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.
Greenough
A hotel, saloon and cabins still standing from Montana’s boom and bust mining days—named one of America’s coolest ghost town’s by Travel + Leisure magazine.
From State Highway 200, about 30 miles east of Missoula, turn south between mile markers 22 and 23.
406.329.3914
Website
Cut Bank
A museum featuring two exhibit buildings, an oil worker's house, oil derrick, historic schoolhouse and caboose, and a living-history replica homestead where you can experience an overnight adventure.
107 Old Kevin Highway
406.873.4904
Website
Libby
A unique, 12-sided log building—plus multiple historic structures and a Shay steam locomotive—housing artifacts from Libby’s rich past including settlement, mining and logging.
34067 U.S. Highway 2
406.293.7521
Website
Stevensville
An 1866 chapel, gift shop, museum, art gallery and the cabins of Chief Victor and Father Ravalli, representing the first church in the Pacific Northwest and the first pioneer settlement in Montana.
315 Charlos St.
406.777.5734
Website
Missoula
Twenty historic structures on 32 park-like acres, plus three indoor galleries interpreting the area’s fascinating history from the Indian Wars to the African American 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps to a WWII internment camp.
3400 Captain Rawn Way
406.728.3476
Website
Kalispell
A turn-of-the-century Carnegie Library building exhibiting nationally renowned and emerging artists as well as Glacier National Park art and culture and a hands-on Discovery Gallery for kids.
302 Second Ave. E.
406.755.5268
Website
Lolo
A private cowboy and American Indian museum (open by appointment only) including a large carriage collection and a rodeo series bronze collection; located on the famous Lolo/Nez Perce Trail used by Lewis and Clark.
6800 U.S. Highway 12 W.
406.273.6743
Website
Hungry Horse
Exhibits on the history and importance of Hungry Horse Dam—the 10th highest in the U.S.—as well as interactive exhibits on the area and free tours of the dam’s crest.
Off U.S. Highway 2; follow the signs
406.387.5241
Website
Hot Springs
A small-town museum with historic artifacts and photographs of homesteader life in Hot Springs, including the life and times of Montana cowgirl Fay Hanes.
110 Hot Springs Road
406.741.5665
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Libby
Guided tours and interactive exhibits about the intricacies of dams, hydropower and its relation to fish, wildlife and communities.
17877 State Highway 37
406.293.5577
Website
Lolo
A Lewis and Clark/Nez Perce interpretive center—echoing the log architecture of historic Forest Service ranger stations—plus a gift shop, trails, and complimentary hot chocolate, tea, or coffee.
44000 U.S. Highway 12
208.942.3113
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Kalispell
A recreation area with overlooks featuring breathtaking Flathead Valley vistas and a visitor center with park wildlife and forest ecology.
300 Lone Pine Road
406.755.2706
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Three Forks
A quaint museum featuring American Indian art and artifacts, Lewis and Clark memorabilia, a fascinating barbed wire collection, and exhibits on area commerce generated from fur traders, railroads, mining and agriculture.
202 S. Main St.
406.285.4778
Website
Big Sky
The homestead and once-working ranch of Augustus Franklin Crail depicting early settler life and offering guided and self-guided tours.
2110 Spotted Elk
406.993.2112
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Livingston
A historic ranger station reflecting the early years of the U.S. Forest Service and the conservation movement.
Custer Gallatin National Forest 5242 U.S. Highway 89 S.
406.932.5155
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Livingston
A fly-fishing museum representing the culture and history of fly-fishing as well as environmental and public-policy issues around the sport.
5237 U.S. Highway 89 S., Suite 11
406.222.9369
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Jardine
The historic Jardine Mining Company camp with numerous miner cabins and mining remains.
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Big Timber
A beautiful garden featuring interpretive displays and native Montana plants collected by Lewis and Clark during their historic expedition between 1805 and 1806.
2 S. Frontage Road
406.932.5126
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Gallatin Gateway
A historic one-room schoolhouse with period memorabilia and an antique merry-go-round.
76200 Gallatin Road
406.580.6228
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Bozeman
A homesteader days living history farm with costumed interpreters offering a glimpse of the past through cooking over a wood-burning stove, tending to the heirloom garden, and forging iron in the blacksmith’s shop.
600 W. Kagy Blvd.
406.994.2251
Website
Livingston
The original Northern Pacific Railroad depot and launching point for travel to Yellowstone National Park now featuring Livingston history including railroad and early settler life.
200 W. Park St.
406.222.2300
Website
Three Forks
A historic spot where American Indians stampeded vast herds of bison off a massive half-moon limestone cliff offering impressive views of the Madison River Valley. Archeologists have located the tipi rings, and buffalo bones remain buried at the base of the cliff.
6990 Buffalo Jump Road
406.285.3610
Website
Three Forks
The confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers—where Lewis and Clark stayed in 1805—featuring cultural and natural history, river play, fishing, biking, hiking, bicycling and interpretive programs.
1585 Trident Road
406.285.3610
Website
Bozeman
A children's museum and science center with hands-on exhibits and exploratory play, including A Bug’s World, STEAM lab, a native fish pond, Rigamajig large-scale building kit, a wind tunnel, a gravity vortex and more.
2740 W. Main St.
406.522.9087
Website
Virginia City
This local history museum doesn’t just house artifacts and clothing from the days of pioneers and miners, but is complete with displays of a print shop, a pharmacy and Montana's first soda fountain.
219 W. Wallace St.
406.843.5500
Website
Clancy
One of the museum’s two galleries is dedicated to exhibits about life in 19th century Jefferson County, while the other hosts traveling exhibits, including those from the Smithsonian Institution.
5 N. Main St.
406.224.5106
Website
Whitehall
Housed in a restored red barn built in 1914, this museum depicts the heritage of the Jefferson Valley region, including that of the American Indian tribes as well as fur trappers, miners and homesteaders.
303 S. Division St.
406.287.7813
Website
Ennis
This museum dedicated to the history of Madison Valley is located on a scenic overlook with views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
447 Montana Highway 287
406.682.4685
Website
Butte
The last remaining building(s) from Butte’s Chinatown exhibits historical Asian life in the Rocky Mountain West. View original items from the Wah Chong Tai Mercantile, Mai Wah Noodle Parlor and the Dragon used annually to bless local businesses during the Chinese New Year parade.
17 W. Mercury St.
406.723.3231
Website
Butte
Highlights of Montana Tech’s collection of over 1,300 mineral specimens include a 27.49 ounce gold nugget from Butte as well as a “fluorescent room” where minerals glow in a spectrum of color under ultraviolet light.
1300 W. Park St.
406.496.4414
Website
Deer Lodge
A time capsule of vehicles from the 1890s through the 1980s showcasing the evolution of automobiles.
1106 Main St.
406.846.3111
Website
Helena
Currently under renovation with plans to re-open in 2025, this museum and research center will feature a 16,000-square-foot gallery of Montana history, plus several art exhibits.
225 N. Roberts St.
406.444.2694
Website
Philipsburg
A museum dedicated to preserving and displaying the history of Montana law enforcement with badges, uniforms, patches and an old jail cell.
212 E. Broadway St.
406.859.6536
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Helena
Items of early American history, early Montana history and the role of the Freemasons in the development of Montana. See extensive collections from the American Revolution to the present, Masonic jewels made of Montana gold and silver, regalia, paintings, engravings and ephemera.
425 N Park Ave
406.442.7774
Website
Nevada City
The largest public collection of automated music machines in North America houses the biggest music organ in the world, at 27 feet wide and 12 feet high.
Highway 287
406.843.5247
Website
Drummond
This schoolhouse built in 1874 features an exhibit on pioneer teacher Emma Davis Wilson, plus several other exhibits highlighting memorabilia and history of the town of New Chicago.
406.288.3297
Website
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:
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.
Plan ahead and be prepared, ensuring safer, more enjoyable travels and less impact.
Pack the right gear, take precautions, know your limits, and engage in activities that match your skill level.
Take care of our trails and waterways by riding responsibly specific to your motorized activity.
Help prevent aquatic invasive species by following Clean.Drain.Dry. principles and watercraft inspections requirements.
Recognize and acknowledge when you enter tribal lands, know tribal guidelines, and secure a tribal conservation permits for recreation.
Help prevent wildland fires. Attend to and extinguish campfires properly, and know current fire restrictions.
View wildlife from a safe distance. Never approach, touch or feed wildlife. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Respect all public lands, waters, tribal lands and local communities. Pack it in, pack it out.
Be thoughtful about and aware of your impact, embrace inclusivity, and respect communities and fellow adventurers.
