If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to spend a day, consider a trip to Missoula, Montana. Located in western Montana, this city has a rich history and plenty of outdoor recreation to offer. From hiking the Lolo National Forest to riding the Carousel for Missoula, there are lots of ways to have a good time in this beautiful state.
Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is a historical institution that collects and displays the history of Missoula County. Its collection is over 25,000 objects. As the museum’s mission is to educate and inform visitors, it offers a variety of programs, including lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on workshops.
In addition to the museum, the fort also contains a number of historic buildings, including a depot, a church, and a schoolhouse. A number of interpretive displays, such as a iris garden, help visitors understand how local residents lived and worked. These exhibits are open year-round.
Visitors can take guided tours of the fort. There are also four indoor galleries with changing exhibits. The museum’s website has information on upcoming events and programs.
The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is located on 32 acres in the heart of historic Fort Missoula. It has a large collection of artifacts, exhibits, and a number of special events. One of the core areas of interpretation at the museum is the timber products industry in Western Montana.
The museum’s most popular exhibit is its iris garden, which features more than a thousand flowers. Another of the museum’s most interesting exhibits is a “smart” interactive display that explains how trees grow.
The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula also offers a number of education programs and other activities, such as tours of the fort, guided tours of the nearby Fort Monroe, and a variety of family-friendly events. For information on upcoming events, please contact the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula at 406-522-2368 or visit their website. The website has a listing of all of their special programs and activities.
Of course, the most important point to make is that the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is able to provide a rich and enjoyable experience to the entire community. Through its education programs and events, the museum helps keep the history of Missoula alive and well.
Carousel for Missoula
The Carousel for Missoula is a community project built by volunteers. It is located in downtown Caras Park near the Clark Fork River. This hand-carved carousel features 38 permanent ponies and 14 gargoyles.
Each pony has a unique story. Henry Bugbee’s Montana Appaloosa is characterized by a red handmark on its rump. Columbia Belle is the most colorful of the lot with her golden hooves, rainbow sashes and an American flag under her saddle. There are also ebony ponies with gilded roses, such as the Midnight Rose.
It is a wonderful place for kids to have their birthday parties. You can rent the carousel for your own private event. During public hours, rides are $0.75 for children and $2.25 for adults.
A Carousel for Missoula is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. From June through August, the carousel operates from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. During holidays and special events, the carousel is available for free rides.
Its building is constructed from wood, metal and concrete components. A self-taught architect, Jerry Stone, designed the building. Head carver John Thompson worked with his team.
The Missoula Carousel is one of the few full hand-carved carousels to be constructed in the United States after the Great Depression. Many European and immigrant carpenters brought their fine craftsmanship to the country.
In the early 1990s, Chuck Kaparich, a local cabinet maker, proposed to build a carousel for Missoula. The city council agreed and Kaparich started work on the project.
At the time, there were two chariots, two racing chariots, and 38 ponies. A carousel museum was established to explain the origins of the carousel.
Clark Fork Riverfront Trail
The Clark Fork Riverfront Trail in Missoula, Montana offers great river views and easy access to downtown. This trail is part of a larger system that connects neighborhoods throughout the city. It is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors.
This trail is a popular spot for locals and visitors to enjoy a stroll and stretch their legs. Visitors can also enjoy a beer or cup of coffee from the Wood Fire Pizza Café, which features St. Louis-style recipes and a range of beers and wine.
A walk along the riverfront is a wonderful way to relax and unwind. Whether you are taking a stroll after a meal or just enjoying the scenery, this is a great place to spend some time. You can also take a dip in the water or kayak the river.
Several trails are located in the Clark Fork Natural Area. These include the Kim Williams Trail, which is easily accessible from downtown. The trail is a flat, wide path that is perfect for walking or hiking.
The Northside Trail follows the north bank of the Clark Fork River through Bess Reed Park, Kiwanis Park, and Caras Park. There are many opportunities to explore the park’s history and learn about its conservation.
Visitors to the Clark Fork will find several bridges and timber structure bridges, which offer safe and accessible access to the river channel. Many people enjoy fishing or swimming at the Clark Fork.
The Clark Fork River is a large, important component of the community’s identity. The river provides essential habitat and plays an important role in water recreation. Whitewater rafting is a popular activity in the Clark Fork area.
Lolo National Forest
The Lolo National Forest is the largest federal land management entity in Montana. As of July, 1969, the Lolo absorbed administrative areas from the former Cabinet, Kaniksu and Coeur d’Alene National Forests. In addition, it acquired 2900 acres of upper O’Brien Creek Watershed in 1995. This land is used to support waterfowl and other wildlife. It also serves as an important staging area for the annual Great Falls Horse Show.
The Savenac Nursery was the brainchild of Elers Koch, who was forest supervisor of both the Lolo and Bitterroot National Forests. His accomplishments included the creation of the first ever seen-area map, the first official board of reviews and the first formal training for wildland firefighters. He also pioneered early white pine silvaculture and authored the first book on the subject.
The most notable function of the nursery was the supply of tree seedlings for Region One. During the late 1950s, the site provided a significant amount of the Forest Service’s tree growth needs. In the mid 1970s, the trees were moved to the Aerial Fire Depot in Missoula, where they still contribute to the Nursery’s overall health. Several decades later, the site was purchased in a land trade from Owens & Hurst, Inc. and converted to an environmental education center for the region’s schools.
A recent incarnation of the nursery was founded in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Despite the move, the facility’s legacy is still felt in the form of an Arboretum, a horticultural oasis occupying a mere one and a half acres of former Savenac lands. Using a blend of science, art and technology, the Arboretum is now a model for regional sustainability.
Mount Sentinel
Mount Sentinel is a popular hike in Missoula, Montana. The trail has a steep climb with stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. It’s also an ideal place to take photos.
There are several routes up Mount Sentinel. You can do a short hike up the ‘M’ trail or a strenuous climb to the top.
Whether you choose a short or long trail, it’s a great place for a family outing. Mount Sentinel is a great place to see the city and the University of Montana.
It’s also a great place to see wildlife, especially black bears. The mountain’s forests are made up of Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, which provide habitat for a variety of birds.
In 1908, the Forestry Club members forged a zigzag trail up Mount Sentinel. After a wooden letter fell off the mountain in 1915, students carried up stones to shape a new symbol.
Today, the “M” stands 620 feet tall on the western face of the mountain. This makes it a landmark of Missoula, Montana.
If you’re in the mood for an off-road adventure, you can also visit the Hellgate Ridgeline Trail. The trail is windy at the top and is steep. Some spots can be a little slick.
For those who prefer a gentler trek, you can follow the Sentinel Summit trail, which sweeps around the south side of the mountain. It starts with a long switchback and ends at the summit.
The University of Montana’s campus is located just behind the Mount Sentinel Trail. The university is home to 500 acres of Mt Sentinel and manages the trail for natural area values. A University parking pass is required.