Missoula, MT

Officially founded as a city in 1860, there is archaeological evidence to show that Missoula has been inhabited by people for 12,000 years. Now Montana’s second-largest metro area, Missoula has grown to become the state’s cultural arts hub and home to The University of Montana. Missoula is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts because of the city’s location at the confluence of three rivers—the Clark Fork, Bitterroot and Blackfoot. This attracts white water rafters, wakeboarders, kayakers and fly fishers from around the world.

Wherever there is good wilderness to enjoy, there are typically good brewers and Missoula is no exception. In fact, the city has one of the highest number of craft breweries per capita in the U.S. Missoula even had several independent breweries operating prior to the new millennium and the contemporary craft beer revolution. Missoula’s Big Sky Brewing makes Moose Drool Brown Ale, the highest selling Montana-made beer. The city continues to celebrate its brewing tradition with the annual Garden City Brewfest.