Newcomers 2021 Spring by Missoulian

Newcomers’ Guide Missoula 2021

Your guide to Life in the garden City

Missoula.com/newcomers

Frank D’Angelo, CFP®, CWS®

Ray Round, CFP®, CWS®

Cynthia Fritch, CFP®, CPFA, CWS®

Jim Benson, CFP®, CWS®

Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Branch Manager

Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor

Tim Kato, CWS®

John Passuccio, CFP®, CWS®

Brad Cederberg, CFP®, CWS®

Sydney Carlino, CFP®, CWS®

Wes Golie AIF®, CFP®

Vice President, Financial Advisor

Mark Nicholson,

Morgan Eichwald, CFP®, CWS®

Vonda Sundt,

Associate Vice President, Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

Marla Cassidy, CWP, FPQPTM

Sarah Foley, FPQPTM

Registered Client Associate

Bruce Madsen, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor

Associate Vice President, Supervisory Branch Operations Manager

Julie Passuccio, CWP, FPQPTM

Laurel Kato, CWP, FPQPTM

Senior Registered Associate

Megan Ingersoll,

Mary Lou Hankel,

Carter Miller,

Registered Client Associate

Cashier, Receptionist

Staff Aide

283 West Front St., Suite 101 | (406) 543-8244 | (800) 332-1615 | dadavidson.com | D.A. Davidson & Co. member SIPC

LYNN STENERSON NMLS ID #707851

CAROL HOLMAN NMLS ID #478584

TERESA MORRISON NMLS ID #707806

BECKY PEDERSON NMLS ID #1115389

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Newcomers’ Guide Missoula 2021

Welcome!

Table of Contents

Savings

Lake Missoula.........................................................................................6 Transportation.........................................................................................8

Checking

Where to work.......................................................................................10 Local Government.................................................................................12

Loans

Local resources......................................................................................14 Media ...................................................................................................15

406.728.4475 | parksidefcu.com

Utilities..................................................................................................16 Neighborhoods......................................................................................18 Schools..................................................................................................28

We like to say YES.

Health care............................................................................................38 Older adults...........................................................................................42 Moving..................................................................................................44 Pets

...................................................................................................46

Worship.................................................................................................46 Missoula in photos................................................................................48 Brewing.................................................................................................54 Newcomers’ guide to arts.....................................................................56

Publisher Jim Strauss Project Manager Toni LeBlanc Text David Erickson, Rachel Crisp Philips, Jim Van Nostrand, Cory Walsh

Missoula’s Full Service Environmentally Friendly Dry Cleaners & Drop-off Laundry

atus

Layout Tyler Wilson Missoula.com/Newcomers Newcomers’ Guide to Missoula is a special publication of Lee Enterprises and the Missoulian. Copyright 2021. For advertising information contact Toni LeBlanc 406-523-5242

Cover photo by Ben Allan Smith

146 Woodford, Missoula • 728-1948 960 E. Broadway, Missoula • 728-1919 4

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

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The Missoula valley seen from Blue Mountain.

Tom Bauer, Missoulian

Diving deep

(underwater)

into Missoula history By Jim Van Nostrand One of the interesting aspects of moving to a new community is learning its history, including the ancient geologic kind. To me, and to many others, one of the more startling facts about Missoula is that it sits at the bottom of what was once a giant Ice Age lake. Not just any lake, either, but a destructive force. Catastrophic floods from Glacial Lake Missoula tore across what is now Idaho, Washington and Oregon more than 12,000 years ago, transforming the landscape. I’m a native of eastern Washington and went to high school in Coulee Dam. I grew up wondering with amazement at the sheer

elemental forces that carved the grand coulee, the surrounding scablands and the bed of the Columbia River. Dry Falls was scoured by a waterfall seven times the size of Niagara. The floodwaters ran with a force equal to 60 times that of the present-day Amazon River. Car-sized boulders embedded in ice floated 500 miles toward the Pacific Ocean and are still visible, dumped in the oddest of places. The lake was formed by the Cordilleran Ice Sheet, which formed an ice dam more than 2,000 feet tall, blocking the Clark Fork River downstream of what is now Missoula. Over the course of a millennia the lake — the size of lakes Erie and Ontario combined, also covering many of the surrounding valleys of western

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

Montana — periodically broke through the ice dam, filling and emptying more than 50 times.

Visual evidence

Don Hyndman, professor emeritus of geosciences at the University of Montana, says the visual evidence is all around us, if you know where to look. The most obvious clues are the ancient shorelines etched high up on Mount Sentinel (the one with the “M”) and Mount Jumbo (the one with the “L”). They are especially visible when the snow starts melting in late winter. There are also the roadcuts just east of the Interstate 90 bridge across the Clark Fork at Ninemile, west of Missoula, where you can see layers of sediments deposited by the floods. And the giant ripples in the valley

floor of Camas Prairie, west of Flathead Lake northwest of Missoula. Hyndman co-authored a book with Robert C. Thomas called “Roadside Geology of Montana,” the second edition of which was published last year. It’s packed with photos, maps and graphics of how landscapes across the state were formed, making it a useful travel accessory for your vehicle. Another good resource is the book “Glacial Lake Missoula and its Humongous Floods,” by former UM geology professor David Alt, who studied the subject from the 1960s until his death in 2015. It’s written for non-scientists, and asks and answers many questions an inquiring mind would like to know. Both guides are available at local bookstores.

Learn more! The Montana Natural History Center at 120 Hickory Street in Missoula has a permanent exhibit, including a video overview, dedicated to the glacial lake. It’s open by appointment Wednesdays and Sundays due to the pandemic, but the staff hopes to reopen in full sometime this summer. Call 406-327-0405 or go to montananaturalist.org for hours and more information.

A family in the Glacial Lake Missoula exhibit at the Montana Natural History Center. Courtesy Photo There’s also a local group called the Glacial Lake Missoula chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute. They host occasional “Cabin Fever” lectures on the floods — Hyndman was a recent speaker. They also organize annual field trips open to the public. They have a Facebook page

(@GlacialLakeMissoula) and a new, improved website at glaciallakemissoula.org. Jim Van Nostrand is executive editor of the Missoulian. Reach him at jimvan@missoulian. com. N

If you want the Missoula Valley to be your home, call us. It’s our home, too. You’ll likely bump into our agents in the grocery store, at the gas pump, or at the Griz game. You see, we live, work and play in the Missoula area. Our agents are vested in this community and know it like no one else.

Call us today for your free personalized relocation package.

(406) 541-6550 • 2800 S. RESERVE ST. • WINDERMEREMISSOULA.COM Missoula.com/newcomers

Transportation Getting around

Arthur Mouratidis, for the Missoulian

With countless activities around the Missoula valley, quality transportation is a crucial component of the local infrastructure. Wherever you want to go, here’s how to get there. Bicycle Commuting/Trails As one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in the state, Missoula boasts 22 miles of trails spanning over 400 acres of parkland and nearly 5,000 acres of conserved open space in Missoula. For lengthy jaunts, the impressive Bitterroot Trail is a paved path that runs 51 miles from Missoula to Hamilton. Within the city, the Riverfront Trail provides access throughout town along the scenic Clark Fork River. Bikes, skateboards, and even kayaks are popular forms of alternative transportation.

Bus Service There are many ways to get around your new city that let you leave the car at home. One great option is Mountain Line, Missoula’s community bus service, which operates 12 fixed routes and a robust Paratransit service in and around Missoula’s top residential and shopping areas six days a week. And here’s the best part: they’re Zero-Fare! Thanks to contributions from local organizations and businesses, all Mountain Line services are completely free. All you need to do is hop on and enjoy the ride. Mountain Line’s popular Bolt! Routes 1 and 2 operate on a highfrequency 15-minute schedule every weekday

and serve Missoula’s busiest neighborhoods, from the University of Montana, Southgate Mall and Reserve Street, to Downtown. Ten other routes can connect you to even more locations across the city and Mountain Line’s mobile app makes it easy to track buses in real time on your smartphone. Every bus features a bike rack that can hold up to three bicycles, so you can bike and bus in perfect harmony and extend your trip almost anywhere. Mountain Line benefits Missoula and helps create a quality community for all. So leave your car at home and come see how comfortable and convenient your commute can be by taking a Zero-Fare ride on Mountain Line. For more information, visit www.mountainline.com. Provided by Mountain Line Transportation.

Taxi/Ride-sharing Service

When a bus is too bulky for your journey, there’s always the option to call a cab. Yellow Cab Inc. of Missoula is a classic choice, and Missoula Green Taxi offers an environmentallyfriendlier option. Alternatively, ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft are available.

Car Rental

For more private transportation, car rental companies are another travel option. Missoula

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

has offices for Alamo Rent A Car, Avis Rent A Car, Budget Car Rental, Dollar Rent A Car, Enterprise Rent A Car, Hertz Rent A Car, National Car Rental, and Thrifty Car Rental.

Flights Perhaps your journey calls for a ride through the skies? The Missoula International Airport provides service from Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines. Work on a new passenger terminal and expansion is expected to be completed in 2022, as the airport has seen a 98% increase in passenger traffic over the past two decades. For non-stop travel, the airport currently features direct flights to 16 cities across the U.S.

Charters For a secluded flight, air charter services are available from Neptune Aviation Charter, Northstar Jet, Minuteman Aviation, and Monarch Air Group. For large groups travelling by road, charter bus services can be booked with Beach Transportation, Prompt Charters, and US Coachways. N

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The ATG-Cognizant offices in Missoula's Old Sawmill District housed most of the company's nearly 200 employees in Montana in 2019. The company is building a new facility to accomodate employees. TOM BAUER, Missoulian

Where to work: Tech jobs in Missoula

DAVID ERICKSON david.erickson@missoulian.com Missoula has a thriving high-tech with a diverse array of companies applicants of all backgrounds. Whether you’re interested in engineering or digital marketing or

industry, that hire software mapping

technology, the Garden City has become a hot spot in Montana for those seeking to land wellpaying jobs. “The job market in Missoula did take a big hit early on in the pandemic, but now it seems to be rebounding,” explained Christina Quick Henderson, the executive director of the Montana High Tech Business Alliance, an

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

organization headquartered in Missoula. “A number of the businesses we saw that had to cut jobs when they abruptly lost revenues in the beginning of the pandemic have pivoted and have been able to pick up and rehire. In that sense the job market is good.” Other companies just sailed right along through the pandemic, Quick Henderson noted.

“Some companies have done well all along and never really had to make job cuts,” she said. “They’re really going full steam ahead and those companies have been continuously posting jobs and their products have been in demand.” There’s Submittable, a submission management software company located in the historic Florence building in downtown Missoula. They’re often hiring positions like software testers, marketing operations and analytics managers and outbound sales representatives. Cognizant Advanced Technology Group is a fast-growing company that recently broke ground on a new building that could accommodate 350 more employees than the roughly 200 it already has. The company manages complex revenue and customer interaction processes for companies all over the world. The company started the All-In Missoula program, a partnership with Missoula College and the University of Montana, which is focused on “preparing Montana-based college graduates for technology consulting roles, and has contributed significantly to the Cognizant ATG’s expansion this past year,” said Cognizant corporate communications manager

Becky McKelvey. By early 2021, Cognizant ATG had hired 75 graduates of the program since its start in 2019. The Missoula Solutions Center is led by Tom Stergios, the senior vice president of strategy and corporate development at Cognizant ATG. He’s also a longtime Missoulian and knows the value of hiring University of Montana graduates or people who want to live and work in Missoula. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to grow Cognizant ATG here in Missoula,” Stergios told the Missoulian. Another fast-growing company is onX, a mapping-technology company founded in Missoula that has now expanded to Bozeman as well. They recently launched onX Backcountry, a mobile app that allows users to see land ownership and terrain contours, among other things. “In 2020, onX saw growth across its user base, as folks turned to the outdoors in increasing numbers last year,” said senior communications manager Molly Stoecklein. “In fact, from March through May of last year, we saw three times the growth than in years past. That timing may correlate with lockdowns across the U.S.” Lumenad, a digital advertising company

in Missoula, is almost always hiring such positions as analysts and product managers. Blackfoot Communications in Missoula was named one of the top 25 tech employers in Montana in 2018 by the Montana High Tech Business Alliance. The firm is hiring in Missoula for an IT tech apprentice and a customer care consultant. For those interested in a career in bioscience technology, Missoula-based Inimmune announced in 2020 that they had secured $22 million in venture capital, the largest Series A investment in Montana history. President and CEO Jay Evans is also the director for the Center for Translational Medicine at the University of Montana. “The Center gives us a great training opportunity for students,” Evans told the Montana High Tech Business Alliance. “We hire a lot of undergraduates in our labs at the University and a lot of our new hires at Inimmune come from our staff there, and then we backfill it and hire more students, and graduate students, and post-docs to fill those positions. We’re our own recruiting agency by having such a strong connection with University.” N

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Local government leaders Missoula State Legislators STATE SENATORS Bryce Bennett - Democrat bennettformontana@gmail.com Senate District 50 (406) 546-3629 Ellie Boldman - Democrat EllieMarieBoldman@gmail.com Senate District 45 (406) 218-9608 Shane Morigeau - Democrat Senate District 48 shane@shaneformt.com (406) 546-4290 Shannon O’Brien - Democrat Senate District 46 obriendumke@gmail.com (406) 274-3805 Dan Salomon - Republican Senate District 47 dan.salomon@mtleg.gov (406) 253-9724 Diane Sands - Democrat Senate District 49 SenatorSands@gmail.com (406) 251-2001

STATE REPRESENTATIVES Willis Curdy - Democrat House District 98 Willis.Curdy@mtleg.gov (406) 546-0523 Tom France - Democrat House District 94 Tom.France@mtleg.gov (406) 396-5085 Mike Hopkins - Republican House District 92 Mike.Hopkins@mtleg.gov (406) 531-1775 Connie Keogh - Democrat House District 91 Connie.Keogh@mtleg.gov (406) 298-0985

Marilyn Marler - Democrat House District 90 Marilyn.Marler@mtleg.gov (406) 544-7189 Andrea Olsen - Democrat House District 100 Andrea.Olsen@mtleg.gov (406) 543-2666 Katie Sullivan - Democrat House District 89 Katie.Sullivan@mtleg.gov (406) 616-3914 Danny Tenenbaum - Democrat House District 95 drtenenbaum@gmail.com (406) 285-1460 Mark Thane - Democrat House District 99 thanehd99@gmail.com (406) 552-3957 Brad Tschida - Republican House District 97 Brad.Tschida@mtleg.gov (406) 546-4349 Kathy Whitman - Republican House District 96 Kathy.Whitman@mtleg.gov (406) 207-4709

Missoula City Officials

Ward 2 Mirtha Becerra mbecerra@ci.missoula.mt.us (406) 546-7900 Jordan Hess jhess@ci.missoula.mt.us (406) 552-4050 Ward 3

Mayor John Engen mayor@ci.missoula.mt.us (406) 552-6001

Heather Harp hharp@ci.missoula.mt.us (406) 550-0786

Ward 1

Gwen Jones gjones@ci.missoula.mt.us (406) 549-3295

Bryan von Lossberg bvonlossberg@ci.missoula.mt.us (406) 285-1857 Heidi West hwest@ci.missoula.mt.us (406) 747-9158

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

Ward 4 Jesse Ramos jramos@ci.missoula.mt.us (406) 334-0785

Amber Sherrill sherrilla@ci.missoula.mt.us (406) 531-7052 Ward 5 Stacie Anderson sanderson@ci.missoula.mt.us (406) 282-4662 John Contos contosj@ci.missoula.mt.us (406) 370-4869 Ward 6 Julie Merritt jmerritt@ci.missoula.mt.us (406) 207-23584 Sandra Vasecka vaseckas@ci.missoula.mt.us (406) 529-3851

Missoula County Officials County Commissioners Josh Slotnick Commissioner District #3 jslotnick@missoulacounty.us (406) 258-3202

David Strohmaier, Chair Commissioner District #2 dstrohmaier@missoulacounty.us (406) 258-3204 Juanita Vero Commissioner District #1 jvero@missoulacounty.us (406) 258-4877

Clerk & Recorder / Treasurer

Tyler Gernant tgernant@missoulacounty.us (406) 258-4847

County Auditor

David Wall dwall@missoulacounty.us (406) 258-3526

County Attorney

Kirsten Pabst kpabst@missoulacounty.us (406) 258-4737

Clerk of District Court

Shirley Faust clerkofcourt@missoulacounty.us (406) 258-4780

Elections Administrator Bradley Seaman bseaman@missoulacounty.us (406) 258-4751

Sheriﬀ

T.J. McDermott tjmcdermott@co.missoula.mt.us (406) 258-4810

Superintendent of Schools

Erin Lipkind elipkind@missoulacounty.us (406) 258-4860

Justices of the Peace

Alex Beal, Dept. 1 Landee N. Holloway, Dept. 2 jpinfo@missoulacounty.us (406) 258-3470

PUBLIC MEETINGS Board of Missoula County Commissioners Public Meeting Second and fourth Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. Sophie Moiese Room of the Courthouse Annex, 200 W Broadway Routine Administrative Meetings Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week at 10 a.m. Conference Room 206 of the Administration Building, 199 W Pine St. Community & Planning Services Department updates Second and fourth Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Room 206 of the Administration Building, 199 W Pine St. City Council Public Meeting First four Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. City Council Chambers, 140 W Pine St. see https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1226/Meeting-Schedule for date exceptions * Due to COVID-19, at this time the City Council is meeting virtually. Citizens may watch City Council meetings at www. ci.Missoula.mt.us/webcasts or on Cable TV Channel 190. Missoula County Public Schools Board of Trustees Regular Monthly MeetingsSecond and fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. The boardroom of Administration Building A, 909 South Ave. West * Check the Public Meetings Calendar at mcpsmt.org for periodic location changes.

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Local Resources ARTS

FINANCE

Missoula Public Library missoulapubliclibrary.org (406) 721-2665

US Social Security Administration ssa.gov (800) 931-9029

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Hotline samhsa.gov (800) 662-HELP (4357)

Zootown Arts Community Center zootownarts.org (406) 549-7555

US Internal Revenue Service irs.gov (406) 728-9127

Suicide Help Line suicidepreventionlifeline.org (800) 273-8255

BUSINESS

HEALTH

WIC (Women, Infant, Children) missoulacounty.us (406) 258-4740

ARTS Missoula artsmissoula.org (406) 541-0860

Downtown Missoula Partnership missouladowntown.com (406) 543-4238 Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce missoulachamber.com (406) 543-6623 Missoula Building Industry Association buildmissoula.com (406) 543-4423 Missoula Economic Partnership missoulapartnership.com (406) 541-6461 MoFi mofi.org (844) 728-9234 Montana 2-1-1 montana211.org 2-1-1 Montana World Trade Center mwtc.org (406) 243-6982

EDUCATION

Child Care Resources childcareresources.org (406) 728-6446 Missoula County Public Schools mcpsmt.org (406) 728-2400

EMPLOYMENT

Missoula Job Service montanaworks.gov (406) 728-7060

Montana Department of Revenue mtrevenue.gov (406) 444-6900

Alcoholics Anonymous for the Missoula Area aa-montana.org (833) 800-8553 American Red Cross redcross.org (800) 733-2767 Missoula Aging Services missoulaagingservices.org (406) 728-7682 Missoula City and County Health Department co.missoula.mt.us/healthservices (406) 258-4750 Missoula Family YMCA ymcamissoula.org (406) 721-9622

Planned Parenthood plannedparenthood.org (406) 728-5490

HOUSING / REAL ESTATE Homeword homeword.org (406) 532-4663

Human Resource Council humanresourcecouncil.org (406) 728-3710 Missoula Housing Authority missoulahousing.org (406) 549-4113 Missoula Organization of Realtors missoularealestate.com (406) 728-0560

LEGAL

Missoula Food Bank missoulafoodbank.org (406) 549-0543

ASUM Legal Services umt.edu/asum/asum_agencies/New_ Legal_Services (406) 243-6213

Montana Poison Control mtpoisoncenter.org (800) 222-1222

Crime Victim Advocate Program missoula911.com (406) 258-3830

Nurse on Call (Community Medical Center) communitymed.org (406) 327-4770

Missoula Police Department ci.missoula.mt.us/332/PoliceDepartment (406) 552-6300 Emergency: 911

Office of Public Assistance dphhs.mt.gov (406) 329-1200 Partnership Health Center partnershiphealthcenter.com (406) 258-4789

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

Montana Legal Services Association MontanaLawHelp.org (800) 666-6899 Self-Help Law Center courts.mt.gov/selfhelp/west-region (406) 258-3428

Media NEWSPAPER Missoulian (daily) missoulian.com (406) 523-5200 1-800-366-7102

TELEVISION STATIONS ABC Fox Montana (KTMF) montanarightnow.com/missoula (406) 542-8900 CBS Montana (KPAX-TV) kpax.com (406) 542-4400 Missoula Community Access Television (MCAT) mcat.org (406) 213-9478 Montana PBS (KUFM-TV) montanapbs.org (866) 832-0829

NBC Montana (KECI-TV) nbcmontana.com (406) 721-2063

RADIO STATIONS Cherry Creek Media 93.3 KGGL Eagle Country, 98.7 & 96.9 KHKM Max, 100.1 KZOQ, 106.7 KXDR Now, 92.7/1450 KGRZ Sports cherrycreekmedia.com (406) 728-5000 KBGA College Radio 89.9 KBGA kbga.org (406) 243-6758 Missoula Broadcasting Company 103.3 KDTR The Trail, 102.9 ESPN, 105.9 KYJK Jack FM, 104.5 KKVU The U missoulabroadcastingcompany.com (406) 721-6800

Montana Public Radio 89.1 & 91.5 KUFM mtpr.org (406) 243-4931 Mountain Broadcasting Co. 102.5 The Mountain, 103.7 The Drive mountain1025.com (406) 542-1025 Western Rockies Radio, Inc. 97.9 & 107.1 KTXT The Ranch kdxttheranch.com (406) 541-1071 TownSquare Media 96.3 KBAZ The Blaze, 94.9 KYSS, Alt 101.5, 99.7/930 KMPT, 1240 KLVQ, 98.3/1290 KGVO, 107.5 Zoo FM townsquaremedia.com (406) 728-9300

Republic ® Services

Utilities ELECTRICITY / GAS / PROPANE

All your recycling and waste needs, handled by one provider.

AmeriGas amerigas.com (406) 721-2300 Energy Partners Propane energypartnerspropane.com (406) 541-6800 Missoula Electric Cooperative missoulaelectric.com (406) 541-4433

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

Centric Internet Services centric.net (406) 549-3337 CenturyLink centurylink.com (800) 244-1111 Cricket Wireless cricketwireless.com (406) 540-4430

WATER

DirecTV directv.com (855) 802-3473

COMMUNICATIONS

Cellular Plus cellularplus.com (406) 829-1410

NorthWestern Energy northwesternenergy.com (888) 467-2669

Missoula Water ci.missoula.mt.us/water (406) 552-6700

Blackfoot Communications blackfoot.com (866) 541-5000

AT&T att.com (406) 830-3313

Dish Network dish.com (844) 221-2521 Internet Connect internetconnect.us (406) 552-0002

You’re a few clicks away. Missoula Valley Internet Co-Op althea.net/missoula (406) 534-0040 Montana Phone montanaphone.com (406) 532-1640 Nationwide Wireless nationwidemt.com (406) 830-3394 Spectrum spectrum.com (855) 243-8892 T-Mobile t-mobile.com (406) 493-0184 Viasat viasat.com (855) 463-9333 Verizon verizon.com (800) 922-0204

GARBAGE / RECYCLING Axmen Recycling axmenrecycling.com (406) 543-1905

Garden City Recycling gardencityrecycling.com (406) 493-1528 Grizzly Disposal and Recycling grizzlydisposal.com (406) 541-7171 Missoula Compost Collection missoulapostcollectionllc. com (406) 370-5876 Pacific Steel & Recycling pacific-steel.com/recycling (406) 543-7280

Start, stop or transfer service right from our website with a My Energy Account. Visit NorthWesternEnergy.com to get signed up now.

With a My Energy Account: • Access your account 24/7 • Track your energy use • Sign up for paperless billing • Sign up for EZ Pay • Make a one-time payment • Report a power outage Tricia D. Customer Care Lead

Recycling Works recyclingworksmt.com (406) 215-4650 Republic Services republicservices.com (406) 543-3157 Soil Cycle Compost Services soilcyclemissoula.com (406) 518-1253 Missoula.com/newcomers

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Southgate Triangle University District

LARCH CAMP RD

MSLA Streams

OPHIR CT

HAZEL ST

CHESTNUT ST

DR W

VIE ST WE WHITAKER DR

CO NT IN PA EN R TA RIM KVIE LW W RO WAY AY CK WAY

HEAVEN'S GATE

CARRIA

WAY MS AH BR

SKYLINE

DICKENS ST

HOLMES ST

WORDEN AVE

MITCHELL ST

MILTON ST

MA Y ST

ST EN OW

WAVERLY ST COTTONWOOD ST

MYRTLE ST

S ORANGE ST

ST H

ST S

BR O

H UT

BL A

PLY

HIL HOLLIS ST

PARK ST

LESTER ST

THAMES ST

PARK ST

N RTA SPA

STEPHENS AVE

FO R

OAK ST

ASH ST

BOW ST

WASHBURN AVE WASHBURN ST

JOYCE DR

PARK PL

SCOTT ST

BURTON ST

BULWER ST

IVY ST

HOLBORN ST

OXFORD ST

REGENT ST

HOLBORN ST

NAN RO

BANCROFT ST

GARFIELD ST

STEPHENS AVE

S CATLIN ST

GARFIELD ST

GRANT ST

SS CE AC

ALL

GAT EM

PAXSON ST

DR TAHOE

21ST AVE

LARKSPUR DR

W AY W IE LV HIL

IDGE UTHR

D LN

MILLER CREEK RD

DRIFTW OO

JUSTIN

WE LE MB TU

LN RY AV E

HAWTHORN ST

BURNS ST

BYRON ST

INEZ ST

S CALIFORNIA ST

GARFIELD ST

LYNN LN

MA LO R TR RS NG L HA ST CL LL AF EV ST F EL ST AN RO D LL ST IN S ST

GARFIELD ST

S CURTIS ST

S CATLIN ST

JOHNSON ST

GRANT ST

KEMP ST

SCHILLING ST

EATON ST

SO U

CLARK ST

DORE LN

EATON ST LAKE PL

24TH AVE

BARBARA LN

LN EASTWOOD

SUNVIEW DR

RIL

RIA

ER IK

CT RI

JA Y LN

LINDA VISTA BLVD

ELDORA LN

PAUL LN

KELSEY CT

TARK

WAY

WALNUT ST

SKYLA CT N CURTIS ST

HUNTON LN

PL RIVER

LUELLA LN

N DAVIS ST

HARRIET ST

AUGUSTA DR

S DAVIS ST CLARK ST

MARGARET ST

CLARK ST

MARGARET ST

RESERVE ST

23RD AVE

R AVE HELENA DR

RAELENE CT

ALTA VW

DR E IS CH

FOX TIM FARM BE RD RL AN E

RD N RUSSELL ST

S TRAVOIS

RK FO RK CLA

WAY 27TH AVE CORA CT

26TH AVE OLD FORT RD

ORCHARD AVE

RAINBOW DR

GHARRETT ST

DORCUE RD YUHAS RANCH LN

N GROVE ST

HAMI LTON SHORT ST

S GROVE ST

VAQUEROS CT

JANIS DR

PATTY ANN DR 27TH AVE

PRESTON ST

GARY DR

HIBERTA ST

AARON CT 29TH AVE

AMITY LN

31ST AVE

33RD AVE

TOWER ST

35TH AVE

FOSTE GEN

EVERGREEN RD

FOREST HILL LN WORN ATH RD

26TH AVE

STONE ST

33RD AVE

GLADIS DR

TOWER ST

TOX DR

VICKI DR

GRACE CT

NORMAN DR

MARIL YN DR

KRIM ST

37TH AVE

36TH AVE

37TH AVE

38TH AVE

SUNLITE LN 40TH AVE

GUNSIGHT CT

TYRO CT

NEELEY CT

COMO DR

HOWARD ST

SHRUB ROSE LN

ALICE LN DAIRY VIEW CT

42ND AVE

CLEMENTS RD

CAPY CT RINGO DR

PAULINE DR MCCAULEY LN VINEYARD LN

WOODLAWN AVE GLEN DR

HUMBLE RD

REMINGTON CT

BERNICE LN CATHERINE CT

MOUA LN

BAYWOOD CT

WALKER DR

SPURGIN CT

LENA LN

COWPER ST

GREAT NORTHERN AVE

CLARK FORK LN

SCHMIDT RD

N RUSSELL ST

TINA AVE

N RESERVE ST

CONNER Y WAY

MINE COAL

E RAM P

D'ORAZI

N RES ERV

SHEFFIELD DR KNGSBURY PL

FLYNN LN FLEET ST STRATFORD LN

MARY JANE BLVD

DUBLIN ST

RIATA RD

OSHAUGHNESY ST

TIPPERARY WAY

HALF HITCH DR

RD IN EM CH LAS

HAYES DR

COUNCIL WAY

KIM WILLIAMS TRL

WOODWORTH AVE

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

KIM

Upper Rattlesnake Two Rivers Westside

CITY OF MISSOULA NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL MAP Printing Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 File: NeighborhoodCouncil42x42.mxd Prepared By: City of Missoula GIS Services

ATTENTION: This is not a survey product. It is a reference publication. It is merely a transcription of public record data and some observed data without modification except for graphical purposes. It does not represent the authoritative location for boundaries, the location of fixed works, or topography or any other features contained within. No reliance should be placed on the completeness or the accuracy of this information without first consulting original records and personally verifying the accuracy of any and all information displayed on these pages.

TRIPLE CREEK DR

TATE

INTE

HIGH WAY 20 W

365

Feet

TE STA

6,000

HANK

RITA CT WAY VIEW

LORAINE DR

R DR

G DR

INS DR

W AY

D W IE V G N VA IL LO C

JUNIPE

BECCA LN

ZAUG

SKYVIEW DR

GRAND

DEAN

Farviews / Pattee Canyon

City Limits

SOUTH AVE E

JOY

AN DR

ALEX

ALISHA DR

E AV TA E AV AY W E AV A N TA VE N A E O M DO AV A WA R IO LO O

JEFF DR

ACE

TT ST

TERR

R RC EE

JIM

WAY

INT

E SUSSEX AVE

WAY FAIR

E BECKWITH AVE

E CENTRAL AVE

IEW NORTHV

NIS

BRANDON

SENTINEL ST

SPA

BIN

SCOTT ALLEN DR

GHARRE

AGNES AVE

39TH ST

N LN

IE AN

W SUSSEX AVE

DR OS TEM DR W AR INE ESTL W CR

RIMEL RD

T AR W

JAM

NICOLE CT

D DR

MERIWETHER ST

RIMEL RD

CARLA-JO LN

TT BU

AP ST

H LN

PLACER LN DAKO TA AV E

E AV

Y CA AZ

D.J. DR

R LP

MARK

IA N

ALL

CAHI LL RI SE

C ER

MAINVIEW DR

57TH ST

HILLTOP DR

CATHY CT

A LL

56TH ST LN

D LN

ILLE

S T

TA UJ U

LERC

WOO

55TH ST

LUPINE RD

AB ID

4,500

R Y

K E

NT DR ESCE E CR DR E VISTA R IT D MM W SU

3,000

V IN

LIVE

R YA

D LN

E TR

FELTON LN

STARLIGHT DR

1,500

EA SM

O 750

CHRISTIAN DR

HAUG

RUFUS RD

AS DR

N CT LD IN EC T LLOYD VICTO CT R CT

SAIN

OM T TH

SAINT MICHAEL DR

NICA

SAINT JAMES LN

JACK DR

AY W

JO R

JAIDEN LN

E PL

AY W

EVANS AVE

E AV

BIGFORK RD

ROY CT

DEADMAN GULCH

HIG

GIN

P O

DALY AVE

PATTEE CREEK DR

34TH ST

MARY AVE

DIXON AVE

W HALLMARK

MCLEOD AVE

NORTH AVE W

BENTON AVE

EDGE

UNIVERSITY AVE

KEITH AVE

W CENTRAL AVE

FAIRVIEW AVE

NIN

AY W

Bitterroot River

LN SHADOW

HIGHWOO

PINEWOOD

WOODBIN

CONNELL AVE

R BU

R LA

W KENT AVE

EDDY AVE

STRAND AVE

SOUTH AVE W

TRAIL

MAR

SA LN

E DR

UX LN

R Y

ILD

OLD BITTERROOT RD

DIE

LAMORE

S ES

RAN

BIR

OLD HAYES CREEK

DR LS DR VALLEY VIEW LEY VIEW DR VAL D DR HIGHWOOD DR

SIM

SKYWAY DR

HIL

UTH

LACOTA DR

S 6TH ST E

PINERIDG

ST AR LA RIN ND DR G DR

ARCADIA DR SP

42ND

GINS AVE

GARLAND DR

SW HIG

43 R

39TH ST

34TH ST

HARTMAN ST

KIWANIS PARK

S 5TH ST E

BURLINGTON AVE

Y WA

MCDONALD AVE

AY W

BRIGGS ST

S 4TH ST E

KENSINGTON AVE

WAY

D E D H IS A O R N LE S T T MOUNT AVE M S T

Y WA

CT CYPRUS ARLINGTON DR

34TH ST 35TH ST

38TH ST YD

H HIG

WIL

36TH ST RO

CHARLOTT AVE

VIE AR

VIS

ING

MCDONALD AVE

CLE

U B

RIO

AY HW

ERNEST AVE DIXON AVE

HIG

93 AY HW

HIG

INE

E E MAIN BROA ST DW AY E FRO NT ST

PATT

ICK BR

TO T S R D N Y SO L IT C CK ILA C JA

LOOP

HARVE AVE

SCHILLING

LIN

ON HT

DIXON AVE TS

MURRAY ST

PO S

STA LN

BELVUE DR

AGNES AVE

OLD

EST

A VI

AY HW

MARY AVE

HARVE AVE

D OL

HIG

BENTON AVE

ERNEST AVE

BELL

AIN RD BLUE MOUNT

FAIRVIEW AVE

L LT MOSS RD

NORTH AVE W

W SUSSEX AVE

CLARKIA LN

LILLY CT

MOUNTAIN VIEW DR

HIG

A UL

CR HILL

I TR L CIPO LATO TR

MIS

STRAND AVE

LIVINGSTON AVE

A PE

RT FO

BURLINGTON AVE

KENSINGTON AVE

DEARBORN AVE

RIV

S 2ND ST W

WAY

G LN

S 1ST ST W

RAW N

DETT

W W

CAPT

BENE

S 14TH ST W

AIL

S 13TH ST W

BURLINGTON AVE

ILR O

ALVINA DR

LA W

E BE

S 11TH ST W S 12TH ST W

S 1ST ST W S 2ND ST W

S 6TH ST W

RK TR

S 2ND ST W

S 5TH ST W

RIVER ST

S 1ST ST W

K PA

AIL S

MILWAUKEE TRL

DAKOTA ST

AY EW

S 10TH ST W

W KENT AVE

RMIC

AUKE MILW

S 9TH ST W

MOUNT AVE

TOOLE AVE

26TH ST

COOPER ST

INE

SOUTH AVE W

MCCO PA R

WYOMING ST

DICKINSON ST

LOLO ST

DIRK DR

CEDAR ST W P

SCHWENK CT

S 8TH ST W

COTTAGE CT MOUNT AVE

SIL VE

IDAHO ST

TOOLE AVE

LINDEN ST

KHANABAD WAY

PEACE ST

SUNDOWN RD

RIVER RD

LEISURE LN HOLIDAY LN

S 4TH ST W

S 14TH ST W

W CENTRAL AVE

CEDAR ST

WAY

PINEVIEW DR

WHITNEY LN

TULIP LN

HANSON DR

TRAIL ST

SUNSET LN

POOLE LN

O'BRIEN CREEK RD

NORTH AVE W

R PA

NORTH AVE W

PHILIPS ST

HOWELL ST

MONTANA ST

S 3RD ST W

S 8TH ST W

LIN

STODDARD ST

DEFOE ST

STODDARD ST

COOLEY ST

ADA LN

S 6TH ST W

STRAND AVE

IDE BROOKS CUMMINS

TURNER ST

S 5TH ST W

SKY DR

DOUG

TURNER ST

IDAHO ST

CATRINA LN

CLASSIC CT

S 4TH ST W

MARIANNE DR

N PALMER ST

WYOMING ST

VIEW DR

Y TU

CHARLO ST

HUMBLE CT

PULLMAN ST RODGERS ST

EDWARD AVE

T DR

PONY PL

ER PL

RROO

MAVERICK LN

MOUNT AVE

42ND AVE

KINGFISH

S DALE

KENWOOD DR

BITTE

SPURGIN RD

OTIS ST

AV E

COOPER ST

LARKIN WOOD DR

COTE LN

LE O

TRL

SPURGIN RD

SHAN DR

WELL

CHICKADEE DR

BIRCH ST

KRYSTY DR

MCDO

ER Y

PALMER ST

N GRANT ST

FLAT

SIERRA DR

STALLION LN

BIG

UPLA

S 7TH ST W

TRL

BLUEBIRD DR

SHERWOOD ST

QUINN CT

RENAE CT JUNE

FIE

TRL

MAPLE ST

RIVER RD

CORNERSTO NE DR RATTLE SNAKE CT

LINCOLNWOOD CREEK CROSSING LINCOLN

CE IL RO

SAULTER DR

Clark Fork River

E LN

MP RA 90 TATE RS RAMP INTE ATE 90 ST INTER

CUSKER LN

PR IVAT

TOBY WAY

OPIE'S LN

AMERICAN WAY

UNION PACIFIC ST

IKI

ENGLAND BLVD

LOIS LN

LOCK

DR R EY D L K ER PE ING IN DR ME BEAU

SE R

RPHY

WAY

ZINTEK PL

UST

LAN

LARIAT LOOP D

SPUR

HIA LL AN WA T R T HA L R

IND

PRAIRIE SCHOONER LN MUL

YORKSHIRE PL

SIREN'S RD

HILLS NORTH

CATTLE DR

FILLY LN

KY AR

GEO

TAMARACK ST

HORN RD

LANCASTER RD DI STAN

CASTLE PINES DR

PEGGY LN

MARIE

N DR

HAVEN HEIGHTS RD

CLYDE

TRAIL

ST OC

WAY

NEW MEADOWS DR

T HAVE

CRES

H TR

DIN

LAZY

CONCORD DR

HICKORY ST

ED IT

PRINCE ST

N WA Y

TA TE

HOWARD RASER AVE

OAD

ORIOLE DR

AT IO

PIUS WAY

WARBLER DR

WIN

PHEASA NT

QUAIL

OU NT

MULLAN LN

MOURNING DOVE DR

ROBIN

ROUNDUP DR

SE DR

SHARPTAIL DR

RIN

SHINDIG DR

LLA

KOOTENAI DR

PE R

GEORGE ELMER DR

TOPAZ DR

H CL

DD O SA

MUIRFIELD CT

HAEL

SCHRAMM ST

CAMDEN

HOMESTEAD DR

W SN O

MADERA

JUMB

MIC

NS T

W AY

FREY LN

KE R

TA TE

WASHBURN ST

EX P

BIT TE

HW AY

WASHBURN ST

RATTL ES

GLENEAGLE WAY

BONANZA

RUSSELL ST

T CR EEK

K IC

RP CO

RUSTLER DR

A DR

PRAD

T TC RIF WD SN O

LN T

E X

E RD

HIG

DIA

WHEELER DR

GROU

OL D

PARK LOOP DIAGON LN

DEVERAUX PL

GRAN

POTTER

CHESAPEAKE WAY BORDEAUX BLVD ADDINGTON DR

AT E

W AY

V DO

A LN

GRANT CREEK RD

TRL

ALTU RA

GAME

R YE G

P AS

DG K RI

SN O

A CT

LATIMER ST

AV IA TIO

STER

W AY

KE N

CALISTOG

AV IA TIO

RICHLIE ST

WHITE ST

STA TE

GRAHAM ST

CHANDLER ST

BLV

W AY

WILKIE ST

ET ER

INT

GALEN

W AY

SAGE ST

WILKIE ST

AMBROSE ST

TA TE

BAILEY ST

TR U

RLE

PIPE ND SA

AY W

W AY

B KO

EL TR KE S

IN W

O KL

KEIL LOOP

R DR

PROSPECT DR

KE S

TRAI

PADRE LN

TA TE

AV IA TIO

AU W IL

GOODAN LN

SA W

MIRANDA

BUTLER CREEK RD

THORNBIRD LN

PARENT ST

DESMET RD DESMET RD

LN ERCIAL

NING

COMM

WIMMETT LN

G RO RAN SE T C R W OO E E K RD D CT

MACARTHUR DR

PA TR

STEWART LN

INTERSTATE PL

AV IA TIO

PARK

S DR

CHINOOK DR

R TD IO

PA TT ON

TRL

D DR

AY HW

HIG

EL WAY

ROLLER COASTER RD

NTO

AN G

PARKWOO

FUTURITY DR

RSE

SUMMIT DR

INSPIRATION DR

CLUS

WORK

E FE ATHE RS

SPATTE R

THRE

AY HW

T AT SP

RIN E SP

LIM

HIG

DARK

ST AT E

AIR WA Y

IZZ

BO O

TL EG

R TR

Where to live

Captain John Mullan

NEIGHBORHOODS

Provided by Missoula Organization of REALTORS®, missoularealestate.com and City of Missoula, www.ci.missoula.mt.us/269/My-Neighborhood

Where elbow room is in abundance. Location: the area from Reserve Street to the Wye, and from the Clark Fork River to Broadway (Highway 10 West). In Ward 2. If you cross Reserve Street on Mullan Road and head west, you’ll find a collection of neighborhoods and open spaces connected by a well-traveled thread of roadway that traces Montana history itself. Located along the western portion of the Old Mullan Road, this neighborhood, which is named for the famous trailblazer Captain John Mullan, is a large swath of level valley floor once comprised of family ranches. Today there are still rural homes with acreage and even horses and livestock, but there are also several self-contained neighborhoods in this area. Residents are drawn to the western side of Missoula because it offers extensive views of mountains on all sides. They also enjoy quick access to the Clark Fork River that winds along the southern border of the neighborhood. From homesteaders to longtime residents to newer transplants, the Mullan Road Neighborhood is open to all kinds of neighbors that tend to share the desire for a peaceful life away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but close enough to get into the action if they so choose. With nearby recreation on the river and Forest Service land, there is still plenty of exploration to be done in this part of town.

Missoula.com/newcomers

Where all of Missoula becomes your scenery. Location: the area south of Southwest Higgins Avenue and the University of Montana Golf Course and east of Hillview Way. In Ward 4. Missoula’s layout makes a dramatic shift upward above South Higgins Avenue as road grades change and climb and houses dot the hillside. This is the appropriately named Farviews/Pattee Canyon Neighborhood, which at night, appears as hundreds of twinkling lights from the Missoula Valley floor. The homes are a mix of styles, some close together with sloping yards, and some farther up, on larger acreage lots or even hillside ranch land. The elevation of this whole neighborhood proves to be a welcome challenge for hikers and mountain bikers. There are even some brave runners who train for hills in these parts. The vast, steeply pitched terrain also makes for great golfing. Being above town doesn’t seem to affect the connection residents have with the rest of the community. The University, downtown, and the southern and western parts of town are readily accessible from here and many residents are active in the neighborhood as well as the community as a whole. They may have a different vantage point, but Farviews/Pattee Canyon neighbors share in the view of Missoula as an ideal place to live.

Sitting on the front porch of Missoula’s history, you will see an involved and bustling neighborhood. Location: the area beginning at South Third Street West. and Russell Street south to the Bitterroot Spur Trail, following the Bitterroot Spur Trail to Reserve Street, north along Reserve Street to South Third Street W. In Wards 5 & 6. This neighborhood extends west of Russell all the way to historic Fort Missoula on the west side of Reserve Street. It’s an eclectic mix of homes and commercial businesses. The inclusion of the Fort adds an important element of history as well as open space for recreation. Talk about a neighborhood that bands together for the common good. Franklin to the Fort neighbors work toward bringing many civic improvements to this constantly progressing neighborhood – most notably a major sidewalk connection project. Families in the area have also made a concerted effort to conform the neighborhood to provide safer routes to schools. These projects are helping to transition Franklin to the Fort to an even more pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. Neighbors come together on beautification and green space projects, while also maintaining the local and well-used Franklin Park. From digging in the dirt in common spaces to working toward making the streets more bike, foot, and stroller friendly, you’ll find that the connections run deep in this busy and vibrant neighborhood.

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

Franklin to the Fort

Farviews/Pattee Canyon

Outside of the Missoula City limits, East Missoulians march to a slightly different cadence. Location: at the foot of Mount Jumbo and to the north of I-90. This neighborhood is named for its directional relationship with Missoula, but in some ways it’s a community all its own. Through the Hellgate Canyon and the eastern side of Mount Jumbo, you’ll discover an open valley that follows the meandering contours of the Clark Fork River. This is East Missoula. The canyon entryway leads you into an entirely different mountainscape and may make you feel as though you’re miles away from town. Yet East Missoula is an easy three-mile bike ride to the University of Montana and a quick car ride to almost anywhere. With I-90 access, East Missoulians can make it to the airport in 10 minutes and can be downtown in five. There are very few commercial businesses in this neighborhood and most are located along the main thoroughfare, Highway 200. The highway gives East Missoulians a jump on others heading up the Blackfoot River, a mere five minutes away. Residents are laid back and friendly. Expect acknowledging waves from those passing in their cars, from kids riding their bikes, and conversation about the weather or the water levels from fellow dog walkers along the river. Neighbors like to share in the tranquil views and the community that sets them just slightly apart from the rest.

East Missoula

NEIGHBORHOODS

Grant Creek

NEIGHBORHOODS

New to the area? Find out why so many of your neighbors work with Farm Bureau. Contact me today!

The lack of pressure, both in the physical space and in the way neighbors interact, makes you feel at ease. Location: west along Broadway (Highway 10) to include the Canyon Creek area along Expressway, and north from West Broadway (Highway 10) up the Grant Creek Drainage. In Ward 2. Northwest of Missoula’s city center is a winding and beautiful drainage that traces the babbling of a high mountain creek. Nature and neighbors co-exist in the Grant Creek Neighborhood. Whether it’s the elk lingering in their winter meadow or the elementary school students, bundled against the weather waiting for the bus, you can see the connection between home and habitat. Open space characterizes this neighborhood, even in the more densely populated neighborhoods dotting the hillsides. Farther up Grant Creek Road the land is thicker forest and homes are more spread out. If you were to keep going, eventually you would come to the border of vast wilderness land that extends far beyond the road, all the way to the Canadian border. Participation in the community is available for those who want to have a social neighborhood connection, but for those who choose a more secluded life that option also exists. While this wild corridor may seem worlds away from the greater Missoula area, it’s really also quite convenient to get from Grant Creek to almost anywhere with quick access onto I-90 at Reserve Street. Neighbors often see each other on the various trails and sidewalks, exercising their dogs, pushing strollers, catching up on the latest news, or simply speculating on the upcoming ski season snowfall. Perhaps it’s due to the natural buffer of wilderness that surrounds Grant Creek, but there is a separate tranquility in this neighborhood that flows like the waters from a pristine and distant source.

Shawn Friedeman LUTCF, Agent 1802 Dearborn Ave, Suite 102 Missoula, MT 59801 office: (406) 728-3276 cell: (406) 493-4165 fax: (406) 926-1065 sfriedeman@mwfbi.com

HOME • AUTO • BUSINESS • LIFE • ANNUITIES • FARM • RANCH

Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC,+ 5400 University Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877.860.2904, Member SIPC. Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company/Laramie, WY. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West Des Moines, Iowa. +Affiliates *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services

Missoula.com/newcomers

Marshall Canyon Location: east of East Missoula, north of I-90 and south of Hwy 10. In Ward 1. Just a few minutes from Downtown Missoula, and situated in a meandering curve of the Clark Fork river, Marshall Canyon is one of Missoula’s newer neighborhoods. The home of Canyon River Golf Course, this area features beautiful homes that offer spectacular views and amenities. Residents can take advantage of the world class golf course, numerous river sports from floating to fishing, and the expanded trail system. With I-90 access, you can make it to the airport in fifteen minutes and can be downtown in ten. Homes in Marshall Canyon do sell at the higher end of the Missoula market, and the area is still developing, giving more families an opportunity to take advantage of this activity rich lifestyle.

The Heart of Missoula is a perfectly accurate name for this vibrant area coursing with activity, civic involvement, and life. Location: between the Clark Fork River, north to the railroad tracks, and from May Street east along East Broadway to the end of Easy Street. In Ward 1. Downtown Missoula is a bustling center of commerce and activity revered by all Missoulians, but it is also a neighborhood, a home to many residents who relish being in the middle of it all. There are grand historic homes along the east-west streets of Pine, Spruce, and Alder, which are named for native Montana tree species yet lined with other deciduous trees. There are also affordable apartments, high-end condos, and modest bungalows surrounding the downtown proper. Monday through Friday, Heart of Missoulians share their neighborhood with architects, lawyers, business professionals, Forest Service employees, retailers, and restaurateurs. On the weekends people flock from all over to shop, dine, and gather for entertainment. In the spring, summer, and fall the morning farmers’ markets turn over to festivals in Caras Park in the afternoon and evening. In the winter, downtown is still alive with holiday shopping, events, and a homegrown film festival in February. The Heart of Missoula recaptures a sense of neighborhood that pre-dates the 1940’s and 50’s Norman Rockwell vision. This dense area of homes and commerce harkens back to the old Western settlement where community was everywhere you turned and your grocer, banker, and barkeeper were also your neighbors.

Lewis and Clark

Heart of Missoula

NEIGHBORHOODS

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

Whether it’s sidewalks or trail treks, this active community is bustling with activity. Location: from South Higgins west to Russell Street, and from South Avenue south to SW Higgins Avenue. In Ward 4. In this kid-friendly and family-oriented neighborhood, it’s no wonder Lewis & Clark Elementary School is the central hub. In fact, much of the immediate recreation was built around the school, including tennis courts, playgrounds, and several soccer fields. Sidewalks connect the variety of homes in this traditional 1950’s and 60’s neighborhood. Everyone seems to be out for a walk. Mixing, mingling, and the occasional leash entanglement just happen as neighbors congregate to enjoy the sunny Montana skies. New parents with their strollers pass older couples who raised their own families in this neighborhood. There’s a strong pride in the primarily owner-occupied homes with families tending to their gardens, landscaping the front walkways, and working on general upkeep. It’s less of a competition and more of a social event to wave a gardening-gloved hand at a neighbor across the way and share a common sentiment in these parts, “Nice day, isn’t it?”

Northside/Westside

Ranches meet residences and share in the neighborly bounty of their lookout from the South Hills. Location: runs out of Moose Canyon, below Mount Dean Stone. It passes Chief Charlo School, and ends at Garland Park on 23rd Avenue. In Wards 4 & 5. The elevation gain on Missoula’s south side is a distinguishing geographic border separating the Missoula Valley from the Bitterroot Valley. Residents of the South Hills Neighborhood have the advantage of living upon the hillside with views of both Missoula and the jagged and dramatic peaks of the Bitterroots as well. Although locals call it a hill, South Hills residents themselves are on a mountain that climbs to a good 6,000 feet at its tree topped summit. You’ll also hear the area referred to as Moose Can Gully, a name with several different interpretations behind it. Up here, there’s a definite line where residential development stops and open space begins. Historically, these hills were dedicated to the agricultural trade with excellent sunshine and moisture from a mix of weather systems colliding between the two valleys. And well before that, these hills were the shallows of Glacial Lake Missoula that created the flat valley below. Today, South Hills neighbors are happily above water, enjoying the hallmark sunshine and expansive views, as well as the convenience of having everything Missoula has to offer on the valley floor.

From all outward appearances, this is a special place that you might not even know exists. Location: bounded on the east by Miller Creek Road, bounded on the north and the west by the Bitterroot River and U.S. Highway 93, and bounded on the south by Lower Miller Creek Road. In Ward 5. On the southwestern corner of Missoula, there is a hidden neighborhood tucked behind the commercial intersection of Reserve Street and Highway 93. Drive up a steady draw and parking lots immediately give way to thick vegetation. Every so often, through the leaves and pine needles, you’ll see a driveway or a mailbox. You’ll encounter a fork in the road. Take a right where the trees break and sunshine illuminates large plots of land. You are heading into Linda Vista. Some homes are spread out like miniature farmsteads, but there are also more densely built neighborhoods. Views extend south into the breathtaking Bitterroot Valley. Keep moving upwards and you’ll find yourself at the Maloney Ranch. Take the left fork and head into Lower Miller Creek, the wooded wilds persist and will lead you to Forest Service recreation land. Other surprises await you in this neighborhood including kids’ activities, recreation, and a popular golf course. There is something truly special and intimate about this haven beyond the boundaries of Missoula. Ranch and country homes complement traditional residential comforts. Neighborhood takes on a different form, yet the Missoula community is alive and well in Miller Creek.

Moose Can Gully

Miller Creek

NEIGHBORHOODS

This is an active and energetic neighborhood that is always working harder, coming together, and making itself better every day. Location: bounded on the north by I-90 and the open space in the North Hills, on the south by the Clark Fork River, on the west by Reserve Street, and on the east by the Bitterroot Spur by the south side of the railroad tracks, and by Greenough Drive on the north side of the railroad tracks. Northside is in Ward 1. Westside falls in Ward 2. Within easy walking and biking distance from downtown and quick access to I-90 from Orange Street, the Northside-Westside Neighborhood moves from urban living into that traditional neighborhood appeal. While many new residents have moved into the neighborhood, particularly firsttime homebuyers and young families, a large majority of the neighbors planted their roots here decades ago. The ties to this hardworking area remain strong, evidenced by the heavy involvement of the community in neighborhood projects and prosperity. Many of the homes here have front porches and people tend to use them. They know and take care of one another in the Northside-Westside neighborhood. They pitch in when a job needs doing and celebrate a job well done. Because of this hands-on approach, the Northside-Westside Neighborhood is known for a do-it-yourself mentality and a sustainable approach to home improvement. Creating beauty at home extends into the neighborhood’s burgeoning art community as well. Efficient and eclectic use of space and passionate neighbors makes the NorthsideWestside Neighborhood truly one of a kind.

Missoula.com/newcomers

Part of the fun of living in the Rattlesnake is learning how to adapt to the natural surroundings. Location: extends from Waterworks Hill east to Mount Jumbo, and from I-90 to the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area. In Ward 1. On Mount Jumbo’s west side is the Rattlesnake neighborhood – an intimidating name for one of Missoula’s most tranquil places to live. The area got its name from the Salish word for Rattlesnake, “Kehi-oo-lee.” Rattlesnake Creek once powered the Missoula Sawmill. Today, you’ll find plenty of open space in the Rattlesnake as well as traditional neighborhood living. Life here is a wonderfully deceptive mix of wild land adventure and convenient access to the rest of the community. That access goes both ways. Many Missoulians frequent the Rattlesnake throughout the year. It is among the best places in Montana for mountain biking and hiking. Equestrians are also welcome to wander these trails and head further into the backcountry on horseback. Fly-fishing and bird and wildlife watching are also favorite pastimes in this plentiful outdoor paradise. Diversity of landscape is mirrored by the varying groups of people that also inhabit the Rattlesnake. There are many longtime residents who have lived here for 30 to 50 years, but younger families and professionals are moving in every day. University students also make up the population, primarily in the Lower Rattlesnake, with its quick access to campus. Living in this valley is about enjoying the outdoors and those occasional wild residents who live here too

Riverfront

The neighborhood’s rural heritage can be seen in the century old apple trees still growing in some yards. Location: from Russell Street to Reserve Street, and from the Clark Fork River to South Third Street W. in Ward 6. It wasn’t that long ago that this neighborhood was more apple trees than front yards, but today’s Emma Dickinson/Orchard Homes Neighborhood still bears the fruit of a neighborhood with rural appeal. The Clark Fork River runs along the north side of this sun-drenched swath of land where large commercial businesses exist along with homes and family farms. This is still a growing community, in more ways than one. If you wonder where some of the food and flowers at Missoula’s farmers’ markets come from, you don’t even have to look outside of town. Much of the bounty is grown here. And if you’re going places, getting to downtown, the University, Southgate Mall, and Missoula’s two hospitals is a breeze. Entryways to the Riverfront Trail system are located near this neighborhood, so biking and walking are viable transportation options. Some neighbors may live in the same house they grew up in. Others may be young families new to Missoula. Some still live on large acreage, vestiges of the orchard days. Others live in higher density areas closer to their neighbors. This is a neighborhood that blooms with diversity, blossoms with possibility, and lives on because of its strong roots.

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

River Road

Rattlesnake

NEIGHBORHOODS

Because of its shared resources, Riverfront folks welcome Missoula into their neighborhood everyday. Location: The Riverfront neighborhood is located between the Clark Fork River and South 6th Street W., bounded on the east by South Higgins Avenue, and bounded on the west by Russell Street. In Ward 3. The Riverfront Neighborhood teems with life, but that’s really no coincidence. Bordered on its north side by the Clark Fork River, all things in this neighborhood logically flow in that direction. The proximity to the water and the nearby Riverfront Trail system is one of the area’s most distinctive characteristics, but the personal connections run much deeper. Residents are tied to the greater Missoula community because of their location. All Missoulians enjoy the trail system that turns the daily commute into a scenic journey, an afternoon jog into more of a sightseeing tour, and an evening lit by the full moon into a magical family adventure. Riverfronters are no exception. They also take part in local activities near home, like downtown lunch and dinner gatherings and festivals and University of Montana events, all without ever having to get in the car. The neighbors range from the young to the young at heart, the well established and those just starting out. They share a common pride in the aesthetics and diversity of the neighborhood and proudly support the wide variety of nearby businesses that are also among Missoula’s most treasured.

Easily get where you need to go and find yourself happy at home in the South 39th Street Neighborhood. Location: between Hillview Way and Gharrett Street, north of South 39th Street, and south of Arcadia Lane and Shadow Lane. In Ward 5. It’s not inaccurate to say that the South 39th Street Neighborhood is in the right place, all of the time. Minutes from local grocery stores, movie theaters, schools, and the mall, everything you need is at your fingertips. Pleasantly located in the southwest corner of town, 39th Street’s landscaped center boulevard is also a thoroughfare to the recreation gateway down Highway 93 into the Bitterroot Valley. Head the other direction and you’ll be in Pattee Canyon in just a few minutes. There are also small patches of wildness in this neighborhood, including a great place to bird watch in an unlikely spot just behind a local convenience store. These are the treasures one can expect even in the more populated parts of Missoula. South 39th is also centrally located to half of Missoula’s golf courses as well as ice-skating, hockey, soccer, and baseball. The level landscape, sidewalks, and bike lanes make this major roadway friendly to the cyclists and walkers sharing the road with motorists. Yards, whether large or small, are a place for residents to enjoy the beautiful Missoula weather and see one another passing by. From young families to students to long-time residents, a diverse mix of people live here, which offers so much to so many calling this neighborhood home.

You just never know who you’ll run into around the corner. Location: between South Sixth Street West. and South Avenue, and between South Higgins Avenue and Russell Street. Also known as the “Slant Streets.” In Wards 3 & 4. If you were to look at the Rose Park Neighborhood from above, you’d quickly notice a strange take on the traditional grid with streets tilting about 45 degrees from due north. Affectionately known by many Missoulians as the “slant streets,” Rose Park residents are savvy navigators of this alternative layout. Because Rose Park is an extremely pedestrian and bike-friendly neighborhood, it’s not unusual for neighbors to be out and about. Long-time residents and young families make up the majority of the Rose Park residents. The slant streets may be a bit intimidating for those traveling by car, so there’s usually very little traffic. A slower, more laid back approach to life reigns here. Sitting on your front porch on a famously endless Missoula summer night, you might hear the sounds of kids squealing with delight or jaunty ragtime piano music drifting out of an open window next door. Your dog’s ears will perk up as a familiar neighbor and their dogs pass by. They’re headed for some ice cream and invite you to come along. Is there really any answer but, “Yes?” This is the essence of the Rose Park Neighborhood. It’s a place where enjoying the Missoula life goes well beyond stopping to smell the roses, but, incidentally, in this neighborhood you can do that too.

Southgate Triangle

South 39th

Rose Park

NEIGHBORHOODS

There are many sides to living in the Southgate Triangle Neighborhood – all of them positive. Location: west of Russell Street, north of South 39th Street, and south-east of the Bitterroot Spur Railroad tracks/trail. In Wards 4 & 5. Not to be confused with the other famous geographical triangle, the Southgate Triangle Neighborhood is central to most of Missoula so you’ll never feel lost. Nor will you be at a loss for things to do. There is a little of everything in this neighborhood, from brick homes built in the 1960’s on larger lots to craftsman and bungalow styles built in the 1930’s and 40’s along Brooks Street. There are also commercial businesses. Most notably of course is the Southgate Mall. This triangular neighborhood is a result of Missoula’s strange and intriguing historical layout and the Bitterroot Spur Railroad tracks that run through the area. You can have the quiet comfort of a residential street yet still easily get where you need to be almost anywhere in town. If you prefer to bike or walk, you can access Missoula’s trail system quickly as well. And the diversity of the population from students to retirees means you’re sure to find commonality with your neighbors and fellow Missoulians.

Missoula.com/newcomers

University District

Target Range

NEIGHBORHOODS

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

Down the country roads in the Target Range Neighborhood, you can travel back into Missoula’s history. Location: outside city limits, generally south of South Third St. West, east of Reserve St., and north of South Ave. Just across the Missoula city border is a large, historically rural neighborhood where large farm and ranch properties meld with more densely constructed residential homes. Even in these more traditional neighborhoods there is a real sense of country living that is attractive and unique to the Target Range Neighborhood. With very few commercial businesses in the neighborhood, traffic is fairly light. The main transactions that are taking place out this way occur at Dale’s Dairy, the market and local landmark famous for its giant cow out front. You may even encounter a tractor or two on the country roads. Horses graze in pastoral fields. Residents work in their gardens. Weathered, yet stately barns are still in use. Morning lawn mowers move in contrast to farmscale tillers. Kids play little league, learn to ride Western, and have open land, riverfront, and mountain hideaways as their own playground. In the Target Range Neighborhood, there is a wonderful mix of preservation and appreciation for a collective country life that’s not too far from the rest of Missoula, but still maintains its rural sensibility.

Healthy minds have led to a vibrant and healthy community surrounding the university. Location: south of the Clark Fork River, east of South Higgins Avenue, North of Pattee Canyon Drive, and west of Campus Drive. In Wards 3&4. In addition to being the setting of “A River Runs Through It,” Missoula is known nationally as the home of the University of Montana. Tailgating for Griz home football games is a Saturday tradition in the fall, as are springtime days of sun illuminating the newly greened trees. Throughout the year, the university brings in cultural events, historic exhibits, major entertainment, and world-class athletics. UM also brings a diverse population to this Northern Rocky Mountain town. Among the beautiful tree-lined streets of the University Neighborhood, residents are happy to share their home with the city’s center of activity. Longtime residents, families, professors, and students inhabit the blocks around the campus proper. It is truly a melting pot of the community. The proximity to UM’s activities is a definite benefit to these neighbors. From evening lectures to concerts to basketball games, if you’re looking for something to do it’s all right there. There’s an open-minded attitude among the neighborhood. Perhaps it’s all of the higher learning taking place nearby, but the inquisitive nature permeates. And each new season brings fresh delight and a different energy to the neighborhood, from the colorful autumn foliage to the peaceful snow swirls of winter. N

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Photo courtesy of MCPS

Schools

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS)

Missoula County Public Schools District No. 1 is proud to serve to over 9100 PreK12th grade students in the Missoula valley. This represents about half of the school age youth in Missoula County. At MCPS, we provide a high quality education that empowers, inspires, and prepares each student for their future. The District’s has recently completed renovations and reconstruction on all 18 of our school sites to improve learning spaces,

and upgrade our technology, safety features, and roofs and boilers. MCPS is extremely grateful to the community of Missoula for the passage of our 2015 elementary and secondary bond measures that funded this construction. Our teachers provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in college and/or chosen career path. MCPS is well on its way to ensuring students have full opportunities to achieve a 21st century education and to be prepared for their endeavors after high school. Many of our long-term goals are on display daily in our classrooms.

MCPS Elementary Schools (grades K-5) Chief Charlo Elementary mcpsmt.org/chiefcharlo Franklin Elementary mcpsmt.org/franklin

Meadow Hill Middle School mcpsmt.org/meadowhill

Hawthorn Elementary mcpsmt.org/hawthorne

Washington Middle School mcpsmt.org/washington

Jeannette Rankin Elementary www.mcpsmt.org/jeannetterankin Lewis and Clark Elementary mcpsmt.org/lewisclark Photo courtesy of the University of Montana

MCPS Middle Schools (grades 6-8) C.S. Porter Middle School mcpsmt.org/porter

Lowell Elementary mcpsmt.org/lowell Paxson Elementary mcpsmt.org/paxson Rattlesnake Elementary mcpsmt.org/rattlesnake

MCPS High Schools (grades 9-12) Big Sky High School mcpsmt.org/bigsky Hellgate High School mcpsmt.org/hellgate Sentinel High School mcpsmt.org/sentinel Willard Alternative High School mcpsmt.org/Willard

Russell Elementary mcpsmt.org/russell

Missoula.com/newcomers

Photo courtesy of MCPS

Public Schools

various committees and programs that support student learning, safety, and wellness. To learn more about opportunities to engage with the District on a committee, please visit www.mcpsmt.org or contact the District at (406) 728-2400.

Big Sky Health Science Academy

Big Sky High School’s Heath Science Academy founded over 10 years ago provides students with an intellectually challenging and relevant education in a small, supportive environment. Every student enrolled will not only complete high school, but will do so with the knowledge and skills to be successful in a post-secondary educational program. The curriculum is collegepreparatory with a focus on careers in the medical health sciences and in veterinary/animal science. Students participate in job shadows and internships at local medical facilities including hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, physical therapy clinics, radiology and lab settings, and nursing care facilities. Community members interested in volunteering with the academy should contact Big Sky Principal Jennifer Courtney at (406) 728-2401 or jccourtney@ mcpsmt.org.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

In 2013-14, MCPS took steps toward establishing a K-12 International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which would be the first in Montana. In fall 2012, Hellgate High School launched an IB Diploma Program. In spring 2013, Lewis & Clark Elementary School and Big Sky High School applied for the program. The most recent addition to this K-12 IB pathway is Washington Middle School, which an IB Candidate School. The IB organization is an international nonprofit with more than 4700 schools in 141 countries around the world. IB World Schools share a common philosophy – a commitment to high quality, challenging international education – that we believe is important for our Missoula students.

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

AP Capstone Diploma

Students at all three urban high schools have an advanced diploma option regardless of which school they attend. The 17-18 school year marked the first year of Sentinel High School’s Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma offering, which allows students to focus on both a depth of content knowledge and skill development in subject area courses while building interdisciplinary collaboration, problem solving, research and analysis skills in the AP Seminar and Research courses. Students who wish to earn the AP Capstone Diploma must complete four AP courses and earn a minimum score of a three on internal and external assessments. Additionally, students take the AP Seminar in their sophomore or junior year and the AP Research Course in their junior or senior year. These two courses tie together the AP curriculum and provide a setting to build on the knowledge and rigorous coursework of AP in an interdisciplinary format.

SPARK! Arts Ignite Learning community partnership

SPARK! is a community wide partnership working to expand arts programming in Missoula County Public Schools. The SPARK! organization facilitates and fosters connections between district schools, local arts organizations, and teaching artists helping to ensure equitable access to the arts for all MCPS students. One way that SPARK! provides access is through yearly Arts Enhancement experiences. Each grade level attends a professional arts performance or gallery each year during Kindergarten through 8th grade, and we hope to extend these experiences to high school students. In addition, every K-5 classroom in MCPS has access to learning through the arts in an Integrated Arts Residency. In each residency, SPARK! Teaching artists collaborate with classroom teachers to create custom lessons combining art forms and other subject areas. Students are engaged in learning through Visual

Photo courtesy of MCPS

Missoula County Public Schools set the standards of academic achievement and innovation in the state of Montana. We continue to lead the state in implementing programs like the AP Capstone Diploma, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program K-12, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) K-12, Dual Language learning, and Career Academies. We are also proud of national recognition for our fine arts programs. MCPS Values a student-centered approach that includes equity, innovation, safety, inclusion, and strong relationships with our staff, families, students, and our community. Specific highlights of our 21st century educational programs include: • The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB) at Hellgate and Big Sky High Schools, • The IB Primary Years Program at Lewis and Clark Elementary, • The IB Middle Years Program at Washington Middle School, • The Health Science Academy at Big Sky High School; • The Finance Pathway at Hellgate High School; • The Dual Language learning program at Paxson Elementary school and Washington Middle School, • Project Lead The Way STEM curriculum offered K-12, • Expansion of our Career and Technical Education program to include apprenticeships and future focused design projects and students businesses, • Dual-credit (high school/college credit) classes, • Advanced Placement classes and the AP Capstone Diploma at Sentinel High School • World language classes (including Arabic and Mandarin Chinese), • Our new Missoula Online Academy • Montana Digital Academy classes (9-12 online), • Our partnership with SPARK! Arts Ignite Learning K-12 and extensive music offerings (band, choir and orchestra) at all levels. Parent and community involvement provides a strong foundation for student success in Missoula’s public schools. The District partners with parents, businesses and community members through

Photo courtesy of MCPS

Willard School Arts, Theatre, Dance, Music, Poetry, and Media Arts to develop skills and understandings in Math, Science, English Language Arts, Physical Education and Health. Currently, MCPS supports arts integrated programming for approximately five arts residency sessions per classroom per year.

Willard Alternative High School Program

Willard is a “school of choice” designed for students who want to earn a high school diploma and who want to participate in a rigorous and relevant educational experience preparing them for their adult roles and responsibilities in the 21st Century. Willard offers all students: smaller student body (150 students); smaller student-toteacher ratio; 5 period day (no study halls); shorter grading periods (6 weeks); shorter days (8:30a.m.-2:25p.m.; mentor teachers; more oneto-one help; and family atmosphere. The Alternative High School Program is for students with alternative learning styles in need of smaller classes and more hands-on curriculum. It is an all-day program consisting of 5- 55 minute periods with no study halls. Students attending Willard remain enrolled in their high school with all the rights and privileges of an attending student, i.e., yearbook photo, prom, graduation ceremony, activities, etc. Provided by Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS), www.mcpsmt.org

Other Public Schools Hellgate Elementary

Hellgate Elementary is the largest Montana independent K-8 elementary school district

and is located on the western edge of the city of Missoula, Montana. In 1869, Hellgate Elementary began as a one-room school house to serve the educational needs of 16 farm children. Today, the school district has grown to over 43 acres in size, has a student population near 1,500 students, and over 160 employees work for the school district on a daily basis. Hellgate Elementary, which has twice, in the past twenty years, been designated as a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education serves as a model elementary educational institution. The vision of the school district is for each student to be academically involved today, academically motivated for the future, and academically prepared for the next set of challenges. Specifically, the school district wants its students to be (1) connected to their learning; (2) curious, creative, and intensely motivated, with a deep sense of wonder; and (3) excited and eager to learn, prepared to unlearn and relearn as lifelong learners. Provided by Hellgate Elementary, www. hellgate.k12.mt.us

Target Range Elementary School District #23

Most of the Target Range community surrounding the school is characterized by residential lots 0.5‐acre, 1‐acre and 2‐acre in size. The Target Range School District Boundary includes more than 100 square miles of residential, agricultural and forest lands. Target Range Elementary is in a single building serving grades PK‐8 with shared spaces for Art, Music, Library/Media, Physical Education and Dining. Meals are prepared on site. Instruction in grades K‐5 is delivered by grade‐level teachers

working in Professional Learning Community (PLC) teams in collaboration with exploratory classes in Art, Music, Library and Physical Education. Teachers in grades K‐5 share responsibility for students utilizing “Walk to Read” and “Walk to Math” to work with more advanced learners in larger groups, and to provide appropriate interventions for less advanced learners in small groups. The middle school utilizes relationship‐based teams in grade 6 and operates as a 7/8 Junior High, with students traveling to individual core content teachers and specialists. Teachers are assigned common planning periods based on the PLC framework, resulting in daily opportunities to share insights into each learner, reflect on teaching practices and develop lesson plans. Provided by Target Range Elementary School, www.target.k12.mt.us

Private Schools Clark Fork School

Clark Fork School is Missoula’s natural alternative for early childhood education. Our progressive, parent-guided preschool co-op offers small classes, a nature-based curriculum taught by exceptional educators, and a commitment to each child’s social and emotional development. Our Kids’ Niche After School and Summer Camp Programs provide place-based curriculum for preschool through 5th grade. These programs focus on creating experiences within the community and outdoors that deepen students’ connection to the Missoula Valley. Provided by Clark Fork School, www.clarkforkschool.org

Garden City Montessori

Garden City Montessori offers: exemplary Preschool and Elementary Montessori

Missoula.com/newcomers

Loyola Sacred Heart High School

Loyola Sacred Heart High School (LSH) is a diocesan Catholic, co-educational high school committed to providing the highest quality college preparatory education. Since its beginning in 1873, Loyola Sacred Heart has exhibited academic excellence. The current enrollment is 170 students with a capacity of 200 students. The enrollment typically includes approximately 40-50 students in each class from grades 9 – 12, of which 50% are Catholic. The remaining 50% of our families are of all faiths and denominations. LSH emphasizes not only the subject matter but also the process by which one “learns to learn.” The process of learning is the central focus and, rather than passively receiving information and predefined explanations, students actively engage in finding out what they want and need to understand. The art of teaching students “how to learn” motivates our education. Missoula Catholic Schools is committed to enrolling students from diverse social

and economic backgrounds. As part of this commitment, the school has established a strong financial aid program for families. No family will be turned away due to financial reasons. Provided by Missoula Catholic Schools, www.missoulacatholicschools.org

Missoula Community School

The Missoula Community School (MCS) incorporates a progressive education philosophy into the design of excellent early childhood programs for children ages 3 through 6. Active classroom engagement, cooperative learning and play, and an emphasis on social relationships and emotional development are practices at MCS that stem from our progressive philosophy. Best practices in early childhood education are combined with this approach and our knowledge of child development to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment. Our overall philosophy reflects core tenets of our mission: to inspire children to explore their worlds, to create as they develop joy in learning, and to care about themselves and others. Learn more about MCS school year traditions and enrollment at: www.missoulacommunityschool.org. Provided by Missoula Community School

Missoula International School

We are a Spanish immersion, International Baccalaureate® (IB) school for children in preschool to 8th grade in Missoula, Montana. We take children on a journey to become bilingual, curious, principled and open-minded thinkers. Our multiage classrooms are full of life with an engaged, collaborative, knowledge-building community of enthusiastic learners while our low teacher-to-student ratio meets each child where they are at in their own journey. The IB curriculum and the MIS teaching approaches provide a common language for

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

success within the learning community and define the characteristics that translate into a set of lifelong values and skills. We support each child in a stimulating environment that fosters creativity, social and emotional skills, a strong sense of community and self-management tools in addition to academics that reflect critical, reflective thinking and prepare children for the world ahead. Children are encouraged to put their knowledge, concepts, skills and attitudes into action via projects, service, presentations and application in real life contexts. Provided by Missoula International School, mismt.org

Mountain View Elementary School

Imagine your child? He is developing an active and creative mind. She is demonstrating a sense of understanding and compassion for others. They are practicing courage to act on their beliefs. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could depend on your children’s school to reinforce the values and critical thinking skills you are trying to teach them at home? At Mountain View Elementary School, we are committed to maintaining the kind of high expectations that promote academic excellence and self-disciplined behavior. We are dedicated to the creation of a positive learning Christian environment where teachers and students practice respect, trust and support. We seek the total development of each child: spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, emotional and physical. Your child’s journey to success has already started at home--and we would love to be a part of it. Give us a call today at 406.543.6223 to learn more about how we partner with PreK/K parents for outcomes! Ask about our fun and free activities for kids ages 3-5! Provided by Mountain View Elementary School, www. mountainviewschool.org

Photo by Tommy Martino

instruction based upon a foundation of best practices as set forth by the American Montessori Society; visual arts program offering a sequential study of each of the elements of design; natural science curriculum based in our full scale outdoor Children’s Classroom Garden; Spanish language instruction; hikes to the wilderness, allowing students to observe and record changes in the natural environment as the seasons change; family outings and events to explore our environment as a community; yearly continent study culminating in an annual spring cultural festival; yearly activity schedule including music with Tangled Tones and swim lessons at the Y! Provided by Garden City Montessori, www.gardencitymontessori.com

Photo by Tommy Martino

St. Joseph Elementary and Middle School

St. Joseph School (SJS) is a small, diocesan Catholic, coeducational elementary school that promotes college and career readiness, providing comprehensive and challenging educational opportunities for students in an environment of Catholic teachings. SJS personifies a safe environment in which students know and respect each other. St. Joseph School provides a small, accessible faculty, staff and administration whose dedication and belief in the individual student and Catholic education fosters their vision and professionalism. The school is a family-oriented environment, structured by a cooperative effort between faculty, administration, students and parents to promote high moral and academic standards. Missoula Catholic Schools is committed to enrolling students

from diverse social and economic backgrounds. As part of this commitment, the school has established a strong financial aid program for families. No family will be turned away due to financial reasons. Provided by Missoula Catholic Schools, www.missoulacatholicschools.org

Sussex School

Founded in 1971, Sussex School is a kindergarten through eighth-grade progressive school in Missoula, MT that empowers students through the arts, the outdoors, and challenging relevant curriculum to develop critical thinking, creativity, courage, and citizenship in all our students. Provided by Sussex School, www. sussexschool.org

Valley Christian School

Valley Christian school (3-yearold preschool – 12th grade) exists to partner with Christian families who desire educational excellence

taught through a biblical worldview so their children will be prepared for a lifetime of authentic faithfulness to Jesus Christ. We are committed to high quality academic education in a distinctive Christian setting. Our faculty members are committed Christians, certified, and capable educators, who believe that God has uniquely placed them at Valley

Christian in a position of ministry to the body of Christ. Our classroom style is a conservative, traditional approach where classroom discipline, modest dress, respect for authority, and a genuine desire to learn are characteristics that can be observed. Provided by Valley Christian School, www.valleychristian.org N

Missoula County Public Schools When our students achieve, we all achieve. Career Pathways International Baccalaureate AP and Dual Credit Courses Dual Language Immersion STEM and FINE ARTS K-12 Learn more at www.mcpsmt.org Missoula.com/newcomers

Higher education Residents of western Montana have access to comprehensive Medical Assistant (MA) career preparation close to home at Charter College Missoula, located at 1930 Brooks Street. Charter College’s blended learning curriculum combines on-campus, hands-on learning with online studies. This flexible schedule allows students to manage families, work and other obligations while furthering their career opportunities. For more information, visit www.chartercollege. edu. Provided by Charter College

University of Montana

Think critically. Live ethically. Explore creatively. These are the ideals to which our students, faculty and researchers aspire. As

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

Photos courtesy University of Montana

Charter College

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Photos courtesy University of Montana

occupies 56 acres at the base of Mount Sentinel and along the Clark Fork River, and includes the park-like Oval at the center of campus, more than 60 architecturally unique buildings and a 25,200seat football stadium. UM’s 180-acre South Campus offers student housing, a golf course, soccer fields and an outdoor track facility. Provided by The University of Montana, www.umt.edu

Missoula College Missoula College, the two-year unit of the University of Montana, provides outstanding occupational and technical education spanning more than 40 academic programs. Areas of study include business and health care professions, information technology and cybersecurity, and

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

energy and industrial technologies. An Associate of Arts general education program is also available to students who plan to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program. Courses are offered at two Missoula College campuses, online and to high school students in dual-enrollment dual-credit programs. The college boasts small class sizes and an engaged and talented faculty. Through its outreach office, the college responds to workforce development and training needs through credit and noncredit courses and offers several customized training programs. A new 155,000 square foot Missoula College building opened on East Broadway in 2017 providing new opportunities to serve the Missoula community and beyond. Provided by University Relations, University of Montana, www.umt.edu

Photo by Tommy Martino

Montana’s flagship university, we set a high bar for academic studies, creative accomplishments and scientific exploration which benefit our students, our community and the world at large. With more than 10,000 students, the University draws a diverse, global population to Missoula and helps cultivate an educated, engaged and vibrant community. Our students receive a world-class education in a broad range of subjects that span the sciences, liberal arts, trades, graduate and postdoctoral study and professional training. The research and scholarly activity taking place at UM examines the most important issues of our time and strives to advance society’s well-being. Our main campus, nestled in the heart of western Montana’s stunning natural landscape,

Walla Walla University

Centrally located along the beautiful Clark Fork river, Walla Walla University’s Missoula MSW site has been dedicated to providing an outstanding clinical educational experience for approximately 60 Master-Level Social Work Students for over 20 years. Our program provides students with advanced clinical skills that employers are looking for in new graduates. Small classes give ample opportunity for involvement with other students from diverse backgrounds. We are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Our mission is to train competent and ethical professionals who: embody integrity, value all people, serve their communities, and pursue social justice. Our program is designed for commuter students with one day a week (Monday) classes. This makes it easy to complete a degree while still managing the demands of life. An MSW can be earned in six quarters. A four quarter advanced standing program is also available to BSW graduates who have graduated from a CSWE accredited institution. Provided by Walla Walla University, www.wallawalla.edu

Adult Education The Lifelong Learning Center

Lifelong Learning is not just taking classes; it’s an attitude; it’s a choice; it’s a journey. Originally established in 1957 with a class of 20 journeyman carpenters who needed to learn welding skills has grown to a program that serves Mineral, Missoula and Ravalli counties and offers or 1,500 classes annually. Classes are offered in the following categories: Fitness & Dance, Home Improvement, Cooking, Language & Communication, Arts & Crafts, Health & Safety, Technology, Academic Success, and Workforce Training. Check the fantastic selection of classes at www.MissoulaClasses.com or call 549-8765 for a catalog. Provided by The Lifelong Learning Center. N

Photo courtesy University of Montana

Photo by Michael Gallacher, MISSOULIAN

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Community Medical Center

Community Medical Center is a leading physician-led health care organization in Missoula, Montana dedicated to enhancing the health of Montanans with a complete range of medical services and patient-centered care. As a 151-bed hospital, CMC is nationally recognized for cardiology, cancer care and prevention, total hip and joint replacements, physical rehabilitation therapy, wound care and mother & baby. It is also home to Community Children’s – the region’s best healthcare system for pediatric care from primary care to critical care. In addition, Community Physician Group provides family medicine, internal medicine and specialty practices along with Community FirstCare walk-in clinics. Services include: • 24-hour, Physician-staffed Emergency

Department • 24-hour Free Nurse-on-Call (406) 327-4770 • 24-hour Billings Clinic Heart and Vascular Center • Community Cancer Care and Prevention • Community Physician Group (primary care and specialty providers) • Community FirstCare (walk-in clinics) • Diabetes & Weight Management • Dialysis and Kidney Care • Genetic Testing and Counseling • General Surgery • Infusion Therapy • Intensive Care Unit • Laboratory services (Inpatient & Outpatient) • Medical and Surgical Hospital • Nuclear medicine

Missoula NewcoMers’ Guide 2021

• Orthopedic Surgery • Physical Rehabilitation (Inpatient and Outpatient) • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Language Pathology • Radiology • Respiratory therapy • Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center Community Medical Center’s inpatient rehabilitation center is the largest, most comprehensive and longest-standing program of its kind in the state of Montana. It is nationally recognized, CARF Accredited, for brain and spinal cord injury, as well as stroke and orthopedic rehab programs. The heart and vascular center is among one of over 200 hospitals nationwide to receive the American College

Photo by Tom Bauer, MISSOULIAN

Health care A regional leader

of Cardiology’s NCDR ACTION Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award. The cancer center has received American Cancer Society Accreditation with three areas receiving commendation. Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center was named a Center of Excellence. Orthopedic surgery received Advanced Certification for Hip and Knee Replacements from The Joint Commendation. The Mother and Baby unit is Baby-Friendly Certified by the World Health Organization. The hospital is located on a 45-acre campus in Missoula, Montana and is a joint venture with LifePoint Health and Billings Clinic, Montana’s largest hospital and a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Most insurance plans are accepted, and Community Medical Center is approved for participation in Medicare and Medicaid. Check with your insurance plan carrier to confirm your coverage. Community Medical Center services all of Western Montana and Central Idaho and employs over 1,000 people with over 300 physicians and allied health staff.

Community Children’s

No other pediatric healthcare system in the region has the depth and breadth of services that Community Children’s at Community Medical Center has to offer—including specialties and certifications you may not find in many hospitals in major cities. Certainly, nowhere

Photo by Michael Gallacher, MISSOULIAN

else in Montana. From fetal transfusions for the youngest and tiniest of patients to a neonatal intensive care unit that cares for babies born as early as 23 weeks to the region’s best pediatric therapy specialists, Community Children’s is at the forefront of pediatric medicine. And, our

multidisciplinary approach to pediatric care continues until well after a child leaves the hospital. More babies are born at Community Children’s than any other hospital in Western Montana — over 1,000 per year. Our Mother Baby Unit combines state-of-the-art technology with a personal touch to ensure the best possible

Waiting rooms are sooo last year. Skip the wait, check-in online. Missoula’s most convenient medical clinic. With easily accessible online check-in and a wide range of walk-in care services, we’re designed to get you in, get treated, and get on with your day.

COMMUNITYFIRSTCARE.COM

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Photo courtesy Community of Medical Center

Services at Community Children’s include: • 24-hour, Physician-Staffed Pediatric Emergency Department • 24-hour free Nurse-on-Call at 406-3274770 • Behavioral & Developmental Therapies • Breastfeeding Support • Fetal Therapies • Genetic Testing and Counseling • Laboratory Services (Inpatient & Outpatient) • NICU (Level III) • NICU Transport Team • Obstetrics • Antepartum • Labor & Delivery

• Mother & Baby Unit • Pediatric Infusion Program • Pediatric Inpatient Unit • Pediatric ICU • Pediatric Primary Care • Pediatric Specialists (Affiliated with Seattle Children’s and other specialists) • Pediatric Therapies (Inpatient and Outpatient): • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Language Pathology • Pediatric Sedation Program • Radiology Services for Kids • Respiratory Therapy Provided by Community Medical Center, www.communitymed.org

Providence Montana With more than 40 clinics, two hospitals and almost 3,000 employees statewide, our health and services organizations work together to provide quality care to those in need.

Providence St. Patrick Hospital Providence St. Patrick Hospital is a not-

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

for-profit medical center founded in 1873 in Missoula by the Sisters of Providence. The 237-bed hospital offers: • a nationally acclaimed heart program, featuring the strongest structural heart program in the region, cardiac surgery, and pacemaker and vascular clinics • a full spectrum of woman’s and children’s services, including labor and delivery • neurology and neurosurgical services • cancer services • neurobehavioral/mental health services • general surgery • physical therapy, occupational and speech therapy, and more In 2018, Providence St. Patrick Hospital achieved its second Magnet® recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the gold star standard of nursing excellence. The hospital operates the only Level II Trauma Center in Western Montana, and a busy 24-hour physicianstaffed emergency department. The International Heart Institute (IHI) at Providence St. Patrick Hospital brings together highly skilled teams of cardiologists, heart surgeons, nurses and researchers

Photo courtesy of Providence St. Patrick Hospital

family-centered care. Our Level III NICU has a dedicated flight team to transfer infants from all over Western Montana. We also have a certified pediatric prepared emergency department that is supported by pediatric critical care physicians and nurses as well as a dedicated inpatient unit. Community Children’s is the only hospital in Montana affiliated with Seattle Children’s Hospital, where the best pediatric specialists come to Montana so we can keep children close to home.

to perform a full range of cardiac procedures, from routine to the most advanced, and to discover innovative ways to treat heart disease. IHI has been named as a 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospital in the Nation by Truven Health Analytics 10 times for superior clinical outcomes for patients. The Montana Cancer Center at Providence St. Patrick Hospital is a practice made up of a team of physicians, licensed therapists and oncology certified nurses. It is accredited by the Commission on Cancer and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, and is designated as a Comprehensive Community Hospital Cancer Program.

Providence Medical Group

Providence Medical Group (PMG) is a group of over 30 primary care and specialty provider practices in Missoula and surrounding communities, employing over 300 physicians and other clinical providers. Nine providence primary

care clinics are recognized by the National Committee on Quality Assurance as patientcentered medical homes. Physicians and providers work as a team to provide the most efficient, comprehensive, and effective care for our patients at all stages of their lives. Our goal is to work with patients to improve their health through prevention, early diagnosis and chronic disease management. Our specialty clinics include quality care in cardiology, cardiac surgery, weight-loss surgery, infectious disease, diabetes management, nephrology, occupational medicine, psychiatry, acute and chronic pain management, senior care and wound care. We also provide walk-in care at various locations.

Western Montana Clinic

Founded in Missoula in 1922, the Western Montana Clinic strives to bring new and innovative medical advances and services to the area. Our primary function is to provide

extraordinary medical care. The multi-specialty group is made up of 65 providers in 15 different specialties with over 250 employees. A variety of diagnostic services are available, including newborn & pediatric care, preventive health, and critical care. Western Montana Clinic also has two Now Care clinics for your urgent care needs - in Southgate Mall and in the Broadway Building. These locations offer walk-in appointments, with the mall offering evening and weekend hours. Because emergencies can happen at any time, a Physicians is on call 24 hours each day to provide extraordinary care. To make an appointment at any of our locations including the Physician Center #3 on Community Medical Center Campus, Garden City Medical Arts Building or the Broadway Building, call 406-721-5600. Provided by Western Montana Clinic, www.westernmontanaclinic.com N

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Older adults in the Garden City

Boasting a beautifully prime location, top-notch recreation, free public transportation, plentiful access to healthcare, and friendly neighbors, Missoula is a popular place for seniors to retire. With so many folks choosing to settle in here, it’s no wonder that Missoula

has been named on multiple lists of top cities to retire in. MOLLI, a lifelong-learning program based out of the University of Montana, offers seniors a fantastic educational opportunity. Anyone over the age of 50 can sign up for a wide

Missoula NewcoMers’ Guide 2021

variety of noncredit short courses in the humanities, natural, social and political sciences, and fine arts. Courses are led by UM faculty, emeritus faculty and local professionals and scholars. There are three six-week terms a year− in the fall, winter and spring.

Visit www.umt.edu/molli for a course catalog and registration. The Missoula Senior Center also serves the 50+ crowd. Open Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm, the center offers seniors a chance to socialize, read the newspaper, access the internet, attend classes,

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eat lunch (only $6!), play games, and participate in activities and special events like dances, concerts and travel. Visit www. themissoulaseniorcenter.org for monthly event calendars and lunch menus. Missoula Aging Services has promoted the independence, dignity and health of older adults and those who care for them for over 37 years. Every day, Missoula Aging Services delivers Meals on Wheels, provides caregiver support, helps veterans, prevents elder abuse and neglect, connects older adults to services, and places hundreds of volunteers who contribute to the good of the Missoula community. Whether you have questions about Medicaid, housing, healthcare, finances and social security or are looking to become active in the community as a volunteer, Missoula Aging

Services has the answers and resources you seek. Visit www. missoulaagingservices.org for more information and a complete list of services. Looking for senior housing? Visit Montana55.com for a complete list of senior communities in Missoula. You can also order a free copy of the Montana 55 Housing Guide by emailing niche@lee.net or calling 406-523-5319. A senior housing community isn’t the answer for everyone. Missoula has many businesses whose mission is to keep seniors living in their home. From contractors who renovate houses to make them wheelchairfriendly, to caregivers who can assist with simple tasks and chores, to nurses who provide round-the-clock care, there’s ample help available. N

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Moving right along

The monumental task of moving to a new home is never quick, and rarely easy. However, planning a thorough to-do timeline beforehand will help to reduce stress and lighten the mental load, while making the going go more easily. The top tip for moving with as little stress as possible is to start as early as possible, and get time on your side. No later than six to eight weeks before the move, begin a to-do list and start looking at logistics. Research estimates from movers or truck rentals, and schedule a moving date. Arrange for school transfers, if needed, and fill out a change-of address card with the post office. It helps to put these crucial deadlines, and notes of completed tasks, on a wall calendar or chart to build a clear picture of what needs to be done, and when. Taking the time to think about the layout of the new home, and plan packing accordingly, will save hours of frustration in the future. Consider creating a household inventory to help streamline packing, unpacking, and insurance estimates. When the moving date is about a month away, it’s time to gather supplies such as boxes, tape, markers, and packing paper, and start packing items room by room. To reduce the amount of stuff to deal with, dedicate to decluttering with a box for donations and one for trash. Don’t forget to plan to use up or dispose of consumables such as food, cleaning supplies,

and hazardous materials. For unwanted items, plan a garage sale or pick a preferred place to donate. Also, there are many local and online services that will buy gently used clothing, while unopened and unexpired food can be donated to a local food bank. This is also a good time to ensure schedules for carpet cleaning, house cleaning, pet moving and care, plant care, helping hands, truck rentals, and any other task that depends on a commitment from others. Remember to arrange for the transfer homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, and for utilities to be cancelled and created. Decide to move or clear out any safe deposit boxes and bank accounts, and to return cable boxes or other rented equipment. A couple weeks before the move, set aside all critical documents, medications, and precious items that need to remain accessible throughout the chaos. Pack these along with an overnight bag with extra clothes, toiletries, and snacks. Defrost the freezer, empty ice trays, and clean all kitchen appliances before packing them. Disconnect and drain large appliances, such as freezers, that are coming on the move, and drain fuel from lawn mowers and other engines. Outdoor furniture and decorations should also get a wipe down before loading up. When moving day arrives, double-check all closets, cupboards, dishwashers, and other appliances to be certain that nothing gets left behind.

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

Be sure to set aside tools needed to disassemble and reassemble furniture, and pack them into the truck last so that they can be the first to come out. After the heavy lifting is over and everything is in the new dwelling, there are still a few loose ends to consider. Within 30 days of the move, be sure to update the address on identification,

licenses, auto registration, voter registration, credit cards, and on registries for any microchipped pets. The effort invested in planning before packing pays off when everything’s in its place, and it’s finally time to sit back and enjoy your new home without the stress of lingering tasks. N

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Photo by Parker Seibold, MISSOULIAN

Pets

Four-legged friends are a frequent sight around Missoula, with numerous parks, businesses, and other pet-friendly locations that welcome canine companions. To scratch that canine itch to run leash-free, Missoula has several parks where no leashes are required. The ever-popular Jacob’s Island Bark Park sits comfortably between the university and downtown. Within a short driving distance, there’s the Fort Missoula Regional Park Sgt. Bozo Dog Park, Blue Mountain Recreation Area, Maclay Flats Recreation Site, Pattee Canyon Recreation Area, posted areas of Mount Sentinel and Mount Jumbo, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, the Kelly Island Fishing Access Site, and the newly opened Montana Rail Link Park. If your pup still needs to

learn the finer points of obedience, the Playfair Park Pup Pen provides a secure, fenced location ideal for training. Although many Missoula stores, restaurants, and hotels welcome furry friends, be sure to check with the City of Missoula Parks & Recreation division for rules and regulations on local doggie destinations. The pamphlet ‘A Dog Owner’s Guide to Outdoor Opportunities in the Missoula Area,’ is produced in conjunction with Lolo National Forest and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. This resource contains tips for where to go, wildlife trapping areas to avoid, and a map of the best places to perambulate with your pup. Don’t forget to keep your canine legal with a license for all dogs over the age of four months.

New residents must purchase a dog license within 60 days of moving into Missoula county. Obtaining a dog license requires a copy of the current rabies certificate, and a discount is offered with proof of being spayed or neutered. Missoula Animal Control can provide additional information, and licenses may be purchased at the City Finance Office of City Hall, the County Treasurer’s Office at the County Courthouse, Missoula County Health Department, AniMeals, and The Humane Society of Western Montana. Still searching for your new best friend? Consider adopting from a local organization such as the Humane Society of Western Montana, AniMeals, or Missoula County Animal Control and help an animal in need to find a new home. N

Worship

Missoula is a town recognized for its diversity of culture, ideologies, and landscapes; this diversity applies to the various faith communities that are an integral part of the city’s identity. Within the city limits there are mainline Christian denominations, evangelical Christian congregations, Buddhist Sangha communities, Reform and Orthodox Jewish communities, Muslim communities, and a Greek Orthodox community. Many of these faith communities come together in interdenominational and interfaith cooperatives which work together for positive support, spiritual uplift, and constructive change in our town. One example is the Missoula Interfaith Collaborative, which brings together faith communities and local organizations in collaborative efforts aimed at serving human needs and addressing community challenges. MIC is presently engaged in completion of a multimillion dollar homeless family emergency shelter.

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

Another example is SALAM, or Standing Alongside America’s Muslims, which is an interfaith association working against the rise of Islamophobia and for the strengthening of supportive relationships between people of differing faiths. Missoula is also the home of FCAM, or Faith and Climate Action Missoula, an advocacy and awareness group which seeks collaboration to address climate change and environmental issues. Through these efforts and collaborations, Missoula’s faith communities work together to provide practical solutions to many of the challenges of society, including active support of the local homeless shelter, foodbank, emergency outreach measures, reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals, and legislative initiatives aimed at supporting the marginalized. Provided by Pastor John Daniels, First United Methodist Church. N

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Life in

Missoula

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

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Photo by Ben Allan Smith, MISSOULIAN

Tubers getting on the Clark Fork River at Milltown State Park.

Big Sky Pride parade in Missoula.

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

(Ben Allan Smith, MISSOULIAN)

(Tom Bauer, MISSOULIAN)

Finish line at the Missoula Marathon. (Kurt Wilson, MISSOULIAN)

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Fly fishing the Blackfoot River. (Ben Allan Smith, MISSOULIAN)

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

Kettle House Ampitheatre, (Rebekah Welch, Missoulian)

PRCA Rodeo at Western Montana Fair. (Kurt Wilson, MISSOULIAN) Kyiyo Powwow at U of M Fieldhouse. (Kurt Wilson, MISSOULIAN)

U of M Griz football game. (Tommy Martino, MISSOULIAN)

Surfing Brennan’s Wave on the Clark Fork River. (Ben Allan Smith, MISSOULIAN)

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AJ Smith pours a Rose Trois American Sour at Draught Works Brewery. Breweries often create beers to match lifestyles, and summer presents opportunities to create beers with flavors or lower alcohol contents. Photo by Tom Bauer, MISSOULIAN

Missoula’s brewing industry strong, more expected to open soon DAVID ERICKSON david.erickson@missoulian.com Missoula’s craft beer industry is one of the most diverse and flourishing of any city in the state. With 13 breweries and counting in the county, there’s no end to the variety of ales and hefeweizens one can seek out here. The pandemic was tough on the brewing industry, but Montana Brewers Association executive director Matt Leow says he expects a rebound. “Before March 2020, Missoula’s craft brewing industry was healthy, thriving and

growing,” he said. “Between 2018 and 2020, four breweries opened in Missoula and the surrounding area: GILD and Conflux in 2018, Old Bull in 2019 and Cranky Sam in 2020. Of course, the past year has been a tough one and the industry faced incredible uncertainty a year ago.” Last spring, Montana breweries reported taproom sales were down 45% and distributed draft sales (kegs sold to bars and restaurants) were down 60%, Leow noted. “But things are now moving in a positive direction, especially as vaccine distribution picks up and the broader hospitality industry

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

gets back to normal,” he continued. “I do expect the growth in Missoula’s brewery scene to continue. The pandemic may have delayed things, but I’m aware of three breweries in planning for Missoula with two, Cymatic Fermentation Project (formerly Tonal) and Odd Pitch, set to open this spring or summer.” Bayern Brewing is the oldest continuously operating brewery in the state, founded in 1987 by Jurgen Knoller. It’s located at 1507 Montana Street. Big Sky Brewing is the largest brewery in the state, pumping out well over 40,000 barrels of beer a year. That brewery is located at 5417 Trumpeter Way, near the

“This is essentially our flagship,” says Will MacKenzie, KettleHouse’s retail sales manager. “So if you notice the decor in here, we wanted to reflect on the history of Bonner/Milltown so all of the wood is reclaimed from the river. It’s pretty cool when you think about it.”

Missoula International Airport. All the breweries in Missoula have tasting rooms, where customers can sample the different styles and flavors of beer. Draught Works Brewery, located at 915 Toole Avenue, specializes in putting interesting flavors into their beers, like their Blood Orange Gose and their Last Rites Mexican Chocolate Porter. “The craft brewing industry is vitally important to the local economy in Missoula and other Montana communities, creating an economic impact of around a half billion dollars annually in Montana,” Leow said. “Breweries create economic activity that benefits other businesses providing good and services for brewers. Additionally, Montana breweries create a value-added product from Montana agricultural products.” The growth of Montana’s craft brewing industry has helped to spur the growth of a craft malting industry in the state as well, he said. “Montana has long served as a source of

Photo by Kurt Wilson, MISSOULIAN

malt barley for the world’s brewers, but now that we have a thriving brewing industry, there is additional opportunity for entrepreneurs to produce another value-added product, craft malt made from Montana-grown barley,” he said. Brewing is unique in the way it straddles the hospitality industry and the manufacturing sector, Leow continued. “The industry is a significant creator of manufacturing jobs in Montana, and in some counties, it is the only industry providing manufacturing jobs,” he said. “We’re very proud of the diverse role we play in Montana communities, taprooms serving as community meeting places, local businesses that in-turn support other local businesses and agricultural suppliers, and a leading creator of manufacturing jobs in Montana. Choosing Montana craft beer is not only the right choice for your taste buds, it’s also a great way to keep your dollars circulating in the local economy.”

Beer is a bipartisan issue in Missoula. Two state lawmakers from Missoula on different sides of the political aisle teamed up in 2017 to raise the limit on beer that brewers could produce every year. State Rep. Ellie Hill-Smith, D-Missoula, and former Rep. Adam Hertz, R-Missoula, worked on House Bill 541 that raised the production cap on Montana’s microbreweries from 10,000 barrels annually to 60,000 barrels while still allowing them to sell beer in on-premise taprooms. “Economic growth and innovation are unlimited when we allow free markets to thrive,” Hertz told the Missoulian at the time. “I’m thrilled to be a part of this bipartisan regulatory reform that will position Montana’s craft brewing industry to be a bigger player in the regional market and create hundreds of new jobs.” N

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Photo by Ben Allan Smith, MISSOULIAN

Newcomers’ guide to

arts

Located at the base of the mountains and along a river, Missoula is a college town whose small geographic size works in your favor. If you wanted, you could start a Saturday by grabbing some locally roasted coffee, head up into a national forest or wilderness area, cool off in the water and then hit a brewery, concert or art show without leaving a radius of five miles or so. Granted you don’t have to do all that in one day, but you could if you wanted. Part of the reason there are so many options is that it’s home to the University of Montana, the state’s liberal arts flagship, and so the city has for decades cultivated a culture of

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

Photo by Tom Bauer, MISSOULIAN

CORY WALSH cory.walsh@missoulian.com

warm months. Those will likely be trimmed down affairs this summer, such as weekly food truck pods.

Food and drink Missoula’s restaurant scene has grown in the past years, with newer waves of restaurants

Photo by Tom Bauer, MISSOULIAN

and the community-based Jazzoula festival. For readers, there’s the Montana Book Festival and the Norman Maclean Festival. Caras Park in downtown is usually home to myriad events like the Garden City BrewFest and weekly food-and-music offerings Out to Lunch and Downtown ToNight, during the

Photo by Tom Bauer, MISSOULIAN

Photo by Ben Allan Smith, MISSOULIAN

local makers, whether that means art, crafts, vegetables, beer or baguettes. And Missoulians love to get together to share their wares — the city has a prolific number of festivals for a city its size. They’re fun in and of themselves, but they’re an easy way to key yourself into the character and local issues. For documentary fans, there are two big calendar items: the International Wildlife Film Festival, the first and oldest of its kind, which screens movies about the natural world every spring (typically at its home base, the Roxy Theater). The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival likewise attracts premieres of veteran and upcoming nonfiction directors each February. Those two long-running events successfully moved online during COVID. It’s yet to be determined for other events, for whom adapting is trickier. The River City Roots Festival brings rootsy (in a broad sense of the word) bands from around the country to two stages in downtown each August. For jazz fans, there are two: The Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival at UM

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their shops, plus newcomer Big Creek Coffee on Russell Street. Dessert, too, is here for you. Big Dipper, the city’s original ice cream shop, serves up custom flavors year-round that are so popular people wait in line, outside, in winter at its original Higgins location. Sweet Peaks on North Higgins has its own spin. Local chocolatier Posh Chocolat never fails to provide tasty truffles and bars. There are so many breweries in western Montana that you might need a map (more on that later). Missoula County alone is home to 13, not counting cideries, distilleries and taprooms. Some of the oldest brewers are going strong, such as Bayern Brewing — popular for its European style that sets it apart from American ones — and well-known outfits like Big Sky Brewing and KettleHouse Brewing Co. For those who make a sport out of trying new breweries, check the Montana Brewers Association trail map at montanabrewers. org/trail-map. Or head to a tap room, such

Photo by Tom Bauer, MISSOULIAN

alongside staples, such as the Montana Club, Charlie B’s Dinosaur Cafe, and Depot. For a fresh pizza, there are two locally owned spots: Bridge and Biga. For a creative brunch or lunch, check out Burns St. Bistro or Golden Yolk Griddle, or snag a breakfast burrito to go at Market on Front. Some newer places have diversified the lunch and dinner palate. Michi Ramen Bar finally brought noodles to downtown. Gild Brewing and The Camino have their own take on Mexican food, joining classic burrito joints like Taco Del Sol, Taco Sano and El Diablo, and veteran restaurant El Cazador. Food trucks, such as Ragheef and Kamoon, have recently begun offering Arabic cuisine. Food trucks in general have grown in number in recent years, often as a way for aspiring restaurant owners to cultivate a fan base before they try a permanent location. (See Wally & Buck, a downtown burger joint with hand-cut fries.) Locally roasted coffee is available through Black Coffee Roasting and Drum Coffee at

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

as the Dram Shop, which brings in a variety of Montana and outside beers, or shops like Worden’s Market or Big Head’s Bottle Shop that offer a fine selection of classics and new entries. For something sweeter, Western Cider produces a variety of tasty drinks at its space near the California Street Footbridge. The cocktail menu is growing, too. Plonk mixes creative drinks and stocks a large wine menu. The deck at Finn has a good selection, too, and as a bonus, you can look out on the banks of the Clark Fork.

Art and attractions The first Friday of each month is, in normal times, when crowds descend on the downtown district to see art openings in galleries and museums. Those are naturally different these days, but many arts organizations are open and sharing new work. The longest-running gallery, the Dana, hosts impressionistic takes on landscape painting. The Radius Gallery features contemporary art and ceramics with an emphasis on a community

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such as the Alien Detention Center, where Italian-Americans and Japanese-Americans were incarcerated during World War II. To familiarize yourself with all the plants and animals of your new environment, go to the Montana Natural History Center, which has exhibits on the particulars of the landscape. While the opening has been delayed due to COVID, the new building for the Missoula Public Library reflects the re-imagining of a library into a community center, with activities such as a climbing wall and MakerSpace. The city’s nonprofit independent cinema, the Roxy Theater, has moved its programs outdoors during the warmer months. It hosts outdoor screenings behind its building on Higgins Avenue during the warmer months, along with plans for screenings of summer classics at Ogren-Allegiance Park. (No timeline is available yet for the return of public screenings in its indoor theaters.) Besides museums, the city has cultivated some novel attractions. The Giggle Box, an interactive and Instagram-ready museum at Southgate Mall, consists of artist-created installations in 25 rooms. If you’re keen on

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

escape rooms, Big Sky Breakout will happily lock you inside and let you puzzle your way out. Sports fans have their year-round attractions, too. On campus, there’s Montana Griz football and its home at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, plus Lady Griz and Griz basketball and other collegiate athletics. During the summer, the Missoula Paddleheads baseball team hosts at the Ogren-Allegiance Field, located just along the Clark Fork River.

Music, theater and movies The city has as many musicians, actors and dancers as you’d expect, but keep in mind that offerings may vary or be limited or on pause as these organizations have been severely affected by COVID. The city is stocked with musicians, although it’s difficult to tell when and where gigs will return to normal. It’s likely to be a slow transition including many outdoor performances. When you are looking to go see something live, keep in mind that there’s less of a scene tied to a specific genre than an assortment of talented people doing very different things who all

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feel and local and regional makers, in a brandnew two-story building. The Zootown Arts Community Center, a nonprofit, moved into a new two-story facility that boasts galleries, paint-your-own pottery studio, an event space, recording studios and more. The Missoula Art Museum’s home is a historic Carnegie Library, expanded in the 2000s, that now has four levels of space all dedicated to contemporary art from Montana and the region (occasionally beyond). One gallery upstairs is dedicated exclusively for modern Indigenous work. It, too, is open yearround and doesn’t have an admission charge. During the warmer months, the Missoula Art Park just outside the door exhibits sculptures. On campus, the Montana Museum of Art and Culture, a statewide museum with thousands of artifacts, hosts year-round exhibitions in its two galleries in the PAR/TV Center. If science and history are your niche, there are museums for you. The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula has indoors exhibits delving into the area’s past, and outdoor features such as a historic fire watch tower. It also preserves the memories of dark periods in the area’s history,

Symphony and Chorale, which produces a season of masterworks concerts, interspersed with specialty shows for the holidays and the families. The String Orchestra of the Rockies, a professional ensemble, produces a full season of performances on campus.

Photo by Ben Allan Smith, MISSOULIAN

Photo by Tommy Martino, MISSOULIAN

contemporary adult productions (the Montana Repertory Theatre) to somewhere between, depending on the show (the University of Montana School of Theatre and Dance). They all typically provide programming through the year (not the summer for UM), although “remote delivery” has been the standard. Classical fans will appreciate the Missoula

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choose to live here. You can hear accomplished jazz artists, singer-songwriters, country bands or indie rock, psych, metal, or whatever UM students are into. There are some handsome venues to see music in, too. The historic Wilma Theatre, located on the north end of Higgins Avenue, is an opera house turned movie theater turned modern venue with high-end sound and acts that span interests — singer-songwriters, indierock, EDM, jam. The venue’s owner, Logjam Presents, also operates the Top Hat, a relatively smaller historic music mainstay that also draws national acts along with presenting locals. Out in Bonner, they built the KettleHouse Amphitheater, situated along the banks of the Blackfoot River, that presents roots, metal, you name it, and can fit upward of 5,000 people in normal times. The ZACC also has a space for live performances — music, theater, readings, comedy, you name it — in its Show Room venue. For drama, there are many outlets that span from family fare and musicals (Missoula Children’s and Community Theatre) to

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Photo by Parker Seibold, MISSOULIAN

Getting outside Missoula’s a desirable place to live not just because there’s access to the outdoors, but because it’s so readily accessible in all four seasons. You can get off work and hit a hiking or mountain bike trail, a frisbee golf (folf) course, golf course, or get on the water to float, swim, or, in wintertime, get out your skis. Those interested in getting into hiking have some great starting points for all skill levels. Mount Sentinel (the one with the “M”), has multiple trails of relative difficulty, as does Mount Jumbo (the one with the “L”). Or head to Waterworks (the one with the peace sign) or Blue Mountain, where there are moderate looping trails with fantastic views — perfect for a weekend afternoon or a quick hike after work. The surrounding area, meanwhile, has more than you could hope to explore in a lifetime. Once you’ve whetted your appetite, go find a guidebook at a shop like the Trailhead, Bob Ward’s or REI — a few of the many shops that sell gear for all four seasons.

To find new places to hike, apps like AllTrails and REI’s Hiking Project are a good quick resource, but if you use them, be sure to check the comments sections on a particular trail — they’ll cue you in on the relative accuracy of distances, difficulty or current conditions. Paid apps like Missoula-based OnX Maps and Gaia have detailed, offline maps with GPS capability. Also check out apps like PeakFinder, which can pinpoint specific mountains with your phone’s camera. Skiers and snowboarders can hit dedicated ski areas like SnowBowl or Discovery. If you’re into cross-country, the Rattlesnake and Pattee Canyon offer plenty of exploration without a long drive. If you’re looking for a place to relax or play, the city has a network of parks and rec services that serve all needs. Currents Aquatics Center and Splash Montana let folks get their fix without going on the river. At more than 150 acres, Fort Missoula Regional Park has space for softball, tennis, pickleball and more.

Missoula Newcomers’ Guide 2021

Buying local People here talk about “buying local” a lot, and they mean it. Depending on what you’re looking for, there’s likely a local purveyor, whether it’s clothes (Betty’s Divine), music (Ear Candy, Rockin’ Rudy’s), bread (Le Petit), or whatever you have in mind. Montana has a prodigious number of writers working in most any genre you like with local flavor: literary crime, fiction, nonfiction, poetry. There are three local bookstores to help you get started: Fact & Fiction Downtown, Shakespeare & Co., and the Book Exchange all keep Montana writers in stock. Tea fans have multiple options (Butterfly Herbs, Montana Tea & Spice, Lake Missoula Tea Co.), as do coffee aficionados (the Break, Le Petit, Butterfly, Drum, Black Coffee and Clyde). Missoula’s a hub for outlying communities, so national retailers are on tap: Target, Walmart, Costco, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Cabela’s, plus the many stores in the Southgate Mall, located in the reviving Brooks Street corridor. N

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