What Montana’s $38 Million Park Has That Others Don’t

BUTTE, MT - Ever wondered which park in Montana was the most expensive to build? Spoiler: it isn't in Bozeman.

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Montana might be famous for insane mountain treks, outdoor experiences, and hating people from other states (even though we all are), but it turns out that we have some pretty sweet parks, too.

Case in point: Fort Missoula Regional Park, the $38 million wonder that just might have you asking yourself, “Did I just step into the Disneyland of Montana?”

So, why did this park cost more than some small towns? Let’s break it down and see what all that cash bought—and whether it was worth every penny.

Why So Pricey?

You might think building a park for $38 million would be hard to do and would be more than just a park. Well, you're right!

Fort Missoula Regional Park (FMRP) was designed not just to serve Missoula and its lovely citizens, but also be a hub for the entire region, and with that kind of ambition comes a big price tag. We’re talking 156 acres of prime recreational real estate, packed with all the slides and structures you could ever want in an outdoor space.

From high-tech irrigation systems to top-of-the-line sports fields—while making the effort to preserve Fort Missoula’s historical charm—every detail added up. When you’re aiming for the best, we learned that it's better when your budget starts to resemble a lottery jackpot.

So, What Do You Get for $38 Million?

We—and the city of Missoula— are glad you asked. Fort Missoula Regional Park is basically the Swiss Army knife of parks: it’s got something for everyone:

- 10 Multi-use Sports Fields: Whether you’re into soccer, lacrosse, cricket, rugby, tag, or anything that involves chasing a ball, this park has you covered.

- Softball Complex: Five fields dedicated to the sport of softball/baseball. Or, heck, a combination of the two. Soft-base ball?

- Paved Trails: Over 6 miles of smooth paths, perfect for a morning jog, a leisurely walk, or a rollerblade session if you’re feeling nostalgic.

- Playgrounds: Multiple spots where the kids—or shameless adults—can run wild and tucker out before putting them down in the car.

- Dog Park: A haven for your furry friend, complete with separate areas for the big dogs and the little guys.

- Picnic Shelters and BBQ Pits: Because no day at the park is complete without grilling something delicious: soggy cheeseburgers.

- Disc Golf Course: Remember how your college roommate kept bugging you to come out and frolf? Now you can in a expensive outdoor recreation area!

- Tennis and Pickleball: Who isn't playing pickleball these days?

Who’s Using It?

With all these perks, it’s no surprise that Fort Missoula draws a crowd. We’re talking around 300,000 visitors each year since it opened fully in 2018. And it’s not just locals—people from all over Montana and beyond are making their way to this park to see what all the fuss (and funds) are about.

What’s Next for Montana’s Parks?

Fort Missoula might be the most expensive park in Montana right now, but it’s probably not holding onto that title forever. With cities like Missoula, Bozeman, and Billings growing fast, new parks are definitely on the horizon. Who knows?

A Nod to Glacier: Montana’s Literal Most Expensive "Park"

We had to give a quick shoutout to the original heavyweight champ of Montana parks: Glacier National Park. Established in 1910, Glacier’s development—including the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road—ran up a tab of about $2.5 million back in the day. Adjusted for inflation, that’s over $50 million today! Glacier might not have fancy sports fields, but it’s got something even better—millions of acres of pure, unfiltered Montana magic.