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.
St. Ignatius
An 1890's Catholic church with 58 original paintings on the walls and ceiling by Brother Joseph Carignano, plus a log home—which was the original Sisters' residence—a museum and a gift shop with mission and American Indian artifacts.
300 Bear Track Ave.
406.745.2768
Website
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
Pablo
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.
36042 Major Houle Road
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. 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.
