Part III - Missoula, Montana

Missoula, Montana

          Missoula, Montana is home to some of my favorite people. It is an absolutely fantastic city and is filled with great recreational events. I couldn’t have picked a better place!

            The city of Missoula is located in Missoula County, Montana. Montana is a state bordered by Canada and Wyoming. Missoula itself is located near the confluence of Bitterroot River and Clark Fork River. It is in the midst of five large mountains and is often known as the, “Hub of Five Valleys”. According to the 2010 Census, their population is around 66,788 people. It has grown to about 68, 394 people since July 1^st, 2012. Since 2000, Missoula is the second most populated city in Montana.

            A historic tourist hotspot is the Wilma Theatre. The theatre was built as a dedication to William “Billy” Simons’ wife, Edna Wilma, who was an opera singer. The theatre is 8 stories high and towers over downtown Missoula. It was built in 1921. During its’ original construction, the basement was made into a swimming pool called the “Crystal Plunge”. The pool closed ten years later, as it was destroying the interior of the building with condensation. It now serves as storage space. Today, the theatre is managed by Missoula based Simba Entertainment. They broadcast and host movies, lectures, local music, as well as many other various entertainment events. It attracts many visitors, every single day!

One noteworthy tourist attraction in Missoula is Mount Sentinel. Originally nicknamed, “Mount Woody” this mountain resides next to and is claimed by Missoula University. Its’ height reaches 1,958 feet while its’ elevation rests at 5,158 feet. On the western hillside, about 620 feet up, Mount Sentinel features a concrete letter “M” for Missoula University. In 1902, Missoula University first received the land on Mount Sentinel when the North Pacific Railroad Company donated over 40 acres to their campus. Congress later gave the rest of the land to the school and the University of Montana became the only university in the United States to own a mountain. In 1909, students began to construct the letter “M” as a class project. After many tried and failed attempts, in 1915 a final “M’ was built and still stands tall today. Each year, students hike up the mountain during homecoming to light the “M” with railroad lanterns. Many trails also run along the mountain such as, the Kim Williams Nature Trail, the Hellgate Canyon Trail, the Mo Z Trail, and many others. Mount Sentinel means a great deal to not only the student body of Missoula University, but to the residents of Missoula, too.

Missoula isn’t famous for anything in particular except that a few special residents can call this lucky city their home. Missoula houses the famous YouTubers, Hank Green of the Vlogbrothers and Michael Aranda of Arandavision. They are both an inspiration and the reason I chose Missoula as my city of the week. It is without a doubt on my list to visit when I’m older so I can fulfill my lifelong dream of meeting the Vlogbrothers and Michael & Charlie! I have learned so much about Missoula University, the Welma Theatre, and the location of Missoula. I can’t wait to visit this historic, nerdfighter central! J