The Historical Museum is happy to offer many field trip activities based on Missoula County and Western Montana History. Looking for something slightly different? Check in with the education staff to explore options.
Tour Stations:
Grounds Tours – abbreviated stops at multiple buildings – take your pick of several short stops on the grounds.
Homestead Cabin – Travel back in time to see what life was like for homesteaders in the Hayes Homestead Cabin. Students will interact with artifacts and participate in homestead chores.
St. Michael’s Church – Visit the oldest building on the Fort Grounds. St. Michael’s Church was built in 1863, and has held many different roles in it’s lifetime. Students will learn the importance of St. Michael’s church for Hellgate residents, and for the sisters of providence.
Grant Creek School House – Don’t be late for school 1907 style! Visitors will have the unique one room school house experience, complete with slate boards, and a lesson in old fashioned discipline!
NCO quarters – Visit the oldest ‘in situ’ building at the Fort. Built in 1878 the Non-commissioned officers quarters was home to the sergeants of the 7th infantry in 1878 and later the 25th infantry African American bicycle soldiers.
Missoula’s Streetcar #50 – Step on board Missoula’s last remaining streetcar!
Fire Lookout and Forestry Tour – Sliderock Lookout and Miller Creek Guard Cabin – Climb high and learn to spot fires like they did at Sliderock Lookout in the 1930’s, explore the Lumberman’s Library Car, and check out the logging locomotive.
Transportation – Learn how transportation has changed over time by visiting the locomotive, streetcar, fire truck, Drummond depot and more.
Fort Fizzle – Missoula’s response to the Nez Perce – Using hands-on artifacts in the NCO quarters, learn about the clash between the Nez Perce and Fort Missoula’s soldiers in the Bitterroot Valley.
25th Infantry Bicycle Corps Activity – Find out what it would have been like to be a bike solider in the 1890’s.
Civilian Conservation Corps – Fort Missoula was the regional headquarters for the civilian conservation corps. Learn how the CCC boys built roads, bridges, and greatly improved our National Parks.
Alien Detention Center – Learn the history of Fort Missoula’s WWII Internment Camp and the experiences of the Japanese and Italian men who were incarcerated here.
Making History Through Objects – Become a history detective, touch, measure, and ponder mystery artifacts! Students will learn how artifacts can deepen our understanding of the past. Can be done at the museum, or as an outreach activity at your site.
Art-ifacts! – Create art inspired by historic artifacts. Can be done at the museum, or as an outreach activity at your site.
Historic Apple Pressing – During the fall we invite groups to make apple cider with an old fashioned apple press, learn about the anatomy of an apple and the significance of apples in Montana.
Indoor Museum Exhibit Options:
Main Gallery – The Road to Today: 250 Years of Missoula’s History – Our permanent exhibit on Missoula County History.
Orientation Gallery – new exhibit coming spring 2025
Heath Gallery – Brick and Morter Missoula – coming spring 2025
North Gallery – TBD – coming spring 2025