Against a backdrop of forests and canyons, the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area offers horseback riding, fishing and hiking on the trails against the backdrop of forests and canyons. Many of the trails allow dogs, and mountain bikes are also permitted. Both kids and adults will enjoy taking a ride on A Carousel for Missoula, a fast-moving, hand-carved carousel that was built in 1995. The beautiful carousel was constructed by community volunteers, led by Missoula cabinet-maker Chuck Kaparich. It also features the largest band organ in continuous use in the country.
A hike along the M Trail at the University of Montana passes architecture as splendid as the mountain views. Exhibits from the area and around the world are on display at the Montana Museum of Arts and Culture on campus. Visitors enter the world of elk at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Interactive exhibits allow you to view elk antlers and feel their weight, listen to an elk's bugle, test your wildlife knowledge, view videos and stroll through the wooded nature trails. Spend an hour or two at the Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center and learn how smokejumpers fight wildfires. Get an up close look at the parachutes and equipment they use when you take a tour of the training facilities, and check out the exhibits and videos at the visitor center.
A restful night at one of these Missoula, MT hotels allows you to wake up refreshed and ready for another day.