Montana's cultural landscape is on par with its natural one. Between the state's two national parks, discover some of the West's most captivating museums. Western Montana's Glacier Country and Montana's Yellowstone Country are teeming with arts and history hot spots-from the fastest-growing contemporary art museum in the intermountain West and one of the world's largest and most famous collections of dinosaur fossils, to museums housing unique treasures like a 7.5-foot sturgeon and one of the world's first personal computers.
We've curated park-to-park tours of Montana's many impressive and important museums, offering a cultural experience that history buffs, art aficionados, and anyone in between will treasure. View the work of renowned artists, and some of the most fascinating exhibits of historical artifacts providing glimpses into the Old West, railroad days, pioneer settlements, American Indian heritage, and our national parks-to name a handful.
Between stops, enjoy the charming small towns that make up the heart and soul of the region, featuring warm western welcomes, historic downtowns, local shops and art galleries, theater and live music, exceptionally good food and 40+ breweries and distilleries throughout the region.
Stevensville
A museum depicting the history of the first permanent European settlement in Montana and traditional homeland of the Salish Indians.
517 Main St.
406.777.1007
Website
Fortine
The home of more than two dozen vintage aircraft—including the world’s only airworthy Mk 47 Seafire—several aircraft engines, aircraft models and aviation art.
Call for address + to make an appointment
406.882.4714
Website
Whitefish
A historic Whitefish Railway Depot restored to preserve the history of Whitefish and the Flathead Valley through railroad and community artifacts.
500 Depot St.
406.862.0067
Website
Condon
A museum preserving the heritage of the Swan Valley with exhibits including a homesteader school room, kitchen and bedroom, artifacts from historic lodges, a Forest Service section and homesteader records and maps.
6774 State Highway 83 N.
406.754.2745
Website
St. Ignatius
A cultural center preserving the rich heritage of the Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Kootenai tribes through artifacts and exhibits, cultural activities and authentic tribal storytelling.
77581 U.S. Highway 93
406.675.0160
Website
Eureka
A unique collection of historic buildings and artifacts from the Tobacco Valley area, including a school, church, library, general store, fire tower, railroad depot, caboose and several log cabins.
4 Dewey Ave.
406.297.7654
Website
Lolo
The only archaeologically verified campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the U.S. offering a fascinating look at expedition replicas, Salish culture, American Indian crafts, and a frontier Main Street.
6717 U.S. Highway 12 W.
406.273.4253
Website
Victor
The Old Victor Depot Building, preserving and interpreting the rich history of American Indians, frontier life, early religion, schools, mining and railroads in the Victor area.
125 Blake St.
406.642.3997
Website
Before you set out on your Montana museum tour, be sure to map out your trip and plan ahead. Some museums in the region are open seasonally and have 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, while others encourage a donation.
Check each region for more information:
Another great resource for history tour planning, the Montana Historical Society documents all the buildings in Montana that have been placed on the National Register of Historic places.
Lodging is part of the adventure, and Montana's western hospitality is second to none. From authentic guest ranches and mountain resorts to quaint bed-and-breakfasts and historic downtown hotels, there’s a stay that sums up your idyllic Montana getaway.
For more on lodging, visit glaciermt.com/stay and visityellowstonecountry.com/places-to-stay.
Montana is well-versed in the art of food and drink. Our top-notch culinary scene is on display throughout the region, where local chefs dish up creative genius no matter your taste. Our drinks are spot on, too, with breweries, distilleries, wineries and cideries crafting up works of fine art. You'll also find a number of historic, western bars in the region, brimming with authentic Montana character.
For more on where to dine and drink, visit glaciermt.com/eat 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.