There's plenty to do in Missoula... just Ask the Locals some of their favorite activitities, compliments of the Missoula Convention & Visitor Bureau's website.

Click for more information from the Missoula Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

The Missoula Downtown Association, sponsor of your post-race Awards and Party Event in Caras Pavilion, has their list of summer activities as well, any of which are more than worth your time.

Photo: All Missoula Marathon races finish on the Higgins Avenue bridge in downtown Missoula

Just a couple of minutes from downtown (and I mean seriously - like 10 minures) is the Rattlesnake Recreation and Wilderness Area.  Someone told me once that it's the largest wilderness area this close to a city in the US.  I believe it.  It's gangbusters for hiking, mountain biking, running, horseback riding, cross country skiing, you name it.  Pretty much if you ever want to see anybody you know on a great day, go to the Rattlesnake Trailhead and stand there a couple of minutes.

Photo: View of the Rattlesnake Recreational Area from Strawberry Ridge, less than six miles from downtown Missoula 

Another great location for hiking and running while pretty much surrounding Missoula is the Lolo National Forest.  You can be there forever and never tire of finding new trails. 

A River Runs Through It was written about Missoula, but we actually have more than one river.  We have the Clark Fork River and the Bitterroot River, (both of which you cross in the Missoula Marathon) plus we're darned close to the Blackfoot River and also to a famous fishing area called Rock Creek.  Rafting, tubing, fly fishing, kayaking and everything else can take place in downtown Missoula. 

Photo: This view of Bitterroot River may be enjoyed by the participants of the full marathon 

Yes, we'd love you to come to Missoula, stay put, have fun and dump money into our tiny economy. But the fact of the matter is this -- if you have traveled from any distance to come to our beautiful state of Montana, it's criminal to fail in visiting at least one of these fabulous national treasures:

1.   Glacier National Park
Someone once asked news reporter Tom Brokaw, who has traveled everywhere in the world, what he considers the most spectacular place he has ever been and he said, "Glacier National Park."  Glacier National Park is only a few hours drive from Missoula (164 miles and 3 hours 20 minutes according to Google Maps).  It's basically due north and a beautiful drive around Flathead Lake.

Photo: It is not uncommon to encounter Mountain Goats on your hike to the Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park

2.   Flathead Lake, another worthwhile location.
Flathead Lake is the largest natural lake in the western United States and is filled with recreation of all kinds.  If you're into water sports, this is the place.  This is where Missoulians head in droves in the summer.  Check out Polson and Big Fork as two towns on Flathead Lake that can totally handle your vacation requirements.

3.   Yellowstone National Park
This is the very first national park so frankly if it's not on your "to do before I die" list you should add it and then check it off when you come.  You can get there a couple of different ways from Missoula, depending on what you want to see most in your travels. 

Photo: Spectacular waterfall at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park

4.   Lewis and Clark Trail
History buffs won't be able to pass on this one.  We've got it all, including the famous Pompey's Pillar.  Better yet, Lolo Hot Springs is a short trip from Missoula, so after the Missoula Marathon you can easily get there to soak in the waters Lewis and Clark soaked in.