I visited here as a part of the Missoula Marathon. The race expo was held under the pavilion, and the finish area centered around the park. Even under the shade of the pavilion, it was like a wood oven. Plenty of free parking, though.
Rented a bike from the holiday hotel (all proceeds go to charity) and rode the river walk stopping at this park to rest and enjoy the river view. Kids playing near by. Safe, friendly park for all ages. Lots of seating-some people were playing checkers and other hacky sack game. Lots of squirrels to watch running about
My wife and I had a few hours to kill so we headed to Caras Park about 7pm on a Thursday Night. There was a live band, beer tent and roughly 10-12 food vendors at the park. The place was absolutely packed! The best part about the entire evening was the people watching! We watched some girl doing strange hula hooping, another girl doing some sort of circus act along with some guys "surfing" in the white water of the River! The place was full of beer, food, families, dogs and we even saw a few cats! I highly recommend a trip here if your alternative is just sitting in your hotel room.
Missoula has done an amazing job making Caras park a no brainer stop for families. As a family we loved the playground, carousel, and the walking/bike trail. It also is close to the children museum and many great downtown restaurants.
Caras Park has become a main gathering point for Missoula. Wednesdays offers great lunch trucks and a fun festival atmosphere, as does Thursday nights. Great food trucks, live music, great access to Brennan's Wave on the Clark Fork, a large farmer's market on Saturday mornings, and a post race pavillion for the Missoula Marathon/Half. Love this place!
Caras park was just across the bridge accessible by the walking trail along the river. It was a perfect venue for the wedding we attended there.
lots to see and do, the river is close, watching all the people wander through the market, there's a little of everything for everyone!
Caras Park has been a part of Missoula since I can remember. My wife and I moved here back in 1997 and remember it well for it is a place one can go in spring, summer, and fall, to eat wonderful foods that are made available throughout the warmer seasons as well as entertainment in the form of music etc. It is a great venue for families as it also has a wonderful Merry-Go-Round that is an attraction in and of itself. Caras Park is located along the sores of the Clark Fork River which meanders through Missoula on its way to the coast. You will always find someone to talk with, music to listen to, and food in abundance at Caras Park. If you are new to Missoula, there are many papers that will acquaint you with the various attractions available to the public.If you are looking for some fun that is outdoors and for the whole family, you will not be disappointed with a visit to Caras Park. By the way, at lunchtime throughout the summer, there are wonderful restaurants in the area that set up outside at Caras Park so everyone can enjoy their summer days while being outside having lunch along the river.
great for an event, wander to the Carousel, watch the surfers/kayakers at Brennan's Wave, people watch, walk the river trail, sit on the hill watching the hang gliders jump off Mt. Sentinal...what's there not to like about Caras park? oh ya, occassional homeless people but not bothersome
Great place for children. Take your kiddies to one of the only wood carved carousels in the world. Fun and cheap.