The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Posts Tagged ‘MDA Missoula Downtown Association’

Cheers! To 30 Years of Garden City BrewFest!

Montana’s Original BrewFest Coming Up Saturday, May 4... more

New Missoula Murals Highlight Local Artists and Downtown Partnerships

Two new art murals highlight local artists and partnerships and add life and vibrancy to the streets and alleys in Downtown Missoula.... more

17th Annual River City Roots Fest Celebrates Missoula

The MDA's River City Roots Festival returns to the streets of Downtown Friday and Saturday August 25-26.... more

29th Annual Garden City BrewFest Returns May 6, 2023

Often imitated but never replicated, Montana’s original and largest beer festival will take place Saturday, May 6 in Caras Park in Downtown Missoula.... more

Support Local Businesses During Small Business Season

Missoulians are once again asked to “Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is” by shopping and dining in Downtown Missoula during Small Business Season.... more

Garden City BrewFest is Here!

Downtown Missoula’s annual Garden City Brewfest kicks off Saturday, May 7th, in Caras Park with more than 70 local and regional beers and ciders.... more

Fifth Season of the Unseen Missoula Guided Walking Tours Begins This Week

Historical Guided Walking Tours Running Weekly April through September... more

11th Annual Winter Brewfest Returns February 26th

After a two year-hiatus, Missoula’s premier winter event returns this weekend on Saturday, February 26, 2022. Held in a new location – the parking lot of the Boone & Crockett Club on the Hip Strip – d... more

Parade of Lights – December 4

It’s time to light up Higgins Avenue for the Reverse Parade of Lights and Holiday Stroll on December 4 from 4-8pm! The 19th Annual Parade of Lights will look a little different this year while still bringing... more

Downtown Festival of Trees Creates Welcoming Experiences For All

The Festival of Trees is back once again this year to create festival holiday experiences for all in the heart of Downtown Missoula. The Downtown Missoula Partnership’s Festival of Trees features a multi-spac... more

Downtown Missoula Welcomes All For Amazing Holiday Happenings

With a showcase of many different holiday activities, Downtown Missoula will be the place to be for the 2021 Holiday Season... more

Downtown Fall Ladies Night in Downtown Missoula

Kick off Shop Small and Dine Local Season October 20 in Downtown Missoula.... more

Missoula Downtown Foundation Raises $650,000 For Caras Park Upgrades

The Missoula Downtown Foundation has raised $650,000 to help jumpstart implementation of the North Riverside Parks & Trails Plan with major improvements to Caras Park.... more

Missoula’s Beloved Out to Lunch & Downtown ToNight Summer Series are Back!

Downtown Missoula comes to life with the 35th season of Out to Lunch on Wednesday, June 2 and the 20th season of Downtown ToNight on Thursday, June 3. ... more

DMP Staff & Volunteers Hang 110 Flower Baskets Through Downtown Missoula

This year staff and volunteers will hang 110 flower baskets on Tuesday, May 25 throughout Downtown Missoula.... more

River City Roots Festival Moving Forward

Music. Art. Food. Community. The Missoula Downtown Association’s River City Roots Festival returns to the streets of Downtown Friday and Saturday August 27-28.... more

Downtown Spring Ladies Night April 21 in Downtown Missoula

After a year hiatus, a springtime favorite returns to Downtown Missoula on Wednesday, April 21. ... more

Third Season of the Unseen Missoula Guided Walking Tours Begin in June

With a focus on providing safe, educational, and entertaining opportunities in Downtown Missoula, Unseen Missoula Guided Walking Tours are back for a third season! ... more

MDA to Forego Out to Lunch & Downtown Tonight for 2020

With a focus on community health and safety and compliance, the MDA will cancel the annual Out to Lunch and Downtown ToNight Summer Series for 2020.  ... more

Clark Fork River Market Opens With Curbside Pickup Service

The Clark Fork River Market kicked off the season a little differently on Monday when it began accepting online orders for its new curbside pickup service.... more

Garden City BrewFest Posponed to June 20

After considerable thought and deliberation, the Missoula Downtown Association has decided to postpone Garden City BrewFest due to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns.... more

COVID-19 Update in Downtown Missoula

By LINDA MCCARTHY-We encourage you to continue to care for yourselves and your families, and we ask you to support your business neighbors and friends.... more

17th Annual Parade of Lights in Downtown Missoula Saturday, December 7

Santa Claus is coming to town for the 17th Annual Parade of Lights!  More than just a parade, this beloved event features children’s activities at over 25 downtown locations.... more

14th Annual River City Roots Festival Begins Friday, August 23

River City Roots Festival is on Friday, August 23 featuring Honey Island Swamp Band as the headliner Friday night and Leftover Salmon will close out the festival Saturday, August 24.... more

27th Annual Garden City Brewfest Features Over 70 Beers, Ciders & Wine

By BRAM MOORE - Over 70 beers from 43 different breweries will be available for tasting at the 27th Annual Garden City BrewFest on Saturday, May 4.... more

Support Someone’s Dream on Small Business Saturday

The Downtown Missoula Partnership encourages all Missoulians to support the local economy by shopping and dining Downtown November 24 on Small Business Saturday.... more

2018 River City Roots Festival

Don't miss the 2018 River City Roots Festival in Caras Park August 24-25!... more

4th of July Out to Lunch Offers Independence Day Celebration for All!

Join us in celebrating Independence Day in the heart of Missoula with a special Out to Lunch in Caras Park on Wednesday, July 4 from 11am-2pm!... more

Out to Lunch & Downtown ToNight Launch June 6 & 7

For the 33rd consecutive year, the Missoula Downtown Association (MDA) has developed a vibrant and robust Out to Lunch Summer Series to commence on Wednesday, June 6.... more

Downtown Missoula Parade of Lights Saturday, Dec 5

The 13th Annual Parade of Lights will take place this Saturday, December 5, 2015 in Downtown Missoula. Santa will arrive in Downtown at 1 pm at the Historic Florence Building.... more

December in Downtown Missoula: The Best Place to Be for the Holidays

By LINDA McCARTHY - Downtown Missoula is a special place during the holiday season with exceptional shopping, dining and entertainment for everyone in the family. CHECK OUT THESE EVENTS!... more

2013 Parade of Lights and Lighting of the Tree Sat. Dec 7

By LINDA McCARTHY - The quintessential holiday event in Missoula, Montana is the 11th annual Parade of Lights and the Lighting of the Tree, which this year will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7. ... more

Celebrate Missoula’s Festival of the Dead Activities

Celebrate Missoula's Festival of the Dead Activities this week with Face painting at ZACC, The Festival of the Dead Process followed by the parade, Latin Dance Night at Monk's, and the First Annual Die Local Ba... more