Western Montana

We Missoulians take a lot of pride in our open spaces and in our local history. One attraction that exemplifies both is the Historical Museum at old Fort Missoula. The original “Fort” occupied a sizeable acreage just west of the town. The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is located on 32 acres of the original site and was established in 1975 to “collect, preserve and interpret the history of Missoula County and western Montana.” With over 25,000 artifacts, only a small portion can be displayed at any one time. During my visit, a display of World War One memorabilia and exhibits about the influenza epidemic of 1918 were featured in the main museum building, along with a U.S. Army display and other frontier exhibits. Many of these exhibits are encased behind glass to preserve and protect them.

The Main Museum Building dates from 1911 and once served as the Army Quartermaster’s storehouse

Fort Missoula itself was established as an Army post in 1877 and was decommissioned in 1947. The 25th Infantry Regiment was assigned here from 1888 until the Spanish American War. This regiment was composed of Black soldiers led by White officers. Their most notable action was the Battle of the Big Hole against the Nez Perce. Fort Missoula was also the home of the experimental 25th Infantry BICYCLE Corps. Their most famous trek was biking from Missoula to St. Louis, Missouri—1900 miles. (They took a train ride home.) Fort Missoula was the site of an internment camp during World War Two, with 650 Japanese-American men and 1200 Italian merchant seaman, among others, detained here until the end of the war.

I love history and I really enjoy museums that capture the essence of our past experiences. I think the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is one of the best. Very few of my family members have the patience to spend as much time walking around as I do, so today I came alone.

We don’t see many trees this big anymore unless they are in national parks or state parks and are protected. I love this part of the museum experience—stuff I can touch and smell.

I climbed to the top of the Sliderock Fire Lookout cabin to take photos. (Yes, you can go up but no more than four people at a time.)

I can see that a Fire Lookout was a single-room cabin that didn’t offer much in the way of luxuries.

The photo of the lumberjack “arena” from overhead is one of my favorites.This is where the University loggers practice their skills for lumberjack competitions.

For me, the outdoor exhibits are by far the most interesting. Among my favorites, of the 13 historical structures, are the Drummond railroad depot, the Grant Creek Schoolhouse, the Hayes homestead cabin from 1900, and St. Michael’s church cabin from 1863. There is a big old railroad engine sitting on RR tracks, and massive machinery for logging and heavy construction, road grading and so on (from the old days, my Dad would say) that are positioned behind the railroad engine.

RR engine with a tipi-burner, (where sawmills used to burn waste before the Clean Air Act).

The museum grounds are big and uncluttered with a lot of open space. The lawn is green and the gardens beautiful. (I attended a wedding at the Iris Garden here and it was gorgeous.) Everything was immaculately clean, including the restrooms.

I had an absolutely terrific time and only spent about four hours touring the main museum and the grounds. Some of the outside exhibit buildings will be opening for viewing more closely during the summer hours. I plan to return soon and will bring the family, now that I have finished reading all the guide signs and pamphlets.

There is no doubt as to the authenticity of this old wagon, corral and outhouse.

I particularly noted the wheelchair accessibility throughout the museum’s buildings, lawns, and exhibits. A paved walkway connects everything. A big surprise for me was that the little gift shop has an amazingly complete selection of books on western culture, history, Native Americans, cowboys (and other wildlife). I never would have thought of the museum as a potential bookstore, but it is. Another great find!

Fees: Adults $3, Students $1, with Senior discount (age 62) to $2 and a $10 maximum per family.

The Museum and campus are open year-round.
Hours of Operation:

Memorial Day to Labor Day: 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday; Noon to 5 pm on Sunday

Labor Day to Memorial Day: Noon to 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and closed on Mondays.

The Museum is open on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, but closed on other holidays.

To Get There:

Travel west on South Avenue from Reserve Street (Hwy 93), travel west on South Avenue for two blocks, turn left (south) at Fort Road for one block (there is also a blue HOSPITAL sign here). Turn right (west again) on Old Fort Road and continue driving past the hospital and golf course, which are on either side. As you enter Fort Missoula there are direction signs to the Historical Museum. Free parking is available at the main museum building.

Big Wheels from 1910 era. A big log would be suspended below and this rig would be pulled by two horses.

This tractor has a log-cutting saw connected to it.

To visit online: Historical Museum at Fort Missoula