Good Day
Missoula
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Missoula. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 23rd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reported that state parks welcomed an estimated 3.38 million visitors in 2025—a 4.9 percent increase from 2024. Most visitors were Montanans, and regional shifts revealed a sharp 21.8 percent rise in Region 4. Newstalk KGVO
- ➤ Missoula’s free bus line Mountain Line was named the 2026 Community Transportation System of the Year by the CTAA for its routes and free rides; city officials and the system celebrated the honor on Thursday as plans continue with transfer center renovations and a new bus facility set for 2028. Missoula Current
- ➤ Memorial Day weekend travelers face mixed road conditions as the Skalkaho Highway reopened this morning for scenic drives while a spring storm delayed the Beartooth Highway's Wyoming section until Saturday morning if conditions hold. The sheriff’s office advises secure parking at trailheads. Newstalk KGVO
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A new Mediterranean restaurant, Sumac (housed in a historic hotel known for fine dining), is now open in downtown Missoula. It serves fast-casual breakfast, brunch, and lunch for local diners. Missoulian
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Rising gas prices at $4.60 today have raised summer road trip costs by about 10 percent as visitors in western Montana shift to last-minute hotel bookings and cheaper attractions; gas spending per group climbs from roughly $200 to $300, yet the tourism season remains moderately busy. Montana Public Radio
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ross Creek Cedars in northwest Montana is closed to motorized access after storm damage last year and will remain so for the next couple summers as officials plan repairs — careful measures are underway to protect the ancient trees. Missoulian
- ➤ A May 21 tour of the Piper Creek Project near Condon brought local homeowners and industry professionals to learn about Flathead National Forest’s plan to thin 1,400 acres for timber sales and use 900 acres for fuels reduction as the Forest Service awaits a decision by October. KPAX
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Missoula Public Library and its branches now serve as clean air hubs for residents facing wildfire smoke, featuring an air quality corner with local resources and a DIY air cleaner made from a box fan + filter. The initiative is funded by state health and EPA. Montana Public Radio
- ➤ PacificSource Health Plans will end its Montana operations by year-end amid rising healthcare costs and will continue individual plans until Dec. 31. Local officials advise residents to review new insurance options (over 31,600 members are affected). Missoula Current
- ➤ Sky Cycle now offers a new wellness option at Missoula International Airport, letting travelers stay active during layovers — founder Tana Burke and airport director Brian Ellestad will refine the program for a potential national rollout based on customer feedback. MontanaRightNow
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Residents at Katoonah Lodges unionized after two rent hikes followed a private equity firm's purchase; the mobile home community for residents aged 55+ now seeks to strengthen tenant protections. Missoulian
- ➤ A new analysis found that private equity firms now own nearly 3 million apartment units nationwide; in Missoula, DiNapoli Capital Partners owns the 146-unit Missoula Lofts (recent purchases make up most of those units). Missoula Current
- ➤ Highlands Golf Course and The Keep restaurant are for sale at $6,990,000; the 64.38-acre property with more than 10,000 sqft of facilities (including an all-beverage liquor license) is located at 102 Ben Hogan Drive in Pattee Canyon. Newstalk KGVO
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Montana Griz stars Michael Ray Richardson and Will Cherry received Hall of Fame honors for their storied basketball careers, and Cherry will be celebrated at the Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame ceremony on Friday, Sept. 11. Newstalk KGVO
-
2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale
2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale, with racks starting at $5. The sale is from 10-4 at 1008 Burlington Ave. Missoula.
-
Trey Anastasio Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — The Wilma — Cost info not available — Experience an evening of exceptional music from renowned composer and guitarist Trey Anastasio.
-
Missoula Villages Downtown Walking History Tour
1-2:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Free for Village members — Discover untold stories of Missoula's historic district through a unique walking tour.
-
Bruce Molsky Concert
7-11 p.m. — Longstaff House — Ticket prices TBD — Experience Grammy-nominated Bruce Molsky as he brings traditional sounds to life with fiddle, banjo, and guitar.
-
Trails, Rivers, and Forests Expo
5-9 p.m. — Trail Head River Sports — Free entry — Celebrate the outdoors with activities and live music at this community-focused expo featuring local non-profits and businesses.
-
First Friday at the Missoula Art Museum
5-7 p.m. — Missoula Art Museum — Free entry — Enjoy live music by Tom Catmull as part of the First Friday celebration.
-
Carpentry for Gardeners Workshop
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Northside Community Gardens — Scholarships available — Master the basics of carpentry to build trellises and tomato cages with repurposed materials.
-
2026 Full Draw Film Tour
7-11 p.m. — The Wilma — $11-$26 — Experience the excitement of bowhunting films and a chance to win premium gear at this thrilling cinematic event.
-
4th Annual Indigenous Made Summer Market
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Caras Park — Free entry — Explore an array of unique, locally crafted items from over 60 vendors at this summer market in Missoula.
-
Zootown Festival Featuring The Chicks and More
June 18-19 — Missoula County Fairgrounds — VIP packages available — Experience a diverse lineup with top country and folk artists in a vibrant festival atmosphere.
-
Zootown Festival Featuring The Lumineers and More
7-11 p.m. — Missoula County Fairgrounds — Cost info not provided — Experience genre-defying music from top artists like Rainbow Kitten Surprise and The Head and The Heart.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Missoula
Welcome to the Good Day Missoula, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Missoula, Montana community. If you like the Good Day Missoula, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Missoula.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Missoula and across Montana. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Good Day Missoula
A free Missoula community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://gooddaymissoula.com/sitemap