Missoula office
Known as the "Garden City" for its dense trees and lush green landscape, Missoula is nestled in the heart of the northern Rockies where five valleys converge. Missoula is a center for education, medicine, retail, and the arts. Located at the base of Mount Sentinel and the banks of the Clark Fork River is The University of Montana. The 200-acre campus is one of the most beautiful in the nation and is home to 12,000 students. Fly fishermen, rafters, kayakers, and canoers also thrive on the nearby waters. Replete with natural beauty and boasting a vibrant, diverse community, Missoula is a regional destination.
Missoula was founded in 1860. At that time, it was known as the Hellgate Trading Post in what was then the Washington Territory. It has a population nearing 70,000 residents with a county population of over 110,000. As the home of University of Montana, this large population is also diverse, giving Missoula an atmosphere unique in contrast to other cities in Montana.
Due to its population size and the university, Missoula is a hub for education, commerce, and the arts. Many residents from smaller towns in the area travel to Missoula to take in a football or baseball game, see a music concert from a national act, catch a world-class play at one of its many theaters, and stroll through the art galleries on First Friday – a monthly showcase that highlights local artists. Missoula also has two of the largest medical facilities in Western Montana.
Other attractions within Missoula include a Carousel for Missoula, a handcrafted carousel attached to a giant playground. There is the Art Museum of Missoula, the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Wildlife Visitor Center, and the Smokejumper Visitor Center, depending on your tastes. The downtown area is home to delightful stores, boutiques, and galleries and is a delight for those who love historic buildings and stories of days past.
During the year, there are many events that draw crowds not only from Montana, but from all over the world. Some of these events include the International Choral Festival, Out to Lunch, The International Wildlife Film Festival, the local farmers’ market, Germanfest, the Irish cultural celebration, craft fairs, and more.
Outside of Missoula, you will find nearly unlimited access to public lands, trail heads, and rivers. Within minutes of Missoula, you can find yourself hiking up the side of a mountain or tucked into pristine wilderness. The meandering Clark Fork River also offers countless opportunities for fishing and floating alike.
Like many cities in Montana, Missoula is also conveniently located near several ski hills. Montana Snowbowl, Discovery Ski Basin, and Lost Trail Powder Mountain are all located less than 100 miles from Missoula. Whether you alpine, snowboard, or telemark ski, Missoula's ski resorts will offer you awesome terrain, powder, chutes, and vertical, without the crowds or costs of more popular destinations.
A perfect mix of town and country, Missoula is a special corner of Montana. If you're looking for a place in or around Missoula, stop by the Clearwater Montana Properties office in Missoula, and our agents will use their vast knowledge of the area to help you find the property of your dreams.