A bedroom community with a view
Even Lewis & Clark Wanted to Come Back
After spending some time at ‘Travelers’ Rest’ in the early fall of 1805, Lewis and Clark returned to what’s now Lolo, MT 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.
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.
We bet that you’ll want to come back too.
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Lolo, MT Location
Lolo is in located in Missoula County, Montana.
The community is located in the northern reaches of the Bitterroot Valley, just 8 miles south of Missoula.
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.
Lolo Population
Lolo is officially a Census Designated Place (CDP). In other words, Lolo is an unincorporated community.
According to Wikipedia, the population of Lolo was 4,399 in the 2020 Census.
This total includes residents living within a 9.7 square mile area surrounding Lolo town.
Our Bitterroot Valley population article reports 6,601 residents living in the Lolo community according to the US Census Bureau 2022 ACS Survey.
This estimate includes everyone living within the 59847 Zip Code that serves Lolo residents.
Lolo, MT Weather
Here’s the current weather and 5 day forecast for Lolo, MT.
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.
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.
Local Services in Lolo
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”.
Missoula Rural Fire District provides fire and EMS services.
Law enforcement is provided by the Missoula County Sheriff’s office.
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 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 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.
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.
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
4,399 residents live in the town of Lolo. An estimated 6,601 residents live in the 59847 Zip Code.
406
59847
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