New Year's Day Hike

If you're not the type to be nursing a hangover or watching football on New Year's Day, you might want to check out the"First Hike" event at Travelers' Rest State Park. Get some fresh air and learn about the park's history, culture and flora and fauna - and visit the museum whole you're there. Activities begin at 11:00 am.   For more information call 406-273-4253

Get Ready to Ring in the New Year!

Five days until First Night Missoula! Fun filled, family oriented, non alcoholic New Year's Eve celebration. First night has over 75 activities - from art, music and dancing, to cultural experiences, food, games, and more! FREE rides on A Carousel for Missoula with your First Night buttons; and ring in the new year with the Drum Brothers at the University of Montana UC Commons - these guys will have the place ROCKIN'!! First Night buttons are $15 and WELL worth the price! For more information contact the Montana Cultural Council at 406-541-0860.

Bugs, Bugs and MORE Bugs!

If you like bugs, you HAVE to visit the Insectarium in downtown Missoula! From Butterflies to Walking Sticks, they have quite a nice collection of critters. There are live specimens in terrariums along with lots of molted exoskeletons, microscopes for viewing prepared slides, a live Giant Bird Eating Tarantula (no, they really don't eat birds), and plenty of games and puzzles to satisfy any budding Entomologist.

I watched them feed Rosie, the Mexican Red-knee Tarantula, and I was able to hold in my own hands, a giant Madagascar Hissing Cockroach and a Giant Millipede! The Millipede does not have 1,000 legs, but some do have as many as 750. And did you KNOW that scorpions glow neon blue under a UV light?

It's a fascinating place - check it out! They are located at 218 East Front Street, on the second floor, and well worth the price of $4.00 admission! For more information call 406-317-1211 or visit their website and calendar of events at: http://www.missoulabutterflyhouse.org/

Was It Really a Hangin' Offense?

A little ways out of Missoula, but well worth the drive, if you are so inclined.

On Saturday, January 9th, Bannack State Park will host a re-enactment of the hanging of the Henry Plummer Gang at 2:00 pm.

For those of you who don't know, Henry Plummer was a local sheriff who is said to have played both sides of the law. He supposedly headed up a gang of thieves and highwaymen, who were eventually caught by vigilantes and hanged for the offenses. There are those who question whether or not Plummer actually did all of the things he was accused of. Come to the hanging and hear what Henry has to say - and decide for yourself! 

Ice skating will be available on the pond in the morning as well.

Cost is $10 per person, $15 per family or $20 for a business.  A social hour and dinner in Dillon will follow. For more information call: 406-834-3413 or 406-683-6435.

Dance Lessons, Anyone?

Do you love music?  Do you like to dance?  If you do and are interested in learning some new steps, check out the African Dance Classes at the Missoula Senior Center on South Higgins; every Tuesday at 7:00 pm.  For more information call 549-7933

Historic Walking Tour of Missoula

Missoula has an interesting past that even those who have lived here for many years are unaware of, as well as an eclectic art community.  there are two self guided historic walking tours of downtown Missoula that may interest you.  One is a historic tour of old (and some original) buildings of Missoula and the other is a tour of downtown public artworks.  Some of the artwork is old and some of the paintings and sculptures are more contemporary.  It's a nice way to spend an afternoon in downtown Missoula!  

For more information go to: 

http://www.missouladowntown.com/wp-content/uploads/MDA_Walking_Tours.pdf
 

Play It Missoula!

Sponsored by numerous businesses and individuals in and around Missoula, Play it Missoula has placed six pianos throughout Missoula for community building, downtown place making, and for gathering people randomly on the street, whether to play together or listen.  You don't have to be a professional musician to tickle the ivories - they are for everyone to try out their musical talents!

Piano Locations:
Starving Artist Cafe -- 3020 S. Reserve St.(indoor piano)

Outdoor Pianos
Bank Street Pocket Park -- 120 S. Higgins Ave. 
DDC Beauty -- 121 W. Main St. 
Hip Strip -- 718S. Higgins Ave.
North Higgins "The Fox" -- 430 N. Higgins Ave.
The Broadway Inn Bar & Grill -- 1609 W. Broadway 




It is my understanding that the "outdoor" pianos are taken in during the winter months, but as of this posting I'm not sure if they're still playable, or if they're put in storage until warmer weather.

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides

Every Saturday and Sunday from now through December 20, there are FREE carriage rides in downtown Missoula, courtesy of the Missoula Downtown Association and Paws Up Resort. The rides are only a couple of blocks long, but fun nonetheless, and a nice break from your holiday shopping or a special lunchtime activity for yourself.  Give it a try! 

Creepy-Crawlies

Did you know that Missoula has a Butterfly House & Insectarium??  Bugs, bugs, and more bugs!  You can learn about everything from butterflies and honeybees to millipedes and hermit crabs. They are located at 218 E. Front Street, Suite 200.  What an amazing place!  Check out their website at: http://www.missoulabutterflyhouse.org/

Welcome!

Greetings, and welcome to Zoo City News Blog!  This blog is not an official news reporting entity, nor is it affiliated with any such business or organization. I simply enjoy the goings on of my home town of Missoula, Montana – affectionately known as “Zoo City”, hence the name of my blog. I’ll be posting notices of general goings on around Missoula and outlying areas – official or otherwise.  My aim is to post interesting, funny, odd, or unique posts and photos, which may be about people, animals, events, or just interesting or funny things I see.  I’ll also be posting information of upcoming events that are of interest to me (and hopefully you).  Visit us often!