Posted in Montana Attractions, Explore July 02, 2017 by

The Fantastic Factory Tour You Can Only Take In Montana

Taking a factory tour is a great way to learn more about Montana, its history and the local economy. Best of all, they’re usually either free or very affordable.

There’s even a unique “factory” tour in Missoula that shows you how smokejumpers are made!

The Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center is located at 5765 W Broadway Street.
Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center Facebook
This is the Northern Region headquarters of the USDA Forest Service Smokejumpers, which encompasses National Forests throughout the entire state of Montana and the northern half of Idaho.
Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center Facebook
Smokejumping is used as a means to quickly provide an initial attack on forest fires.
Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center Facebook
By parachuting in, self-sufficient firefighters arrive on the scene fresh and ready for the strenuous work of fighting fires in the wild. The profession has been around since 1939. Smokejumpers are a precious national resource today, and the profession is an intense and dangerous one.
The Visitor Center is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center Facebook
Free tours are available daily at 10, 11, 1, 2, 3, and 4PM
Touring the building is a great way to gain insight on the tough but rewarding life of a smokejumper.
Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center Facebook
The 45 minute tour includes a visit to the Smokejumper loft, the ready room, and the National Smokejumper memorial.
Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center Facebook
There is also a gift shop and museum, including a fire lookout tower originally built in 1930.

Every Montanan should take this tour to learn more about our brave firefighters. Here are some other fun tours you can take in the Treasure State.

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