Downtown Missoula's rough boundaries are the Clark Fork River to its south, Madison St. to its east, the old U.S 93 highway/ North Orange St. to its west, and West Alder St. to its north, though parts south of the Clark Fork River are also at times mentioned.

Ole Bakke created and constructed the Wilma Building, the first steel-framed structure in Missoula (second in Montana) at its completion in 1921.Some significant events in the 20th century in Downtown Missoula included: Street cars being introduced in 1910 (but were replaced by buses in 1932).

Once completed it will provide a prime opportunity in close proximity to downtown with the advantages of open space, such as the new silver park and the Clark Fork river.

Silver park will also be a new addition to the site; it will be 14 acres with full accommodations such as a green space common area, shelters, playgrounds, artwork, a new parking lot, and a boat ramp for the Clark Fork river.

A local development firm has started construction on a 224-unit apartment complex, and the first unit is set to open by July 2013.

[7] A 19.5 million dollar project, the complex will occupy a vacant space on Russell street in close proximity to downtown Missoula.

Along with apartments for low- to medium-income housing, it will include commercial buildings at some point along Russell street.

Downtown Missoula is mostly flat except for parts of the Clark Fork River which there are some small slopes that is still easy terrain for anyone who wants to fish, swim, or do any other activities.

The University of Montana district is located just upstream of the Clark Fork River which makes downtown even more busy during the school's session(s)'.

The MDA formed in 1975 and has organized nearly every event that has met together in the downtown area for the past several decades.

The Caras Park Pavilion is located in the heart of Downtown Missoula on the Clark Fork River.

It is the Largest park in the district, and is adjacent to the Clark Fork River, so it is most occupied during the summer.