Overview

The town of Missoula features nine districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each district exhibits its own unique character by a combination of architectural style and type of structure. See everything from late nineteenth century mansions to rustic homesteading cabins at Fort Missoula. Stroll through parks and cemeteries, see the old railroad lines and depots, explore area museums, and visit Gleim's brothel.

Location/Directions

Concentrations of historic buildings can be found along N Higgins, West Front, West Main, and East and West Broadway.

Hours/Seasons

Visitors may tour the districts year-round. Specific building seasons and hours will vary.

Areas

Catholic Block Historic District
Location: The 400 block of W Pine Street and W Spruce Street
Highlights: See the landmark 144-foot high roof spire of St. Francis Xavior Church and be sure to visit the interior to see painted murals dating back to 1900.

East Pine Street Historic District
Location: Loosely bounded by E Pine St, Madison St, E Broadway, and Pattee St.
Highlights: Here is the site of Missoula’s first exclusive residential area. Walk along the 15-foot wide Boulevard and see magnificent residences built during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century. See the city’s oldest residence - Francis Worden House – and the Dixon mansion on the 300 block of E Pine St.

University Area Historic District
Location: Loosely bounded by S 4th St E, and Beckwith, Arthur, and Higgins Avenues.
Highlights: See marvelous examples of the Queen Anne, Craftsman, and Revival architectural styles.

Southside Historic District
Location: Loosely bounded by the Clark Fork River, S Higgins, S 6th St W, and Orange St.
Highlights: This part of town includes Queen Anne style homes and the railroad buildings and grounds associated with the Milwaukee Depot.

Northside Missoula Railroad District
Location: Loosely bounded by Worden Ave, 6th St, C St, and the Northern Pacific Railroad tracks.
Highlights: See Late Victoria, late-nineteenth, and twentieth century architectural styles including residences, transportation depots, a school and more.

University of Montana Historic District
Location: Between Arthur, Connell and Beckwith Avenues and the ridge lines of Mt. Sentinel.
Highlights: Tour the old university grounds and buildings done in Renaissance and Romanesque styles.

Lower Rattlesnake Historic District
Location: Between Greenough Park, and Vene, Elm, and Pierce Streets.
Highlights: See late-nineteenth and early-to-mid twentieth century domestic buildings and historic parks and grounds. Architectural styles here include the Craftsman and Queen Anne.

Fort Missoula Historic District
Location: Reserve Street and South Avenue
Highlights: Built during the 1870s, Fort Missoula’s historic grounds and buildings include 1700 acres featuring officer’s barracks, post headquarters, depots, church, homesteader cabins and more.

McCormick Neighborhood Historic District
Location: Loosely bounded by River Road, S 6th W, S Orange St, and Bitterroot Railroad Line.
Highlights: 339 historic buildings are located within 1111 acres of this district. See old structures whose historic functions included trade and commerce, religion, education and personal residences.