Missoula’s Must-See Attractions, According to Locals

Tourism is big business in Montana. It isn't the biggest business in our state, that would be agriculture, but it is up there. With access to two national parks, mountains, lakes, and more, this state isn't going to see a slowdown of tourists any time soon.

Visitor numbers for Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks are on pace to see record numbers this year. People want to visit our state.

Not everyone appreciates visitors to our state. With the incredible rise in the cost of homes in Montana, inviting more people to visit isn't attractive to some of the locals, and they are vocal about it.

READ MORE: What Montanans Really Want Tourists to Know Before Visiting

As much as some people would like to close our state to visitors, it's just not a reality. We have too many attractive places that people want to visit.

I have been a tourist in several states and a few different countries. I have even been a tourist a time or two here in Montana. For the most part, wherever I have traveled I have been treated well.

Why Some Montanans Are Wary of Tourism

Recently I had the opportunity to host some guests who had never been to Missoula before. It was pretty cool to be a tour guide and take them to some of my favorite places in my hometown. It wouldn't be something that I would want to do full-time, but for two days it was entertaining.

READ MORE: CNN Names Missoula As a Top Place to Visit

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Missoula has a lot to offer visitors. We wanted to know which tourist attractions locals actually appreciate, so we asked. There are a lot of places that people like to visit in Missoula.

What Locals Recommend for Missoula Tourists

If you are planning on having someone visit, you can get some great ideas from the responses below.