Visit the Museum
How to Find Us
The Historical Museum is in Bldg. 322 at Fort Missoula.
Entrance to the museum is on South Avenue, across from Big Sky High School
Museum Hours (self-guided):
Labor Day Weekend - Memorial Day Weekend
Tuesday - Sunday: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Closed Monday
Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Grounds are always open, always free.
The museum is closed on all major holidays except Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day; the business office and research library are open weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., or by appointment. If you would like more information, or to arrange a guided tour contact:
Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
Building 322, Fort Missoula
Missoula, MT 59804-7207
Email: ftmslamuseum@montana.com
Phone: 406.728.3476
Fax: 406.543.6277
Admission Prices:
Students - $1.00
Seniors - $2.00
Adults - $3.00
Max. Family - $10.00
Members of the Friends of the Historical Museum and Children under 6 are Free.
Call 406.728.3476 for tour price information.
Missoula History Minutes
29. Higgins Saves Governor Stevens
Governor Isaac Stevens was on his way to negotiate with the Indians of western Montana in 1854. While his party was crossing the swollen Bitterroot River on July 4, C. P. Higgins proved his worth to the Governor. The party crossed the river on three rafts, using poles to guide their cumbersome vessels. The last raft, carrying Higgins and the governor, was the largest and least manageable. The river carried this raft farther downstream until it reached some swift rapids where the poles were useless. Higgins took the end of a pack rope, dove into the water and swam to land. He ran along the shore until he came to a tree around which he wound the rope, thus checking the raft, which then swung into shore. Three days later, Governor Stevens met with the Flathead, Pend d'Oreille and Kootenai tribes in preparation for the Hellgate Treaty.
Read More Missoula History Minutes