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List of museums in Montana facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Museum of the Rockies
The Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman

Welcome to a list of awesome museums you can visit in Montana! A museum is a special place that collects and takes care of interesting objects. These objects can be about art, science, history, or different cultures. Museums let you see these collections through exhibits. This list does not include museums that only exist online.

Montana is famous for its many dinosaur and fossil discoveries. Because of this, you'll find lots of museums here that focus on paleontology (the study of fossils). We've even made a special section just for these amazing dinosaur museums!

Exploring Montana's Museums

This table lists many museums across Montana. You can click the small boxes next to the headings to sort the list.

Name Town/City County Region Type What you'll find
American Computer & Robotics Museum Bozeman Gallatin South central Computer Learn about the history of computers, robots, and how we communicate.
Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts Helena Lewis and Clark Southwest Art See cool modern art made from clay.
Bair Family Museum Martinsdale Meagher North central Historic house Visit the old ranch home of the Charles M. Bair family. It has antiques, Native American art, and ranching displays.
Beaverhead County Museum Dillon Beaverhead Southwest Local history Discover the history of Beaverhead County, including fossils, military items, old clothes, and a miniature railroad.
Belt Museum Belt Cascade North Central Local history Located in an old jail, this museum shows coal mining history, photos, and local art.
Big Horn County Historical Museum Hardin Big Horn Southeast Open-air Explore over 25 historic buildings, old farm equipment, and antique vehicles.
Big Sandy Historical Museum Big Sandy Chouteau North Central Local history Learn about early pioneer ranching days and family histories.
Blaine County Museum Chinook Blaine Northeast Local history Discover local history, culture, Native Americans, and even dinosaurs and fossils.
Blaine County Wildlife Museum Chinook Blaine Northeast Natural history See over 200 animals that live or once lived in Montana. Open in summer.
Brand Bar Museum Ovando Powell Southwest Local history Check out local items and stories from early settlers.
Broadwater County Museum Townsend Broadwater Southwest Local history Learn about local history. Open during certain seasons.
Canton Church Historic Site Townsend Broadwater Southwest Religious Visit an old Catholic Church from the 1870s.
Carbon County Historical Society Museum Red Lodge Carbon South central Local history Explore exhibits on Native Americans, cowboys, rodeos, mining, and ranching.
Carter County Museum Ekalaka Carter Southeast Multiple See local history, Native American items, homesteader stories, dinosaurs, and fossils.
Cascade Senior Center and Museum Cascade Cascade North Central Local history View old photographs, business machines, and military items.
Castle Museum White Sulphur Springs Meagher North central History Tour a late 19th-century mansion with old furniture, minerals, and historic tools.
Central Montana Museum Lewistown Fergus North central Multiple Learn about local history, Native Americans, mining, military history, and dinosaurs. Open seasonally.
Cheyenne Indian Museum Ashland Rosebud Southeast History Find artifacts and items from the Plains Tribes at St. Labre Indian Mission.
Children's Museum of Montana, Inc Great Falls Cascade Central Interactive Hands-on exhibits help kids learn and explore.
Children’s Museum Missoula Missoula Missoula Northwest Children's Enjoy interactive exhibits designed for children.
Children's Museum of Bozeman Bozeman Gallatin South central Children's A fun place for kids to learn and play.
Children's Museum of Northeast Montana Glasgow Valley Northeast Children's Interactive exhibits for young visitors.
Clark Chateau Butte Silver Bow Southwest Multiple Explore an old mansion built in 1898.
Clarks Fork Valley Museum Fromberg Carbon South central Local history See replicas and exhibits in an old railroad depot.
C. M. Russell Museum Complex Great Falls Cascade North central Art See art by famous "cowboy artist" Charles Marion Russell and art about the American Old West.
Conrad Mansion Museum Kalispell Flathead Northwest Historic house Tour a beautiful 1895 mansion with 26 original rooms and Tiffany-style windows.
Conrad Transportation and Historical Museum Conrad Pondera North central History / Transportation See old cars, toys, and exhibits about how transportation developed the West. Open seasonally.
Cooke City Montana Museum Cooke City Park South central Local history Learn about the Beartooth Pass, tourism, and local communities.
Copper King Mansion Butte Silver Bow Southwest Historic house Take a guided tour of this grand Victorian mansion.
Copper Village Museum & Arts Center Anaconda Deer Lodge Southwest Multiple Find art exhibits and local history displays in the Anaconda City Hall.
Crail Ranch Homestead Museum Big Sky Gallatin South central Homestead See two original cabins with artifacts and photos from early homesteaders in the Big Sky area.
Crazy Mountain Museum Big Timber Sweet Grass South central Local history Discover the history of the Crazy Mountains area.
Culbertson Museum Culbertson Roosevelt Northeast History See historic room displays, old tractors, and pioneer items. Open seasonally.
Custer Battlefield Museum Garryowen Big Horn Southeast History Learn about the Battle of the Little Bighorn, frontier life, and Plains Indian culture.
Daly Mansion Hamilton Ravalli Southwest Historic house Visit the home of 19th-century industrialist Marcus Daly. It also has a beautiful garden.
Daniels County Museum & Pioneer Town Scobey Daniels Northeast Living history Explore over 30 historic buildings that show what a town looked like in the early 1900s.
Darby Pioneer Memorial Museum Darby Ravalli Northwest Local history See a collection of pioneer home and work tools.
Darby Ranger Station Visitor's Center and Museum Darby Ravalli Northwest History Learn about the history of the Forest Service. Open seasonally.
Earth Science Museum Loma Chouteau North central Local history, Natural history See gems, minerals, fossils, and Native American items found nearby.
Fly Fishing Discovery Center Livingston Park South central Sports - Fly fishing Learn about fly fishing, with displays of ties, rods, and reels.
Fort Benton Museums Fort Benton Choteau North central Multiple This site has several museums: a reconstructed fur trading post, Western art, pioneer life, and a 1900s village.
Fort Owen State Park Stevensville Ravalli Southwest Military Explore a partially restored fort and its museum.
Fort Peck Interpretive Center Fort Peck Valley Northeast Natural history Learn about local fish and game, and the building of the Fort Peck Dam.
Frank Derosa Railroad Museum Havre Hill North central History See model railroads and old train equipment.
Frontier Gateway Museum Glendive Dawson Southwest Local history Discover dinosaurs, buffalo, Indians, homesteaders, and railroad history. Open seasonally.
Frontier Montana Museum Deer Lodge Powell Southwest History See a collection of old handguns, spurs, and cowboy items. Open seasonally.
Galerie Trinitas Great Falls Cascade North central Art Part of the University of Great Falls, it features religious art.
Garfield County Museum Jordan Garfield Northeast History Learn about local history, culture, dinosaurs, and fossils.
Gallatin History Museum Bozeman Gallatin South central Local history Located in an old jail, it shows jail cells, Native American history, and old guns.
Glacier County Historical Museum Cut Bank Glacier Southwest Local history Exhibits include homesteading, Lewis & Clark, and a 1917 schoolhouse. Open seasonally.
Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum Glendive Dawson Southwest Religious See dinosaur and fossil exhibits from a creationist viewpoint.
Granite County Museum & Cultural Center Philipsburg Granite Southwest Local history Learn about silver mining and see the Ghost Town Hall of Fame. Open seasonally.
Grant–Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site Deer Lodge Powell Southwest Open-air Tour a real working cattle ranch from the 19th century with historic buildings.
Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Field Station Malta Phillips Northeast Natural history See dinosaurs and fossils. You can even join paleontology digs! Open seasonally.
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center West Yellowstone Gallatin South central Natural history See live bears and wolves, plus exhibits about them.
H. Earl Clack Memorial Museum Havre Hill North central Local history Learn about local history, culture, dinosaurs, and fossils.
Headwaters Heritage Museum Three Forks Gallatin South central History Discover the history of Lewis and Clark, mining, and early settlers.
Heritage Museum Libby Lincoln Northwest Local history Learn about the history of the Libby area. Open seasonally.
Historic St. Mary's Mission Stevensville Ravalli Southwest History Visit a mission complex from the mid-19th century.
Historical Museum at Fort Missoula Missoula Missoula Northwest Local history Explore the history of Missoula.
The History Museum Great Falls Cascade North central History Learn about the history of the Great Falls area.
Hobson Museum Hobson Judith Basin North central Local history Discover the history of Hobson.
Hockaday Museum of Art Kalispell Flathead Northwest Art See art from Glacier National Park and changing exhibits by artists.
Holt Heritage Museum Lolo Missoula Northwest West See a collection of cowboy and Native American items. Open by appointment.
Holter Museum of Art Helena Lewis and Clark Southwest Art View exhibits of modern art.
Huntley Project Museum Osborn Yellowstone Central Agriculture Learn about farming, ranching, and homesteading in the early 1900s.
J. Spencer Watkins Memorial Museum Virginia City Madison Southwest History See an old pharmacy, the first soda fountain in Montana, and a print shop.
Jefferson County Museum Clancy Jefferson Southwest Local history Explore documents, maps, photos, and changing exhibits.
Jefferson Valley Museum Whitehall Jefferson Southwest Local history Learn about local history. Open seasonally.
Judith Basin County Museum Stanford Judith Basin North central Local history Discover local history. Open seasonally.
Larue-Hot Springs Museum Hot Springs Sanders Northwest Local history Learn about the history of Hot Springs.
Legacy Doll Museum Billings Yellowstone Southeast Doll See antique, collectible, and modern dolls.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center Great Falls Cascade North central History Learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition as they explored the Missouri River.
Liberty County Museum Chester Liberty North central Local history Located in a former church, it shows local history.
Little Bear School House Museum Gallatin Gateway Gallatin South central Local history See a replica schoolhouse and collections from the Gallatin Gateway Inn.
Livingston Depot Center Livingston Park South central Railroad Housed in a 1902 train station, it displays railroad items and photos. Open seasonally.
Mai Wah Museum Butte Silver Bow Southwest Ethnic Learn about the history of Asian-Americans in the Butte area.
Makoshika State Park Glendive Dawson Southwest Paleontology Montana's largest state park has dinosaur fossils. The visitor center explains the geology and fossils.
Malmstrom AFB Museum Great Falls Cascade North central Aviation Learn about the history of Malmstrom Air Force Base and see historic military aircraft.
Marias Museum of History and Art Shelby Toole North central Local history See period rooms, early settler items, toys, and fossils.
MBMG Mineral Museum Butte Silver Bow Southwest Geology See rocks, minerals from Montana and around the world, and even meteorites.
McCone County Museum Circle McCone Northeast Local history Discover local history, mounted birds and animals, cement dinosaurs, and historic buildings.
Mehmke Steam Tractor Museum Great Falls Cascade North central Technology See antique steam tractors and farm equipment. Open seasonally.
Milwaukee Depot Museum Harlowton Wheatland North central Railroad Learn about railroad history. Open seasonally.
Mineral County Museum Superior Mineral Northwest History Learn about logging, mining, and the Mullan Road.
Miracle of America Museum Polson Lake Northwest History See pioneer and Native American items, old household goods, guns, and military vehicles.
Missoula Art Museum Missoula Missoula Northwest Art See art from the American West, especially by modern Montana artists.
MonDak Heritage Center Sidney Richland Northeast Art Features art and history from the Montana-Dakota region.
Montana Auto Museum Deer Lodge Powell Southwest Transportation - Automobile Located in an old prison, it displays over 150 cars and trucks.
Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame Wolf Point Roosevelt Northeast Hall of fame - Cowboys This is a planned museum to honor cowboys.
Montana Historical Society Museum Helena Lewis and Clark Southwest Multiple Also called Montana's Museum, it has art, history, and Native American artifacts.
Montana Law Enforcement Museum Deer Lodge Powell Southwest Law enforcement This museum is currently closed.
Montana Military Museum Helena Lewis and Clark Southwest Military Located at Fort William Henry Harrison, it shows military history.
Montana Museum of Art & Culture Missoula Missoula Northwest Art / Culture At the University of Montana, it has a large collection of art, including works by famous artists.
Montana Natural History Center Missoula Missoula Northwest Natural history Learn about the plants, animals, and nature of Western Montana.
Moss Mansion Billings Yellowstone Southeast Historic house Tour a beautiful mansion from the early 20th century.
Museum of the Beartooths Columbus Stillwater South central History See artifacts, hear old stories, and view replicas.
Museum at Central School Kalispell Flathead Northwest History Learn about the history of Northwest Montana, including Native American items and art.
Museum of Mountain Flying Missoula Missoula Northwest Aviation Explore the history of flying in the mountains.
Museum of the Plains Indian Browning Glacier Northwest Ethnic - Native American Learn about the history, arts, and culture of Northern Plains Tribal peoples.
Museum of the Rockies Bozeman Gallatin South central Multiple See dinosaurs and fossils, learn about natural history, Native Americans, and local history. It even has a 1900s house!
Musselshell Valley Historical Museum Roundup Musselshell Southeast Local history Learn about cowboys, coal mines, old schools, and life in the Old West. Open seasonally.
National Museum of Forest Service History Missoula Missoula Northwest History This is a planned museum about the history of the United States Forest Service.
New Chicago Schoolhouse Drummond Granite Southwest Local history Visit a restored schoolhouse from 1874.
Ninepipes Museum Charlo Lake Northwest Native American and History Learn about the history and culture of the Flathead Indian Reservation and early Montana. Open seasonally.
North American Wildlife Museum Coram Flathead Northwest Natural history See a collection of taxidermy animals like grizzlies, wolves, and elk.
O'Fallon Historical Museum Baker Fallon Southeast Local history Learn about the history of Southeastern Montana, railroads, and homesteading.
Old Jail Museum Thompson Falls Sanders Northwest Local history Located in a historic jail, it's run by the Sanders County Historical Society. Open seasonally.
Old Prison Museum Deer Lodge Powell Southwest History Explore a former state prison.
Old Trail Museum Choteau Teton North central History / Natural history See fossils, dinosaurs, Native American items, and learn about local history. Open seasonally.
Original Governor's Mansion Helena Lewis and Clark Southwest Historic house Tour a late 19th-century mansion that was once the governor's home.
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art Great Falls Cascade North central Art See modern art from Montana, the western U.S., and western Canada.
Phillips County Museum Malta Phillips Northeast Local history Discover dinosaurs, Native Americans, cowboys, and pioneers. Open seasonally.
Piccadilly Transportation Memorabilia Museum Butte Silver Bow Southwest Transportation See highway signs, license plates, vintage cars, and old car ads from around the world.
Pioneer's Pride Museum Bainville Roosevelt Northeast History See a replica pioneer house and jail. Open in summer.
Polson-Flathead Historical Museum Polson Lake Northwest Local history Learn about pioneers and homesteaders. Open seasonally.
Poplar Museum Poplar Roosevelt Northeast Local history Located in an old Tribal Jail, it has frontier and Native American collections.
Powder River Historical Museum and Mac's Museum Broadus Powder River Southeast Local history Learn about local history. Open seasonally.
Powell County Museum Deer Lodge Powell Southwest Local history Discover local history and mining. Open in summer.
Prairie County Museum & Gallery Terry Prairie Southeast Local history Focuses on pioneer life, with a homesteader's house and an old train depot.
Range Riders Museum Miles City Custer Southeast Local history Learn about eastern Montana history, Native Americans, pioneers, and soldiers. Open seasonally.
Ravalli County Museum Hamilton Ravalli Northwest Multiple See local history, art, Native American items, and displays about the Rocky Mountain Laboratory.
Richey Historical Museum Richey Dawson Southwest Local history Explore 6 historic buildings.
Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History Missoula Missoula Northwest Military Learn about military history.
Rosebud County Pioneer Museum Forsyth Rosebud Southeast Local history Discover local history. Open seasonally.
Rudyard Museum Rudyard Hill North central Multiple This museum has history, paleontology (dinosaurs!), and old cars. Open seasonally.
Schoolhouse History and Art Center Colstrip Rosebud Southeast Multiple Learn about local history and see changing art exhibits.
Seeley Lake Historical Museum Seeley Lake Missoula North central Local history Located in a historic barn, it tells the story of Seeley Lake.
Sheridan County Museum Plentywood Sheridan Northeast History See items from the early 20th century.
SpectrUM Discovery Area Missoula Missoula Northwest Science Enjoy hands-on science activities at the University of Montana.
St. Ignatius Mission St. Ignatius Lake Northwest History Visit a late 19th-century church on the Flathead Indian Reservation with historic and Native American items.
Thompson-Hickman Museum Virginia City Madison Southwest History See guns and learn about geology from the 1860s.
Tippet Rise Art Center Fishtail Stillwater South central Art This is a sculpture park and music venue on a ranch.
Tobacco Valley Historical Village Eureka Lincoln Northwest Open-air Explore a village with a school, church, log cabin, and general store from the 1880s-1920s. Open seasonally.
Treasure County '89ers Museum Hysham Treasure Southeast Local history Learn about the history of Treasure County.
Twin Bridges Historical Association Museum Twin Bridges Madison Southwest History Discover Native Americans, early pioneers, mining, and farming.
Two Medicine Dinosaur Center Bynum Teton North central Paleontology See baby dinosaur bones and a giant dinosaur reconstruction. They also have hands-on research programs!
University of Montana Western Gallery/ Museum Dillon Beaverhead Southwest Art Features traveling exhibits, student art, and a permanent art collection.
Upper Musselshell Museum Harlowton Wheatland North central Local history See fossils, bones, historic rooms, and military items. Open seasonally.
Upper Swan Valley Historical Society Museum and Heritage Site Condon Missoula Northwest History Learn about the history of the Upper Swan Valley. Open by appointment.
Ursuline Center Heritage Museum Great Falls Cascade North central Religious Learn about the Ursuline Sisters, their lives, and how they helped shape Montana's history.
Utica Museum Utica Judith Basin North central Local history See items from the Homestead Era, like dishes, clothes, and tools.
Valley County Pioneer Museum Glasgow Valley Northeast Local history Features an Assiniboine collection, natural history, and displays about the Fort Peck Dam.
Victor Heritage Museum Victor Ravalli Northwest Local history Learn about mining, railroads, and the people of the area. Open in summer only.
WaterWorks Art Museum Miles City Custer Southeast Art See modern art from the region and across the country.
Western Heritage Center Billings Yellowstone Southeast History Learn about local history and culture.
Whitefish Museum Whitefish Flathead Northwest History Discover the history of logging and railroads in Whitefish.
Wibaux Museum Wibaux Wibaux Southeast Local history Learn about early settler life.
Winifred Museum Winifred Fergus Northeast Local history Includes a collection of over 3000 Tonka toys!
Wise Wonders Science & Discovery Museum Billings Yellowstone Southeast Science Hands-on science activities and programs for all ages.
Wolf Point Museum Wolf Point Roosevelt Northeast Local history Learn about settlers, Native American culture, and old family items.
World Museum of Mining Butte Silver Bow Southwest Industry See mining tools, equipment, and a re-created 1890s mining town.
Wright Zoological Museum Missoula Missoula Northwest Natural history This is a research museum at the University of Montana with animal specimens. It's not open to the public.
Yellowstone Art Museum Billings Yellowstone Southeast Art Features modern art.
Yellowstone County Museum Billings Yellowstone Southeast Local history Learn about the history, nature, and culture of the Yellowstone Valley.
Yellowstone Gateway Museum Livingston Park South central Local history Discover native cultures, early expeditions like Lewis and Clark, railroads, and old vehicles.
Yellowstone Historic Center West Yellowstone Gallatin South central Local history Located in a historic train depot, it tells the story of transportation and the first national park.
Yesterday's Playthings Deer Lodge Powell Southwest Toy See dolls, teddy bears, and model trains. Open in summer.

Dinosaur Discoveries in Montana

This section highlights museums that have amazing dinosaur and fossil collections. Many of these are part of the "Montana Dinosaur Trail," which means they have special dinosaur exhibits and information.

Name Town/City County Region On
Dinosaur
Trail?		 Education
programs/
Guided
tours?		 Associated
Field
Digs?		 What you'll find
Blaine County Museum Chinook Blaine North central Yes No No This museum has a dozen dinosaur exhibits, including Hadrosaur, Gorgosaurus, and Ankylosaurus fossils. You can also touch fossils of sea creatures and dinosaurs!
Carter County Museum Ekalaka Carter Southeast Yes No No See one of the world's few Anatotitan copei skeletons, plus complete skulls of Triceratops horridus and Pachycephalosaurus.
Fort Peck Field Station of Paleontology Fort Peck Valley Northeast Yes Yes No This is a working station where scientists study and prepare fossils.
Fort Peck Interpretive Center Fort Peck Valley Northeast Yes Yes No The main attraction here is "Peck's Rex," one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever found. See a life-size model and a full-size skeleton cast!
Garfield County Museum Jordan Garfield Northeast Yes No Yes This museum has Cretaceous fossils, a Tyrannosaurus rex skull, and a full-size Triceratops replica. Open seasonally.
Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Field Station Malta Phillips Northeast Yes Yes Yes See the "best preserved" dinosaur, a Brachylophosaurus mummy! You can also watch scientists prepare fossils in the lab. Open seasonally.
H. Earl Clack Memorial Museum Havre Hill North central Yes No No Displays include dinosaur eggs and embryos believed to be from a "duck bill" dinosaur.
Makoshika State Park Glendive Dawson Southeast Yes Yes No Montana's largest state park has Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops fossils. You can even hold fossils at their "touchy-feely" table!
Museum of the Rockies Bozeman Gallatin South central Yes Yes No This museum has one of the largest dinosaur fossil collections in the world! See the world's biggest Tyrannosaurus rex skull and rare fossils.
Old Trail Museum Choteau Teton North central Yes No No See a Maiasaura skull, baby dinosaur skeletons, and even touch real dinosaur bones! Open seasonally.
Phillips County Museum Malta Phillips Northeast Yes No No This museum has "Elvis," a 33-foot long Brachylophosaurus skeleton, and a complete Tyrannosaurus rex skull. Open seasonally.
Rudyard Depot Museum Rudyard Hill North central Yes No No Displays include the "Oldest Sorehead," a Gryposaurus, and a duckbill dinosaur egg nest.
Two Medicine Dinosaur Center Bynum Teton North central Yes Yes Yes See baby dinosaur bones and the world's largest, scientifically accurate Seismosaurus halli model. They offer hands-on dinosaur research programs!
Upper Musselshell Museum Harlowton Wheatland South central Yes No No The main exhibit is "Ava," a full-size Avaceratops skeleton replica. Also see other dinosaur bones and ancient sea creature fossils.

Montana's Regions Explained

The museums in the lists above are grouped by six regions. These regions are based on how Montana's tourism groups divide the state.

See also

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List of museums in Montana Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.