Undeniably unique to Missoula [1] and a source of pride to natives is the Forest Service Smokejumpers Center (5765 W. Broadway, 406/329-4934, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Fri. June–Aug., free). Here, firefighters are trained in the science of fighting forest fires as well as the art of parachuting into forest wildfires.
The center is open to visitors daily during the summer and features exhibits, films, a diorama, and a tour of the parachuting base. The center is just past Missoula International Airport, south of Highway 93.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/montana/missoula-and-northwestern-montana/missoula