About Missoula

Zoo Town Surfers has been offering whitewater rafting trips in Idaho and Montana since 2004. Every ZTS trip is a little bit different, but one thing is consistent: knowledgeable guides, exciting whitewater, quality equipment, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. The ZTS experience is about sharing meaningful moments with family and friends, reveling in the beauty of wild places, and disconnecting from the daily grind.

We love Missoula!

Overlooking Missoula, MT on a sunny day there is blue sky with clouds in the background, a river runs through it, the University of Montana is pictured in the bottom left and there is a bustling downtown section with housing around it.

Things To Do In Missoula, MT

Ahh Missoula, a sweet mountain town with a river running through it and five mountain ranges surrounding it. You picked a great place to visit! After your whitewater rafting adventure there is SO much to enjoy! Read on to get the insider scoop on the best places to visit when you’re in town!

Downtown offers great shopping, dining and many events that you can enjoy in one location. Be sure to check out Caras Park. Starting in June, Caras Park features Downtown Tonight on Thursday evenings from 5-9 pm. They have live music, food trucks and a celebratory atmosphere. Simply attending Downtown Tonight is free, which includes getting to listen to the live music. There is also an Out-To-Lunch version that runs June, July & August from 11-2 if you prefer daytime festivities.

Our staff focuses on the details, giving you the personalized attention you deserve and expect from a local company. We only hire dedicated and committed river guides here at Zoo Town Surfers, which means one thing: quality guides who have an intimate relationship with the rivers we play and operate on.

Missoula Vacation Activities

Hiking in Missoula, MT on a single track trail with green grass and beautiful wildflowers!

Things To Do In The ‘zoo

Nestled amidst the Montana wilderness, Missoula offers a vibrant mix of outdoor adventure and urban amenities. This city has something for everyone! After you decide on what river to enjoy you can add a number of experiences such as hiking, dining, live music and more!

Hikes Near Missoula

There are numerous hiking options close by. If you are looking for something easy, say with toddlers to enjoy, you can check out the river trail which runs along the Clark Fork River. The M Hill, located just above the University of Montana is considered moderately-challenging and is about 1.2 miles round trip. Bonus! When you get to the M, at the top of the trail, you’ll also get an exceptional view of the city! Be sure to look every direction and take note of the mountain ranges that you see! Waterworks, Blue Mountain Recreation Area and Pattee Canyon Recreation Area are each just a few minutes drive from Missoula, free and absolutely beautiful. Waterworks gives a great view of the city whereas Pattee Canyon is more-forested. Blue Mountain has a mix of both open skies views and tree-covered areas.
Are you visiting Missoula in the spring time, perhaps during Lochsa River season? This is a great time to hike as the wildflowers are blooming! Pictured above are the balsam root blooms, which transform the landscape into a vibrant and artistic masterpiece.

Downtown Missoula

In the afternoon, explore downtown Missoula’s historic district, browsing unique shops housed in charming brick buildings. As evening approaches, unwind at one of Missoula’s many craft breweries, sipping on a locally-brewed beer while soaking in the friendly atmosphere. If you want a break from the sun check out the Roxy Theatre or the Missoula Community Theatre! You’ll find a variety of food trucks and restauraunts, too. Check out some of our favorites, below.

Kid-Friendly Acitivities In Missoula

There is no end to the fun activities you can enjoy with your family in Missoula. At Caras Park the Carousel and Dragon’s Hollow are quite-popular! There is also the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium, SpectrUM Science and the Missoula Public Library is loaded with activities. In fact, they have a kids floor with different experiments your kids can try at no cost, plus a cafe and seating area. It’s worth a visit if the family is tuckered out after whitewater rafting.

Want to travel a bit further? Garnet Ghost Town is a great place to visit! It’s about an hour away, up Highway 200, which runs along the Blackfoot River. In the year 1898 about 1000 people, mostly gold miners and their families, lived there. Many of the houses and buildings are intact today, with historical information provided. You can walk around the town and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy!