Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Montana Natural History Center
The Montana Natural History Center (120 Hickory St., 406/327-0405,
www.montananaturalist.org , 9am-5pm Tues.-Sat., noon-4pm Sun., $2 adults, $1 children
3-11, free for children under 3) is located one block south of McCormick Park. Originally
housed on the University of Montana's campus, the center was created by educators who
wanted to work with schools and the public to help nurture an understanding and appreci-
ation of nature. They offer workshops, including children's activities, as well as field trips
and evening lectures conducted by local scientists and naturalists. To see what is being
offered on specific dates, look under “Community Activities” on the website.
University of Montana
The University of Montana (32 Campus Dr., 406/243-0211, www.umt.edu ) was founded
in 1895 at the base of Mount Sentinel. To secure Missoula as the site of the state's uni-
versity, city leaders bribed state legislators with five gallons of whiskey, a case of beer, a
case of wine, and 350 cigars. Regardless of its shady beginnings, the university has flour-
ished into a well-respected liberal arts institution with a top-notch football team, a broad
interest in the performing arts, a well-known creative writing program, and an ability to
produce numerous Fulbright and Rhodes scholars each year.
The university has a fun campus to explore. University Center, on the east side of the
campus almost directly under the M on the hillside, is the hub of campus life. Wander in
to grab a bite at the food court, or peruse the well-stocked bookstore. To find out what lec-
tures, plays, concerts, or other entertainment is happening on campus, visit the website ( ht-
tp://events.umt.edu ) .
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Strengthening the view that hunters are often the most resolute conservationists, the visitors
center of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (5705 Grant St., 800/225-5355,
www.rmef.org , 8am-5pm Mon.-Fri., 10am-5pm Sat. Jan.-Apr., 8am-6pm Mon.-Fri.,
9am-6pm Sat.-Sun. May-Dec., free) has protected and enhanced millions of acres of wild-
life habitat across North America since its humble origins in 1984. The center does an im-
pressive job of putting the elk in the context of a wide range of wildlife and emphasizing the
importance of habitat conservation. Sure to be a favorite among hunters due to its wealth
of trophy mounts, the visitors center is like a natural history museum, and in addition to a
pleasant wooded walking trail on the property's 22 acres, there are some great kid-friendly
interactive exhibits and wildlife conservation films.
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