Missoula Area Map (Click for Larger Image)

Missoula is Western Montana's largest city, with amenities such as a symphony, live theater, museums, galleries and a Division I-AA University. (It's also one of America's premier bicycling towns.) But it's not all city-the 33,000 acre Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is just part of the wild and wonderful land around Missoula. The historic downtown, surrounding attractions such as Montana Snowbowl Ski Area and nearby towns add to its diversity.

The University of Montana (Click for Larger Image)

Begin with a tour of Missoula. Along the banks of the Clark Fork River, you'll find well-kept walking trails. Pick up a map for a self-guided City Circle Tour at the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 825 E. Front (Call 800/526-3465). On your walk, drop by Caras Park for a ride on the Missoula Carousel, an old-world carousel built and maintained by volunteers. The Art Museum of Missoula, at 335 N. Pattee, offers a full collection of Northwest art, as well as changing exhibitions. Call 406/728-0447.

Across town, the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula has details on Western Montana history. The Smokejumper Center next to the Missoula Airport is the largest smokejumper center in America.

The Wildlife Visitors Center at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (406/523-4545) features art, displays, and world record elk mounts.

Outside the city, the Ninemile Remount Depot and Ranger Station details the efforts of the pack animals and firefighters of the 30's and 40's. And the ghost town of Garnet, one of the best preserved in the state, is just 22 miles east of Bonner on I-90.