MONTANA Attractions Links!
Museums, Landmarks, Highlights etc

Big Fork
Questa Sail Boat  and Nor’Easter V  -- Take a 2 hour tour of Flathead Lake aboard a restored 1929 51 foot racing sloop. Available mid June through Labor Day in September.

Big Sky
Big Sky Resort -- near Big Sky, Montana. Location includes skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, lodging, food, rentals & sales, Web site includes webcams, virtual tours, gallery.

Montana Whitewater -- Whitewater rafting. But also enjoy kayaking, wilderness trips, horseback riding, and fly fishing.

Crazy Mountain Museum -- Since the early 1900's the Sweet Grass Museum Society has worked hard to maintain the history of Sweet Grass County. The museum contains a collection of artifacts that have touched the lives of those who have called Sweet Grass County home. See a one room schoolhouse, a Norwigian stabbur (storehouse), Rodeo exhibits and more.

Billings
Moss Mansion -- Step into history with a one-hour guided tour of the Moss Mansion Historic House Museum. The tour captures early turn-of-the-century life as the Preston Boyd Moss family lived it. Visitors see original draperies, fixtures, furniture, Persian carpets and artifacts displayed in the 1903 red sandstone structure. Designed by the New York architect, Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, designer of the original Waldorf Astoria, Plaza Hotels, Williard Hotel, and Copely Hotel. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Yellowstone County Museum -- Their mission is to collect, preserve, research, and interpret the natural history, history and diverse cultures of the Yellowstone Valley of Montana and the Northern Plains. The focus is on prehistory of the Plains/Montana through to the 1950's. Exhibits/Archives include materials specific to Northern Plains Indian Tribes, western expansion, mining, cattle/sheep herding industries, transportation industries, military (1870-1950's), various medical fields, music, textiles, household goods and personal goods.

Western Heritage Center -- The museum is housed in the historic Parmly Billings Memorial Library building, first constructed in 1901. The building is a Romanesque sandstone structure and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The center features changing exhibates about the history and culture of the Yellowstone Valley region.

Yellowstone Art Museum -- The Yellowstone Art Museum exhibits, interprets, collects, and preserves art, with an emphasis on Montana and surrounding regions, for the enrichment, education, inspiration, and enjoyment of all.

Zoo Montana -- ZooMontana is a zoological/botanical garden, accredited arboretum and educational facility in Billings Montana. They are dedicated to the conservation of wildlife throughout Montana and the 45th parallel of earth. ZooMontana cares for over 80 animals of 56 different species, including Amur Tigers, Grizzly Bear, Wolverine, River Otters, Takin, and Canada Lynx, among others, most of which are rescues.

Bozeman
Gallatin Pioneer Museum -- Since 1982, the Pioneer Museum has offered a variety of changing exhibits portraying earlier days in the Gallatin Valley. The Society sponsors various programs throughout the year, including the annual History Conference. It is located in an old historic jail house.

Museum of the Rockies -- The Museum of the Rockies (MOR) is a world-class museum located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Bozeman, Montana. Known for its vast collection of dinosaur fossils, the Museum houses some of the most famous dinosaur specimens in the world including Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. The Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and a Federal Repository for fossils.

Browning
Museum of the Plains Indian

Butte- SILVER BOW
Charles W. Clark Chateau --It is a period museum and art center. The rooms reflect the cultural and varied ethnic heritage of the citizens of the area. Two galleries are used to display traveling art exhibits.

Copper King Mansion -- The Copper King Mansion is a 34-room Victorian mansion built from 1884 to 1888 as the Butte residence of William Andrews Clark, one of Montana's three famous "Copper Kings" who helped establish the fledgling Montana territory through their business ventures. Solely funded by tours, bed and breakfast guests, and catered events, the Copper King Mansion remains the only privately owned mansion in Montana accessible to the public.

Mineral Museum -- Located on the Montana Tech Campus, overlooking the historic mining city of Butte. The finest examples of rock and mineral occurrences from Montana, the world, and even outer space are on display for the general public to examine and enjoy at no cost. The museum originated as a teaching collection of ~200 specimens acquired in 1901, shortly after the Montana School of Mines enrolled its first students. Thanks to donations and public support, the museum now holds ~13,000 specimens. They also exhibit ten meteorites including a large Ni-Fe meteorite found recently in Beaverhead County.

Our Lady of the Rockies -- It is a 90-foot statue sitting atop the Continental Divide. The base sits at an elevation of 8510 feet above sea level and 3500 feet above the mile high city of Butte. People from all walks of life and every religion, worked to pave the way for the statue, built in the likeness of Mary, Mother of Jesus. Our lady of the Rockies is entirely nondenominational, and was dedicated to by workers to woman everywhere, especially to mothers. It took 6 years to build. The statue, lighted and visible at night, is a spectacular sight to behold.

World Museum of Mining -- The World Museum of Mining was founded in 1963 when the close of Butte’s mining heyday was less than two decades away. In the end, Butte experienced a century of hard-rock mining and earned the reputation of being home to one of the world’s most productive copper mines of all time. The Museum exists to preserve the enduring history of Butte and the legacy of its rich mining and cultural heritage. The World Museum of Mining is one of the few museums in the world located on an actual mine yard, the Orphan Girl Mine. With 50 exhibit buildings, countless artifacts, and 66 primary exhibits in the mine yard, visitors can spend a couple of hours to an entire day lost in the unfolding story.

Bynum
Two Medicine Dinosaur Center -- It includes the world's longest dinosaur - a skeletal model display of a Seismosaurus - according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Other displays include the first baby dinosaur remains found in North America and the actual remains of other new dinosaur species. Programs available through the Two Medicine Dinosaur Center of Montana are designed to allow participants to work beside actual research professionals and staff.

Chinook
Bear Paw Battlefield-Nez Perce National Historic Park -- Following the breakout of war in Idaho, nearly 800 Nez Perce spent a long and arduous summer fleeing U.S. Army troops first toward Crow allies and then toward refuge in Canada. Forty miles short of the Canadian border and following a five-day battle and siege, the Nez Perce ceased fighting at Bear Paw on October 5th, 1877, in which Chief Joseph gave his immortal speech: "From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever." the visitor center located at the Blaine County Museum, The museum offers the audio/visual presentation, "40 Miles to Freedom," which depicts the battle and siege at Bear Paw.

Blain County Museum --From prehistoric to the pioneer times. Learn about the land and its people through a special focus on the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre culture, the pioneer days of Cowboy, hardships of the Homestead Era, and follows Blaine County's history through two World Wars. Impressive reconstructions are a feature of the Museum including a "Tar-Paper Shack", church, schoolroom, clothing exhibit, and an old time dentist office and doctor's office. These exhibits invite visitors to look at a very different way of life than we experience today. Blaine County Museum is the interim visitor center for the Bear Paw Battlefield the site of the last battle of the four-month Nez Perce War of 1877.

Choteau
Old Trail Musuem -- This non-profit museum reflects the rich natural and cultural history of Montana's pristine Rocky Mountain Front region. Explore fossils, dinosaurs, Native American artifacts, grizzly bears, and the diverse and colorful local history within the Museum complex. Other exhibits include A.B. Guthrie, Jr., Old Agency on the Teton, Jesse Gleason's art studio, the Old North Trail, Metis Cabin, and Choteau's last hanging. After touring the museum enjoy an ice cream from the ice cream parlor located in the museum complex.

Circle
McCone County Museum -- It contains 7000 items of historical interest to the area. Its wildlife collection consists of over 200 birds and animals, mounted and displayed in their natural settings. An old school house, church, and homestead house have all be en moved to the museum area. There are displays of artifacts, farm machinery, tools, and guns from the homestead era. There is also an old Northern Pacific depot and an old caboose on the grounds.

Columbia Falls
Big Sky Waterpark -- Near Glacier National Park, this is Montana's largest water park. 10 water slides, kid's activity pool, game arcade, miniture golf, bumper cars, and a carousel.

Columbus
Museum of the Beartooths -- It reflects history specific to Stillwater County and its surrounding areas. Through detailed exhibits featuring photos and memorabilia, the Museum offers information on events, people and places dating back to the 1870's. Some interesting exhibits include the story of Frank Robideau's hanging, as well as a photo history of Stillwater towns. The gift shop offers unique made-in-Montana merchandise. Tribute is also paid to local Congressional Medal of Honor winner Donald J Ruhl. Near by SR78 was designated a Memorial Highway in his honor as well.

Deer Lodge
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site -- Once the headquarters of a 10 million acre cattle empire, Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site is a working cattle ranch that preserves these symbols and commemorates the role of cattlemen in American history. Encompassing 1,600 acres, over 80 historic structures, many historic artifacts, and walking trails.

Old Montana Prison -- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Old Montana Prison was built by inmate labor, this turn-of-the-century fortress was home to at least one member of Butch Cassidy's "Wild Bunch". Guided and self-guided tours lead you through the intimidating Cell House and into the chilling slide bar cells and black box of Maximum Security. See what it was like to live amongst the turreted stone towers and iron gates at the "Prison Life" photo exhibit, then view the galloping gallows. It served as the state prison of Montana from 1871- 1979. Also on the grounds is the Frontier Montana Museum, Montana Auto Museum, and the Yesterday's Play Things Doll and Toy Museum. Click the above link for all five.

Dillon
Bannack State Historic Park -- Bannack was founded in 1862 when John White discovered gold on Grasshopper Creek. As news of the gold strike spread many prospectors and businessmen rushed to Bannack hoping to strike it rich. In 1864, Bannack was named as the first Territorial Capital of Montana. Remaining in Bannack for only a short time, the Capital moved on to Virginia City. Today, over sixty structures remain standing, most of which can be explored. People from all over visit this renowned ghost town to discover their heritage.

University of Montana Western Art Gallary/Museum -- There are changing displays as well as a permanant art collection that features the works of C.M. Russell, Edgar Paxson, and Monte Dolack. And there is the Seidensticker Wildlife Collections with trophies from all over the world.

 

 

Fort Peck
Fort Peck Dam and Lake -- The story of the dam is told at this site. View historical photos, more recent photos, a webcam, and see what to do in the area. Named for an old trading post of the 1860's, Fort Peck Dam is one of six multipurpose main stem projects which operate as part of a system on the upper Missouri River. Construction of Fort Peck Dam near Glasgow, Montana, began in 1933 and was completed in 1940. Fort Peck Dam is the largest hydraulically filled dam in the United States. The dam measures 21,026 feet in length with a maximum height of 250.5 feet. The total combined capacity of the five turbines generates 185,250 kilowatts of power. The entire Fort Peck project lies within the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.

Glacier National Park
Glacier Nation Park -- Established in 1910, it is known as the "Crown of the Continent." The park encompasses over 1,000,000 acres within the Rocky Mountains, over 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 different species of plants and hundreds of species of animals. After the park was well established and visitors began to rely more on automobiles, work was begun on the 53 miles (85 km) long Going-to-the-Sun Road, completed in 1932. Also known simply as the Sun Road, the road bisects the park and is the only route that ventures deep into the park, going over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, 6,646 feet (2,026 m) at the midway point.

Glasgow
The Children's Museum of Northeast Montana -- It will provide an environment that stimulates exploration, creativity and discovery, and empowers children with knowledge through fun, hands-on experiences. Children and their families will be immersed in an atmosphere that encompasses the creative arts, sciences and cultural diversity.

Valley County Pioneer Museum -- Experience the history of Northeastern Montana's Valley County from one of the century's major dinosaur finds, to the country's largest Assiniboine collection, from railroad and agriculture to the creation of the Fort Peck Dam, through Lewis and Clark to the Titanic and Moonwalk.

Glendive
Frontier Gateway Museum -- This museum covers the history of eastern Montana from prehistoric times to the present. See dinosaur fossils, Native American Items, farming equipment, a rural school house, a log cabin and more.

Glendive Dinosaur & Fossil Museum -- This 20,00 square foot museum, just off I-94 houses several full size dinosaur and fossil exhibits plus a myriad of singular fossils, making it the largest dinosaur and fossil museum in the United States to present its fossils in the context of biblical creation. There is also the opportunity to take part in a fossil dig.

 

Great Falls
C.M. Russell Museum -- Welcome to the C.M. Russell Museum: a place where the old West is still alive. Artist Charles M. Russell captured the landscapes, the spirit, and the culture of the West during the late 1800s and early 1900s. His artwork is part entertainment, part history lesson. We encourage you to explore our site and discover for yourself the life and times of C.M. Russell, and the legacy of art he left behind.

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center -- Relive the Lewis and Clark 1804 - 1806 expedition through interpretive displays. Especially the time they spent in Montana. Managed by the USDA Forest Service, the 25,000 square-foot building includes the permanent exhibit hall, 158-seat theater, an education room for hands-on curriculum-based activities, and a retail store.

Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum and Air Park -- Malmstrom Air Force Base has a rich history dating back to 1939. While Malmstrom's roles and missions may have changed throughout the past 68 years, the base still continues to play an important role.

 

Paris Gibson Square Museum of Arts -- Their mission is to inspire and promote contemporary arts through exhibitions, collections, events, and education in a historic setting. The building; Paris Gibson Square, one of Great Falls’ oldest and most beloved landmarks, has served as a center for learning and growth for more than 100 years. The magnificent sandstone structure was completed in 1896, served for 34 years as Central High School and for 45 years as Paris Gibson Junior High, before closing its doors in 1975.

Hamilton
Daily Mansion -- This was the estate of Copper King Marcus Daily. It has original furnishings and Italian fireplaces. The exhibits here convey the story of Daly and his rise from working-class immigrant to copper magnate, as well as local, regional, and international history tied to his extended family.

Ravalli County Museum -- The Museum houses many critical and historical collections from our Native American heritage and establishment of Montana's first white settlement at Stevensville, Montana, in the heart of Ravalli County. The museum was once the Ravalli County Courthouse built in 1900 and designed by A.J. Gibson.

Hardin
Big Horn County Historical Museum -- Through the years the museum has grown significantly from the two original structures, a farmhouse and barn, to 26 historic buildings that were moved to the property from various locations in the county. Later two barn style structures were built on site to exhibit the growing collection of farm equipment, horse drawn wagons and antique vehicles.

Harlowton
Upper Musselshell Museum -- Exploring the two Upper Musselshell Museum buildings is like prowling around in someone's attic or barn. You may run into a full-size replica of a dinosaur skeleton found in nearby Shawmut or a horse drawn hearse with a special passenger! Filled with treasures that belonged to the people who lived in, worked, and developed the Upper Musselshell River country.

Havre, Helena, Hingham, Hobson, Hot Springs , Hysham

Ismay

Jefferson City
Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum --- What started as a love of gardening in one of the most beautiful corners of the world has expanded into what has been called, "one of the most unique and interesting botanical areas I have ever seen" by TravellingAdventure.com writer Ken Paul Mink. Take time to explore the 6 acres of flower and herb gardens. Far more than just plants, much of the pleasure you will get is from the presentation. For example, There is even one tree which has an engrained working water spigot. It has officially been recognized as an official Botanic Garden and Arboretum. 90% handicapped accessible, including restrooms, bridges, and paths. Just 18 miles south of Helena and a very short way off interstate 15.

Joliet, Jordan, Judith Gap

 

Kalispell, Kevin, Kila

Laurel, Lavina, Lewistown,

Libby,
Heritage Museum --- (open June, July, August) Displayed categories include forest service, fire fighting, newspaper, mining, Kootnie Indians, logging, mining, railroad, wildlife and more. The Heritage Museum is all-volunteer run. Volunteers welcome! Historic photos available for sale. Archives available for research purposes.

Lima, Livingston, Lodge Grass

Lolo;
Holt Heritage Museum -- Dedicated to "Cowboys and Indians - Rodeos & Pow Wows" and is located at 6800 Lewis and Clark Highway (Highway 12), Lolo, Montana, adjoining Traveler's Rest on the Lewis and Clark Trail. Come and enjoy remnants of the Old West. Ask about booking spaces in the museum for that special function or meeting. Cowboy Chuck wagon dinners are a specialty.

Travelers' Rest -- Travelers' Rest State Park marks the location of a centuries-old Native American campsite which Lewis and Clark's used in 1805 and 1806. They called the nearby creek "Travellers Rest." In Summer 2002, archeologists found evidence of the Corps of Discovery's latrine and central fire, positioning the Park as one of the few sites in the nation with physical confirmation of the group's visit--a truly unique designation.

Malta, Manhattan, Medicine Lake, Melstone, Miles City,

Missoula
Carousel for Missoula -- Each of the 38 ponies and two chariots on the Carousel was meticulously carved, sanded and painted by volunteers. A single pony requires approximately 800 hours to complete from glue-up to final application of paint and, depending upon size, weighs anywhere from 120-200 pounds. Miniatures of the ponies are available in the gift shop. Chariots are designed to allow easy access for wheelchairs. The wheelchairs and the ponies in their rows on the Carousel are stationary, but the other 36 ponies are on poles which move up and down into a pit beneath the platform. Great pipe organ music and a classic ticket booth and a fun play area add to the experience.

Montana Antique Mall -- Shop from over 50 vendors in the oldest building in downtown Missoula. Step back in time, and you may actually purchase what you find.

          
Nashua, Neihart

Opheim, Outlook

Philipsburg, Pinesdale, Plains, Plentywood, Plevna,

Polson
Miracle of America Museum -- Founded in 1981, it is called by many visitors “the Smithsonian of the west;” Showing …America’s progress, from the walking-plow to walking on the moon. Plan to spend several hours here.

Poplar

Pray
Chico Hot Springs -- It is the perfect location for your Montana getaway. Their historic resort is located in the heart of Paradise Valley, just north of Yellowstone National Park - and nestled in the foothills of the breathtaking Absaroka Mountain Range. They invite you for a family vacation, romantic getaway, business conference, weekend escape, wedding, family reunion, intimate dinner or a dip in the natural hot springs pools. Chico offers an extraordinary variety of accommodations, exceptional dining, outdoor adventures, live entertainment, ultimate relaxation, all with a warm smile and welcoming spirit from our friendly staff. Also enjoy horseback riding. Enjoy whitewater rafting with Wild West Rafting.

 

please let us know of anything

please let us know of anything