Activities Around Missoula

Mushroom Hunting - Thursday morning

We're thrilled to repeat last year's fabulous Montana Mushroom Hunt, going a little deeper into the woods this time. Last year, our festival goers found some of the most prized and tastiest mushrooms: the flirty Chanterelles, the glorious Lion Manes, and even the royal Porcinis!

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If you have foraged for mushrooms before, you're already hooked. If it will be your first time, think of this adventure as leisurely hiking through splendid Montana woods while keeping an eye on the ground for hidden treasures. Suitable for all ages, from kids to their grandparents.

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We're leaving Missoula at 10:30 in the morning on Thursday and returning by 5:00 pm, in time to prepare for the Yurt milonga. You can come straight from the airport! Bring water, lunch, and sturdy walking shoes or boots. 

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Cost: $30 (to pay our lovely local forest guides, Sydney and Cat. They are excited to share the fun with us again.)

To sign up contact Michael Plaks:  plaksm@gmail.com

Local Hiking 

There are some beautiful local hikes for our festival goers who are  eager to enjoy some of Missoula’s best outdoor recreation opportunities. ​

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If you do not have a vehicle, you can Uber to the trailhead. We do not provide transportation to the trailheads. 

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Make sure to bring water, snacks, and/or lunch and comfortable hiking shoes. It's wise to dress in layers as the weather in Montana in late September can range from highs of 80º to lows below 30º.

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Here are some of our favorite local hikes:​

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Mt. Sentinel M Trailhead: While the trail is less than a mile long, the hike can be quite strenuous. You'll climb a steep, zigzag path with 11 switchbacks and gain 620 feet in elevation. Most people make the "M" their final destination, but you can continue to climb for about another mile on one of two routes to the top of Mount Sentinel. The view from the top of the mountain is even more exquisite. To the north, across Hellgate Canyon, you'll see Mount Jumbo and the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness. Look for the water lines etched into the slopes of Mount Jumbo by the waters of Glacial Lake Missoula. To the south, you can see the Bitterroot Mountains. Access to the trail starts at the parking lot across from Aber Hall on Campus Drive at the University of Montana. Taking the trail to the right takes you up the traditional route up the front side of Mount Sentinel. 

Greenough Park Loop: A small park right in the center of the city Missoula, Greenough, spans 42 acres straddling Rattlesnake Creek. A paved bike path follows, for the most part, the creek. The main trail, a one-mile, paved walking and bicycling path, circles the park, following the creek for part of the way. Footbridges cross the creek at either end of the park. Several unpaved trails branch off the main loop to take you through the woods and along the creek. This trail is within walking distance of the Elks Lodge!​​​​​​​​

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Hot Springs

​Montana is home to many natural hot springs. Visiting the local hot springs is a great way to ​relax with other dancers and enjoy the gorgeous scenery of Montana too! Here are some of the hot springs nearby:​

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Symes Hot Springs: Take a trip back in time to one of the West’s last surviving grand resort hotels. Symes Hot Springs Hotel and Mineral Baths specializes in hometown hospitality in an atmosphere that brings back the leisurely vacations of yesteryear.

There is a hot outdoor mineral flow that fills the pools in front of the hotel, which has temperatures of: 110 degrees, 106 degrees and 103 degrees, and a peaceful waterfall between the 106 degree and 103 degree pool. There is a 20’ x 40’, 5’ deep swimming pool featuring all natural water. For more information visit the Symes Hot Springs Website.

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Jerry Johnson Hot Springs: Located within the Clearwater National Forest in Central Idaho, the hot springs pools are at the end of a beautiful and short 1+ mile hike – arranged in sequence starting with the waterfall pools.

Clothing is optional at these natural hot springs. Nude is typically the norm here. Hot springs availability depends on the weather and the road conditions. You can find more information here.​​​​​​​​​

Clark Fork River

Within two blocks of the main festival venue is The Clark Fork River. Riverside trails will allow you to enjoy sunsets and sunrises, take leisurely strolls with tango friends, watch river surfers, soak your dancing feet, or simply take in the beautiful view. Photo ops galore for visitors! 

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Bring a pair of walking shoes, or simply go barefoot and walk the extensive network of paved trails!

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The river trail connects to both the Bitterroot Branch of the  Milwaukee Trail (paved) and the beautiful Kim Williams Trail (not paved). Any of these can be taken at various lengths, and difficulty levels. ​​​​​​​​

Fly Fishing

Norman Maclean's book, A River Runs Through It, is written about Missoula! In the book-turned-movie starring Brad Pitt, Maclean chronicles fly fishing tales of his youth. Since the 1990s when the movie came out, people have flocked from the world over to fish the rivers of Western Montana.

September is one of the best times to fly fish in Western Montana. Rivers are cooling, there are a variety of hatches, and much of the summer’s crowds are gone. Missoula is near some of the finest trout streams in the country with the Clark Fork at your doorstep, and within less than an hour are the Bitterroot and Blackfoot Rivers as well as a stellar Blue Ribbon stream, Rock Creek. It just doesn’t get any better. Local fly shops offer rental equipment, solid advice and excellent guide service. Our favorites are Missoulian Angler and Missoula Fly Fishing Outfitters! Check online for fishing reports and details about their services. 

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Local tango dancer AND fly fishing guru, Charles Harris, is happy to help you if you would like more detailed information. Please feel free to contact him at hmgharris@gmail.com. Tight Lines! Charlie looks forward to some great fishing and fun dancing!

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Possible Trip to Glacier

One of our festival attendees has taken it upon themselves to organize a potential trip to Glacier National Park. This trip would happen on Wednesday, before the festival begins. Please let us know if you are interested and stay tuned for more information. 

Other Fun Things to Do in Missoula

• Art Galleries - Missoula boasts many fine art galleries featuring art made by local and Native American artists. Visit the Missoula Art Museum at 335 N. Pattee Street, or the Dana Gallery 246 North Higgins. 

• ​Local Distilleries and Breweries - We make our own whiskey, vodka, gin, and beer in Montana! Visit the Montgomery Distillery at 129 W. Front Street or the Big Sky Brewing Company is at 5417 Trumpeter Way.

• ​Missoula's Farmers' Market - When the weather is warm, you can enjoy delicious fresh produce and local crafts and art in the beautiful fresh air. Saturday Mornings - Downtown Higgins Street.

• ​Museums - Montana has a fascinating history. We recommend the Historical Museum of Fort Missoula at 3400 Captain Rawn Way, or the Montana Natural History Center, at 120 Hickory Street.

• ​Gemstones & Fine Jewelry - Montana is home to some of the world's most beautiful sapphires. Check out the Sapphire Gallery on 115 E. Broadway.

• ​Best of all, take a ride on our Carousel. All the ponies have names! 101 Carousel Dr. in Caras Park just down the street from the festival venue.​​