Gerald W. Marks Exploration Center
& Rocky Mountain Gardens

Opening 2023!

The Exploration Center will be the premier center for scientific education and community-centered learning in the Rocky Mountain West and is the first major new building in the fairgrounds' revitalization efforts. The year-round destination will be home to Montana's first tropical butterfly house, 2.5 acres of premier education gardens, a demonstration kitchen, greenhouse, plant lab and classrooms. Providing a one-of-a-kind, immersive scientific and cultural experience for people of all ages, the center will draw residents and visitors to Midtown Missoula.