Missoula is an amazing city in the state of Montana, United States, located more exactly in Missoula County and being its county seat at the same time. The history of Missoula goes back to 1860, when the city was founded, but at that time it was named Hellgate Trading Post. In 1866, the settlement continued and its name was changed to Missoula Mills. Missoula was then incorporated as a town in 1883 and as a city in 1885. Since then, Missoula registered a huge growth, especially due to the medical and educational system.
Currently, there are 66.788 people living in Missoula, according to the 2010 census, making it a major part of the Missoula Metropolitan Area and the second-largest city in the state. Missoula is nicknamed 'The Garden City', and its motto is 'The Discovery Continues', so make sure that you visit this incredible town.
Top Attractions within Missoula
The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is, as the name suggests, a great recreational place in the nature, where you will get the chance to relax and take in the fresh air. Here, you can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking and cross country skiing, but you can also admire a wide array of wildlife. Not to mention that the views are amazing.
The Fort Missoula Museum is the place where you get to learn many interesting facts about the history, culture and traditions of Missoula and the area. There are numerous rotating exhibits put on display, with a wide array or artifacts and historical items for you to admire. The museum is housed by the historical Fort Missoula, which was built in 1877 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
The Art Museum of Missoula is dedicated to arts in general, and to Western American art, in particular. The museum is housed in the historic Carnegie Library, which is more than 100 years old. The contemporary American Indian art collections are also a must see. Fans of Ansel Adams' work will especially love this venue.
