Find The Complete List of the 7 Best museums in Missoula Montana

The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is one of the most captivating museums in Missoula Montana, offering a deep dive into the rich history of the region. Established in 1975, the museum is located on a 32-acre historic site that was originally a military fort built in 1877.

The museum’s mission is to preserve and interpret the history of Missoula County and western Montana, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits that cover topics from the fort’s military history to the experiences of the area’s early settlers.

Notable exhibits include the Fort Missoula Alien Detention Camp, which housed Italian and Japanese internees during World War II, and the Timber Heritage Center, which delves into the region’s logging history.

The museum also features outdoor displays of historic buildings, military vehicles, and other artifacts that bring the past to life. Educational programs, guided tours, and special events are regularly held, providing engaging ways for visitors of all ages to connect with history.

The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is more than just a repository of artifacts; it is a living history experience that offers a unique glimpse into the past of Missoula Montana.

The Missoula Art Museum (MAM) is a cornerstone of the cultural scene in Missoula Montana, celebrated for its dynamic exhibitions and commitment to contemporary art. Established in 1975, the museum is housed in a historic building that seamlessly blends old and new architectural elements, creating an inspiring space for art appreciation.

MAM’s mission is to engage audiences with contemporary art that challenges, inspires, and educates. The museum showcases a diverse range of works from regional, national, and international artists, with a particular focus on the art of the American West and Indigenous artists.

Notable past exhibitions have included works by contemporary Native American artists, cutting-edge installations, and thought-provoking multimedia pieces. In addition to its rotating exhibitions, MAM offers a variety of educational programs, workshops, and community events that foster a deeper understanding of the arts.

The museum’s permanent collection includes over 2,000 works of art, highlighting significant movements and trends in contemporary art. With free admission and a welcoming atmosphere, the Missoula Art Museum is an accessible cultural hub that enriches the artistic landscape of Missoula Montana.

The spectrUM Discovery Area is a hands-on science center that stands out among museums in Missoula Montana for its interactive exhibits and educational programs. Founded in 2007, spectrUM’s mission is to inspire a culture of learning and discovery for all, with a particular emphasis on engaging children and families.

The museum features a variety of exhibits that cover a wide range of scientific topics, from physics and engineering to health and life sciences. Notable exhibits include the Brain Lab, where visitors can explore the wonders of neuroscience, and the Discovery Bench, which offers hands-on activities and experiments.

SpectrUM also hosts traveling exhibits and collaborates with local schools to bring science education to underserved communities. One of the highlights of spectrUM is its emphasis on interactive learning, allowing visitors to engage directly with scientific concepts through play and experimentation.

The museum’s educational programs include camps, workshops, and after-school activities designed to foster curiosity and a love of science. Located in the heart of downtown Missoula, spectrUM Discovery Area is a vibrant and engaging destination that makes science accessible and fun for all ages, solidifying its place among the top museums in Missoula Montana.

The Montana Natural History Center is a gem among museums in Missoula Montana, dedicated to fostering an appreciation and understanding of the natural world. Established in 1991, the center offers a variety of exhibits and programs that highlight the diverse ecosystems and wildlife of Montana.

The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of natural history topics, from geology and paleontology to botany and zoology. Notable displays include a life-size replica of a Tyrannosaurus rex skull, interactive dioramas of local habitats, and a collection of native plant and animal specimens.

The Montana Natural History Center also offers a variety of educational programs for all ages, including field trips, nature camps, and adult education courses. One of the center’s standout features is its outdoor learning spaces, such as the Native Plant Garden and the Nature Adventure Playground, which provide hands-on opportunities for visitors to connect with nature.

The center also collaborates with local schools and community organizations to promote environmental education and conservation. With its engaging exhibits and commitment to environmental stewardship, the Montana Natural History Center is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and families exploring museums in Missoula Montana.

The Boone and Crockett Club, headquartered in Missoula Montana, is a prestigious organization dedicated to the conservation and management of wildlife and their habitats. Founded in 1887 by Theodore Roosevelt and George Bird Grinnell, the club has a long history of advocating for sustainable hunting practices and wildlife preservation.

While not a traditional museum, the Boone and Crockett Club’s headquarters feature a variety of exhibits and displays that highlight the organization’s conservation efforts and the importance of ethical hunting. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the history of the club, notable conservation achievements, and the role of hunting in wildlife management.

The club’s archives include a wealth of historical documents, photographs, and artifacts that provide insight into the evolution of conservation practices in North America. The Boone and Crockett Club also hosts educational programs and events that promote responsible hunting and wildlife conservation.

For those interested in the intersection of hunting, conservation, and natural history, the Boone and Crockett Club is a unique and informative destination among museums in Missoula Montana.

The Montana Museum of Art & Culture (MMAC) is one of the premier museums in Missoula Montana, renowned for its extensive collection of fine art and cultural artifacts. Founded in 1894, the museum is part of the University of Montana and serves as a vital educational and cultural resource for the community.

MMAC’s collection includes over 11,000 works of art, ranging from classical to contemporary, with a particular emphasis on artists from the American West and Indigenous cultures. Notable pieces in the collection include works by renowned artists such as Charles M.

Russell, Rudy Autio, and Jaune Quick-to-See Smith. The museum’s rotating exhibitions feature a diverse array of artistic styles and mediums, from painting and sculpture to photography and multimedia installations. In addition to its exhibitions, MMAC offers a variety of educational programs, lectures, and workshops that engage audiences with the visual arts.

The museum also collaborates with other cultural institutions and university departments to promote interdisciplinary learning and research. With its rich collection and commitment to arts education, the Montana Museum of Art & Culture is a cultural treasure that enhances the vibrant arts scene of Missoula Montana.

The National Museum of Forest Service History in Missoula Montana is a unique institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the United States Forest Service and the nation’s public lands.

Established in 1988, the museum’s mission is to educate the public about the important role of the Forest Service in managing and conserving America’s forests and grasslands. The museum features a variety of exhibits that cover the history of forestry, wildfire management, conservation practices, and the contributions of the Forest Service to environmental stewardship.

Notable exhibits include historical firefighting equipment, vintage photographs, and artifacts related to the Civilian Conservation Corps. The museum also houses an extensive archive of documents, maps, and publications that provide valuable insights into the history of land management in the United States.

Educational programs and events, such as lectures, workshops, and field trips, are regularly offered to engage visitors of all ages. The National Museum of Forest Service History also collaborates with schools and community organizations to promote environmental education and awareness.

Located in a region rich with natural beauty, the museum is a fitting tribute to the legacy of the Forest Service and a valuable resource among museums in Missoula Montana.