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.
Missoula
A fire lookout tower, memorial tree grove and bungalow ranger station with historical artifacts dedicated to preserving the history of the U.S. Forest Service, from ski area development to smokejumpers, paratroopers and conservationists.
6305 U.S. Highway 10 W.
406.541.6374
Website
Huson
A visitor center and historic working ranger station dedicated to the history of Northern Rockies firefighting, pack animals and backcountry work.
20325 Remount Road
406.626.5201
Website
Charlo
A museum, gift shop and nature trail dedicated to the history and culture of the Flathead Nation and early Montana, including Plains Indians, homesteaders, cowboys, the fur trade and Black-Robe missionaries.
69316 U.S. Highway 93
406.644.3435
Website
Kalispell
The historic Central School building featuring exhibits of the Flathead Valley, American Indian culture, and the timber industry.
124 Second Ave. E.
406.756.8381
Website
Thompson Falls
A 100-year old former jail offering a variety of Sanders County history—dam construction, 1910 fires, Civilian Conservation Corps camps—through historical artifacts, images and maps, a period kitchen and gift shop.
109 S. Madison St.
406.883.3049
Website
Missoula
A natural history collection featuring bird and mammal specimens viewable around the University of Montana campus.
Health Sciences Bldg., Room 212, University of Montana
406.243.4743
Website
Polson
A Flathead area museum on homesteader life and work on the Flathead Reservation, plus the Flathead Lake Monster, Allard Stagecoach, Rudolph the famous Highland Steer and antique fire engines.
708 Main St.
406.883.3049
Website
Hamilton
A repository for unique and rare collections from American Indian heritage and Ravalli County—Montana’s first European settlement.
205 Bedford St.
406.363.3338
Website
Missoula
A state-of-the-art visitor center featuring trophy elk mounts, wildlife conservation films and fun, interactive wildlife exhibits, plus a gift shop and walking trail.
5705 Grant Creek Road
406.523.4545
Website
Missoula
The historic Montana home of the U.S. Army since 1877 with exhibits and programs covering U.S. military history from the Revolutionary War to the present-day War on Terror.
Building T-316, 2795 General Foster Ave., Fort Missoula
406.549.5346
Website
Seeley Lake
The Double Arrow Ranch barn featuring collections on historical Montana life and events. Exhibits include historic wagons, a Blackfoot Indian lodge, a cabin, a dugout canoe and a Lewis and Clark botanical garden.
2920 State Highway 83
406.677.2990
Website
Whitefish
A photographic exhibit depicting the early history of skiing in the Flathead Valley, including a Hall of Fame honoring local ski legends, a reproduction of the Hellroaring Ski Cabin and rare video footage of early Montana skiing.
725 Wisconsin Ave.
406.885.2730
Website
Gardiner
Public tours of one of the largest collections of cultural and natural history in the National Park Service, from pre-history through the present, including obsidian points and a historic vehicle collection.
20 Old Yellowstone Trail
307.344.2662
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.
