Are you a real history buff and are you looking for the best history museums to visit in Montana? These are the ones:
1Western Heritage Center
Billings, MTThe Western Heritage Center is a regional museum situated in the historic downtown area of Billings, Montana, in the United States. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore the rich history of the region while also enjoying the charm of the downtown area. 2World Museum of Mining
Butte-Silver Bow, MTThe World Museum of Mining is both a museum and a memorial located in Butte, Montana. It serves as a significant landmark in the region, offering a unique insight into the history and culture of mining. Visitors can explore the museum to learn about the mining industry's impact on the area and its people. 3Original Governor's Mansion
Helena, MT 4Livingston Depot Center
Livingston, MTThe Livingston Depot, located in Livingston, Montana, is a historic train station built by the Northern Pacific Railway in 1902. It ceased to function as a passenger rail service in 1979 when Amtrak discontinued the North Coast Hiawatha. However, since 1987, the restored building has become a significant part of Livingston's downtown historic district, serving as the Livingston Depot Center. 5Grant–Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
Deer Lodge, MTThe Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site is a significant location in Powell County, Montana. This protected American area offers a unique insight into the country's history and heritage. Visitors can explore the ranch and learn about its historical significance. 6Makoshika State Park
Glendive, MTMakoshika State Park, the largest state park in Montana, is situated southeast of Glendive in Dawson County. The park is at an altitude of 736 m and spans an area of 47 km². This vast expanse offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of Montana. 7The Moss Mansion
Billings, MTThe Moss Mansion Historic House Museum is situated at 914 Division Street in Billings, Montana, United States. This location is easily accessible and provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a piece of Montana's history. 8Old Montana Prison
Deer Lodge, MTThe old prison complex now features five museums covered by one fee. A must for any museum buff. 9Copper King Mansion
Butte, MTThe Copper King Mansion, also known as the W. A. Clark Mansion, is a significant historical site in Butte, Montana. This 34-room residence, built between 1884 and 1888, showcases Victorian neo-Romanesque architecture. It was the home of William Andrews Clark, one of the three Copper Kings of the state. 10C M Russell Museum
Great Falls, MTThe C M Russell Museum Complex, located in the city of Great Falls, Montana, is an art museum dedicated to showcasing the artwork of cowboy artist Charles Marion Russell. The museum's primary function is to display the artwork of this Great Falls native, providing visitors with a unique insight into his life and work. 11Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Great Falls, MTThe whole museum is dedicated to Lewis and Clark and their expedition. Creative and very informative displays. 12C. M. Russell Museum Complex
Great Falls, MTThe C M Russell Museum Complex, situated in Great Falls, Montana, is an art museum primarily dedicated to showcasing the artwork of cowboy artist Charles Marion Russell. The museum offers a comprehensive view of Russell's work, providing visitors with a deep understanding of his life, working habits, and artistic style. 13Mai Wah Museum
Butte-Silver Bow, MTThe Mai Wah Museum, situated in Butte, Montana, United States, is dedicated to documenting the history of Asian people in the Rocky Mountains. This unique museum provides a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage and experiences of Asian immigrants in this region, offering a unique perspective on the diverse history of the United States. 14Ursuline Centre
Great Falls, MTThe Ursuline Academy, located at 2300 Central Avenue in Great Falls, Montana, is a historic convent and former Catholic school. The building, completed in 1912, was constructed by the Ursuline Sisters, a Catholic religious institute for women. This historic site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style of the early 20th century and the history of Catholic education in the region. 15Yellowstone Art Museum
Billings, MTThe Yellowstone Art Museum, located in downtown Billings, Montana, is the largest contemporary art museum in the state. It was opened in October 1964 in a building that was formerly the Yellowstone County Jail. This unique location adds a historical dimension to the museum, making it not only a place for art but also a piece of Montana's past. 16Montana Auto Museum
Deer Lodge, MT 17Northwest Montana History Museum
Kalispell, MTThe Northwest Montana History Museum is situated in the restored Central School building in Kalispell, Montana. This historic building serves as the backdrop for the museum's exhibits, providing a unique setting that enhances the visitor's experience. The museum's location in the heart of Kalispell makes it easily accessible for tourists. 18Fort Missoula
Missoula, MT 19Montana Historical Society Museum
Helena, MTThe Montana Historical Society (MHS) is a historical society located in Montana, USA. Its primary role is to preserve historical resources that are crucial to understanding the history of Montana. The society provides a range of services through six operational programs: Administration, Research Center, Museum, Publications, Historic Preservation, and Education. 20Story Mansion
Bozeman, MT 21Museum of the Plains Indian
Browning, MTThis museum collects and displays artifacts and artworks created by the former inhabitants of Northern Plains. 22Fort Owen State Park
Stevensville, MTFort Owen State Park is a historic preservation area situated on the northern outskirts of Stevensville, Montana. Owned by the state of Montana, the park is named after Fort Owen, a mission and later a trading post established in 1841. The park is known as the 'cradle of Montana civilization' due to its historical significance. 23Ravalli County Museum & Historical Society
Hamilton, MTThe Ravalli County Museum, located in Hamilton, Montana, is a significant institution managed by the Bitter Root Valley Historical Society (BRVHS). The museum's primary mission is to acquire, preserve, and interpret the historical and cultural heritage of the Bitter Root Valley and its inhabitants. This includes the rich history of Ravalli County, Montana, making it a valuable destination for those interested in understanding the region's past. 24Historic Dumas Brothel Museum
Butte-Silver Bow, MTThe Dumas Brothel, now a museum, is located in the heart of downtown Butte, Montana. It was a well-known brothel from 1890 to 1982, making it the longest continuously operating brothel in the United States. This historic establishment offers a unique glimpse into the past, providing visitors with an understanding of the social history of the time.- 25
The History Museum
Great Falls, MT - 26
Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame
Great Falls, MTThe Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the cowboy way of life, American Indian cultures, and the collective Montana western heritage. This organization annually inducts distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to these aspects of Montana's history and culture. Although it currently lacks a permanent physical museum, the organization has been recognized by the Montana State Legislature and continues to work towards establishing a physical presence. - 27
Powell County History Museum
Deer Lodge, MT - 28
Nevada City Museum & Music Hall
Virginia City, MT - 29
J. Spencer Watkins Memorial Museum
Virginia City, MT - 30
Museum of the Yellowstone
West Yellowstone, MTThis historical museum covers wide range of topics, from the beginning of tourism to Union Pacific Railroads. - 31
Carter County Museum
Ekalaka, MTThe Carter County Museum, situated in Ekalaka, Montana, holds the distinction of being the first county museum in the state. Established in 1936, the museum has a rich history and has been a significant part of the local community for many decades. - 32
Gallatin History Museum
Bozeman, MT - 33
Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History
Missoula, MTMilitary and history buffs will enjoy this museum indeed. It presents the evolution of the US army since the Frontier Period. - 34
National Museum of Forest Service History
Missoula, MT - 35
Peter Yegen Jr. Yellowstone County Museum
Billings, MTDevoted to preserving and interpreting the history of diverse inhabitants of Yellowstone valley. - 36
Liberty County Museum
Chester, MTThe First Episcopal Methodist Church of Chester, located at the intersection of 2nd Street and Madison Avenue in Chester, Montana, is a significant historical site. Constructed in 1911, the church stands as a testament to the early settlement and homesteading era in the state. Its vernacular design is typical of rural Montana churches of the period, offering visitors a glimpse into the architectural styles and cultural practices of the time. - 37
Museum of the Upper Missouri
Fort Benton, MTHistorical museum with a nice collection of historic memorabilia and uniforms, documenting the past. - 38
Museum of the Northern Great Plains
Fort Benton, MTThe museum is focused mainly on fur trading, agriculture and other means of livelihood. Really informative exhibit. - 39
Montana Agricultural Center
Fort Benton, MT - 40
Wibaux Museum
Wibaux, MT - 41
Stevensville Historical Museum
Stevensville, MT - 42
Daniels County Museum & Pioneer Town
Scobey, MTReturn back in time and explore how the pioneers used to live and work. More than 35 built or restored buildings. - 43
Pioneer Town
Scobey, MT - 44
Frontier Gateway Museum
Glendive, MT - 45
Darby Pioneer Memorial Museum
Darby, MT - 46
Heritage Museum
Libby, MT - 47
Powder River Historical Museum
Broadus, MT - 48
Judith Basin County Museum
Stanford, MT - 49
Miracle of America Museum
Polson, MTHuge museum, or rather an unlimited open air complex. Stuffed with various artifacts, documents, war memorabilia and way more. - 50
Polson Flathead Historical Museum
Polson, MT - 51
H. Earl Clack Memorial Museum
Havre, MT - 52
Glacier County Historical Museum
Cut Bank, MTMuseum dedicated to homesteading and variety of local issues. Visit oil worker's house, schoolhouse and farm to learn more. - 53
Sheridan County Museum
Plentywood, MT - 54
Headwaters Heritage Museum
Three Forks, MT - 55
Wolf Point Area Museum
Wolf Point, MT - 56
Phillips County Museum
Malta, MTThis county museum is a hidden gem despite its small size. Unusually rich bricolage of artifacts related to local history. - 57
Blaine County Museum
Chinook, MT - 58
Range Riders Museum
Miles City, MTThe museum preserves the moved history of the area for the next generations. Illustrative, captivating exhibitions. - 59
Rosebud County Museum
Forsyth, MT - 60
Jefferson Valley Museum
Whitehall, MT - 61
Upper Blackfoot Valley Historical Museum
Lincoln, MT - 62
Clarks Fork Valley Museum
Fromberg, MT - 63
Fox Lake Historical Museum
Fox Lake, MT - 64
Big Horn County Historical Museum
Hardin, MT - 65
Treasure County 89ers Museum
Hysham, MT - 66
Stumptown Historical Society
Whitefish, MT - 67
Central Montana Museum
Lewistown, MT - 68
Carbon County Historical Society & Museum
Red Lodge, MT - 69
Chief Plenty Coups State Park
Pryor, MT - 70
Victor Heritage Museum
Victor, MT - 71
The Conrad Mansion Museum
Kalispell, MTSplendid Victorian mansion with original furnishing is now open for guided tours. Features several interesting collections. - 72
Conrad Transportation and Historical Museum
Conrad, MTThis museum will literally transport you back to the times when the West was explored and the first railways were being built. - 73
Marias Museum of History and Art
Shelby, MTMuseum illustrating the life of the first settlers, merchants and miners. More than 10,000 artifacts. - 74
Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana
Kicking Horse, MTVisit this museum to learn more about the culture of Flathead Indian Reservation as well as the history of the first settlers. - 75
Tobacco Valley Board of History - Historical Village
Eureka, MTOpen-air museum preserving village buildings from the 1880s to 1920s. Fully furnished so that you get the idea of life back then. - 76
Belt Museum
Belt, MTLocal museum housed in a former prison. Visit the cell preserved in its original state and learn more about local mining history. - 77
Garfield County Museum
Jordan, MT - 78
Cheyenne Indian Museum - St. Labre Indian School
Ashland, MT - 79
Cooke City Museum
Cooke City, MT - 80
Schoolhouse History & Art Center
Colstrip, MT - 81
Northcutt Steele Gallery
Billings, MTFirst floor of the Library building offers faculty exhibitions, individual artists exhibitions of national importance, Chinese & Japanese art. - 82
Frontier Montana Museum
Deer Lodge, MT - 83
Vinegar Jones Cabin
Great Falls, MT - 84
Alder Gulch Shortline
Virginia City, MT - 85
Lodgepole Gallery
North Browning, MTThis complex aims to preserve the unique traditions and culture of Blackfeet Indian tribe. You can even spend your night in a tipi. - 86
Caretaker's Cabin
Helena, MT - 87
Reeder's Alley Interpretive and Convention Center
Helena, MT - 88
Harlowton Milwaukee Depot Museum
Harlowton, MT - 89
Richey Historical Museum
Richey, MT - 90
Musselshell Valley Historical Museum
Roundup, MT - 91
Museum of Women's History
Billings, MTCaptivating retrospective into women's lives. Collection of dresses, hats, dolls etc. - 92
River of Gold
Virginia City, MT