Known as the Garden City due to its verdant landscape, Missoula is ideally situated at the heart of five valleys. Founded in 1860 as a trading market, the city is the home of the University of Montana and is a major recreational, shopping and entertainment center. Three major rivers run through the area, including the Clark Fork River, which flows through the city, making Missoula an opportune destination for kayaking, rafting and fishing. Missoula hosts numerous festivals, fairs and trade shows throughout the year, including the popular Western Montana Fair in August. This six-day fair includes a rodeo, musical acts and a parade. The 32-acre Historical Museum at Fort Missoula features over 17,000 historical objects and 13 structures. For those who enjoy shopping, historic downtown Missoula features classic 20th-century buildings and offers countless specialty shops, while the Southgate Mall satisfies conventional shopping needs.