Good morning, Missoula.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.