If the crowded sidewalks of ultrapopular metropolitan cities feel too intense and the remoteness of national parks too isolating for your liking, consider a perfectly balanced destination that wraps the best of both into one neat package: Missoula, Montana.

With its mélange of lush mountain vistas, burgeoning arts-and-culture scene, and outdoor sports opportunities, this town offers something for everyone. And because of its underrated status, it may be one of the more affordable places to indulge your every whim. So make a jaunt to this pinnacle of adventure and relaxation, and get ready to take a breath of that clean mountain air.

The basics

Given that the state’s name derives from the Latin word for “mountain,” it’s no wonder that Montana is a haven of natural wonders, and Missoula sits perfectly located near many. Within its reach includes numerous famous mountain ranges, glittering waterfronts like at Flathead Lake, and several preserved parks, most notably Glacier National Park. If you plan on flying in for a sampling of this stunning scenery, opt for the nearby Missoula Montana Airport—although small, it is accessible from several hub cities, such as Dallas/Fort Worth and Denver.

Settling in

Once you arrive, Missoula invites you to rest your head in whichever ambience speaks to you most. Its various accommodations each capture a segment of the city’s personality, one that embraces its natural roots while chasing a contemporary spirit. The Wren, for example, is a trendy, art-filled hotel that’s pet friendly, loaded with comforting amenities, and situated in the heart of downtown just steps away from top-rated restaurants. Indulge in “the best pizza in Missoula” at the casual eatery Biga Pizza, or button up for a sophisticated meal at the Brasserie Porte Rouge, where you’ll find a French-inspired menu and an extensive wine list.

Meanwhile, the old-fashioned C’mon Inn Hotel & Suites invites you to “escape the ordinary” with its laid-back vibe. Rustic cabin architecture wraps around an indoor courtyard that features a real rock waterfall and fishpond, while comforting suites equipped with fireplaces help you rest cozily. Or if you’d prefer to get up close with Missoula’s must-see alpine scenery, you can skip the hotels and book a rental cabin or yurt instead. There, you can rest peacefully among natural soundscapes and swing your doors open to revel in a serene forest view.

Sampling the local culture

Whatever sort of accommodations you check into, don’t idle for long—there’s far too much to explore in this surprisingly vibrant city. Take a stroll through Missoula’s historic downtown, where boutique shopping, popular restaurants, and a riverfront trail stretch below a stunning mountain backdrop. You’ll also find the Montana Natural History Center here, which catalogs Missoula’s past. Investigate fossils and other prehistoric wonders found nearby, and learn about the existing ecosystems and wildlife that make the surrounding region so extraordinary.

Perhaps even more thought-provoking is this town’s art scene. The Missoula Art Museum, Montana Museum of Art and Culture, and several independent galleries all exhibit fine art by renowned and upcoming creatives alike, including work by indigenous people. If you happen to be in town at the beginning of the month, make sure to check out a First Friday gallery night. As Missoula’s tourism board website describes, this is when “the downtown scene explodes with art on every block, along with samplings of freshly crafted poetry and culinary delights—food for the soul and the belly.”

For a perfect balance of Old West, outdoorsy amusement, and highbrow culture, catch two of this city’s biggest events: the Western Montana Fair and the Missoula Symphony in the Park, both of which occur annually in early August. And if you make your visit in late August, you’ll be right on time for the River City Roots Festival, a free event that attracts massive 15,000-member crowds to enjoy live music, work by local artisans, and more right downtown.

Romps and recreation

Besides its cultural opportunities, Missoula is also a flat-out fun place to spend a weekend. Looking for some low-stakes thrills? Venture ten minutes outside town to Gray Wolf Peak Casino to try your hand at a multitude of games; its indoor golf simulator in particular is a must-try. Or if you prefer outdoorsy escapades, don’t miss 10,000 Waves Raft & Kayak Adventures. Through this company, you can book a calm, scenic floating tour, thrilling white-water rafting outing, or other water-sports excursion on the Clark Fork or Blackfoot River.

Of course, you can’t miss out on the chance to grab a rod and reel: Missoula is practically the capital of freshwater fishing. In fact, Robert Redford’s 1992 film A River Runs Through It may be this city’s ultimate claim to fame. Its tale featuring a family’s fly-fishing adventures nods to the popular local sport, though the title may be a tad inaccurate—not just one but many rivers and creeks flow through Missoula, providing ample fresh water for catching fish like trout and bass. And its lush forest scenery makes this locale one of the most serene spots to cast your line.

A gateway to national wonders

In addition to the offerings within the city, Missoula serves as the perfect launch point if you’re looking to trek in wide-open nature. Some options you’ll find right nearby, including Mount Sentinel with its stunning mix of city and mountain views. But many other options that represent nature at its finest are an easy day trip away.

Lolo National Forest
Take in the elevation at this can’t-miss escape that features towering trees, sapphire lakes, jagged canyons, and winding rivers. You can enjoy these sights (and maybe spot some wildlife) from a hike or bike ride on one of the park’s many trails. If you’re tempted to stay longer, Lolo National Forest also offers rentable cabins in canyons and lookouts upon mountaintops that provide a convenient place to rest your head.

Glacier National Park
This is surely one of the most ethereal landscapes on earth, and it lies only two and a half hours north of Missoula. In Glacier National Park, tremendous peaks rise out from jewel-toned lakes and lush forest trails—seven hundred miles of hiking trails, to be exact—and its namesake glaciers glitter in the sun.

A fascinating city brimming with verdant scenery, quaint city streets, and a wealth of culture and history, Missoula, Montana, unquestionably belongs on any traveler’s bucket list. In fact, all you will find yourself lacking during your visit is time—but, thankfully, this uniquely American destination will always welcome you back.

For more info, visit destinationmissoula.org