Known as the "Garden City" for its dense trees and lush green landscape, Missoula is nestled in the heart of the northern Rockies in Western Montana. A community of nearly 100,000 residents, Missoula lies in a beautiful mountain forest setting where five valleys converge. The city began as a settlement called Hell Gate and was later renamed Missoula, taken from the Salish Indian word that means "near the cold, chilling waters".

One of the most desirable places to live and visit in the United States, Missoula has something for everyone. It serves as Montana's center for education, medicine, business and the arts. Recreational opportunities abound throughout the entire year-from sightseeing and hiking to horseback riding, skiing, biking, golfing, mountain climbing, water activities and more. As Montana's most culturally diverse city, Missoula is known for its museums, galleries, dance companies, live theater, symphony orchestra and, of course, the International Choral Festival.

Missoula is situated in Western Montana, 140 miles (225 km) south of Glacier National Park and 270 miles (435 km) west of Yellowstone National Park. Missoula International Airport is only minutes from downtown and offers several daily flights on Horizon, Northwest, United, SkyWest (Delta), and Big Sky Airlines. For those arriving by car or bus, I-90 intersects Missoula from the east and west, and Highway 93 will bring you into Missoula from the north and south.

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