32 American College Towns That Feel Like Stepping Back in Time
22. Missoula, Montana: A River Runs Through It

If there’s a college town that feels like it belongs in a novel, it’s Missoula, home to the University of Montana. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Missoula is a riverfront town with a laid-back, artsy vibe. Fly-fishing, hiking, and whitewater rafting are part of daily life here, thanks to the Clark Fork River and surrounding wilderness. The town is also a literary hub, with strong ties to writers like Norman Maclean and James Lee Burke. The historic Wilma Theater, indie bookstores, and an eclectic coffeehouse scene make Missoula a hidden gem for creatives, adventurers, and dreamers.