Downtown Missoula sits right on the Clark Fork River, so a day here is mostly a walk. Caras Park, the carousel, the surf wave and the riverfront trails are all within a few blocks of each other, and the Hip Strip is just across the Higgins Avenue bridge.
Here is how to string it together, where to leave the car, and what is running in fall 2026.
Start at Caras Park
Caras Park is the downtown riverbank park and event lawn on the north side of the Clark Fork. The City of Missoula owns it, and the Missoula Downtown Association manages it as an event venue. The pavilion, the carousel and the viewing area for Brennan's Wave all sit along the same stretch of river.
In summer the park fills for two free weekly series. In 2025 Out to Lunch ran Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Downtown ToNight ran Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m., every week in June, July and August. Both are summer only; in October the park is quiet and easy to walk through.
A Carousel for Missoula and Dragon Hollow
A Carousel for Missoula is the carousel at 101 Carousel Drive, at the edge of Caras Park. Rides are $1 for kids 11 and under and $2 for riders 12 and older. The carousel is open seven days a week, usually 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It sometimes opens at noon or closes at 5 p.m. for private events, and the carousel itself says hours can change on short notice because of staffing, so call 406-549-8382 before you plan around it.
Dragon Hollow is the playground next door. The carousel's site says it generally opens no later than 9 a.m. and closes no earlier than 8 p.m., weather permitting.
Brennan's Wave
Brennan's Wave is a man-made surf wave in the Clark Fork beside Caras Park, built in 2002 in memory of Brennan Guth, a Missoula kayaker who died that year in Chile. Kayakers, river surfers and the occasional ambitious tuber take turns on it, and people stop to watch from the bank.
The Riverfront Terrace, which opened in 2025, added an ADA ramp, an observation deck and seating right at the wave. That is the easiest place to watch. Activity on the wave depends on the river and the weather, so some days you will see a line of surfers and some days nobody.
Walk the riverfront trail loop
The paved trails on both banks of the Clark Fork make an easy loop from downtown. On the north bank, Ron's River Trail runs about 2 miles through Kiwanis Park, Bess Reed Park and Caras Park. On the south bank, the Milwaukee Trail runs west toward Reserve Street. A kiosk and map at Caras Park show the layout.
To make a loop, walk one bank and come back on the other. Along with the Higgins Avenue bridge, the University of Montana's bike guide lists the Van Buren, Madison Street and California Street pedestrian bridges, so you can make the loop as short or as long as you like. Cross at Higgins and Madison Street for a short loop east of downtown, or head west to the California Street bridge for a longer one.
The trails are shared with bikes, so keep right and listen for bells.
Cross the Higgins Avenue bridge to the Hip Strip
The Higgins Avenue bridge connects downtown to the south side of the river. It has bike lanes, and walking across gives you a good look down at the river and the wave.
On the far side, the few blocks of Higgins Avenue just south of the river are known as the Hip Strip: small shops, cafes and restaurants in older storefronts. It is a short walk from Caras Park, and Mountain Line's Route 6 runs from the Hip Strip to Fort Missoula if you want to keep going.
Where to park downtown
Downtown parking is run by the Missoula Parking Commission, at 128 W. Main St., 406-552-6250. The short version:
- On-street meters are paid 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Street parking is free after 5 p.m. on weekdays, on weekends and on state holidays.
- An hour at a meter costs $1. You pay by license plate at the multi-space meters or with the Passport Parking app (zone 4061, with a 35 cent convenience fee).
- The Central Park garage (128 W. Main St.), the Park Place garage (201 E. Front St.) and the Roam garage (305 E. Front St.) give you the first hour free, then $1 an hour, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. They are free after 6 p.m. and on weekends.
- The Bank Street lot, next to the Higgins Avenue bridge, and the New Park riverfront lot are the closest to Caras Park. Both are $1 an hour, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and free evenings and weekends.
Drivers with an accessible plate or placard can park free at meters for up to 2 hours. On the Hip Strip side, watch for posted time limits.
You can also skip the car. Mountain Line buses are zero-fare, and Route 6 serves Higgins Avenue between downtown and the Hip Strip.
First Friday gallery night
First Friday happens on the first Friday of every month. Galleries and shops downtown open their doors for art shows, music and special events, and many businesses run deals. Most stops run in the early evening, often about 5 to 8 p.m., but each business sets its own hours, and a few events charge admission. The next one after this guide was checked is Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.
The Missoula Art Museum, at 335 N. Pattee St., is a good anchor for the evening or any other day. Admission is free. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, until 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, and closed Sunday and Monday.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a leash. City ordinance requires dogs to be leashed on all city streets, trails and parks, and owners must pick up after them. If your dog needs to run, the city's off-leash list includes the fenced Jacobs Island Bark Park at 6 S. Van Buren St., a short walk east along the river. The riverbank there is not fenced.
What is open now, in fall 2026
In mid-October the riverfront trails, Caras Park and the bridges are open as usual, and the carousel is running its regular daily hours. Out to Lunch and Downtown ToNight are done until next summer. Saturday mornings still bring the downtown farmers markets through the end of October. First Friday runs year-round.
Quick answers
How much does the Missoula carousel cost?
Rides are $1 for kids 11 and under and $2 for riders 12 and older. It is usually open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, but call ahead.
Is parking free downtown on weekends?
Yes. City street parking, lots and garages are free on weekends and state holidays, and street meters are free after 5 p.m. on weekdays.
Where can I watch the surfers on the Clark Fork?
Brennan's Wave is beside Caras Park. The Riverfront Terrace, opened in 2025, has a deck and seating right at the wave.
How long is the Missoula riverfront trail?
Ron's River Trail on the north bank is about 2 miles. You can make a shorter or longer loop by crossing back on any of the downtown bridges.
When is First Friday in Missoula?
The first Friday of every month, mostly in the early evening. Each gallery and shop sets its own hours.
Are dogs allowed on the riverfront trail?
Yes, on a leash. City ordinance requires leashes on all city streets, trails and parks.
More Missoula Commons visitor guides, from trails to farmers markets, are at missoula-commons.com/visit.
