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Museums IN MONTANA

Donnie Sexton

EXPLORE THE ART, HISTORY AND CULTURE
OF THE WEST AT MONTANA'S BEST MUSEUMS

Montana boasts a rich cultural landscape alongside its stunning natural beauty. Visitors to the travel regions of Western Montana's Glacier Country, Visit Southwest Montana and Montana's Yellowstone Country can explore a diverse range of museums highlighting art, history and culture. From a contemporary art museum to world-renowned collections of dinosaur fossils, as well as unique exhibits such as a 7.5-foot sturgeon and early personal computers, these museums offer fascinating insights into the heritage and legacy of the West.

The park-to-park tours of Montana's museums are an exceptional way to immerse in the state's rich cultural tapestry. From celebrated artists' works to captivating historical artifacts, these tours offer a journey through the Old West, railroad era, the legacy of copper kings, ghost towns, pioneer settlements, American Indian heritage, and the wonders of our national parks. These experiences cater to history enthusiasts, art lovers and anyone with a thirst for knowledge, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of Montana's diverse heritage.

Between stops, enjoy the charming small towns making up the heart and soul of Montana, featuring warm western welcomes, historic downtowns, local shops, art galleries, theater, live music, exceptionally good food and 40+ breweries and distilleries throughout the region.

Glacier Country southwest, and Yellowstone Country
  • Western Montana's Glacier Country
  • Visit Southwest Montana
  • Montana's Yellowstone Country
  • Bigfork Art & Cultural Center
  • Bonner Milltown History Center
    and Museum
  • City of Troy Museum
    AND Visitor Center
  • COLUMBIA FALLS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
  • Conrad Mansion Museum
  • Council Grove State Park
  • Daly Mansion and Margaret Daly Memorial Arboretum
  • Darby Historic Ranger Station
  • Darby Pioneer Memorial Museum
  • Diamond R. Brown Cowboy Museum
  • Fort Owen State Park
  • Garden of the Rockies Museum

Plan your trip

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Before you set out on your Montana museum tour, be sure to map out your trip. Some museums are open seasonally or with limited hours, and a few are only open by appointment. Plan your time by getting a feel in advance for how long a self-guided or guided tour of each museum might be, and research ahead for fees—some museums offer free admission, others charge a fee, others encourage a donation.

Check each region for more information:

LODGING + DINING

Whether you seek the rugged charm of a guest ranch or mountain retreat, the cozy ambiance of a bed-and-breakfast, or the timeless allure of a historic downtown hotel, you'll find the perfect lodging to embrace your Montana adventure.

For more on lodging, visit glaciermt.com/stay, southwestmt.com/accommodations/all-lodging and visityellowstonecountry.com/places-to-stay.

Montana is versed in the art of food and drink. Our culinary scene is on display throughout the region, with local chefs creating farm-to-table recipes, or simple fare to satisfy famished visitors. Our drinks are spot on, with breweries, distilleries, wineries and cideries crafting up authentic Montana beverages.

For more on where to dine and drink, visit glaciermt.com/eat, southwestmt.com/eat-drink-shop and visityellowstonecountry.com/food-and-drink.

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Know before you go

Plan ahead and be prepared, ensuring safer, more enjoyable travels and less impact.

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Play it safe

Pack the right gear, take precautions, know your limits, and engage in activities that match your skill level.

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Tread lightly

Take care of our trails and waterways by riding responsibly specific to your motorized activity.

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Keep our waters clean

Help prevent aquatic invasive species by following Clean.Drain.Dry. principles and watercraft inspections requirements.

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Respect tribal lands

Recognize and acknowledge when you enter tribal lands, know tribal guidelines, and secure a tribal conservation permits for recreation.

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Follow fire safety

Help prevent wildland fires. Attend to and extinguish campfires properly, and know current fire restrictions.

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Be wildlife wise

View wildlife from a safe distance. Never approach, touch or feed wildlife. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

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Leave no trace

Respect all public lands, waters, tribal lands and local communities. Pack it in, pack it out.

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Explore mindfully

Be thoughtful about and aware of your impact, embrace inclusivity, and respect communities and fellow adventurers.

Recreate Responsibly
Order a museums guide
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