Unseen Missoula: Discover the Hidden Stories of Downtown

Launched in 2018, Unseen Missoula has grown from a single tour into a dynamic program offering four unique historical walking tours from April through September: Basements & Back Alleys, Hotels & Hooligans, Carnal Enterprises, and Greenough Park & Lower Rattlesnake. Each 90-minute tour, hosted by the Downtown Missoula Partnership, unveils the hidden stories and rich history of Missoula’s past. Private tours are also available upon request.

A collaborative effort between the Missoula Downtown Association, the City of Missoula’s Historic Preservation Office, and Historical Research Associates, Unseen Missoula connects people to the city’s heritage through expertly guided walking tours. Led by knowledgeable tour guides, each experience offers a deep dive into the fascinating and often untold history of Downtown Missoula. Tours are offered on a rotating schedule throughout the season, providing opportunities for both residents and visitors to engage with Missoula’s past in a meaningful way.

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Downtown Historic Walking Tour

“History can never be covered up,” said Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji, and those words could never truer than in Downtown Missoula. Take the time to look up as you tour the many and varied historical landmarks listed below, and remnants of the past will appear to you in tucked-away corners. Count the historic billboards of long-forgotten place like the Atlantic Hotel and the Diner Café and you will see the many layers of history like layers of an onion in the story of Missoula.

Public Art Tour

A vital component of any urban landscape, the presence of public art in a community signifies the character of the neighborhood. Downtown Missoula has a wealth of public art and culture. Listed below are over 20 works of public art on display in the Downtown area alone.