Historical Fort Missoula

Rent the Museum

A major purpose of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is to serve as a recreational and educational site. Because of the attractive nature of the Museum grounds and buildings, special events of both public and private nature are frequently scheduled.

Special events sponsored by the Historical Museum or the Friends of the Historical Museum are regularly scheduled throughout the year for the enjoyment and edification of the general public.

Other special events, including bus tours, weddings, festivals, powwows, etc., may be organized by outside individuals and/or organizations.

Rental Forms

To sumbit an application, download and complete the appropriate form. Completed forms can be submitted via email or printed and mailed to:
Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
Building #322, Fort Missoula
Missoula, MT 59804

Wedding/Small Event Request Form

The cost to rent the Museum Grounds for a small event is $200. This includes a nonrefundable $50 deposit. We require a $25/hr surcharge beyond normal open hours from 5:00pm until 10:00pm when the Museum closes.

Grounds Use Request Form

Grounds Use details and fee are negotiable, please call the Executive Director (406.728.3476 ext. #1) for more information. For additional details please read our rental policy. Once the form is received and the date determined to be open, a hold will be put on it until a contract for use is negotiated.

Rental Policy

Download our rental poilcy for more information. If you have additional questions please call 406.728.3476

Missoula History Minutes

TEMP

42. Jail Break

The first indictment for murder was issued on October 4, 1867, against one Joseph Du Frank. Du Frank supposedly murdered a man named Louis Grandmaison in Stevensville and was sentenced to 10 years in jail for his crime. He was put in the Missoula jail, a 12-foot, square, log building. By tampering with the lock, Du Frank learned how to escape, but as it was winter and since he could get free meals and warm lodging in jail, he had no desire to escape. One night the jail caught fire from an overheated stovepipe. Du Frank couldn't put out the fire himself so he unlocked the door and called the sheriff. After the sheriff, the prisoner and others put out the fire, the prisoner was returned to the jail and a new and better lock was put on the door. In the spring, when the weather grew warmer, Du Frank dug his way to freedom and was never seen again!

Read More Missoula History Minutes