Park Rules & Alcohol in Parks

Reserve a park shelter

Park Use Policies

Please see Missoula Municipal Code 12.40 (PDF) for a complete list of park regulations. Master Fee Schedule: Parks Policies and Fees 

Missoula's parks are open to the public from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, unless otherwise posted. Lighted riverfront trails are open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily.  We hope that you have an enjoyable gathering. If you have any questions, please call us at 406-721-PARK.

Park Rules

Per Missoula Municipal Code 12.40 (PDF) and Parks and Recreation Rules, the following are not allowed in parks:

• Amplified music (except as noted below.)
• Animals, except dogs on leashes.
• Bounce houses or inflatable play structures without a Parks permit, required insurance, and rental from a permitted vendor.
• Charging for entry to parks.
• Charging or selling anything in parks without permission from the Parks and Recreation Director.
• Digging or driving stakes/pegs in the ground.
• Firearms (PDF) (details below.)
• Fireworks (PDF)
• Motorized vehicles except in designated areas or with a Parks vehicle permit.
• Open fires.
• Overnight parking or camping.
• Golf.

Dogs In Parks

Dogs must be leashed in City Parks and on trails, unless otherwise posted. Dog owners are responsible for removing dog waste from city parks. Learn more.

Alcohol

• See MMC #12.40.040 Exhibit B for a list of parks where alcohol is permitted.
• Possession and consumption of beer, wine and hard cider are allowed for individuals or small groups of six or less without a permit, or for groups of seven or more with a permit, in parks listed in Exhibit B where a restroom or portable toilet is provided and is available.
• You may purchase an alcohol permit online for Bonner Park, McCormick Park, Playfair Park, & Fort Missoula Regional Park.
• Glass containers are prohibited.

Amplified Sound

Amplified sound is prohibited in parks with the exceptions below and further defined in MMC 12.40.065 #29 Exhibit C. Call 552-6657 to purchase an amplified sound permit.

Exception 1 - No permit required:

• Small impromptu gatherings of 6 or fewer park users amplifying sound. Applies to the areas listed in Exhibit C as Type 2 community parks and Type 3 neighborhood parks.
  • Must be a minimum of 100 feet away from any residential housing.
  • Time duration must not exceed 1 hour.
  • Plainly audible sound needs to dissipate at a distance greater than 25' from its origin.
  • Sound origination must be located no closer than 25' from the edge of the curb or sidewalk.
  • Amplification is not permitted during school hours if the park is adjacent to a school.
  • Amplified sound is permitted during these hours only:
    • Memorial Day to Labor Day: Sun-Thurs 11 am - 7 pm; 11 am - 8 pm Fri-Sat
    • All other months: Mon-Sun 11 am - 6 pm

Exception 2 - Permit Required

• A fee-based amplified sound permit is required for large events of 7 or more park users as set forth in Exhibit C designated as Type 1 community parks and Type 4 neighborhood parks including Bonner Band Shell, Fort Missoula, McCormick and Silver Park.

Firearms Prohibited in Parks

Per Missoula Municipal Code 8.58 (PDF), firearms are prohibited in the following parks and trails. To report violations, please call the Missoula Police Department at 911. Parks and Recreation is not an enforcement agency.