You won't find anything like the Champs d'Elysses in Missoula. Missoula is, in fact, quite lush by Montana standards. The United States Forest Service has chosen to maintain its Northern Region headquarters here for obvious reasons. Amidst this landscape, tourists have come flocking, although Missoula has seen a particularly significant increase in tourism over the past decade. In addition to its own natural beauty, Missoula is conveniently located three hours south of Glacier National park and approximately three and a half hours west of Yellowstone.
Hunters find plenty of fowl and wild game just outside of Missoula to keep themselves occupied.
The nearest downhill ski trails are located at Snowbowl and Marshall, and plenty of cross-country trails are situated nearby, as well. Missoula's city planners have chosen to capitalize on its surroundings. A network of walking and biking trails and parks wind through Missoula, creating a synergy between the city proper and the natural landscape that surrounds it. This setting is perfect for studying, people-watching and picnicking. That's not to imply that Missoula doesn't have the sort of amenities present in a traditional city.