You Can Still Visit Missoula’s Lost Landmarks—Here’s How

We can't always live in the past, but every once in a while, taking a trip down memory lane can be a good thing.

With the recent announcement that M-80 Chicken is going to be moving into the old location of The Shack downtown Missoula, it made me wax nostalgic about some of Missoula's past.

Read More: Missoula's M-80 Chicken is Moving to Iconic Location

If you want to get a taste of some of Missoula's past the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula has a very cool exhibit that explores some past businesses. The exhibit is titled "A City in the Making, Brick & Mortar Missoula: One Brick at a Time".

For me, walking through and seeing some of the places that are no longer here was a very cool experience. It was also an emotional experience remembering some of the places where we would spend time and knowing they aren't here any longer. For example: Ogg Shoe Company.

Usually when I think of a museum I think of things that are really old. In this case there are some examples of things that are older, but there are also things that are a bit more recent, like a table setting from the Uptown Diner.

It's been less than ten years since the Uptown Diner closed its doors.

Not all businesses represented have closed their doors. Rockin' Rudy's and the Top Hat are both still operating in Missoula.

One of the coolest things about this exhibit is the interactive aspect. They have a brick wall where patrons can write business names that they miss. Taking some time to peruse those past businesses and adding my own, just added to the experience for me.

If you have a chance to visit this exhibit, I highly recommend taking in some of Missoula's past. Currently the museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. If you are a Missoula County resident admission is free.

Keep scrolling if you would like to see more of the exhibit.