LOCAL AREA

The Elk Foundations Elk Country Visitor Center is a state-of-the-art wildlife conservation center in Missoula, Montana. It provides a vehicle for educating the public about wildlife, habitat management and conservation. The Visitor Center is open daily and has many fantastic interactive displays. Enjoy their outdoor walking trail as well as a gift shop featuring Elk Foundation clothing and merchandise, wildlife art and much more. Admission is always free.

Children of all ages in Montana know that one of the treasures of our state lay right within the city of Missoula on the river front in Caras Park. It's Missoula's Carousel, whose playful wooden horses prance gaily up and down to the festive music. The Carousel has the fastest speed of any Carousel in the United States so Hold On! Dragon Hollow located right next door is a magical playland for your energetic tykes.

The Smokejumper Visitor Center is the largest active smokejumper base in the nation. The Smokejumper Visitor Center is a unique opportunity to learn about this unusual, demanding and dramatic occupation. A tour of the facility is also available. Tours are available year round.

A walk through downtown Missoula offers more than just natural beauty. The architecture reminds us that culture and artistry made it out West as well. Art Galleries, unique shops, restaurants, clubs, and walking trails along the Clark Fork river. Summer brings many great events to Downtown like "Out to Lunch" every Wednesday, "Downtown tonight" Every Thursday evening, the "Roots Festival" in August and the "Farmer's Market" every Saturday morning. There is always something going on Downtown!

The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula was established in 1975 to collect and preserve the history of Missoula County, Fort Missoula, and the timber products industry in western Montana for the cultural enrichment of visitors and area residents. The Museum’s indoor galleries contain both long-term and temporary exhibits that address topics from the area’s early exploration to modern times.

The University of Montana is the state university located in Missoula, Montana. It was founded in 1893. It is spread across an area of 156 acres. Rolling Stone magazine has called the University the "Most scenic campus in America". Root for the home team! Griz Football is an integral part of the University. They have won or shared 11 of the last 16 Big Sky football championships since 1990, and won the I-AA national title in 1995 and 2001.

Snowbowl is Montana's premier ski area. With 2600 vertical feet and 950 acres of skiing terrain. However, this area is not just for skiiing! In the summer they open up for Folf, hiking, mountain biking and so much more. Ride the chairlifts just for fun. Enjoy the great outdoors just minutes from the city. Never again will you think Ski Resorts are just for winter.

With over 100 stores and more than 10,000 brands to choose from, Southgate Mall is a convenient one-stop shop for the latest styles, home wares, sports gear, kids clothes, appliances and more. Serving more than 7 million customers a year, people come from all over to enjoy this unique experience. Enjoy the local shops as well as the big name brands! While shopping, be sure to visit the Hallways to History galleries, an exhibition of 90 exclusive photos that capture a century of Missoula history.

With the major trailhead only 4.5 miles north of Missoula, the 61,000 acres of glaciated topography form Montana's premier urban wilderness, blending the best of both wilderness and civilization. Any outdoor recreation you can imagine is possible here. Don't forget to bring a map!

The Big "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125 feet long and 100 feet wide.The Trail to the 'M' is 3/4 of a mile and has been a Missoula landmark since 1908, when Forestry Club members forged a zigzag trail up the mountain and carried up whitewashed rocks to shape the symbol of the U of M. In 1968 all those rocks were cemented together with concrete. This is a great hike for all ages. This hike is the quintessential activity for any trip to Missoula!

MAM offers a spectacular attraction in the heart of the historic downtown: a fully accessible, free, public museum that boasts six exhibition spaces, a library, education center, and an inviting information lounge. Founded in 1975 and accredited by the AAM since 1987, MAM has always been a flagship in culturally savvy Missoula. The newly renovated and expanded museum opened on September 16, 2006 and boasts a state-of-the-art collection vault. Catch the "Art Walk" every first Friday!

From Broadway musicals and poignant comedies in our beautiful home theatre, to original childrens productions on gym floors and auditoriums around the world, MCT performances have delighted and amazed audiences for nearly four decades. Great theatre with great talent year round.

The 18,500 acre range was established in 1908 to support a population of American bison. It is home to about 350-500 bison. Other wildlife include elk, white-tail and mule deer,antelope, bighorn sheep,bear, coyote and over 200 species of birds. An easy 45 minute drive from Missoula, don't miss it.

Currents is the year-round indoor water park in McCormick Park and is home to Parks and Recreation headquarters and Headwaters, a state-of-art community room available for public use. The sun is always shining at Currents!

Welcome to Big Slide Country! Splash Montana Waterpark features three exciting three-story waterslides and a 50-meter lap pool. With family locker rooms, lounge chairs and sun shades, a children’s play area, and the Crazy Creek Cafe you will make Splash Montana your all-day destination. Open June through August