Guided Missoula History Walking Tour

Overview

The tour begins in the heart of downtown, where you'll learn about Missoula’s evolution from a railroad hub to an automobile‑era crossroads. You’ll see buildings like the elegant Florence Hotel while you learn about founder rivalries. The tour also delves into the city’s rougher past, like the infamous madam Mary “Mother” Gleim, known for violent influence on Missoula’s red‑light district. Your walk concludes at the historic Missoula Mercantile—where you can browse artifacts and historic artwork. During this 1.5-2 hour journey you'll: -Visit the Wilma Theater -Learn the origin of Missoula’s name and more about Lewis and Clark -Explore buildings along “Gasoline Alley,” where automobile culture reshaped West Main Street in the 1920s -Hear how labor activists fought for free‑speech rights on street corners By the end, you’ll have walked in the footsteps of early settlers, railroad workers, entrepreneurs, and the many colorful figures who helped shape Missoula.