heads kind of love. The portions? Huge. The garlic bread? Don’t even get me started — rich, buttery, crispy, and bursting with enough garlic to ward off vampires (and maybe your next bad date). Pair that with a glass of cabernet, and honestly, we couldn’t ask for more...

Except to remember our leftovers.

We were so excited to take them back to the hotel — dreaming of diggin’ in once we got home, before all the ranch chores kicked in. But y’all… we left ‘em in the hotel fridge. A whole tray of cheesy, saucy joy just abandoned like a busted boot.

Let this be your warning: eat it all there, or tie a string around your finger — because that food is too dang good to forget.

🍕 Biga Pizza - Came highly recommended, next time we will hit this joint for sure! 

One of the best spots in town for artisan, wood-fired pies. Locals swear by it, and you’ll taste why in every single bite. Pro tip: try the prosciutto + fig combo, and don’t forget a salad — they’re just as drool-worthy.

🛌 Where to Stay

We stayed at the Comfort Inn University and have in the past, the rates were great this time of year, book early, especially if you are dropping kids off at the University of Montana, it fills up fast! Breakfast is included, they have a nice sitting area outside along the Clark Fork River, you can see the University of Montana and the Van Buren Bridge from the hotel.

Staff is friendly and helpful...just don't forget your leftovers in the fridge...dang I am still dreaming of our delicious food we forgot.

🧭 Final Tips for Your Missoula Adventure

• The weather can change faster than a horse on espresso — pack layers!

• Missoula’s a college town, so weekends can be busy. Plan accordingly!

• Keep an eye out for local events, like First Friday Art Walks, the Farmers Market, or a summer concert at one of the amazing concert venues like The Wilma. We were lucky to see Lukas Nelson there a few years ago, the sound was amazing and there wasn't a bad seat in the house.

• 🤠 Wrap It Up, Cowgirl

  Missoula is one of those places that sneaks up on ya — laid-back, artsy, outdoorsy, and full of heart. Whether you’re in it for the food, the trails, or just some small-town Montana magic, this city delivers.

  So grab your boots, bring your appetite, and go fall in love with Missoula — one bite and view at a time.