2008 Montana Counselor Tour

Pre and Post Tour Options

Enjoy Montana with us before and after the tour!

Although the official tour begins on Monday, July 21, 2008, we invite you to participate in optional activities before and after the tour in Missoula and Bozeman. Participants in 2007 claimed these were amazing activities and made the Montana Tour experience even better! These will surely whet your appetite for the Montana experience…we have a lot of fun in this great state of ours!

IN MISSOULA (BEFORE THE TOUR)

Saturday, July 19

• 7:45 a.m. Continental Breakfast
• 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Shuttle service available

  Shuttles are available to take you to and from various Missoula opportunities including Farmer’s Market and People’s Market in downtown Missoula; hikes in the surrounding wilderness areas; and other local attractions.

• Lunch and Dinner on your own

Sunday, July 20

• 7:45 a.m. Continental Breakfast
• 10:00 a.m. Mission Valley Excursion (tour hosts, transportation and sack lunch provided)
  • Yellow Bay Biological Research Station on Flathead Lake, Tour
    The University of Montana Biological Station at Flathead Lake is one of the oldest active biological field research stations in the United States. Since opening in 1899, students and faculty from around the country and all over the world have been coming to the station to learn firsthand about biology. A guided nature walk along Flathead Lake to Yellow Bay point and a one-mile nature trail loop through old-growth forest offers an opportunity to learn about local flora and fauna.
  • Lunch on your own and/or shopping, Bigfork, Montana
    Located where the Swan River flows into Flathead Lake, the town of Bigfork was chosen as “one of the 50 Great Towns of the West” and designated as “One of the 100 Best Small Art Towns of the Nation”. This quaint western town hosts world class art galleries, fine restaurants and unique shops ready for an afternoon of exploration.

Monday, July 21

• 7:45 a.m. Continental Breakfast
• 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Missoula Excursions, Counselor’s Choice (lunch provided)
  • Excursion #1
    • PEAS Farm, UM Internship, Environmental Studies
      Since its inception in 1997, the UM Program in Ecological Agriculture and Society (PEAS) has combined traditional academics with hands-on work at an urban, organic farm, which produces tens of thousands of pounds of fruits and vegetables each season for low-income Missoulians.
    Students will make lunch for you from the garden produce!
    • Smoke-Jumping Center Tour The Smokejumper Visitor Center features exhibits on wildland fire ecology and behavior, current wildland firefighting gear and several videos on smokejumping and aircraft used to fight wildland fire. Check out a reconstructed lookout tower, exhibits of men and women fighting wildfire, historical photos and artifacts and other displays in the center
  • Excursion #2
    • Travelers Rest State Park, Bitterroot Valley
      Traveler’s Rest State Park- marks the location of a centuries-old Native American campsite which Lewis and Clark's used in 1805 and 1806. This stop will include a Native American History Interpretive Talk.
    • Fly Tying Demonstration with Tony Tomsu on the West Fork Lolo Creek

IN BOZEMAN (AFTER THE TOUR)

Friday, July 25

• 2:00 p.m. Counselor’s Choice –choose from one of the options below
  • Hike to Palisade Falls
    This very popular 1/2 mile nature trail is paved to provide disabled access. There is a picnic area and accessible restrooms at the trailhead. You will walk through towering Engelmann Spruce and Red Fir as you switchback up to the base of the volcanic cliffs.
  • Visit the Museum of the Rockies
    Museum highlights include: A Living History Farm, The Lewis & Clark Challenge Course, Montana History, and world renowned ecology, evolutionary and paleontology exhibits.
  • Scenic drive to Bridger Bowl Ski Resort
    Enjoy the beautiful 20 mile drive to Bridger Bowl Ski Resort – Bozeman’s favorite local ski hill!
  • Shopping in Downtown Bozeman
• 6:30 p.m. Dinner (on your own) at Downtown Bozeman Restaurants

Saturday, July 26

• 6:15-9:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
• • Option 1
    Day Trip to Yellowstone National Park
    7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
    Explore the wonders of our nation's and the world's first national park. View the diverse and abundant wildlife that makes this region world famous. Travel into areas called the Serengeti of North America, and observe all the wildlife species that were present when Lewis and Clark passed nearby. You (and your MSU admissions hosts/hostesses) will be participating in a professionally guided tour by Safari Yellowstone. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
  • Option 2
    Bozeman Activities
    • Farmer’s Market
      Join us with local growers, artisans, crafters, musicians, non-profits, restaurants and food purveyors! It's a great place for families and friends to gather, socialize and share in a fun-filled community environment!
    • Shopping Downtown
  Dinner (on your own) at Downtown Bozeman Restaurants

Sunday, July 27

• 5:00-10:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast
• Additional activities available upon request