Explore the rich cultural tapestry of Glacier Country, where history, art and heritage converge. From nationally renowned artworks to compelling exhibits showcasing the Old West, railroad era, pioneer life, and American Indian heritage, our region offers several museums, each worth a visit. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or fascinated by trains and planes, here’s a guide to some of the must-visit museums in Western Montana.
POLSON
Miracle of America Museum
In Polson, visit the Miracle of America Museum, known for its wide array of artifacts. From horse-drawn and vintage vehicles to aircraft, military collectibles, antique agricultural equipment and old toys, the museum features more than 40 structures across 4.5 acres.
CHARLO
Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana
At the base of the Mission Mountains in Charlo, the Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana preserves the history and culture of the Flathead Indian Reservation, home to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The museum features a large collection of traditional American Indian beadwork, vintage photographs, and traditional tools, plus a life-size diorama of wildlife in an early camp scene complete with elk-hide teepees, a collection of weaponry and a gallery of Old West art. In the warmer months, walk the interpretive trail around the property.
PABLO
Three Chiefs Culture Center
In Pablo, stop by the Three Chiefs Culture Center, Museum and Gift Shop for gallery exhibits that tell the stories of the Salish, Pend d’Oreille and Kootenai tribes. Browse the shop’s collection of authentic American Indian-made art, including paintings, beadwork, photography and jewelry.
WHITEFISH
Stumptown Historical Society and Whitefish Museum
Restored to its original Tudor-style chalet appearance, the Stumptown Historical Society and Whitefish Museum is both a classic train depot and a present-day working station. Tour the museum for Burlington Northern Railroad and Great Northern Railway artifacts and history. Be sure to ask about the museum’s locally famed “fur-bearing fish” before heading on your way.
Ski Heritage Center Museum of Skiing
Near the world-class slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort, see what skiing’s early days looked like at the Ski Heritage Center Museum of Skiing. Watch video footage of skiers from as early as the 1930s, and learn about the soldiers from the Flathead Valley who served as “Ski Troops” in World War II.
KALISPELL
Conrad Mansion Museum
In Kalispell, visit the Conrad Mansion Museum to see what pioneer luxury living was like. Open year-round, you can learn about the Conrad family’s contributions to the region from a docent or on a self-guided tour. View all 26 rooms, unchanged since architect Kirtland Cutter designed the mansion in 1895.
Northwest Montana History Museum
Formerly home to the historic Central School, the Northwest Montana History Museum carries on its educational tradition by preserving and presenting stories of Flathead Valley history. Learn about the building’s nearly 100 years as a center for learning, the founding residents who shaped the future of Kalispell and the trials of each harrowing day in the life of a logger in the late 1800s.
Glacier Art Museum
Find artworks by Blackfeet Nation and Montana artists, including Charles M. Russell, at the Glacier Art Museum (formerly Hockaday Museum of Art). Housed in a Carnegie library building built in 1901, the renovated museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Browse the featured permanent exhibit of Glacier National Park art and culture, or view works by nationally renowned artists in one of the museum’s rotating exhibits.
MISSOULA
Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
In Missoula, take a moment to learn about the area’s past at the Historical Museum of Fort Missoula. Located at the core of historic Fort Missoula, the museum features more than 20 historical structures on 32 walkable acres. Inside, view over 40,000 historical objects, including photographs, correspondence and other artifacts that tell the story of Missoula’s captivating history.
Missoula Art Museum
At the Missoula Art Museum, find diverse and thought-provoking contemporary art in the heart of Missoula’s downtown. Walk through eight exhibition spaces, as well as the outdoor Art Park, and view contemporary works by American Indian artists in the museum’s permanent gallery of Contemporary American Indian Art. Bring your family and friends—admission is always free.
Museum of Mountain Flying
The Museum of Mountain Flying offers an 18,500-square-foot hangar filled with aircraft and artifacts to excite any aviation enthusiast. Stop to learn more about the region’s mountain-flying history; see the original DC-3 flown in the tragic Mann Gulch Fire; and learn the legends, lore and legacy of pilots from the Rocky Mountain West.
Montana Museum of Art + Culture
Housed at the University of Montana, the Montana Museum of Art and Culture explores local, regional and global themes and is designated as both a state and a university museum. With rotating exhibits as well as exhibits of the permanent collection, you can also view works in numerous buildings around the campus, as well as exterior artworks. Docent-led tours are available. While you’re there, stop by the student-run University Center Gallery.
Consider embarking on a park-to-park cultural adventure to discover some of the West’s most captivating museums on a Glaciers to Geysers museum tour. Start at Glacier National Park and head to Whitefish, Kalispell and Missoula, stopping along the way to experience engrossing exhibits and soak up historical tidbits before making your way to Yellowstone National Park. Find itineraries, cultural hot spots and resources for traveling between Glacier and Yellowstone national parks at glacierstogeysers.com.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents Recreate Responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
February 24, 2025
Related: American Indian, Arts and Culture, Charlo, Flathead Corridor, Indoor Fun, Kalispell, Missoula, Montana, Museums, Polson, St. Ignatius, Vacation, Wildlife
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