Missoula County lands $838,722 grant for work at Marshall Mountain Park

MISSOULA, Mont. — Missoula County announced it received a 2026 federal grant worth $838,722 to help improve safety, access and the overall visitor experience at Marshall Mountain Park between East Missoula and Bonner.

County leaders said the money filled the remaining funding gap for the Base Area Redevelopment project.

The project followed the Marshall Mountain Park Conceptual Master Plan adopted in 2023, the county said.

Plans include drinking water, shade, a main trailhead, early trail work, better access for all abilities, updates to older ski area infrastructure, improvements to the outdoor gathering space and utility upgrades.

Construction and renovations are expected to begin in 2027. County staff and project partners plan to spend 2026 on final design and engineering.

“These funds are pivotal for the next phase of the park. Once the renovations are completed, kids sports programs will recharge at the shade shelter before migrating up the mountain; families will picnic at the base area with access to drinking water; new visitors will leave with a better understanding of the cherished community history of the Marshall Mountain Ski Area; and winter recreators will be protected from the elements with improved shelter and restroom facilities,” Randy Arnold, Missoula County's lands, culture and recreation director said.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund required a 50% non-federal match. Missoula County said Friends of Marshall Mountain had already raised more than half of the local share through community and private donations.

The Missoula Mountain Bike Coalition also committed a $40,000 Montana Trail Stewardship grant it secured in 2025 along with in-kind staff and volunteer support. The rest of the match is set to come from the voter-approved Missoula County Trails Bond and City-County Open Space Bond.

Jeff Crouch, co-chair of Friends of Marshall Mountain, said the investment matters for local families and local recreation.

“Marshall Mountain offers a mountain adventure right in our own community – cutting down travel barriers and costs, providing a site for much needed childcare for Missoula County families, and keeping recreation dollars local. The Base Area Redevelopment project meets the momentum of expanding education and stewardship programs, growing interest in adaptive recreation opportunities, and the revival of intensive, year-round community use,” Crouch said.

Missoula County bought and took over management of the 480-acre park in 2024. The park stays open year-round from sunrise to sunset for skiing, mountain biking, hiking and running.