Big news for Zootown travelers. Missoula Montana Airport just dropped its largest flight expansion yet — and it is already changing how we get around.

After smashing records with over 1 million passengers last year, MSO added 10+ new direct routes including Portland, San Diego, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and more. No more connections through Denver or Salt Lake.

Plus a new east concourse is under construction right now. More gates, shorter lines, and room to grow. Here is the full breakdown of what is new, which airlines added what, and why this matters for locals and businesses alike.

New restaurants in Missoula continue expanding downtown's culinary scene with three summer 2026 openings.

Thai Basil, Ember & Dough pizza, and Highline Burger Co. will fill vacant Higgins Avenue storefronts, adding jobs and dining variety to the city's restaurant row.

Thai Basil: Authentic Thai Cuisine

Thai Basil Missoula opens mid-July at 131 West Main Street with authentic Thai flavors.

Owner Chef Siriporn Anderson brings 15 years experience from Bangkok and Portland. The menu features pad Thai, green curry, tom yum soup, and papaya salad alongside regional specialties. Customizable spice levels and extensive vegetarian options accommodate all tastes.

The 45-seat space includes street-side patio dining. Lunch and dinner service runs Tuesday through Saturday with take-out and delivery available.

River rafting in Missoula is one of Montana's most iconic summer activities, and three outfitters—Adventure Missoula, Montana River Guides, and Pangaea River Rafting—have been guiding locals and visitors down the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Alberton Gorge for decades.

Adventure Missoula specializes in family-friendly Clark Fork floats (Class I-II). Montana River Guides brings the adrenaline with Alberton Gorge rafting (Class III whitewater with rapids named Fang and Boat Eater). Pangaea offers multi-day expeditions with riverside camping and gourmet meals.

Peak season is June-July when snowmelt creates the best water levels. Half-day trips run $65-$95, full-day adventures $120-$150.

University of Montana climate research received a $15 million National Science Foundation grant to expand the Climate and Fire Science Program, one of the largest research awards in UM history. The funding will build a new 45,000 square-foot Climate Science Research Facility and double program capacity over five years.

Research will focus on wildfire behavior prediction, water resource sustainability, and forest ecosystem adaptation—critical issues for Montana and the Northern Rockies. The program will grow from 45 to 100+ graduate students, create 30-40 research positions, and include public education programming for K-12 students and community members.

Construction begins spring 2027 with completion fall 2028. The LEED Platinum facility positions UM as a leading climate research institution while bringing economic benefits through construction jobs, research staff employment, and enhanced collaboration with tribal nations, federal agencies, and Montana universities.

Missoula real estate trends are shifting for the first time in three years, with home prices stabilizing and inventory slowly increasing across neighborhoods like the Rattlesnake, Lower Rattlesnake, and University District.

The median home price is now $525,000 (down 3% from March peak), days on market have doubled to 28 days, and inventory is up 40% year-over-year.

If you have been priced out of Missoula housing market, this is your window. Montana Board of Housing offers first time homebuyer Missoula assistance programs, and local lenders like Clearwater Credit Union have specialized resources for teachers, healthcare staff, and service workers.

Affordable housing in Missoula took a major step forward as City Council unanimously approved a 120-unit development on South Avenue near Russell Street. The mixed-income project serves working families, young professionals, and seniors with 40% income-restricted units and 60% workforce housing.

The $20.3 million project combines city housing trust funds, federal tax credits, and private financing. Construction begins fall 2026 with first occupancy summer 2027. Energy-efficient buildings include bike storage, community spaces, and sit near Mountain Line routes and the Kim Williams Trail.

With Missoula's median home price exceeding $525,000 and rental vacancy below 2%, this development represents crucial progress addressing the city's ongoing affordability crisis through public-private partnership and thoughtful community engagement.

Hiking trails near Missoula range from riverside strolls perfect for families to lung-busting summit climbs with 360° views of the Bitterroot, Rattlesnake Wilderness, and Sapphire ranges.

Easy trails: Kim Williams Trail (paved, dog-friendly) and Rattlesnake Creek Trail (3 miles, gentle). Moderate: M Trail Missoula (3.2 miles, iconic views) and Blue Mountain Loop. Advanced: Pattee Canyon Loop (6.5 miles), Lolo Peak (9 miles, 9,096 ft summit), and St. Mary's Peak (11 miles, highest in the Bitterroot Range).

Always carry bear spray in the Rattlesnake Wilderness, Lolo Peak area, or Bitterroot Range. REI in Missoula rents canisters for $5/week.

Missoula traffic updates are essential reading. Missoula traffic updates are essential reading this summer as MDT kicks off six major road projects including Reserve Street widening, Higgins Avenue Bridge rehabilitation, and Brooks Street interchange expansion.

Expect delays on Reserve Street (June-Oct), one-lane traffic on the Higgins Bridge (July-Sept), and a full Orange Street closure for two weeks in July.

Skip Reserve Street construction during rush hour by using South Avenue or Mullan Road. Downtown commuters should take Van Buren instead of Higgins to avoid bridge delays. Mountain Line's free bus service runs every 15 minutes and skips construction zones entirely.

Things to do in Missoula this weekend just got a whole lot more exciting—three major summer festivals are launching across the Garden City.

From River City Roots Festival at Caras Park (June 13-15) with 20+ bands and craft vendors, to the Downtown Art Walk and Farmers Market Grand Opening, this weekend is packed with local celebrations.

Whether you're catching the Missoula Mavericks at Ogren Park or joining free yoga at Bonner Park, the Garden City is delivering Missoula summer festivals that celebrate everything we love about Montana.

Discover a treasure trove of Montana-made goods and locally inspired style at Soul City Dry Goods, located in the heart of downtown Missoula. 

This vibrant boutique is your go-to destination for apparel, hats, accessories, top-notch home goods, and delicious local-food finds—all crafted with a western spirit and made with love in the Treasure State

Q & A

Q: What is the population of Missoula, MT?

A: The population of Missoula, MT is approximately 75,516 as of 2021.

Q: What outdoor activities can be enjoyed in Missoula, MT? 

A: Missoula, MT offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, skiing, and biking.

Q: Is Missoula, MT a college town?

A: Yes, Missoula is considered a college town as it is home to the University of Montana.