Fun Friday
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure. Can you guess where we are going this week? We are going to go visit the magnificent state of Montana
1.) Going to the Sun Road located in Glacier National Park-A spectacular and scenic 52-mile highway through Glacier National Park, which crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass in Montana.
2.) Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center( West Yellowstone) hours of operations are 9am-4pm Watch the bears forage for food, play in their ponds and with each other. Early morning and evening visitors may witness active wolf packs howling. Come nose to nose with otters while getting a complete understanding of the intricacies of the Yellowstone ecosystem in the River Otter Exhibit. Other activities include: Keeper Kids (hide food for the bears), Wolf Enrichment, Bird of Prey presentations, Safety in Bear Country Programs, Yellowstone Ranger talks, intriguing films and presentations. Explore Bears: Imagination & Reality, an interactive museum. Visit the Naturalist Cabin to see exceptional views of two separate wolf packs through floor-to-ceiling windows. Highlights are: daily “Pack Chats”, a National Geographic film on wolves and a life-sized wolf model. Activities and viewing both inside and out. Open 365 days (GWDC bears DO NOT hibernate). Admission is good for two consecutive days. One block from Yellowstone National Park.
3.) Museum of the Rockies located in Bozeman- Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University is a Smithsonian Affiliate, recognized as one of the world's finest research and history museums. It is renowned for displaying an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, including a T. rex skeleton! MOR delights visitors with changing exhibits from around the world, permanent indoor and outdoor regional history exhibits, planetarium shows, educational programs, insightful lectures, benefit events, and a museum store. Snack and beverage vending machines are located in the lower lobby. There are numerous cafes and restaurants nearby.
4.) Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument Crow Agency- The soldiers who died in Custer's Last Stand, now known as the Battle of Little Bighorn, are memorialized at this monument, featuring a statue of the legendary Custer, whose men were outnumbered and slaughtered in a battle against the Plains Indians.
5.) Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center located in Great Falls hours of operations are 9am-5pm Located on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River in Giant Springs Heritage State Park, this visitors center provides information and exhibits about Lewis and Clark's famous journey and the historical significance of the United States' westward expansion.
6.) A Carousel for Missoula hours of operations are 11am-7pm This beautiful carousel, completed in 1995, was the brainchild and vision of a local Missoula cabinet-maker, who carved much of the structure himself and also trained an enthusiastic team of volunteers to assist in the project.
7.) Conrad Mansion- The Conrad Mansion Museum is located in Kalispell's east side residential area atop a bluff overlooking the valley and the Swan mountain range. The home sits on three landscaped acres, surrounded by a dry stone fence with iron gates. Six large annual flower beds and extensive ever-blooming perennial beds provide constant color during the summer season, with pruned hedges, evergreens, and spacious lawns serving as a lush background. MISSION To preserve and exhibit the 1895 Charles Conrad Family Estate through public tours, educational programs, and community events. Self-Guided and Docent (tour-guide) tours are offered year-round. Spring, Summer, Fall, & Winter tour dates and times differ. Please visit www.conradmansion.com for tour and special event information.
8.) BrushBuck Wildlife Tours located in Jackson hours of operations are 9am-5pm- Experience the best wildlife, eco, photography, outdoor, and sightseeing tours in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks departing from Jackson Hole, Wyoming! Witness the epic struggle for survival unfold with our professional and certified wildlife naturalists and biologists! Wildlife often seen are grizzly and black bear, wolves, moose, elk, mule deer, bison, pronghorn, eagles and much more! Sightseeing can include Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Lamar and Hayden Valley, Grand Tetons, Oxbow Bend, Mormon Row, Mammoth Hot Springs, and many other possibilities! We offer public and private national parks, wildlife and sightseeing safaris that run from half a day, full days, or for several days. Call us as soon as you know you're visiting the Jackson Hole area and we'll help you plan your entire vacation. BrushBuck is a 100% Military Veteran Owned Business. Ezra, Amber, and Adam have served over 20 years (combined) in the US Navy and Marine Corps! We ARE Wildlife!
9.) The Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum temporarily closed until May 8, 2023-The Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum tells the stories of Jackson Hole that connect people to the history of this valley and region. We steward and share artifacts and ideas that foster curiosity and continual learning, forge connections, and inform our 21st century dialogue.
10.) Grant Visitors Center located on the westside of Yellowstone National Park- The Grant Visitor Center is located on the shore of the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake one mile off of the main park road at Grant Village Junction. The visitor center and development are named for President Ulysses S. Grant, eighteenth president of the United States, who signed the bill creating Yellowstone National Park in 1872. The facility was constructed during the 1970s and, along with the entire Grant development, was and is a controversial Yellowstone development due to its location in prime grizzly bear habitat (the area is the location of several major cutthroat trout spawning streams). The visitor center hosts an exhibit that interprets fire's role in the environment, using the fires of 1988 as the example. The Yellowstone Association has a sales area in the lobby of the visitor center.
11.) World Museum of Mining located in Butte hours of operation are 10am-2:30pm Explore more than 50 structures, ranging from the 100 ft high headframe to the many buildings of Hell Roarin' Gulch, a turn of the century mining town. Displays and exhibits focus on mining and the related culture that made Butte, MT. Enhance your visit by taking an underground guided tour into the depths of the Orphan Girl mine and learn the history of mining, see the Orphan Girl vein and the original workings of the mine. Tour is approximately 1.5 hours long. Get fitted with a miner's hard hat and lamp to experience life underground! Space is limited and reservations are required. Reservations can be made on our website. The Museum is open seven days a week until the end of October with limited hours in November. Weather conditions may affect our ability to offer all services.
12.) American Computer & Robotics Museum hours of operation are 10am-4pm- Visit the American Computer & Robotics Museum and find out why distinguished Harvard scientist Edward O. Wilson described us as, “Inch for inch, the best museum in the world.” $8.50 for Adults, $5 for Youth and Seniors. Located in beautiful Bozeman, Montana, the ACRM is the oldest continuously operating museum devoted to the history of the Information Age and Computing. Our exhibits span 4,000 years of human innovation, from original cuneiform tablets to the first personal computers, and include topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, the Space Race, Cracking the Enigma Code, and more.
13.) Bannack State Park located on Dillon hours of operation are 10am-6pm- A park with over 60 original structures still standing from the 1800s, including the old hotel, the governor's mansion, the Masonic Hall and the Methodist Church.
14.) The C.M. Russell Museum located in Great Falls- Admission price is around $16 a person Charlie Russell documented the West that was vanishing before his eyes, telling the story of the American West as no artist had before. Many of the stories Russell told through Russell's art and life resonate even today. The first museum dedicated to Western art, the C.M. Russell Museum houses Charles Marion Russell's original studio, the home where he lived, and many paintings and bronzes created by Russell and his contemporaries. It also includes a compelling exhibition of Browning Firearms, featuring information on John Moses Browning (1855-1926), one of the world's most important and innovative gun makers. Now allowing photography except for specific pieces (no flash photography). Find out why the C.M. Russell Museum is the art and soul of the American West.
15.) Moss Mansion located in Billings- Our rooms are filled with details from a bygone era, our docents and staff excited to share history and lore, and our grounds are peaceful and splendid. Every visit to the Moss Mansion holds a new treasure to discover featuring interesting exhibits, special events, educational tours, volunteer projects, rental opportunities for weddings, private meetings and parties, and a lovely little gift shop! To plan your trip, please visit www.mossmansion.com. Tour hours change seasonally - check the website for blockout dates and extended hours at least one week before your visit.
16.) Makoshika State Park located in Glendive- Encompassing more than 11,500 acres at an elevation of 2,069 feet, this park features fossil remains of dinosaurs.
17.) Old Montana Prison Complex located in Deer Lodge- The Old Montana Prison Complex consists of 5 museums and is open Daily throughout the year. This Museum does not receive funds from State or Federal Funding, we rely on tourism, donations and Memberships. We very much appreciate everyone that supports the complex. We have the Old Prison, Montana Auto Museum, Frontier Montana (Western History, WWII Exhibit), Yesterday's Playthings (Model Trains, dolls and toys) and Powell County Museum (local history, wood carving and mining). Other attractions include a Milwaukee Road exhibit (including 2 locomotive engines and a caboose), Cottonwood City ( a recreation of a small pioneer town), plus an Art Gallery and other historic buildings. Check in at our Visitors Center. One ticket covers all Museums. We have now returned to winter hours. We are open 10-4 daily
18.) Granite Mountain Memorial Overlook located in Butte- This stop is worth it. The views are amazing but it's also a very nice tribute to all of our soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
19.) Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine- Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine and the Montana Sapphire Store - Wash Gravel Find Montana Sapphires. Direct from the Mine: Montana Sapphire Gemstones and Jewelry. Sapphire Mine Open Seasonally: Memorial Weekend to Labor Day weekend. Wednesday through Saturday. Our Gallery is open Year Round, 7 days a week( major holidays excluded) in Beautiful Downtown Philipsburg, MT. Indoor gravel washing, heat treating, faceting, Montana Sapphire Gemstones and Jewelry direct from the mine. Rocks, fossils, crystals and more. We also have Philipsburg clothing and many Made in the USA, Made in Montana, and Made in Philipsburg, MT items.
20.) Pompeys Pillar National Monument- This is a history filled place full of great information on Lewis and Clark and their signatures are there. This was once a place for the Native Americans of the area
21.) Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site located in Deer Lodge- hours of operation are 9am-5:30pm cowboy, his spirited cow pony, and vast herds of cattle are among the strongest symbols of the American West. Once the headquarters of a 10 million acre cattle empire, Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site preserves these symbols and commemorates the role of cattlemen in American history.
22.) ZooMontana- hours of operation are 10am-2pm ZooMontana is a zoological and botanical garden and educational facility dedicated to the conservation of wildlife throughout Montana and the 45th parallel of earth. ZooMontana cares for over 100 animals of 51 different species, including wolves, grizzly bear, otter, eagles, and Lynx, most of which are rescues. Located in the picturesque tourist destination of Billings, MT, ZooMontana offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Yellowstone ecosystem fauna through direct observation, interpretive displays, and experiential educational programs. Annually, community and educational programs serve over 12,000 students and over 100,000 visitors, most of whom hail from the northern Rockies. Led by a 16 member staff, ZooMontana enjoys strong community support through volunteerism, donations, and outreach.
23.) Miracle of America Museum located in Polson hours of operation are 9am-5pm Largest and most diversified museum in Montana. Kid friendly and interactive displays. The Pioneer Village outside of the main building is composed of 42 original moved-in, recreated, and display buildings covering the period of 1890 through the 1960s. Also site of Montana's Outdoor Sculpture Gallery, specializing in whimsical and artistic renderings using mostly discarded and repurposed items.
24.) Gallatin History Museum located in Bozeman hours of operation are 11am-4pm Step back in time and learn about Gallatin County's heritage. Visit the Gallatin History Museum in Bozeman, which offers a unique glimpse into the area's past. In addition to jail cells and a hanging gallows, the museum maintains displays illustrating the unique histories of a variety of people who have called Southwest Montana home. Permanent exhibits include Native American history in the Gallatin Valley, a model of old Fort Ellis, the infamous Big Horn Gun, five generations of wedding dresses from the Accola-Spain family, and even a porcelain doll that belonged to a girl who came to Bozeman by wagon in 1864. The museum also boasts a photo archive with more than 25,000 historic images that can be reproduced for a small fee. There's a research library that includes a special Lewis and Clark collection and files on many Gallatin County communities and families. The bookstore has hard-to-find materials dealing with the history of Gallatin County for sale at reasonable prices. The Gallatin Historical Society, founded in 1977, moved into two rooms in the county jail building in 1979. Built in 1911, the jail was already considered a historic structure. When prisoners were moved to the new Law and Justice Building in January 1982, the county commissioners granted the Society use of the entire building for a museum. The Pioneer Museum was created and in 2014 the name changed to Gallatin History Museum to better reflect the collection and the mission of the organization which is to preserve, promote and foster the history of Gallatin County and Southwest Montana. The Gallatin History Museum is a 501 3C non profit and is operated by the Gallatin Historical Society. It is not a County agency and does not receive any tax dollars, but instead relies strictly on memberships, donations, and memorials to operate. Members receive a quarterly magazine that features articles on local history, free admission to the museum and discounts in the bookstore. Admission is $5.00, children under 12 and museum members free. Summer (Memorial Day-Labor Day) hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm and Winter (Labor Day-Memorial Day) hours are Tuesday - Saturday 11am- 4pm.
25.) Big Horn County Historical Museum located in Hardin hours in operation are 9am-5pm The Big Horn County Historical Museum has been showcasing the area's rich western history since 1979. The 35 Acre complex has 24 restored historical buildings arranged in a beautiful setting, all containing period items. Two barns are filled with restored tractors, cars and trucks. Two Exhibit buildings contain galleries, a gift shop, and a state visitor's center. There is a very large parking area that easily accommodates RV's, and picnic facilities. You can check out events and more information on our Facebook site: facebook.com/bighorncountymuseum
26.) Nevada City Ghost Town- Relive the excitement of the Gold Rush era in Montana. The outdoor museum in Nevada City houses one of the largest collections of Old West artifacts outside the Smithsonian and has one hundred 1863 to early 1900 buildings. The museum entrance is also home to several unique music machines. There are many exhibits and artifacts to help you experience the culture, time and place engaging all of your senses as you discover early Montana. In Nevada City, you’ll witness what it was like to live in a frontier mining town in the height of the Gold Rush days. Take time out of your fast paced life to "Step into Montana's Past." Open Memorial weekend - Labor Day every year. Living History volunteers on site on weekends. Weekday price- $8 adult / $6 youth & senior / 4 and under free Weekend price- $10 adult / $8 youth & senior / 4 and under free
27.) Custer Battlefield Trading Company-The Custer Battlefield Trading Post is located in the heart of Crow Country, directly across from the Little Bighorn Battlefield. We carry a full range of souvenirs and collectibles. From Custer key chains, to fully beaded Crow style cradles, we have it all. We also have a full service cafe, serving world famous Indian Tacos (one of Oprah's Favorite things. Tour buses are welcome! Established in 1985 by Putt Thompson and his wife, Jill, this is not your average gift shop. The massive log and frame structure is the first thing to transport you to the past, as the building was designed after the 1877 Old Fort Custer Hospital. Once you're inside, the journey continues. Rustic walls display exquisite traditional Crow Indian creations, including a beaded Warbonnets, paintings, handcrafted turquoise and silver jewelry, and a large collection of fabulously beaded Crow and Cheyenne cradles. As you place your order, you'll quickly see why patrons come back every year.
28.) Yellowstone Gateway Museum located in Livingston hours of operation are 10am-5pm The Yellowstone Gateway Museum is housed in the 1907 Northside School, listed on the Natl. Register of Historic Places. Exhibit themes include: Native Cultures, Expeditions, Yellowstone, Transportation (especially Railroad), Pioneers, Military. Temporary exhibits include: Fire, Communication, Megafauna: Ice Age to Our Age, and art, maps, and photos from museum collections. Outdoor exhibits include: Historic Vehicles (fire trucks, railroad caboose, stagecoaches, sheep wagons; Blacksmith Shop, One-room Schoolhouse, and more. Interpretive exhibits include stories and interactives designed to engage all ages. Ask for the Museum Explorers Journal. We change or add new exhibits annually. A research center library and archives are also available.
29.) Montana Auto Museum located in Deer Lodge hours of operation are 8am-6pm Powell County Museum & Arts Foundation is a local, non-profit membership organization in Deer Lodge, Montana which operates the Old Montana Prison as a museum. PCMAF also oversees and operates the Montana Auto Museum, the Frontier Museum, Yesterday’s Playthings, Cottonwood City, the Powell County Museum, the PEN Art Gallery and the Prison Cow Ice Cream Shop as part of the Old Prison Museum Complex
30.) Montana Science Center located in Bozeman hours of operation from 9am-6pm Montana Science Center is where Science and Play connect. Families with children of all ages are welcome into the Science Center. Several science and technology based exhibits encourage interaction and hands-on exploration. Topics of exhibits include Physics, Dangerous Nature, Montana native fish, Earth in Layers, Building Brainstorm, Sun Earth Universe and more! Each area encourages collaborative play to learn about science in an engaging and fun way. Families with older kids can join us in the high-tech makerspace, STEAMlab for exploration in technology like 3D Design & Printing, Laser Cutting, Minecraft, Machine Take-Apart, Soldering, Coding and Robotics. Check our Calendar for special programs, Science Station hours and Open Lab in the STEAMlab.
There are tons of beautiful bodies of water and waterfalls throughout this beautiful state. Plenty of places to white water raft, ride horses, immerse yourself in hiking and nature and tons of historical places where you can mine minerals among many other things. If you haven't looked into visiting this beautiful state please do it's totally worth the trip.
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious.
Written By: Beautifulchaos318
