See Hidden Secrets During 4th at the Fort in Missoula

The "4th at the Fort" annual celebration not only continues a long history of Missoula marking Independence Day, but it's also a chance to look at some hidden secrets.

Some simply see history come to life during the all-day displays and activities.

But others offer a rare treat, to dive deep into the thousands of exhibits and stories preserved at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula.

READ MORE: Stars & Stripes & Fun: A Look Back at the First "4th at the Fort"

Get our free mobile app

A day of active fun for everyone

"So there's a little bit of something for everybody at this event," explained HMFM Executive Director Matt Lautzenheiser when he stopped by Daybreak with Dennis on KYSS. "We've got our steam engine that'll be up and running the sawmill. We have all sorts of kids' games, sack races, crafts for kids, all those kinds of things. All of our buildings."

Many of those displays, like the historic Case engine and sawmill, offer a fascinating flashback to how work was done in Western Montana a century ago.

Secrets take you back in time

HMFM offers amazing tours throughout the year. Lautzenheiser says "4th at the Fort" is a time when there are enough volunteers and times to share some secrets.

"So there'll be spaces that the visitors typically don't get to go into. And we'll have hosted buildings. There'll be a volunteer there."

"For instance, you get to go in the trolley barn and go on the trolley," Lautzenheiser said with a smile.

A time trolley time machine

The Trolley Barn is where Missoula's transportation history is shared, with the completely restored interurban streetcar, The city had service that ran from 1892, through 1897. Then, it was resumed from 1910 to 1932. It served downtown, and connected Missoula with the big mill in Bonner, although William Clark's idea of having the service expand to Great Falls and Hamilton never materialized.

Still, the system ran for more than 1,000,000 miles and carried 2.5 million passengers.

During the 4th, you can see the interior of the streetcar, as well as the classic American LaFrance fire engine that was Missoula's first fire truck and other transportation equipment.

You can also climb up the historic Sliderock Lookout, during Thursday's celebration, which starts at 10 am. Here's the full schedule of events.