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Jan 24, 2020

The best way to get to know a place is by diving into its history. Whether you’re a lifelong learner and museum aficionado, looking for something fun to do with the kids, or just looking for something to do, the museums in the Great Falls, Montana, area deserve a visit. Here are a few of our favorites: 

C.M. Russell Museum

Arguably one of the most popular museums in town, the C.M. Russell Museum should be at the top of art and Americana lovers’ must-see list. As its name suggests, this museum is dedicated to the works of popular cowboy artists Charles M. Russell. Russel was perhaps most known for his ability to capture the spirit of the wild west on canvas. His beautiful paintings often featured cowboys, Native Americans, and their horses in the sweeping landscape of the western United States.

Admission to the C.M. Museum is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and veterans, $4 for students and free to active military and children 5 and under.

Montana Museum of Railroad History

If you’re interested in locomotives, the Montana Museum of Railroad History is right up your alley. Not much has shaped Montana into the state it is more than the railroad. At this museum, you’ll be able to explore actual railroad cars, including a caboose,  baggage wagon, a coffin wagon, and more. You’ll also find a 7,500-square-foot building with two of the biggest model train sets in the northwestern United States.

Admission to the Montana Museum of Railroad History is free, though they do accept donations.

The Children’s Museum of Montana

Looking for a museum that’s fun for the whole family? Head to the Children’s Museum of Montana. Let your kids explore the hands-on exhibits at this museum, where they’ll learn about everything from the world’s seas to dentistry. The exhibits let children take on different roles and use their imaginations to interact with other kids.

General admission to the Children’s Museum of Montana is $5. Seniors get in for $4 and children under 2 get in for free.

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center

One of the most culturally significant expeditions through the uncharted western United States is brought back to life at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. Their 8,000-mile trek from the St. Louis area to Fort Clatsop in Washington took them through Great Falls, this museum eternalizes their stop in the area. The museum itself is a testament to the area’s natural beauty, as is sits in a bluff overlooking the Missouri River the duo traveled by. Inside, you’ll be able to take the journey with them in the theater, ranger programs, and hands-on exhibits.

Entry to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center is $8 for adults and free for children 15 and under.

Make sure you take the time to explore these and the other great museums in the area. No matter what you’re interested in, you’re sure to find a learning experience in the Great Falls area that will ignite your imagination.

Image via pixabay.com