Smokejumper Visitor Center Reviews

Great experience both times we have visited the Center. Not a big museum but very informative. I learned a lot from the tours we took and gained a new appreciation for the history and current activities of the SmokeJumpers.

We thought it was very informative and educational. The girl giving the tour was very knowledgable. I would highly recommend if you're in the area to stop and check it out.

There is little I can add to what everyone else has said. This is a fantastic place. The frustrating thing was to see all the people who came into the visitor's center, took a couple of pictures, looked at the displays and left.

In my opinion, they missed quite an opportunity to see so much more. The free tours run once an hour and you get to see a lot more of the facility, how parachutes are packed, cargo is bundled, how current smoke jumpers prepare for their next mission and the aircraft standing by to transport them. So, stay for the tour, you will be glad you did!

You will be able to learn quite a bit about the Smokejumper program that began in 1939 on the Okanogan National Forest outside Winthrop, WA.

Absolutely amazing museum where Will, our guide, gave us a fantastic tour of the base and detailed history of smoke jumpers.

I work in the Scottish forest industry and am familiar with some aspects of wildfire but oh my goodness! The work and sheer bravery of smoke jumpers blew me away.

Was great to see the facilities and learn not only about the equipment, techniques and training, but also the importance of trusting your team and how information, knowledge and experience is being shared between the Forest Service, military and sports jumpers too.

A gem of a museum and a great way to spend a few hours.

Thanks Will for a great tour. I was talking about it with friends for the rest of the day!

We called in here in September when there were wild fires all around.They still had the time to show us what these brave men do.We followed our guide through their daily routine and heard they were on a 11 minute call out.Most of them expected to have to jump that day.Thank god for people that still want to help others!

I have been through the Center a couple of time several years ago but did not get a chance to see it this year. However, they still offer the same guided tours by experienced firefighters. You get to see what the training is like, what kind of equipment they use to fight forest fires, and if an aircraft is available, you can see them on the tarmac. The guides give their personal insights to being a smokejumper. This is good for families with kids who are old enough to understand what a firefighter is. Plan on about an hour for the tour and they accept donations.

I went there for my 5 year old grandson's birthday party ~ he is all about the smokejumpers and firefighters! The visitor's center is small but interesting. The tour was very informative ~ so much cool stuff to see and learn about. Erin, the smokejumper, was wonderful and amazingly patient with all the kid s'(and adult) questions. The smokejumping monkey was a big hit!!

I took this tour with my husband and 14 year old son. This is a great way to spend an hour. The tour provided information regarding the history the smokejumpers and current operations and procedures. There were smokejumpers there working on sewing their packs, inspecting parachutes, and repairing the same.

This is a guided tour by one of the jumpers. He did a great job of explaining the different aspects of the job.He took us to the different areas and answered questions. We saw how to pack a parachute ,saw the display of food items and went on the DC 3 that they jump from. The most shocking thing was that they sew their own clothes! Sewing machines were lined up in one room for their use. There is a lot of hard work and danger in the job. Very worthwhile to take the time to learn about the life of a Jumper!

As an East Coast resident, smoke jumpers are not familiar to our area. This small museum is packed with great information on the qualifications and role of a smoke jumper. There are several short videos worth watching and the exhibits are engaging. We did not get a tour this time but had a tour years ago. The staff is very articulate and is happy to answer your questions. It's a great rainy day activity or a great way to spend an hour before your flight leaves.

I read in the AAA Tour Book about the Aerial Fire Depot and the Missoula Smokejumpers Base and Visitor Center, and it piqued my interest. We had no difficulty locating the center. There were signs on I-90 and the facility was right next to the Missoula airport. Tours are scheduled on the hour and it is free. Our tour guide, a college student and former member of the armed services, did a great job sharing information about smoke jumping with us. She welcomed questions and showed us around the Visitor Center as well as the facility where we viewed smokejumpers sewing their uniforms and folding their parachutes. Some of the tour guides are also smokejumpers, so you know they have stories to share. Well worth the time we spent there. It became obvious that smoke jumping is a passion, not just an occupation.

Very interesting hearing about the jumpers and their packs. What they have to carry and store and how the fight the fires. After travelling through the mountain pass on the way I can see the need to be dropped into some of the places!!!!!
Well done and good luck with the future.

A historical museum at the Missoula airport. Excellent displays and explanations of aerial firefighting.

This was a fun afternoon ,their gift shop is great with wonderful books on the history of fighting fires and smoke jumpers in Montana, cool t-shirts and etc. also wonderful artwork too and to top it all off two lovely young Ladies that are so helpful. The Center offers a tour of the whole facility including the airplane that transports the firefighters. If your in Missoula it is a must do.

My wife and I actually toured this facility a few years ago. The Center is a popular site to visit. Smokejumpers usually conduct the tour so you get to hear from the experts who also give their personal insights. You get a better understanding and appreciation of what the smokejumpers have to know, what they have to carry, and what they do to fight forest fires. Plan on about an hour. Donations are accepted.

Very educational. I was here with my young grandson, and he enjoyed it a lot, but the tour was a little long for him. Perhaps when he is older. The highlight was being able to go into the chopper. It may not be there during fire season, so check first if you really want to see it up close and personal.

It was free but we left a donation.We learned so much about the smoke jumpers. The tour guide did a great job!! It takes some very special men and women to do this job!!

The visitor center and tours are free and if your timing is right you might get a tour of a jump plane too. We learned a lot about wildfires, smoke jumpers and how the whole process works. And we got to tour the DC-3 and the Sherpa (Shorts 360) too. If you are in the area, this is well worth the 1-2 hours max for a tour.

Megan, our tour guide, was a mine of information and gave us a really good tour of the smoke jumping station. It was an enjoyable education. Museum is small but interesting too and has films to keep you busy whilst waiting for the tour. Definitely worth a visit.

Everyone, who ist ancious or interested in wildfire MUST visit at least the smokejumper center close to the airport. A lot of information, nearly everything regarding wildfire, videos etc.
You will need around 1-2 hours and learn a lot!

Interesting facts learn about what a smokejumper endures. Great for families. Fun opportunity to take pictures

We visited, because we were interested in the training and occupation of smokejumpers. Museum was interesting. Be sure and take a tour with one of the well-informed interns - very informative. And be sure and try to pick up that 80 pound pack. It gives us great appreciation for the people who do this job. Especially timely, since there was a big fire in Eastern Washington at the time.

The facility has a small museum that could stand to be remodeled, but, the tour is the highlight. You get to see a working facility. Firefighters working at various tasks from sewing their own equipment to packing parachutes. Great for adults and children of all ages.

Brought my 12 and 14 year olds. Very cool. Had no idea what this profession and training entailed. This is a working training center. With a guide, they let you tour and see facilities, including parachute-packing areas and sewing areas (they make their own gear).

What a great little tour about the men and women who are brave enough to jump out of an airplane in the name of saving our forests! We loved that not only was there an informative display area, but that they take you right into the middle of where the jumpers actually work on their equipment. It was amazing to learn that the sew their own equipment and how long it takes to pack a parachute. We also had the opportunity to talk to one of the smokejumpers and he took us out to one of the planes they use - what a treat!

We had an hour to kill before going to the airport so we stopped by. Tour was fascinating. We were not aware of smokejumpers. It was fun to learn about how it started, how they train, and how it operates. This is a training facility with smokejumpers there onsite. Museum was small and well done. Would recommend when you have an hour to kill.

Shows history of firefighting and usefulness of smokejumpers, qualifications, training, equipment. Also an actual old fire lookout cabin, fully equipped.

Drove down from Kalispell to see this since the experience at GNP wasn't at its best. Whole family agreed this is one of the best tours/museums we have been on to date! Tour guided by an actual smokejumper today and takes you through the real operations areas, not just pictures and mock-ups. Our tour guide answered every question with great enthusiasm, and everyone working in the place had something interesting and friendly to add.

I live in Missoula and have visited several times with relatives from out of town, school groups and Boy Scouts. Depending on who conducts the tour, you may hear variations of the same information. There is an interesting visitors' center, so while waiting for your tour, be sure to check it out.
Smokejumpers most always conduct the tours. You will see where parachutes are hung up after being used, inspected for damage and where necessary repairs are made. The jumpers make their own gear (with the exception of the chutes). You most likely will see the area where they stockpile supplies that will be boxed up and dropped to the fire site along with the jumpers. This includes food, chainsaws, handtools, containers of water, etc. After that, if planes are there, you may be able to see a smokejumper plane. They use several different kinds, including Sherpas and DC3s ( also called a C47). If you are lucky, there may be slurry bombers refilling their slurry tanks close by.
The Missoula International Airport is not only home to the smokejumper base, but also to Neptune Aviation, which contracts slurry airtankers to the Forest Service. They use Naptue P2Vs (used in Korean War for submarine detection), an occasional Orion, DC6s, and have recently added a jet (I don't know what type) to its fleet. In the Summer, sounds of the big old properller aircraft can be heard rumbling overhead as they labor over the nearby mountains with their loads of slurry, headed to a fire somewhere.
While at the smokerjumper depot, make sure to take a minute to look at the small fire lookout, located to the northeast of the depot. Nearby, you can also view the memorial to smokejumpers killed in the line of duty. Ever heard of the Mann Gulch Fire? 12 smokejumpers from the Missoula Aerial Fire Depot and one fire prefention guard perished in this wildlands fire on August 5, 1949.

Doe a great job explaining what a smokejumper does and how they do it. Great static displays and a patch display from fire departments from around the world. Great videos and gift shop. Well worth the time to stop here.

What a great way to spend an hour or so in Missoula.

We stopped by to see the Visitor's Center and learned of the tour which is all free. The Visitor's Center has a small exhibit about the history of the Smoke Jumper's. Every hour they offer a tour which is well worth the time.

We were greeted by our guide who is an active Smoke Jumper. He took us over to the base after giving a brief talk in the Visitor's Center. We got a complete tour and saw Jumper's working on sewing their personal packs, repairing chutes and packing gear. We were able to see the process of hanging chutes once they return and how they check for damage.

We then were taken out to the tarmac and got to board one of the planes they fly on. This was so cool as we could check out how they hook to the plane and how the chainsaws and boxes of food and water are packed on the plane and subsequently dropped to the jumper's.

They love what they do and love to share it with the public. We really learned a lot about them and the job. I highly recommend the tour when in Missoula.

We enjoyed this museum very much. From the model of a fire watch tower, to the details on how to make your own smokejumper outfit, we learned lots of new facts about smokejumping and firefighting.

Lots of great T-shirts and patches to buy!

This is a MUST SEE when you visit Missoula. Not only you get to see a very good documentation, but when you take the guided tour, you see the actual training facility and how the Smoke Jumpers - the special forces of the fire fighters - fold their parachutes and how they tailor-make their own equipment: They are the heroes saving our forests and lives, protecting nature in spite of stupid so-called environmentalist enforced rules of leaving the forest untouched, which is harming flora and fauna as well as the safety of the people of the area terribly.

My name is Connie from Rhode Island, and I brought my three kids in for the tour and it turned out better than I had ever expected. Admission was free, and we were able to go into the actual working facilities of the smokejumpers. It was great to see the smokejumpers at work and the kids really enjoyed everything about wild land fire fighters. The tour guides made the information easier for the kids to understand, but when other adults had questions, they would answer with more detail. One of the best parts of the tour was being able to see the plane that the smokejumpers jump out of. The jumper that took us out on the plane was very friendly toward everyone and answered a lot of my questions. Overall, it was a great experience, and I would highly recommend this tour to any passerby that is interested in smoke jumping and fire fighting. Also, on the way out, we saw a flyer for a Junior Smokejumper Experience day camp. Unfortunately, we live in the east, otherwise, we would have loved to participate and I believe it would have been a great camp for the kids.

Great tour. Very informative tour of actual staging ground for smoke jumper for fire fighters. We even had a couple of fire fighters on lo an to the area join the tour

This is a must do if you are visiting Missoula. Start in the visitor center and go through the little room with the exhibits and movies. Watch all the videos they aren't very long. The tour is a highlight. You will have a whole new appreciation for what these smokejumpers do. The tour will show you the sewing room, (yes, they make their own stuff), the equipment, what they take with them, where the hang the parachutes, how they fold them and much much more.

This is a must if you are in Missoula. The tour doesn't take long and is very well done. You are actually touring a working facility and although we didn't get to see one, you could witness a fire call and see the smokejumpers in action. Megan was our guide and she was remarkably knowledgeable. She answered the group's questions with ease and confidence.

The tour was free and I wish there was a notable place that we could have left a donation--if there was one, I missed it.

The visitor's center is small, but they do a great job and there is a high interpretation value. They have an actual lookout stand/house which you can walk into and see what it might be like to live in a lookout for a summer season.

The tour itself is amazing in that you are actually in the smokejumpers's locker room and can walk up to the dispatch desk and see where the wildfires are and which jumpers are out.

Be aware that it is a walking your and while there is some seating in each area or room you stop in, but there is also much moving and standing.

This was a great place to visit and learn about these most elite of all firefighters and the grueling training and hours that goes into a smoker jumper's career. You can tour the museum yourself where there are great exhibits-some of them interactive-and five videos you can view ranging from a couple of minutes to 15 minutes. There was a three minute film "Ride with a Smokejumper" taken from a camera the smoker jumper was wearing that gave you a feel for what it must be like on your way to the ground. I highly recommend viewing that one.

Great as the museum is, it is the hourly tours ( but not during the lunch hour) that really give you a feel for the life of a smokejumper as you go behind the scenes and see them sewing equipment, folding the gigantic parachutes, where their lockers are and how each person has their own way of organizing their gear so they can respond quickly. We even went out on the tarmac, could try lifting an eighty pound pack (smoker jumpers must carry a 120 pound pack), and saw the type of food they eat (lots of spam). Our guide was a young college student who amazed us with her knowledge. Our tour lasted about 45 minutes, but you could stay and talk directly with the smokejumpers if you wanted, and questions were always welcome during the tour.

The facility is located just west of Missoula's airport. It is a bit confusing as there are many buildings all with the same address. The Visitor Center is way into the complex in BUILDING E and there is parking right there.

We had been to the smokejumpers facility in Boise and loved it. Unfortunately, the first tour here was 10AM and we arrived at 8:30. But it was still fun to meander around the limited exhibits. Especially interesting were the Russian smokejumper outfits.

Small visitors center showing a watch tower, gear used by smokejumpers & past fires. Guided tour of the smokejumpers depot very informative.

The US Forest Service have a Visitors Centre at their smoke jumpers base at Missoula airport. A guide explained the qualifications required, the training undertaken and then their operational life. This was then followed by a walk through of their maintenance area, parachute packing area & the store area where they have parachutes & supply packs. It takes a special type of person to jump into inaccessible terrain to fight fires.

Got a one hour guided tour. Spoke to actual Fire Jumpers. Visited most areas. Climbed in the plane. Highlight of my stay in Missoula.

We visited this training facility with our son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, ages 5 and 7. Everything about this facility was new to us. The guide held the interest of our entire family throughout the tour and everyone got something out of it. She let the children try on junior smokejumper outfits which they loved.

To see the training and personal responsibility these individuals have is incredible. We were also on the tour with a group of soldiers from airborne paratroopers.. Be prepared to be humbled! Bravery is their middle name.

We thought it was closed since we didn't see other cars, but they were open. Very friendly staff. Interesting exhibits, although a small museum and not a lot of space. The 'fire spotter' exhibit looked very much like one I had seen pictured in a book about the old lookout station on Isle Royal, Michigan. The tour started about 15- 20 minuets after we arrived (they called us while we were engrossed in the 3rd short video - several to choose from). Only 3 of us took the tour but it was very informative and lasted twice as long as posted - probably because we weren't bothering the smoke jumpers at their tasks (Sunday so they had the day off), we asked a lot of questions, and our guide was having fun showing us around. While it would be great to be there during a week day, and see the men and women in action, it was very nice to be able to spend lots of time in each activity room. Every smoke jumper has to be certified in some 'non-jumping' but related job (sewing clothes, fixing parachutes, packing chutes, etc.

you must visit. actually get to see the smokejumpers fixing gear and when i was there an actual practice jump. many of the jumpers were doing shifts to california to help out with the fires there.

The smokejumper center is a great place to visit regardless of the weather outside. A majority of this visit is indoors, so hot days and rainy days will seem the same to you.

You will get an overview of the center and what people do here. See equipment specific to fighting wildland fires and jumping from planes into dangerous situations.

Dependig on the season you visit and the number of fires being fought, you will probably meet a few of the wonderful men and women of the center.

People of all ages will enjoy this visit.

I was not familiar with smokejumpers until this visit. They have a small visitors center with a couple of exhibits but the real gem is the tour of the smokejumper facility. You really get a feel for what they do and how they operate. You get to see the parachute loft where deployed chutes hang until they are ready to re-pack, the re-packing room, the locker room, the tarmac with airplanes, etc. Meanwhile, smokejumpers are walking around getting their gear together. The tour guide was very friendly and answered any questions. Don't just visit the visitors center, make sure you take the tour.

Excellent visitors center with lots of good displays. The history and importance of the smokejumpers is so interesting. Definitely an educational experience for young and old alike.

Neat way to see how the smokejumpers work and prepare to jump into a forest fire. Glad they do it, they are a great group of people.

I reluctantly visited the Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center and how inspired I was by the end of the tour. I had no idea of the level of training, of fitness and sheer bravery the men and women exhibit. Our guide, Darby was patient with our questions and extremely informative. The US is indeed fortunate to have men and women of that calibre putting their lives on the line to safeguard the environment and property of others. The tour was free of charge but I would have been more than happy to make a donation at the end of the tour.

So glad we took the time to stop! While they have a small museum area and some short videos, all our very educational, the highlight of this is the tour of the facility. They take you into where the smokejumpers work, train, prep, sew (yes, they all sew), and track all the various groups that are out fighting various fires. You see what it takes to become a smokejumper, and we were in awe of these individuals. You actually see some of them working as you walk through. Really worth your time to stop!

Be sure to take the tour and treat your guests to the museum. This is especially good in the summer when there is much activity and the jumpers are there! Lots of history and it is fun and interesting both, to see where the jumpers are based, who go all over to fight the fires for our safety.

Very nice place to visit. My husband is a wildlanf firefighter and a former helitack crew member. Very intersting for the kids to learn about what happens at fires, and it was a great chance for my hubby to show us what he knows! Kids will love it!

I arrived at 9:15 AM for the 10:00 AM tour, you do not need to be this early, in fact you can probably walk up right at 10:00. There’s a small museum area where you can look at a few exhibits while you wait. The AmeriCorps intern who took us through the facility did an excellent job and answered all of our questions. It was fascinating to learn about what all the jumpers do outside of fighting the fires. The tour took about 45 minutes and is not to be missed.

The personnel at the wildfire center are open and genuine and so ready and willing to answer any and all questions. You can really tell that they are there to show off all the preparation and training it takes to fight a wildfire. Great history tied in with all the improvements to help aide and protect these people crazy enough to head into areas where everyone else is fleeing!

I brought my family to get a glimpse into the life of a smokejumper at Region 1 headquarters, Missoula. My little brother used to jump out of this base and it was fun to see his picture on the wall and run into people who knew him on the base. His daughter designed the signs outside. I enjoyed the video clips on firefighting, the full-sized replica of a lookout tower, the parachute bay, the jump plane tour, and humorous presentation of our tour guide. Time well spent!

This place was fascinating - it was so great to be able to tour the facility and even get to see the plane with one of the smokejumpers that offered to take us out there and answer our questions. So much admiration for the work these men and women do and it was such an important learning experience for our kids.

This was one of the funnest field trips we have taken with the grandkids. They loved the equipment and excitement of fires and the adults learned lots of new information.

Make sure you check the time, you can be there all day learning new things about nature.

We want to salute the brave men and women who work to keep our forests safe. This is not the easiest career to have and we thank those who continue to do it.

Dwain and Judy Helm Wright
community members in Missoula

We stopped on our way through Missoula with little boys who live the movie 'Planes: Fire and Rescue'. These guys are the real thing. Our boys enjoyed it, though it isn't aimed at children as much as educating adults. (A little dry and boring for kids) but like I said, my kids love the movie and subject matter, so they were into it. It was interesting for me to, worth the stop.

My wife and I visited and took the hour long guided tour. It was very cool to see how the smokejumpers do their jobs and talk with a few of them. Brave folks. If you have a quick hour and a half, definitely stop.

. We went on a tour led by a wife of a smokejumper. I had little idea of the training, resources, dedication and commitment the smokejumpers make to their job and to themselves. We learned about the training, the equipment, and the risks involved. It was not just educational, but informative. This would be a great activity tour for the family

I've visited Missoula's Smokejumper Center countless times and always find something interesting to see and something new to learn. It's a great education in the history of and current practices of wild-land fire fighting in the US. and it is the largest of its kind in the US. Visitors can access self-initiated interactive videos, plus take a tour where one can see equipment, parachutes, and the smoke-jumpers planes. I highly recommend the tour, which run about every hour. Usually, there is a smoke-jumper or two actually working on the premises, and they are great about answering questions. THE most exciting visit for us was when the alarm sounded and the smokejumpers ran in front of us, to their plane to go off and fight an actual fire.

If you go, definitely take the tour to at least see and learn a little more about the Smokejumpers. The visitor center itself is small, but has a few interesting things to look at. Plan on 15-20 min in the center, with a 45 minute tour of the grounds.

Kinda out of the way, but well worth the effort. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable. The displays are informative and well kept up. We got in on a base tour, not always available. There is a good gift display for souvenirs and reading.

The smoke jumpers' center was one of the highlights of our time in Missoula. We were right in the center of the action. The tour included the ready room, sewing room, and parachute rigging area. Our guide was well informed and shared a lot of information. The smoke jumpers answered questions, as well. We need to give thanks to these men and women for putting their lives on the line to save our beautiful natural resources.

You will learn what the word 'appreciation' means after the visit to the Smokejumpers Visitor Center. Men and Women are putting their lives on the line every time a fire call is made, and the environment is which they work is horrendous. The center gives an excellent overview!

Very informative about the history of the Missoula Smokejumpers and how they came about. A great tour of the grounds with a guide explaining everything. A must see if your visiting and have the time, roughly a 2 hr. or less tour, and it's free.

Very small museum and really not a lot to see. The videos, some dated were still informative. Never really gave the smokejumpers a thought until now. Very brave people.

Having read about smoke jumpers, I was really excited to be able to visit this facility and take the 45-minute guided tour. Such brave men and women!
There is also a small exhibition area with a few videos to watch.
A highlight of our trip through Montana.

We visited at the end of the day and caught up with the guided tour. You are taken all over and shown what the smokejumpers are packing, carrying and training. The highlight for us was when a call came in for a team to deploy. We were able to watch them suit up, check their gear and load onto the plane. All within minutes of the call coming in! What a great outreach and educational program. Plus we were able to talk with actual jumpers and thank them personally for their work.

This was a really cool and FREE tour. Having seen the news with the fires spreading across California, it was very interesting to learn how smoke jumpers handle these situations. Tough and grueling job - I was intrigued, enlightened, and earned a great deal of respect for these men and women. Stop in if you have time, you won't be sorry.

The tour was very informative and entertaining. Our guide was very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this tour.

Went here with my kids to explore some things about Missoula we hadn't since we moved up to Montana. This place was very interesting and informative. Highly recommend it!

It's well worth a visit to this small museum, and the main smokejumper base right behind it. The price is FREE, but donations are accepted. There's a small theatre and gift shop in the museum, and a 45 minute tour of the adjoining base facilities. These guys and girls are our main line of defense for remote, mostly lightening-started fires out here in the heavily wooded West. It's enjoyable for individuals, or families with children of, say, eight years of age or older. You'll most likely see some of the jumpers in the facilities working on their clothing or gear. The parachute loft is also a highlight of the tour. You'll need to go a half mile or so north of the main airport passenger terminal to get to this site. It's also worthwhile to see the Museum of Mountain Flying at the airport, about a quarter mile south of the terminal. They've got twenty or so aircraft in their hanger, including a DC3--used in its time for dropping smokejumpers and their gear.

Good show and old people there I knew from fire days in Yukon and Alaska - good chance to see some of early aircraft and equipment they used.

I have lived here for years and did not know about this place. they have free tours and a lot of things to touch and see. I took my grandson who loves firefighting things and he was very impressed. The staff was very friendly and answered all the questions had. I would say this Grandma scored a big high five from a 6 year old on this one .

We were looking for something to do right before flying out of Missoula and found the Smokejumper museum next to the airport. I knew nothing about the Smokejumpers so this was very interesting! The girl who hosted our tour was informative and the tour was just the right length of time. Perfect thing to do on a rainy day too!

We are museum lovers. We arrived 45 minutes before a tour so waited around awhile in the small visitor center provided. The tour guide was pleasant and informative. We witnessed the smoke jumpers in their daily routines. They were friendly and answered any questions posed to them. We saw inside a jumper plane. I was really impressed with this tour and learned so much. I walked away with an awe of what it takes to be a smoke jumper. Highly recommended experience. The tour is free; all it takes is an investment of your time.

All manner of educational resources plus books, DVD's available to purchase. We did not have time to actually go on the tour but did stop by the oldest Ranger Station some 27 miles from Missoula where some training occurs...Good to visit.

We started at the visitor’s center and then participated in a guided tour through the workshops and operational spaces of the Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center. Needless to say, the Center was very busy fighting fires throughout the northwest; so busy in fact, that most of the folks we saw had been recalled or were voluntarily returned from retirement in order to support an effort consuming all available resources. While walking along the flight-line, we observed two helicopters and a plane drop in for a quick refuel, and then off they went. We left with great appreciate and respect for the hardworking men and women who routinely risk their lives.

Good information about wild fire fighting. You get to meet jumpers and ask questions if you like. Our tour guide was the wife of a jumper, so a little different view point. Wild fire fighters are real heros.

Coming from out East, not as familiar with smoke jumpers so this was an education for us. Their background and dedication are not taken for granted as these jumpers protect us and the forest from these fires. The tour included seeing their training facilities, their equipment and even talking to some of the jumpers. Worth an hour and half or so of your time

I'd driven by this place on the interstate several times over the years and was happy to finally make a point of visiting. It's not flashy or new but the exhibits they have do the job of explaining a very risky but necessary job. Going out to the airstrip and seeing planes they use was great. We actually got to talk to a few smoke jumpers who were prepping their gear. Really interesting to hear stories of what they go through. I think this would be great for kids to hear, to know how people risk their lives and actually care. Would highly recommend a visit here to almost anyone. It's a real part of the West, and Texas too this year unfortunately, so needs to be appreciated.

Visitor center was small, but good information.
The tour was really nice, we were only 5 attendants, so it was really interactive.
If you are around, take a tour (30-45) minutes and allow the same time to read the info on the visitor center.
I found it really nice that we actually went into the base and saw where the actual preparation work takes place.

The tour allowed you to see all aspecting of Smoke jumping and the jumper that fight the fires. Will do it again next time we’re in Missoula

This place turned out to be one of the highlights of our two week trip to Montana and Idaho. Getting to see exactly how the smokejumpers train, prepare their packs for a jump, and then carry everything out of the fire zone was fascinating. We saw trainees (or current jumpers?) checking their parachutes, sewing equipment, and so on. This is not something you're likely to get to see elsewhere. Don't miss it.

Easy access to and from freeway, short historical display, and very good selection of books on the subject for sale.

Our daughter-in-law, who studied at U of M in Missoula, told us this was very interesting, but if anything, she undestated its merits. I confess I didn't know what smokejumpers did (my husband had seen a film clip about them, I hadn't).
Essentially, they are forest-fire pros who are parachuted in to fight fires that can't be reached by road, and it's hazardous work indeed.
About 20 minutes into our tour, a siren sounded, and the intercom announced that there was a "call" for jumpers, and announced the names of those who were to go out...and everyone ran. Within 10 minutes of that call, they were suited up in their fire-resistent suits, loaded with packs and chutes and gear, and on board their Sherpa plane, ready to taxi down the runway and put themselves in harm's way. Men and women.
This "museum" is the real deal--a working demonstration of what's involved in sending out men and women to fight forest fires in remote locations, and the dangers they face.

I actually fly one of the airtankers working out of Missoula's Aerial Fire Depot and always love to go over and take the tour and hear about the Smokejumpers and what they're up to. Lots of neat history there!!!!

This place is well worth the hour plus to visit. The museum is small with a gift shop. The best part of the trip is you actually get to tour the working areas for the smoke jumpers and you are able to talk with them and ask questions. Part of the tour takes you inside the smoke jumpers plane where you can get a better view of life of a smoke jumper. Located next to the airport with free parking. The tour is free.

This is a GREAT way to spend an hour or so in Missoula. Our entire group enjoyed seeing the operations center for these Smoke Jumpers. From sewing machines to parachutes to airplanes, we learned a great deal. I have such admiration for what these brave folks do.

Small, but informative visitor center. Tour of facility was very interesting. We were shown the equipment they jump with, their area for inspecting and packing parachutes, staging areas, etc. After learning about the smokejumpers' job, I am in awe of their service!

Only the very best qualify for this elite service. Incredible physical requirements needed to parachute into a burning forest fire.

Though the museum is small and some of the exhibits and videos are dated, the tour of the facility and the explanation of the smokejumpers work made it a worthwhile stop. Sometimes you do not realize how important are government services or how dedicated and brave the firefighters are, but this facility is an important reminder of both. Easy access near the airport.

Make sure to take the tour which is completely behind the scenes. You get to see the complete operation of the smoke jumper base and we even spent some time inside the DC-3 jump plane.

If you are anywhere nearby during fire season is well worth the time.

This place offers a fantastic insight into and information about smoke jumpers, who get flown into extremely remote areas to fight forest fires. The small museum is very informative, but definitely plan to take the approximately 1-hour tour. You might even get to meet an actual smoke jumper! (Our tour guide was not one, but was very knowledgeable.) If you're in Missoula, MT, or nearby, this is definitely worth a visit.

We took the tour during the summer months so the smoke jumpers were on site and graciously answered all our questions and showed us their equipment and base. The forest service tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. There is a visitor’s center, smoke jumper memorial and replica watch tower on the grounds you can visit in addition to the guided tour of the base. We were there about an hour and an half. Our whole family came away with a greater appreciation and understanding of the hard work and sacrifice of these incredibly brave men and women. It was a wonderful experience.

When we went there we were the only ones, so we got a private tour which was extremely interesting, able to ask a lot of questions and learned so much. It was a holiday, so didn't get to meet any of them, which was a bummer. So interesting to learn they make their own gear. We have a whole new respect for these brave people. Highly recommend going there and definitely get a tour. Be sure to buy something from the gift shop as proceeds go to the welfare fund for the smokejumpers.

Great tour that walks you through the actual base of the smokejumpers. See their gear, their parachutes, the plane they go up in. See and hear about how they survive for days or more in the burning forests around them. We came home and watched "Always" so the kids could see them in action (fictional action) Knowledgable tour guide, good info. Great way to spend an hour if your flight is delayed, right next door to the Missoula airport.

This place has a small museum area with more exhibits in the basement however, the basement was musty and lacked many displays other than one of what the Russian smoke jumpers wear.

The tour was nice. We got to tour many areas where the smoke jumpers work - sewing room (they sew/make ALL of their equipment during the winter time), locker room, parachute hanger and also area where the parachutes are packed. We saw one of the plane from a distance and would have like to be allowed to go inside. We also saw a display of what they take in their packs - lots of dehydrated foods and spam is quite popular!

The tour lasted about 45 minutes and is only offered certain hours of the day. It is also free. It was interesting and informative.

If you go to the visitmt website, they have info on the smokejumper visiter center plus contact info to schedule a tour including their email address. We emailed them and got an instant response confirming the day and time we asked to take the tour.

Don't miss this great opportunity to learn about smoke jumpers. We learned so much at this museum and especially enjoyed the tour led by one of the smoke jumpers. They are currently open Tuesday through Saturday and the tours are at 11 am and 2 pm but I suggest calling ahead to confirm that. The tour was so well done. Ours was led by Tony and he did a great job. Gave us such an appreciation for all they do.

I had always liked what the Smoke Jumpers did. The movies that were about Smoke Jumpers show just a glimpse of what they do. The museum shows the tools and training. These men and women are brave and jumping inside a fire storm to put it out. It wont take long to tour and see.

It was a fluke that the Smokejumpers Visitor Center caught my eye, and it is humbling and awe-inspiring. Especially as wildfires sweep through our nation, it is becoming more and more important that people understand there is research and science behind fighting fires. This tiny visitor center emphasizes the smokejumper's commitment and expertise. The exhibits include historical as well as modern technologies.

Looks like it was put together in the 50's but really interesting and doesn't take long for the 2 rooms. PLus you ca get a tour...

Great place to visit and learn about the Smoke Jumpers but best to go during the week. We went on a Saturday. While the tour was good, none of the actual fire fighters were there. During the week you would be able to see them in their various duties

Got a cool tour of the parachute packing site. These guys are working hard to save our forests, homes and animals.

I think this is a must see for anyone interested in learning about the smokejumpers and the intense training they go through to become smoke jumpers. They are one awesome breed!

We enjoyed our visit to the museum. We arrived just a few minutes before the next guided FREE tour. The tour started in the small visitor center then took us behind the scenes through the smoke jumper facility. We saw where they repair their uniforms & parachutes, pack their chutes, locker area, extra equipment packs, & airplane. Very interesting. Our guide was very informative & willingly answered questions. If she didn’t know the answer, she asked a smoke jumper in the area.

awesome place a lot of info and displays. very interesting the guide was very informative and answered all question. cool place

I had a personal tour of the smokejumpers quarters in February 2013. Due to the off-season, a reservation had to be made and the gift shop was closed. I was able to see parachutes being packed and the sign-off requirements utilitzed, the sewing room where they repair gear, the tower where parachutes were hung to dry & to be inspected as well as other areas of interest. The guide, a smokejumper himself, provided detailed information about the operations including how quickly they must be ready to go once they get the call, the maximum amount of time a smokejumper may spend at the fire prior to being relieved, the type(s) of planes that are utilized as well as the process of exiting the plane. One was able to see the equipment they are required to pack in to the fire, witness the weight of the parachute & back-up parachute, and see the specific pre-packaged foods that are mandated as well as the heavy duty gear they wear for protection.

Various displays show the rigorous workouts the smokejumpers endure in order to meet the physical requirements of this profession. Another area proudly displays the number of jumps accomplished.

My husband is a firefighter and while this type of firefighting is different from the traditional role of firefighter within a municipality, I found this tour to be extremely interesting, informative and well worth the time.

Educate yourself about the rigors these smokejumpers endure to protect forests & others. You will not be disappointed!

The tour was informational and the tour guide did a great job of keeping the attention of my 6 and 7 year old.

Toured the facility after viewing the museum exhibits.
Located next tp MSO airport so it is a great way to spend time before a flight.
Friendly staff . Small gift shop.

The free tour made this a great stop for us. A lot of neat information about something we knew nothing about. We love museums but this one was unique. Very impressed by what these men and women do - they are like lawn darts jumping through the trees to fight fires.

We were happy to see that the Smoke Jumper's visitors center was finally open after two years being closed due to Covid. Unfortunately, they were not giving tours due to staffing levels (understandable). I don't know if this was for the day or the season. Still, you can see some static displays of Smoke Jumpers and they have a couple of videos that you can watch. If you are in vicinity, it is worth a visit.

We really liked that attraction. We learned a lot.

The building of the Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center has a parachute.

They have gone a long way.

In the past they were watching for fire. Now we can know where a fire is with machines. It is amazing!

Those who jump in the fire have lots of protection. However, fire is always dangerous!

They will go on Canada and the USA.

They exercise often.

They take one box with everything they need to stop the fires. There is also food in that box.

They showed one of the planes and one helicopter.

We learned a lot here and everyone were friendly.

This was our highlight for the day.

We visited the smokejumper center while in Missoula. We really enjoyed this part of the trip. We took the tour that took about 30 to 45 min and then walked around in the museum. The tour takes you through the center were they keep their gear, pack up supplies, pack their parachutes, and shows you were they fix their chutes if needed. This was an awesome learning experience and gives you a great idea what they do and how rigorous their training is. I would recommend this to anyone. We went at a very busy time for them due to all of the fires in West. They planes were a pretty cool site to see. They also sell shirts and souvenirs.

We toured the Smoke Jumper Center and were in awe as we learned about what these courageous people do. We were able to see the gear that they use and wear and the training that they go through. Gave us a great appreciation of the jumpers for the work that they do fighting fires.

I thought it was interesting. They were short-staffed, so we couldn't tour the planes and other facilities. All-in-all, it was a unique museum that you won't find anywhere else. So, I recommend it.

Would you want to parachute into a burning forest? Didn't think so. Come learn about the people who do! An interesting place to learn about a profession that lots of people don't know exists.

Such a fun and exciting spot. The sewing room and the parachute rooms are fun surprises. I learn something everytimd I go here. AlwYs something new going on.

This visitor center is right next to the airport. If you have time to or from the airport I would greatly recommend it because it is not out of the way. Personally, I would not venture too far unless this is really your interest. That said, it has great exhibits and details. My favorite part was where they depicted a typical lookout. Not enough people (especially on the East Coast) get to see the incredible work Smokejumpers do and how they fight fires. They are the SEALs of fire protection.

My wife and I visited the Smokejumpers Center and tour. What a fascinating glimpse into the history and world of the Elite Smokejumpers and wildfires. Our tour guide was very nice and did a great job of explaining the history and work of the Smokejumpers. We were led through their work centers as they packed chutes and readied for their next deployment. Our conversations with the crews were great. Overall this free tour is well worth a short stop. It's only about 45 minutes but you learn a lot. If you are interested in firefighting wildfires or even nature and how fires help it prosper, this is a great tour for you. We recommend it!

What a great spot to learn about wildland firefighting in general and smokejumping in particular. Tours of the working parts of the smokejumper base at 10 and 11 AM, and 2, 3, and 4 PM all summer long. Cool parachutes, airplanes and people!

Passing through Missoula from Glacier National Park and we found this attraction on the internet the night before.

Located three minutes off I-90 on the west side of town near the airport, it was very easy to find. Since we visited after Labor Day, we had to call the day before to schedule a tour - you cannot just show up and expect a tour.

The young man who was our tour guide just joined the 100 person "smokejumpers" and was still a "rookie". But he showed the four of us the details of packing parachutes, assignments, the air transportation, the protection gear and other items necessary for jumping into western fires.

Also, has small museum to walk around for 10-15 minutes.
Again - easy to get to and worth the time

We like to take our out of town guests to the Aerial Fire Depot & Smokejumper Center. The Center has good displays & they do a great job on a tour of the facility. After the tour I have heard our guests remark that they didn't know there was so much to the business of fighting fire - especially smokejumpers. Well worth the half hour or so for the tour. They also have a small gift shop. Easy to find next to the Missoula Airport & the Forest Service Fire Sciences Laboratory.

Had an excellent one hour tour here. Very informative and thorough. You will come away with a comprehensive understanding of how Smokejumpers work and succeed. Very well done and worth 90 minutes (including museum) of your time.

Interesting displays and videos. Right next to the airport. Learn about wildfires and the men and women who fight them.

We were RV camped near by and just happened to pass by this location. Its full of great information.

Worth seeing! Surprised that it's free. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and she wasn't a jumper.

Spent the week here working on Forest Service project. Great facility with ample amenities. Will look forward to coming back here for other work.

What a pleasant surprise! New respect for these courageous men and women after seeing first hand their equipment, their dedication and their skills. Shortly after our tour began- we were watching parachutes being inspected and packed-a very exacting job, an announcement came over the intercom and our guide said, "Sorry, I have to go, I will get someone else to finish your tour". Within 45 minutes, he was on a plane to California where he would stay for a minimum of 14 days-maybe 21 or 28. He had packed and ready to go, all of his supplies-medical, nutritional and safety in an 85 pound pack. The rest of the tour was excellently finished by a very well spoken, enthusiastic young woman.

I was there for a meeting during the conference I attended in Missoula. I didn't get to tour this time but had been there before. It is well done & true to the facts.

We went for the 75th Smokejumpers Reunion - they did a very nice job making sure everyone felt welcomed.

A very educational and fun place for families to visit while in western Montana. Our tour was led by an actual rookie Smokejumper and included a visit to the working Smokejumper facilities. During our tour a fire call came in and we got to watch the Smokejumpers suit up and board the aircraft to go to a fire! Our tour was a great learning experience, was fun for the kids, and provided adults with interesting information about firefighting and national fire policy. The tour took about 45 minutes, was free of charge, and included a visit to a real fire lookout and a great gift shop!

Small but excellent. A bit off the beaten track but really interesting with very helpful staff. You see the actual smoke jumpers and trainees when you are parking as they are training outside.

If you are in the Missoula area, be sure and take this tour. Our guide was the wife of a smokejumper, so she knows first hand what an elite group of guys/gals this is and how dangerous their job can be. This was such an interesting tour, very informative, and even though the visitor center is small, there is a lot of info there. Makes one realize how important these folks are and what a responsibility they have. They sew their own uniforms, check and repack the parachutes they use, pack their own gear bags……able to multi-task very well. Being from the SW, we realize how important these folks are.

Excellent place to visit. Very informational and VERY interesting! We were recommened by a local hotel and it was really great. We would recommend to anyone!

This place tells an important story. It's very interactive, from the displays, to the parachute room, to the crew flying out to fight the next fire...A great tour.

I had a forester friend from Scotland visiting and I had driven by the sign so many times, saying this gem was there. So with little expectation just by looking at the outside of the building, we wandered in to see what was there. ]

WOW!!!!

We were greeted by Will, who gave us the most amazing tour of the place, answered many pointless questions that popped into our heads and made it an above-and-beyond kind of event. He made even my blurted-out questions seem of value, though I am sure he's heard them all a thousand times, yet he took the time to answer above and beyond. By the time I left my wee 'free' tour cost me a few books about the smoke jumpers and fire in general. Money well spent.

Go, enjoy and talk to Will. You will think this is the best 'free' tour you have ever been on. Will's wealth of life experience makes him a must chat to, and makes the place come alive. The only thing missing in our day out was an actual alarm... But glad that wasn't needed!!!!!

So, I'm super glad I took the time to take a chance to check it out. WAAAAAAY more than my expectations. You'll be missing out if you skip this.

It's amazing what some people will do for a living, but this must be more of a calling.

They receive pretty terrible pay to risk their lives every day to save others.

It's a great stop in Missoula and very educational.

Took my family and it was a very small museum, the receptionist was on the phone the entire time. It was just not that cool.

The Smokejumper Center is an impressive workplace for the jumpers who are willing to share with the public as they go on about their duties. That in itself made it a unique experience. Our tour guide was Cici and she did a great job on our tour. So much insight and learning in one hour! As a northwesterner born and raised, one hears about forest fires and fire fighting over many years. What an enlightening experience and the only cost was if buying souvenier or leaving a tip!! A traveller, stranger to our group recommended it and gave us a high point to a 1600 mile trip!!

This one of those "don't miss" places. Free admission and great people there. There is a small information building with displays and info but the tour is a MUST. The tour lasts a little over an hour and you go into the heart of the operation. We were there when an alarm went off and was able to see the Smoke Jumpers assemble and go through the process of getting ready and boarding the plane.

My daughters troop donated cookies to the smoke jumpers and went on a tour of the base. Such an amazing experience and the girls loved it!!

We really enjoyed an hour at the Smokejumpers Visitor Center. In addition to the Visitor Center exhibits (which include a relocated fire lookout tower), we had a fascinating tour of the Smokejumpers' "ready room", parachute tower and packing room, and the DC-3 that carries the jumpers to fires. Our guide, Mary, was enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and enlisted the services of an experienced jumper, Jake, to take us into the plane for a look at the travel and jumping process. I highly recommend this attraction to Montana visitors, as firefighting is an important activity in the northwest and western US.

I worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 4 summers while going to college. A good portion of that time I was a member of a fire fighting crew and we traveled throughout the western states fighting forest fires. It was by far my favorite job with the Forest Service, so when I saw that Missoula had a Smokejumper Center, I just had to visit the place and I certainly wasn't disappointed. There's a lot to see here; it's done very well; and I think most every traveler would enjoy it.

We had some time to kill before a flight from MSO and this museum is right next door.
We lucked out and also were in time for a 1 hour tour of the facility by a Smokejumper stationed there. Even got inside one of the planes ready for the next mission.
Very interesting how they are set up to react when a fire in the forest is spotted.
Museum is free but a donation is welcome .

Didn't know much about Smokejumpers, but I do now! We took a terrific and informative tour given by an active Smokejumper. The tour is free and lasts about an hour. You learn all about the total effort that goes into preparing for and fighting wildfires. They even let you aboard one of the Smokejumper airplanes. This was a great activity for adults, I think kids might be easily bored.

A small center, but packed with a lot of history and artifacts relating to smokejumpers. During the summer there are opportunities to visit the smokejumper loft and see the aircraft that are used in firefighting. A great place for young and old.

Smokejumpers is well worth a visit. As we were tourists from overseas we had no idea such a job existed. We had to salute the bravery and dedication of these elite firefighters.

Conducted tours give an interesting insight into the work of these brave men and women. Admission is free although a donation is appreciated. There are also gift items on sale (caps, mugs, etc)

**At the time of our visit, tours were on the hour**

On our way home, we decided to stop in Missoula, and came across the Smokejumper Center in our AAA book. Cute little museum set up to showcase what these heroes do. The building is old, but that's what gives it charm, and they have souvenirs to purchase.
The center is completely non-profit, and runs on donations by visitors.
Seeing what these men and women do during fire season gives a whole new respect to how dangerous the job really is.

if you don' live in a wild fire area as we do, this is an excellent place to visit to see the extent these heroes (in my mind) go to to protect our nature's resources and our lives in many instances.

After visiting the Center you can begin to appreciate what is involved fighting a Forest Fire. Great History and insight to what our Fire Fighters go through each season.

This little place does a great job of explaining about firefighting and how smokejumpers and others train to fight wildfires. There is also a guided tour of the "smokejumper center" where you can see the parachutes being examined and packed and get an explanation of what and how they do things. A great way to spend an hour or two for no cost.

Even though the Center was closed, the jumpers found the time to show us around. It was very interesting and my daughter loved seeing handsome tour guide who will remain nameless!

As long as you're in Missoula, see the real thing re: the storied smokejumper program & other facets of wildfire fighting: pictures of planes old & new, manikins in smokejumper dress, fire fighting equipment, etc. If you're lucky, you may get to watch real smokejumpers suiting up to answer a call to fight a fire.

Missoula is home to Region 1, the largest region of national forest services in the nation. It's a big part of Missoula's economy.

This place has been recommended to me by a family member, and I’m so happy we were able to go. Our guide was an actual jumper which made the tour even better. He was so friendly and informative. The only thing that I wish we could’ve seen as well was the training ground. It’s behind the buildings where we toured. We drove back there after and took some pics.

The best part is the tour of sewing and packing facilities. Then the airplane. This is amazing work for very little pay. They require six years of ground fire work before entering the jumper corps.

Learned so much about smokejumpers. Nice little display area. They have various tours during the day. They take you to where they repair the chutes, the ready room, the locker room, command center and out to the where the planes are. It is free and well worth the time. It is great for kids, and I learned alot too.

It's a great little visitors center with clean bathrooms and friendly staff. Fun facts to read and learn about.

We thoroughly appreciated our private (after season) tour of this vital facility. Our guide Emma Hawn was enthusiastic and knowledgeable of this elite service. Everyone should take the time to thank firefighters everywhere.

The tour starts hourly with information about equipment as you are gathered around a mannequin dressed in fire gear. Topics covered are on how fires are fought, and the role the very specialized smoke jumpers play in the early phase of fire incidences to prevent large fires from developing. Since it's an active station, there are smoke jumpers around engaged in various tasks as you tour. Amazing hearing the details...the thorough and intensive prep and the fast times achieved from the call to the plane leaving the field.

The center was a little small and it was interesting for adults, but I was hoping it would have a few more things to interest our 5 year old because it does have potential.

Great place to spend some time checking out the visitor center and going on a guided tour of the campus. Really liked that tours are free of charge. I learned a lot of interesting things about wildfire management and what it takes to be part of the fire-fighting team. Also enjoyed seeing the exhibits in the visitor center and watching some of the old films shown there.

Rainy day in Missoula, so we were looking for something indoors, and wow, are we glad we visited and took this tour. Our teenage daughter said afterward, "That was SO interesting." There's a small exhibit packed with explanations of the gear, the history, and the technique of smokejumping. There's a 45-minute guided tour, and she was so knowledgeable and welcomed questions. The highlight is the tour of the actual, current smokejumpers' barracks (they were outside on the runway playing pickle ball). We saw their lockers, the parachute testing room, the parachute repair center, the supply loading area, and the planes. It made us feel so proud of and grateful to those who serve as smokejumpers. Tip: please remember to tip the guide; they work hard to stay on top of things and share their knowledge and love of the land; they're not doing it for the money.

Every watched the great old movie "Red Skies over Montana"? Men and women still jump out of airplanes to fight fires, and Missoula is a place where they are trained and stationed to fight fire. Learn about it at the visitor's center (check the hours). They don't have regular hours after Labor Day, but if you have a big enough group and call ahead of time, they might be able to arrange a tour.

Put the Smokejumper Center at the top of your “to do” list. It is a fascinating look at a fundamental part of life in the western United States. We are from the east coast, and it’s our third time visiting the center. The guides are active smokejumpers, who are incredibly informative. We were lucky that there were former smokejumpers on our tour who were in Missoula for their reunion weekend. They were so clearly proud of their service. This is a very family friendly tour so bring the whole gang. Don’t miss it!

This facility is out of town a ways but worth a visit as it tells the history and formation as well as the organization of the Missoula smoke jumpers. This is a small museum but has a lot packed into the small space. one of the most interesting was a life sized smoke tower (minus the tower). Cramped quarters, for sure. Overall, this museum is well worth a visit.

Many people do not know about smoke jumpers and when they do learn about this activity and see the movie they have a deeper understanding of the fires and the mountains abound Missoula

The tour is awesome. The tour guide was enthusiastic about the work. Also the film's are very interesting not only for firefighter.

With all the fires out West these days, a stop at the Smokejumper Center provides perspective on how these firefighters work. See their parachutes and uniforms. Good for both kids and adults

I have occasionally heard about the smokejumpers who parachute out of airplanes to fight wildfires. The Missoula Smokejumper Center offers an excellent tour of their headquarters. We learned about wildfires, the incredible physical and psychological fitness required to become a Smokejumper, and saw the parachute loft, chute packing room, airplanes and many other parts of the Center. Well worth your time!

We had a great and informative visit led by a very personable and knowledgeable guide. This is worth a trip for a free tour of about an hour. We learned a lot and enjoyed it very much. Thank yo to our smokejumpers!

Good and informative tour with a very knowledgeable guide. Well worth the forty five minutes it takes to go through.

Just an FYI - closed for the 2021 season! No need to take time to see this #2 attraction in Missoula Montana. Use your time more wisely!

So interesting and we got to meet and learn from a current Smoke Jumper. We got to see the actual facilities and got a real appreciation for how hard they work to get their jobs and how tough their jobs are.

The Smokejumper Center is a great place to visit! Tours are free and our guide was wonderful and informative. Tours start at the top of the hour. They show you all the equipment needed for smokejumpers, as well as tell you the training needed. You then tour the smokejumpers loft where they sew their own equipment, repair and pack parachutes, the gear area and airplanes. Smokejumpers are there working and one of them was nice enough to interrupt his lunch and give us a tour of both planes. He explained lots and patiently answered tons of questions. This was one of my family's favorite things we did on our vacation. Our kids ranged in age from 7-13. We definitely have an even greater respect for what these folks do. If you're in the area, make a point to stop.

As they say better them then me! Well at this tour of the school you see what it takes to be a smokejumper! They have to pack 20 parachutes.....then on the 21st one they use it to jump with! Best they learn correctly right!!! They do their own sewing of clothes and items. And wow see what they have to jump with and be in shape to do! Worth a visit! Takes about an hour!

The centre is easy to find on Airway Boulevard just off the I90. There is a small museum which has displays of current and historical fire fighting equipment and it explains the origin and role of "The Smokejumpers".

There is a guided tour taken by current firefighters which lets you see the preparation and training areas the ready room and the aircraft they use on missions.
The centre also sells some souvenirs.

Talk about an education in how our "forests" are protected and fire prevention. A must see for anyone interested in the environment and protection of our National resources.

Our friends took us here as they had done the tour many times. With the fire damage we had seen in Glacier National Park it was really appropriate.

I was amazed to find that they are expected to hike out of a fire area, with all their gear, after laboring away to put out the fire. The amount of stuff they are expected to carry is staggering.

I would highly recommend the tour to anyone (and it's free!)

We took the tour and it was really interesting. We were with our kids, aged 13 and 14, and we all enjoyed the tour. What made it even cooler was that we were in the actual facility where the smoke jumpers are hanging out and getting lunch waiting for the alarm to go off and for them to head out. It was neat.

Tour that delves into history as well as current mission.
Great insight into training and equipment both past and present.
Physical demands placed on these individuals is impressive.

We stopped twice, for educational and as a rest stop. This place is really cool for kids, especially if they liked the movie Planes. Admission is by donation, and they show how the smoke jumpers are trained and the history of them. We go when we stop by so we can get new t-shirts for the kids, so that they fit properly as they grow up.

Our guide made this visit especially interesting by her breadth of knowledge. We also got to sit in one of the aircraft while a firefighter told us what it was like to bail out and get to work fighting fires. A really stimulating visit.

Whether you are travelling through or a local, this place is fun to check out. You get a cool tour, learn a lot about our fire fighters. Great exhibits also.

Took classes here. An educational experience. The smokejumpers stationed here are not only amazing, they are selfless and heroic.

Don't be deterred if you are in town during the off season.

A call to the visitor center ahead of time can secure you a tour from one of the smokejumpers even when the regular tour guides aren't around.

If you have small children, be sure to ask about 'Danger Monkey' when you are at the parachute hanging tower.

Had read a review saying it was open but when we arrived, there was a sign saying closed, no tours. How disappointing. Otherwise, Missoula was very nice especially Catalyst Cafe and the campus.

The Center is located at the Missoula airport, so easily reached by car or taxi. The Center has a small visitor center/museum with a smoke-jumper suit and equipment, photos, text and other articles telling the history of smoke-jumping and describing the job that smoke-jumper.

The tour takes 45 minutes or so and is great for either adults or kids. After starting in the visitor center, the tour heads off to the smoke-jumper's ready room where you see each jumper's locker. The parachute room shows how parachutes are cleaned, checked for damage, and dried. The next room shows jumpers packing their parachutes. Although not actually part of the tour, the jumpers that were there when I visited seemed happy to describe what they were doing and to answer questions. Another room showed how a jumpers supply pack was organized and what went into the pack. A small gift shop has the usual t-shirts, hats, cups, etc. as well as books on famous fires, etc.

I've fought fire for over 30 years, and the jumper visitor center is a great place to learn all about fire and the profession of smokejumping.

This is a must see! For those of us old enough to have watched the movie about smokejumpers, it was like being part of it all! The heroics of those who fear up and dive into a maelstrom of fire is awesome inducing!

This was one of the highlights of our trip through several national parks. En route to Glacier, we stopped here. Even though the center was officially closed for the season, a phone call was made and a fireman met us and gave our group a tour. Amazing equipment, stories and information. Tour takes about an hour. Good for all ages. Donations accepted. Gift shop on premises. This is a little off the main road but totally worth it. These "smokejumpers" are truly American heroes.

We learned about the Smokejumpers Visitor Center from other reviews on Trip Advisor.

We called ahead to make sure we could be able to get in and Molly made special arrangements to do a tour for us. (Thank you, Molly!)

While the center is a little small, there are lots of informative exhibits. But the real treat was to go into the area where the smokejumpers work when they aren't out taking care of forest fires. Wow! They make their parachutes and uniforms, have to mend and pack parachutes, and be ready to jump out of a plane with a hundred pounds or so of gear. They are in top physical condition and do an amazing job!

It was a very informative tour and a great way to see first hand what these men and women go through.

This is a must see if you are ever in the area. Caps and shirts are for sale. It is easy to find being near the airport. There is a wide verity of lodging and restaurants near.

We had an incredible tour here. We were too early for the scheduled tours so one of the smoke jumpers took us through the entire facility and thoroughly explained everything to us. Lots of respect for this group, I never realized what they go through and the intense training they get. DO GO HERE !!!!!!

Very, very interesting and little know attraction in the Missoula area. The facts and displays on fighting wild fires are so educational for all ages. The gear for all the fire fighting and the jumping into a fire is all on display.

Wasn't sure what this would be like but it was so worth a visit. It was a real privilege to see the areas where these brave people work. The guide was well informed and there were lots of opportunities for questions. Good displays

I was surprised that we would be walking through the locker room among the actual smokejumpers. Some were hanging their parachutes in the tower and others were running and working out to stay in shape for the next call.
We did not realize that the smokejumpers repair and pack their own parachutes. We were shown all of the equipment and supplies that are used in woodlands firefighting.

This is a very unique place that most states don't have, so it's a must see! If you don't catch a tour there's nothing much to see, plus often times the tour guide is the only person there so the visitors center closes during a tour, so plan accordingly.

The tour itself takes less than an hour but you get to see the actual place where the smokejumpers are, working on chutes, packing gear, etc. It's amazing what these people choose to do for a living and interesting to learn about. Well worth the stop!

Informative tour of the Smokejumper's training center along with a good understanding of what it takes to jump from planes into a forest fire.

Hello, I am from small town in Belgium; I was traveling through Montana, I stopped at the smokejumper center. I found of interest even though I could not always understand was being said, the tour guides did good job of speaking clearly and slow. I like going on the plane as well. It is very interesting what the smokejumpers do, we have nothing like it in the country Belgium. So Surprised tour was free. I would recommend this tour if your coming from a far off country where no smokejumping is. The people here are very nice the smokejumpers are good to look at to.

Was closed. Call ahead to schedule a tour. Usually someone is willing to give a tour but visitor center is not funded with a permanent staff. Was able to watch training jumps by accident from parking lot along with neptune aviation tankers taking off for practice jumps.

We stopped by here for something to do before flying out the next morning. The visitors center itself is very small. When the tour started I thought she would talk about the items there at the center and that would be it. But after discussing those items we went out to another building where we saw the parachutes being repaired and packed, the locker room with all the gear ready to go and the sewing room where smoke jumpers were sewing various items for their personal gear. Then we went out and got to sit in one of the planes as one of the smokejumpers told us about jumping out of the planes. It was all very interesting. The guide was great and knowledgeable. Highly recommend a visit!

I enjoyed the scenery and the tour was real good . The lDy was very knowledgeable and knew the answers to any questions . It was also neat to walk through there work space and see how things were done and seeing them doing there parachutes !!

We took our grandkids here and we learned as much as they did. They got to dress in the fire fighter's outfits and see all the equipment. Staff was very well educated and willing to share stories and answer our questions.

A must if you have never been here. You will never take firefighters for granted again.

Dwain and Judy Helm Wright

This is a very small exhibit of historical artifacts and information about Smokejumpers in the northwest, it was a way to spend time before catching our flight home. We probably only spent about a half hour there.

Loved seeing how the smokejumpers train and keep in shape and the history. Glad we took the hour out of our day. Right next to airport.

I am involved in aerial firefighting and always enjoy coming to the Fire Depot to take the tour and learn about all the other aspects of firefighting I have no knowledge of. An absolutely great facility and fun time for everybody

Very cool place and totally free. There’s a small museum with informative displays but they also offer tours at certain times of the day. The tour starts in the museum and then moves throughout the facility. You see many places that the smokejumpers utilize on a daily basis…..sewing room, parachute packing/inspection, food storage, locker rooms, etc. My favorite part was there were smokejumpers all over and they were willing to talk to us and answer questions. Super easy to find due to signage. If you have the time, it’s worth a visit.

A lot more than I expected to see. Very interesting place a brave bunch of people who do the job. Cheers ps eve was awesome

I loved, loved, loved this visit, and it was the highlight of a two week road trip! Thanks to our tour guide and especially to the smokejumpers. We caught a guided tour, which included a visit to the base, including the parachute repair and packing rooms, the reading room, the loadmaster area and the DC-3TP aircraft.

We had the opportunity to visit the Smokejumpers center in Missoula this past July. It is a free exhibit and there are tours offered on the hour. The tour takes you to the actual workspace and prep area of the Smokejumpers and you do get to interact with the team. If a call comes in during a tour, the tour is asked to quickly exit so the Smokejumpers can grab their gear. This happened to a group on the day before we went and sounded like something that would have been great to experience. We learned a lot about these people, how hard they work and how difficult their jobs are. We also met some retired jumpers who were very kind and spent time talking with us about the team and their experiences. Well worth your time!

I went away with so much more respect for smoke jumpers and the courage that they must possess to do what they do! I learned so much about the profession. Tour guides were excellent and friendly and took time for questions.

What a great place to learn about smokejumpers, their training, and their equipment. You get to walk through their work areas that includes where they pack their parachutes, repair their equipment (sew their own gear) and storage areas where everything they need to fight a fire is standing by, ready to go.

We have 3 tween aged girls who absolutely loved this place. They were full of questions and loved seeing everything. We all learned so much about this important profession.

Super great stop for a family to tour where the smoke jumpers live and see what their lives are like waiting for a fire. Saw the parachutes hanging and how they fold them, toured the airplane and tried to lift the 80 lb pack they wear in a fire. The men live and work in this museum/dorm space. Excellent education.

Small complex on the Grounds of the Missoula Airport. Great little interpretive center that explains the role of forest fire fighters, and the specialty of smoke jumping ( sending in small teams of firefighters to remote locations by parachute to tackle smaller fires before they get out of control). Tours on the hour, are a don;t miss. An smoke jumper takes you behind the scenes to the ready room, locker room, assembly area and even hte area where they repair parachutes, make specialized gear, fold and pack parachutes, and they even take you on one of the planes they use to jump into the fire zone. The smokejumper guide gives you a step by step demonstration of how they load, how they decide where to jump and how they deploy.

Great way to spend an hour before you catch your flight out of Missoula.

Amazing! great stop with great tour of what these fine men and women do for the forest protection of us.

We stopped by here from road signs. The visitor center is neat. View the equipment, pictures, videos of smokejumpers. Some older reviews mention a tour guide...we didn't see or hear anything about that option. That would have been great! That is what our visit was lacking.

Had a fantastic hour and half tour and talk by one of the smoke jumpers. He answered dozens of questions and gave a thorough overview of everything involved in the smoke jumpers perilous fire fights. Also took us to the flight line and into one of the jump planes and went thru the entire jump process. Totally interesting and inspiring! A must do in Missoula!

Since we are from the East Coast, we really didn't know much about Smokejumpers. The 45 minute tour remedied our ignorance on this subject. We got to see the ready room, the parachute rigging room and the plane that takes the smokejumpers to the site of the fire. This base aerial fire depot is next to the Missoula airport and has displays which include dioramas, artifacts, videos and exhibits about the US Forest Service firefighting and the history of smokejumping. The tour is free.

We have visited the smokejumper center several times over the years. This time our guide was Stacey who was awesome. She gave a wonderful explanation of the center, etc., and always allowed time for questions. This is a real gem, often neglected by tourists and locals. It's worth an hour of your time!

We had a wonderful tour of this facility. Our guide was great and so were all of the smokejumpers we had interaction with. Very interesting and inspiring! These guys are amazing! We owe them our thanks!

Came here when I was 12, decided to bring my son here and Wow its only gotten better. Out tour was done by the a real live smoke jumper. Got to go in the plane and see every aspect of the process. Great visitor centre and gift shop. By the way a smoke jumper is a firefighter who parachutes into remote mountain areas to fight forest fires.

takes an hour to go through but well worth the time

We showed up on June 15 for the 11:00 tour at the visitors center. We soon we told and discovered that it is closed for the entire season. The facility doors were open for some training and it looked really cool. We weren't able to research the closure before we got there and I just wanted to let anyone interested that it was, indeed, closed. We will try to take this tour in the future because we are still very interested1

We had spent the night in Missuola so we took a half hour and toured the museum. The display of the fire lookout station was interesting. We did not stay for the base tour, but the museum was well worth a half hour stop.

Great little museum . Interesting displays .
Right near the airport terminal if you have time to spend before/after a flight.

Now that we're home, I'm surprised how many times we have mentioned this while talking about our cross country trip. We went with no expectations, but were fascinated with what we learned. Had the excitement of being there when a fire call came in, so got to watch the firefighters assemble and get on the plane. Go if you're in the area. Our guide was not as knowledge as he could have been, a young kid with hopes of joining the jumpers one day.

During our visit, we learned this center is the largest active smokejumper base in the world. We watched films of large forest firess, saw parachutes being refolded, saw the 200+ lb gear packs the jumpers wear, saw airplanes they jump from, viewed the sewing room where the smokejumpers make their own repairs to parachutes and other items, and learned about their day to day activities, training, scheduling, and missions. Our tour guide was a wife of one of the smokejumpers stationed there, so we had a somewhat “inside” perspective of this high risk job. It really hit home that when the jumpers are sent to a fire, obviously they cannot leave the same way they came in - most of the time they have to hike, possibly MANY miles, out with all that gear they carried in.

This was a very interesting stop. Well worth the 1.5 hour we spent there. If you don't already have one, you will leave with a deep respect for those who have chosen this profession. For once, I was glad to see my tax dollars being spent for a good purpose!

Wow, what a great stop! We first stopped at the visitor center in early May but it was closed for the season. On our cross country way back, we stopped again and were ecstatic with catching the last tour of the day. Honestly, if you can't catch a tour, take a pass until you're able. The real life smoke jumper docent added so much to the information and experience, it was incredible.

Learn about training, the gear used to jump, the gear used on the ground, the weight carried, what to do if you land in a tree versus the ground, fire fighting procedures, and the training involved. Then view the planes used, the gear room, the parachute inspection area, the parachute repair and packing area, safety precautions, communication protocol, and listen to or ask questions galore.

There is a reason this is the top rated experience in Missoula so don't miss the tour and the venue. This is a top notch learning experience supplemented by real life people and actual fire fighting missions. Kudos, well done!

Learned a lot about the brave smoke jumpers tour was surprisingly informative and you can see the smoke jumpers at work go on the tarmac with the planes very cool.

Has a very small visitors center, BUT what makes it great is the guided tour by an actual smoke jumper. Hard to not be in awe of their courage, selflessness, stamina and dedication! Got to see where they prep and make the gear and chutes, see their jump planes, and locker rooms. Quite inspiring.

This was one of the neatest thing we saw on our trip and it was a great tour. It was free. The museum should charge a small fee to cover their expenses. The coolest thing about this museum tour is that you get to see how the smoke jumpers train, how the parachutes are packed and stored. The smoke jumpers spend quite a bit of time making their own backpacks and gear bags. They had a lot of commercial sewing machines and high tech fabrics available for them to do this.

We learned a lot on this tour, about the history and science of smoke jumping. Despite the danger and rigors of the job, there are many people who sign on to be smoke jumpers. For every job there are 2000 applicants, virtually all strapping young men between the ages of 18 and 25 who have a strong desire to jump out of airplanes. All have to be taught how to sew! There are a couple of women in the group.

The guide said that many of the men are avid hunters, fishermen and outdoorsmen. Many of these people are firefighters and paramedics already, before they begin their smoke jumper training. We saw the tools they use and the equipment they carry. The packs are very heavy since they have to be prepared with food and supplies for 3 days.

Connected to the museum is a complete and fully stocked smoke ranger cabin that was disassembled and reassembled in the museum. These cabins are placed high atop hills in the national forests. Rangers stay there alone for weeks or months at a time, connected to each other only by walkie-talkies. Every 6 weeks a pack train comes with supplies.

Since the cabins are so high up, of course they are struck by lightning often - the same event that causes many forest fires. There are a lot of lightning rods sticking up on the roof of the cabin to channel the jolts into the rock below. Inside the cabin there are also safety features to protect the ranger.
The well-known novel “A River Runs Through It,” later made into a movie, is connected to this area. The author, Norman MacLean, was raised in Missoula. He was a smoke ranger and this cabin was where he stayed. The book is set here in the Missoula area, along the Blackfoot River. This is a beautiful part of the country!

On our first visit to Missoula one of the tour is my daughter took us on Waze to the smoke jumpers. Very interesting to see the tough work that they do, you got to board the plane to see what it would be like to fly out and were dropped over for a fire. Great to take young kids I would think , my adult children really liked it

The men & women that do this job are amazing! We happened to go on the tour when there was an active fire nearby so there was alot of activity on & around the base. The tour was very informative & awe inspiring to me. Most of the jumpers are about 40yrs old, and the physical demands of the job are mind blowing.
Stacy was an excellent guide & was able to answer any questions the group had.

This is a very casual but interesting and informative tour. If you are looking for something to do in Missoula it is worth the time. You get to tour the actual facility where the smokejumpers work and see their real equipment. There are even a couple of hands-on items that you can check out. It definitely gives you a greater appreciation for how hard these men and women work to keep everything safe. Well worth the 45 min to an hour to drop by and have a look. Thanks you guys for opening up your facility to visitors so we can get a better understanding of what you do. :)

very nice tour of the smoke jumpers home base. very informative. we just missed a response so there were no jumpers there other than the few packing supplies. my husband is a retired firefighter and thought the place was interesting!!!

We didn't realize how important this center is until the next morning when we got the report that the Lolo Fire had expanded. We actually got to see the planes in action!

The tour took slightly more than an hour. All questions were answered and smokejumpers themselves contributed information during the tour. It was much more informative than I anticipated. Well worth your time.

Had lived in Missoula four years before checking this place out. I was amazed at many of the facts shared by our guide. For instance, they sew their own jumpsuits for themselves and other fire jumpers while in down time. They pack their own chutes and become Spam chefs! Great tour.

We live in Missoula and have been to the center 3 times. In the summer of 2014 we went twice and had totally different experiences based upon the tour guide. I recommend going when it is not peak fire season so that there is more to see. This is a must-do in Missoula.

We enjoyed our visit. Took the 10:00 am tour to see the base and visited the museum. The basement was a bit disappointing, but the upper floor was a good exhibition.
If you're around, you should pay a visit.

A tour by a smoke jumper, lasted way longer than we expected, went into wonderful details, loved it. Planes, fire, parachutes, danger, tough guys.. .

Smoke jumping is something I'd heard about, but didn't know much about. After about an hour in the museum and on the short walking tour, I learned that you have to have at least 5 years experience as a firefighter before you can apply, that you jump out of the plane with an additional 85 pounds of gear, and that much of the time you land in a tree or have to scale a tree to recover your gear. The interns staffing the center were nice and answered questions readily. In all, a worthwhile stop in Missoula.