Lolo, MT is a small community of 6,000 people known for its historical significance and natural beauty.
Home to Travelers’ Rest State Park, where Lewis and Clark camped during their expedition, Lolo offers a blend of rich history and convenient access to outdoor recreation in the Bitterroot Valley.
This article explores Lolo’s history, population, location, weather, real estate, lodging, and local services..
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Lewis & Clark Put Lolo, MT on the Map
After spending some time at ‘Traveller’s Rest’ in the early fall of 1805, Lewis and Clark returned to what’s now Lolo, Montana in the summer of 1806.
Of all the places they could have returned to in their epic journey, they chose this location.
They needed a place to rest, to gather food, and to prepare their gear before exploring more of Montana.
Traveller’s Rest sign near Lolo, MT / US Forest Service
Some things never change as Lolo still serves as a perfect location for launching Montana adventures.
With the growing and eclectic community of Missoula to the north, and the endless recreational opportunities of the Bitterroot Valley to the south, Lolo offers the best of two worlds for residents and visitors.
Lolo, MT Map & Location
Lolo is in located in Missoula County, Montana.
The community is located in the northern reaches of the Bitterroot Valley.
Lolo is 8 miles south of Missoula, MT, the largest nearby city.
US 93 connects Lolo to Missoula, and Lolo to Florence.
US 12 connects Lolo to Lewiston, ID.
Lolo, MT Lodging
Lolo is a small community with some great lodging options in the area to choose from.
You’ll find many options within a short drive, including waterfront options along the Bitterroot River.
Visit our Bitterroot Valley Lodging pages to see all the unique lodging options in the Bitterroot Valley.
View overlooking Lolo, MT / Bitterroot Info
Lolo, MT Population
Lolo is a census-designated place (CDP) — In other words, Lolo is an unincorporated community.
The population estimate of the Lolo CDP was 4,314 in the 2024 US Census ACS survey.
This total includes residents living within a 9.7 square mile area surrounding Lolo town.
LOLO POPULATION — ZIP CODE VS TOWN
For a more realistic population of the Lolo area, we cite the population of the 59847 zip code that serves Lolo residents.
Our Bitterroot Valley population article reports the population of the Lolo zip code at 6,015 residents according to the US Census 2024 ACS estimate.
Lolo, MT Weather
Lolo, MT enjoys the same mild, pleasant weather found throughout the Bitterroot Valley.
But with 4 distinct seasons each year, the weather always seems to be changing.
Here’s the current weather and 5 day forecast for Lolo, MT.
Summers in Lolo are normally warm and pleasant with average daily highs in the 80’s.
Winters are usually cold and snowy with average daily highs only reaching into the low 30’s.
Occasionally, Lolo, MT weather can be extreme, with 20 below zero and 100 degree temperatures possible.
Check out our Bitterroot Valley weather page for additional information.
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Lolo, MT Real Estate
Lolo’s proximity to Missoula appeals to residents looking for small town living within commuting distance of a nearby city.
You’ll find residential developments, condo’s and townhomes, properties with acreage, and riverfront properties along the Bitterroot River.
Missoula’s growth extends into the Bitterroot Valley in Lolo, with a steady increase of new and modern homes constructed in recent years
As with the other Bitterroot Valley communities, home costs in Lolo have been dramatically increasing over the past several years.
If charts and graphs are your thing, then head over to our Lolo Real Estate Market Report article.
We provide 19 charts, graphs and indicators for the real estate market in Lolo that are all updated weekly.
For additional information and resources, check out our Real Estate in the Bitterroot Valley article.
Local Services in Lolo
Law enforcement is provided by the Missoula County Sheriff’s office.
Missoula Rural Fire District provides fire and EMS services.
Lolo School / Lolo School District 7
Lolo is home to Lolo School District 7. The District enrolls just over 500 students per year in grades K-8. Their team name is the “Lynx”.
The growing Missoula Public Library has a Lolo branch.
Several businesses, including retail, banking, health care, restaurants, gas and groceries are located in the Lolo community.
Lolo, MT Historical Timeline
Lewis and Clark camped at Travelers’ Rest from September 9 – 11, 1805 before their epic journey over Lolo Pass.
Lewis and Clark returned over Lolo Pass to Travelers’ Rest and camped from June 30th to July 3rd, 1806.
Travelers’ Rest State Park Visitor Center / Bitterroot Info
Travelers’ Rest was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
US Highway 12 connecting Lolo to Lewiston, ID was completed in 1962.
Travelers’ Rest State Park was opened to the public in 2002.
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Points of Interest in Lolo
Travelers’ Rest State Park is the only archaeologically verified campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Travelers’ Rest Connection has a unique partnership with Montana State Parks to provide tours, events, field trips and storytelling at Travelers’ Rest State Park.
Lolo Hot Springs is a popular destination with indoor and outdoor hot springs.
Lolo Peak Brewing Company / Bitterroot Info
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is another popular outdoor hot springs and walking trail.
Lolo National Forest offers 2 million acres of pristine public land for endless outdoor recreation.
The Holt Museum displays a collection of artifacts and stories that capture the essence of the old west.
That’s a Good Question
4,314 residents live in the town of Lolo. An estimated 6,015 residents live in the 59847 zip code.
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