Brennan’s Wave & Kiwanis Park – Surf’s Up in Downtown
Did you ever expect to find surfers in Montana? In Missoula, river surfing is absolutely a thing. At Brennan’s Wave, a man-made standing wave on the Clark Fork right downtown, you can often find wetsuit-clad surfers and kayakers riding the river’s surge, putting on a show for passersby. Named in memory of a local kayaker, Brennan’s Wave has become a community hub. In summer, any given evening you can stop and watch a rotating crew of river enthusiasts carving back and forth on the wave and even attempting tricks. A small crowd usually gathers on the viewing platforms at Caras Park or along the nearby bridge, cheering when someone nails a particularly slick move or playfully groaning when a surfer wipes out and tumbles into the churning water. The energy is infectious – it’s part sport, part spectacle, and entirely fun. If you’re a photographer, you’ll love capturing the action: frozen droplets of spray catching the sunlight, determined expressions on surfers’ faces, and the backdrop of downtown Missoula’s skyline just beyond. It’s the kind of unique photo op that screams “Missoula” – a mountain town with a surfing culture twist.
Just a short stroll downriver brings you to Kiwanis Park, another green space that’s a favorite among locals. Situated along the north bank of the river near the Madison Street Bridge, Kiwanis Park features open lawns, picnic tables, and sports courts – on summer evenings you might catch a friendly game of pickup basketball or a little league baseball practice. This park is a significant community corridor due to its proximity to the University, student housing, the river trail system, and downtown. In other words, everyone passes through Kiwanis Park at some point. Despite being one of Missoula’s most heavily used parks, it still feels laid-back. You can lounge under a big shade tree and watch the river flow by, or join families for a stroll along the paved path as kids scamper on the playground. The
community vibe is strong – don’t be surprised if a local strikes up a conversation or invites you to join a volleyball game. During city events like outdoor concerts or festivals, Kiwanis and neighboring parks come alive with music and food trucks, epitomizing Missoula’s tight-knit community spirit.
Speaking of food trucks – all that cheering for surfers likely worked up your appetite. Conveniently, you’re just across the bridge from Missoula’s famous M-80 Chicken food truck (if you didn’t already sample it after the Rattlesnake hike). Wander over to the lot by KettleHouse Brewing on Myrtle Street and you’ll find this bright red truck serving Missoula’s favorite Nashville-style hot fried chicken sandwiches. Order “The Hot” (if you can handle some heat) and prepare for a flavor explosion: crispy, juicy chicken with a fiery kick, cooled by creamy slaw and pickles, all hugged by a soft bun. Locals swear by it, and it’s exactly the kind of casual, finger-licking fare that fits the river surfing scene. Take your sandwich back to a park bench by Brennan’s Wave and enjoy dinner with a view of the surfers – a true Missoula evening combo. As the sun dips low, casting a golden glow on the water and depot building, you’ll appreciate how Missoula turns simple moments (like eating a great chicken sandwich by a river wave) into memorable experiences. m80chicken.com
University of Montana Campus & Washington-Grizzly Stadium – Heart of Missoula’s Spirit
Missoula’s adventurous soul is matched only by its spirited community, and nowhere is that more evident than on the University of Montana campus and at Washington-Grizzly Stadium on game day. Start your visit at the UM campus, often hailed as one of the most beautiful in the region. Strolling onto the Oval (the central grassy circle), you’re greeted by tree-lined walkways and elegant historic brick buildings, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Sentinel rising steeply at campus edge. It’s a picture-perfect scene in every season: spring brings blossoms and students studying under blooming crabapple trees; summer sees the Oval hosting frisbee games under deep green foliage; fall turns the campus golden, with leaves crunching underfoot on your way to the iconic Main Hall (with its clock tower and copper dome); and winter often frosts the trees in white, with the giant “M” on Mount Sentinel peeking through the fog. The campus is compact
enough to explore on foot. Seek out the Grizzly Bear statue in front of the University Center for a classic photo op, or wander past the stone archway of University Hall, built in 1899, for a sense of the university’s long history. UM truly sits at the base of Mount Sentinel – so close that the popular “M” trail practically starts in the backyard of the dorms. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hike up to the “M” from here (perhaps you already did earlier) or simply enjoy the views of students and families making the trek like tiny ants on the switchbacks. Campus life adds a youthful buzz: you might catch the sounds of the marching band practicing in the distance, or the cheers of a lunchtime soccer scrimmage on the lawn.
When Saturday rolls around in the fall, the energy ramps up to a whole new level. Washington-Grizzly Stadium – lovingly known as “Wa-Griz” – becomes the epicenter of Missoula. On game days, the stadium temporarily becomes the 6th largest town in Montana, as roughly 26,000 roaring fans fill the stands to cheer on the Montana Grizzlies. Football here is more than a sport; it’s a way of life. You don’t even have to be a football fanatic to appreciate the spectacle. Hours before kickoff, tailgate parties line the surrounding lots and streets: grills sizzle with burgers and bratwursts, RVs decked in maroon and silver fly Griz flags, and generations of Montanans swap stories under pop-up tents. The air is rich with BBQ smoke and excitement. Inside the stadium, the atmosphere is electric. Maroon-and-silver clad fans chant and sing, the university’s marching band pumps out fight songs, and when the Grizzlies score, the crowd’s roar is deafening – it echoes right off Mount Sentinel. From the stands, you can see the mountains on all sides; one end zone opens to a view of the campus and the Hellgate Canyon beyond, making it arguably one of the most scenic football stadiums anywhere. It’s no wonder Wa-Griz is considered one of the best college football atmospheres in the nation. If you’re visiting in the fall, attending a Griz home game (or even just tailgating outside) will give you a profound sense of Missoula’s community spirit and passion.
After the game, follow the streams of jubilant fans as they flow downtown. By now it might be late evening, but Missoula’s downtown will be lively – and you’ll likely be hungry again. A classic post-game stop is Pie Hole, the local pizzeria famous for satisfying late-night cravings. Open till the wee hours (around 3am) Pie Hole serves New York-style pizza by the slice to hordes of college students, families, and visitors all intermingling in line. Grab a hot slice of pepperoni or their quirky potato-bacon slice, and join others on the sidewalk outside, where groups of newfound friends (united by the game’s outcome) chat and laugh between cheesy bites. Under the glow of downtown’s streetlights and Pie Hole’s neon sign, you’ll feel the warmth of Missoula’s small-town camaraderie. The day’s sights replay in your mind – the mountaintop views, the roaring stadium, the gentle river – and as you devour that delicious slice, one thing is certain: Missoula has heart, and now a little piece of it lives in you, too.
Downtown Antique Shops – Treasure Hunting on Higgins Street
For a change of pace from trails and rivers, head to downtown Missoula’s antique shops and boutiques, where a different kind of adventure awaits – a treasure hunt through time. Missoula’s downtown isn’t just picturesque (think historic brick buildings, colorful murals, and a backdrop of mountains); it’s also eclectic and full of character, thanks in part to the myriad antique stores dotting the streets. Start at the granddaddy of them all: the Montana Antique Mall on Railroad Street. Housed in an 1880s former hotel building, this multi-story emporium feels like a museum where everything’s for sale. With 4 floors and over 15,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles, it’s one of the largest antique malls in the region. Creaking wooden floors and the scent of old paper greet you as you step inside. Booth after booth overflows with curiosities – from vintage Montana license plates and Western memorabilia to mid-century kitchenware, racks of vintage clothing, and cases of glittering heirloom jewelry. It’s delightfully overwhelming; every piece tells a story. One corner might be dedicated to vinyl records (perhaps you’ll find that rare classic rock LP), while another is a trove of old books and maps. You could easily lose track of time here, thumbing through a box of black-and-white photographs of Wild West cowboys or admiring a collection of antique cameras that once captured memories much like you are now. montanaantiquemall.com
Just around the corner on Higgins Avenue, you’ll find more gems: funky second hand shops like Circle Square Second Hand, where affordable vintage furniture and oddities spill out onto the sidewalk, and Betty’s Divine, a retro boutique
mixing vintage and contemporary fashion with a quirky Missoula twist. Pop into these smaller stores and you might find a one-of-a-kind souvenir – perhaps a 1950s roadside diner sign, a hand-tooled leather cowboy belt, or a set of classic Montana shot glasses from the 1960s. The shop owners are friendly and love to chat; don’t hesitate to ask about the history of a particular object that catches your eye. This downtown stretch is also great for candid street photography: old neon signs hanging above storefronts, local buskers strumming guitars by the corner, and a blend of people from college students to longtime residents milling about. There’s an eclectic street scene here that’s both lively and laid-back – one minute you might see a skateboarder coasting by with a rescued puppy in tow, the next an artist painting quietly on a bench.
After hours of treasure hunting and wandering the downtown blocks, treat yourself to a well-deserved meal. A short walk down Front Street brings you to Michi Ramen Bar, a newer addition to Missoula’s food landscape that has quickly become a favorite. Step into its trendy, warm interior and order a big bowl of ramen (if it’s chilly out, the spicy miso will revive you; if it’s hot, try their cold noodles or a sake cocktail from the bar). As you slurp noodles and reflect on your downtown finds, you’ll appreciate this little infusion of international flavor in Montana. Alternatively, if ramen’s not your style today, head west a few blocks to the #1 Gyros Greek Pastry Shop (if you haven’t already stopped there earlier). It’s unpretentious, quick, and absolutely hits the spot with a gyro or spanakopita for an easy dinner. Of course, no judgment if you simply opt for Big Dipper Ice Cream down the street for dinner – sometimes, after a long day, a waffle cone of huckleberry ice cream is the correct choice. That’s the beauty of downtown Missoula: whether you’re reveling in vintage treasure troves or indulging in local eats, the experience is unhurried, welcoming, and just the right amount of funky.
Montana Natural History Center – Hands-On Nature & Local Lore
For families and curious minds, the Montana Natural History Center (MNHC) offers a delightful blend of education, interaction, and outdoor discovery – all in a photo-worthy setting by the river. Located on Hickory Street near McCormick Park, MNHC is easy to spot with its cheerful facade and native plant garden
blooming out front. Inside, the center houses great displays on local and regional flora and fauna, ecosystems, and geology – including the story of Glacial Lake Missoula which shaped this valley eons ago. You can wander through exhibits that showcase Montana’s ancient past (imagine the region underwater as a glacial lake), marvel at fossils and a full-size replica of a T-Rex skull, and get up close with mounted specimens of Montana wildlife. Ever wonder what a grizzly bear’s fur feels like or how wide a golden eagle’s wingspan is? Interactive stations let you touch, learn, and play. The Naturalist Field Station might have a rotating focus – one month it’s local pollinators with cases of butterflies, the next it’s tracking Montana’s wolves complete with radio collars and real data. Kids (and playful adults) will love the Kids’ Discovery Room, essentially a mini indoor nature playground with puzzles, animal costumes, and hands-on activities to spark curiosity. There’s even a live Western painted turtle named Oliver who often steals the show for the little ones.
Don’t miss stepping outside to the Nature Adventure Garden right on the property. This little garden is a microcosm of Montana habitats: native wildflowers buzzing with bees and butterflies, a pond ecosystem where dragonflies dart, and logs and rocks strategically placed for kids to turn over and find bugs. It’s encouraged to let children (and again, fun-loving adults) explore freely – build a fort with sticks among the trees, or follow tiny trails that wind through shrubs. The whole center provides a safe space to connect with Montana’s natural heritage in a hands-on way, which makes for great candid photos: kids wide-eyed at the sight of a mounted mountain lion, parents leaning in to help identify a bird call at an interactive kiosk, or a family examining a garden interpretive sign together. MNHC also runs naturalist programs and guided walks (check their calendar – maybe you’ll join a guided birdwatching stroll along the adjacent river trail or an evening lecture on local wildlife). It’s heartwarming to see how this community-centric museum brings people of all ages together in appreciation of nature.
After immersing yourself in the Natural History Center, you might feel inspired to continue the outdoor theme. Perhaps take a short walk to the nearby Clark Fork Natural Area trail and see if you can spot any wildlife in real life that you just learned about – bald eagles sometimes perch in the cottonwoods there, and deer are frequent evening visitors by the riverbanks. By now, you’ve likely worked up an
appetite (again!). For a final snack or meal, consider swinging by Le Petit Outré (if somehow you missed it earlier in the day) for an artisanal loaf of bread or some pastries to-go – an ideal way to bring a taste of Missoula back to your lodging. The beauty of Missoula is that nothing is far away, and there’s always a local eatery open to welcome you with good food and friendly conversation about your day.
As the day winds down and you review the countless photos on your camera – from mountaintop panoramas and serene creekside portraits to action shots of river surfers and charming street scenes – you’ll realize you’ve captured more than just images. You’ve captured the spirit of Missoula. This town blends outdoor adventure, community warmth, history, and quirky culture in a way that feels both exciting and comforting. Whether you’re an avid photographer chasing the perfect light, an adventurous traveler seeking new experiences, or a family making lifelong memories, Missoula opens its arms to you with genuine Montana hospitality. The best part? There’s always more to explore. So don’t be a stranger – come back in a different season, try a different hike, order the other flavor at Pie Hole, or simply wander with no plan at all. Missoula will be here, ready to surprise and delight you all over again, like a welcoming old friend with a few new stories up its sleeve. Happy trails and happy shooting – we’ll see you down the road in Zoo Town!
(Zoo Town is Missoula’s nickname, but now that you’ve hiked with the elk on Mount Jumbo, surfed the Clark Fork, and cheered with 26,000 Griz fans, you’re practically a local… welcome to the club!) Sources:
• Five Valleys Land Trust – Mount Jumbo project descriptionfvlt.org
• Destination Missoula – Guide to Hiking in Missoula (Mount Jumbo wildflowers)destinationmissoula.org
• Destination Missoula – Guide to Hiking in Missoula (Mount Sentinel “M” hike)destinationmissoula.org
• PlanetWare Travel – Montana in Pictures: Missoula
overviewplanetware.complanetware.com
• Destination Missoula – Hiking Trails (Kim Williams Trail description)destinationmissoula.org
• Wren Missoula Guide – Tubing & Scenic Floats on Clark Forkwrenmissoula.com
• Wilderness.net – Rattlesnake Wilderness description (scenery & wildlife)wilderness.netwilderness.net
• AllMissoula (AllTrips) – Greenough Park
overviewallmissoula.comallmissoula.com
• Downtown Missoula Partnership – Boone & Crockett Club (Milwaukee Depot) infomissouladowntown.com
• Destination Missoula – Brennan’s Wave descriptiondestinationmissoula.org • Friends of Missoula Parks – Kiwanis Park overviewfmparks.org
• Destination Missoula – Cheering on the Griz (Wa-Griz Stadium facts)destinationmissoula.org
• Montana Antique Mall – About us (store size and
offerings)montanaantiquemall.com
• Destination Missoula – Montana Natural History Center detailsdestinationmissoula.org
• Tagliare Delicatessen – Local knowledge (sandwiches with Le Petit Outré bread)tagliaredelicatessen.comdestinationmissoula.org
• M-80 Chicken – Missoula’s hot chicken (food truck
profile)m80chicken.comdestinationmissoula.org