Western Montana

Polson’s Miracle of America Museum sits right alongside U.S. Highway 93, just 3/4 of a mile south of Flathead Lake. The museum houses an amazing collection of over 100,000 bits and pieces and treasures from America’s history, with much of it dating from just the past 100 years. A large part of the “miracle” of America has been our ability to design and produce thousands of consumer products, heavy construction equipment and military hardware. This wonderful local attraction was started up by Gil and Joanne Mangles in 1981. With passion and great dedication, they continue to operate the museum and add to their collections.

I must have driven past the Miracle of America Museum at least 50 times, but never had enough time to do it justice. When my wife recently announced that she had a two-day work assignment in Polson, I tagged along for the ride. This would be my opportunity to spend an entire day exploring FIVE ACRES of antiquities!

I found the main building to be really well-organized, with the self-guided route clearly marked so I wouldn’t miss any of the separate sections. Right away I noticed that the home and “personal” appliances section, for lack of better words, were really fascinating, and my 80-year-old Mom will really love this photo of the old hair “perming” machine. And quite a machine it is too. I just had to include this picture.

The displays are grouped logically; so, although I am interested in most everything, there were groupings within the main building that held no interest for me and I could quickly move on to the next area. Something I really appreciate are the many explanatory signs and placards, and they often offer a little piece of the story behind an individual item too.

I liked the motorcycle section and took several photos for my “biker” friends. (I am so glad I didn’t forget my camera.) This is an early Harley-Davidson. There are MANY here!

They have a huge collection of antique firearms, and with acquisitions and donations, the Museum continues to grow. There are hundreds upon hundreds of military items, mostly from World Wars One and Two, including artillery shells, rifles, bayonets, Nazi helmets, flags, an old Jeep, a bazooka, and so on.

One of my favorite rooms contains the “soda fountain.” This is authentic, and I can vouch for that; just as I remember it. Complete with the stools and color décor that I remember from so long ago, it reminds me of a movie set, with all the props still in place.

As a matter of fact, when western Montana locals tour the museum, they are often surprised to find items from their OWN family’s history!

Out back are several smaller buildings, and each is dedicated to a display of closely-related items. Once again, this is terrific because I was able to quickly move on to other buildings if I wasn’t interested in a particular display.

There are some HUGE items outside, including a Vietnam-era helicopter and two military jets: a 1971 A7 fighter bomber and a T-33 trainer aircraft.
As for motorized vehicles, there are vintage cars and pickup trucks, race cars, farm tractors, boats, road graders, and a 1943 motorized snow toboggan powered by an Indian motorcycle engine!

Among other attractions:

The museum is a non-profit organization that also sponsors restoration projects and a wonderful annual “Live History Days” event on the third weekend of July each year, when local citizens demonstrate their skills in pottery making, spinning and quilting and “blacksmithing.” There are also demonstrations of steam engines and tractor operations.

A little something for everyone and that pretty much describes the museum. (I wish my grandkids could have come along for this trip. I will definitely bring them next time. I think this is one museum that kids will really like.)

How to Get Here:

U.S. Highway 93, at the south end of Flathead Lake, just ¾ miles south of Polson. The drive from Missoula is about one hour.

Admission Fees:

Adult $4; child under 12 just $1, and kids under 3 are free. There is a $ .50 discount for seniors over age 65.

Hours of Operation:

Summertime: 8 am to 8 pm daily.
Autumn, winter, spring: 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday; 1:30 pm to 5 pm Sunday

When I discover a place I really enjoy, I tend to take way more photos than I need to. I like to share, so I will include these too.

This is a horse-drawn hearse, constructed in about 1890, and was used here in Montana

An old pickup truck…must have been quite a “gear-jammer”

They must have every hand tool every devised and fabricated; with every size and variation.

To visit the Museum online: Miracle of America Museum