Smokejumper Visitor Center
Witness the bravery of wildland firefighters! Explore exhibits and take guided tours of smokejumper facilities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure your spot
Smokejumper Visitor Center
Best Time
Secure your spot
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the bravery of wildland firefighters! Explore exhibits and take guided tours of smokejumper facilities.
"Incredible experience! Top tier tour and experience!! Thanks Y'all!"
📞 Call Ahead
Especially in the off-season, call to confirm hours and tour availability.
⏰ Arrive Early
Tours are first-come, first-served and fill up fast!
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 144 reviews
Type
Visitor Center
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Guided Facility Tour
Smokejumper facilities
An hour-long escorted tour by knowledgeable caretakers or smokejumpers themselves. See gear prep and aircraft.
Fire Lookout Exhibit
Visitor Center Museum
Step back in time with a fascinating exhibit showcasing an old fire lookout tower and its historical significance.
Parachute Maintenance Area
During guided tour
Witness firsthand the meticulous care and preparation that goes into the smokejumpers' essential life-saving equipment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Call Ahead
Especially in the off-season, call to confirm hours and tour availability.
⏰ Arrive Early
Tours are first-come, first-served and fill up fast!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking on your tour.
🤩 Be Prepared to Be Amazed
These firefighters are incredible!
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Call Ahead
Especially in the off-season, call to confirm hours and tour availability.
⏰ Arrive Early
Tours are first-come, first-served and fill up fast!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking on your tour.
🤩 Be Prepared to Be Amazed
These firefighters are incredible!
📸 Bring Your Camera
Capture the unique experience and gear.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Smokejumper Visitor Center for its incredibly informative and engaging guided tours, often led by knowledgeable smokejumpers themselves. The opportunity to see the facilities and gear up close is a major highlight. While the museum exhibits are appreciated, the personal stories and behind-the-scenes access during tours are what make the visit truly memorable. Some visitors have experienced disappointment due to unexpected closures, underscoring the importance of confirming hours in advance.
"The museum is neat, with an old fire lookout exhibit, displays and a video. But the best part is an hour long escorted tour through the facilities by the knowledgeable caretaker Will or a working smoke jumper. Fantastic. These guys and gals are incredible at what they do."
Michael Snyder
"We had a 1.5 hour tour with a very knowledgeable guide who described history and current practices. Saw parachute maintenance areas and ramp. It was well worth the time."
Mark Hamrick
"This was AWESOME! By luck, right as we pulled into the visitors center we saw a drop happen! Ranger Will was an awesome visitors center host and did a wonderful job talking to a class of school kids! Smoke Jumper Aaron gave us a tour and he was fantastic! We got to see all the gear prep (really cool to learn about how much they do themselves) and see a parachute shakeout. We pulled in just seeing the highway signs and it did not disappoint! Top tier tour and experience!! Thanks Y'all!"
Kelly Goldthorpe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Smokejumper Visitor Center is located in Missoula, Montana. It's accessible by car, and signage is generally good. Many visitors report finding it easily by following highway signs.
Yes, there is parking available at the visitor center. Visitors have noted seeing other groups turn away due to full parking lots, so arriving early is recommended.
While public transportation options might be limited in Missoula, renting a car or using ride-sharing services are the most practical ways to reach the visitor center.
Operating hours can vary, especially during the off-season. It's highly recommended to check their official website or call ahead to confirm current hours of operation.
The visitor center aims to be accessible. However, specific accessibility details for tours and exhibits should be confirmed directly with the center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the visitor center and its exhibits is generally free. However, guided tours may have specific requirements or be on a first-come, first-served basis. +1
Tours are often provided by knowledgeable staff or smokejumpers and are typically free of charge, though donations are appreciated. +1
Advance booking for tours is usually not possible as they are often first-come, first-served. Arriving early is the best strategy to secure a spot.
If tours are full, you may still be able to explore the museum exhibits. Some visitors have been accommodated even when calling during the off-season, so it's worth inquiring.
There are generally no age restrictions for visiting the exhibits. Tours are suitable for most ages, but the intense nature of the work might be more engaging for older children and adults.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find informative museum displays, an old fire lookout exhibit, and potentially see gear preparation areas and aircraft. The highlight is the guided tour. +1
A visit can range from an hour to explore the exhibits to 1.5-2 hours if you take a guided tour.
It's possible! Tours are often led by working smokejumpers or knowledgeable caretakers who share insights into their demanding profession.
While not guaranteed, some visitors have been lucky enough to witness a drop during their visit. It's a thrilling, albeit rare, occurrence.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's always best to ask your tour guide if there are any restrictions, especially in sensitive operational areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The aircraft on the ramp, the gear preparation areas, and the fire lookout exhibit offer great photo opportunities. Ask your guide about the best angles.
Yes, you can typically photograph the equipment and the facilities. If you're lucky enough to see smokejumpers, ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
Drone usage is likely restricted due to proximity to operational aircraft and safety regulations. Always check local regulations and facility rules before flying a drone.
Given indoor lighting and potentially fast-moving elements (if a drop is happening), a camera with good low-light performance and a versatile lens would be beneficial.
Yes, the aircraft are often accessible during tours, providing excellent opportunities for detailed shots of these specialized planes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit