MNHC is open to the public on Tuesday – Saturday from 10am-4pm.

COVID-19 Safety Precautions:

Masks recommended.
Touch surfaces are sanitized regularly.


The Montana Natural History Center’s museum encompasses the flora, fauna, and natural history of western Montana. Our museum exhibits and art gallery take about 30-45 minutes for adults to explore, and we’re kid-friendly! Between our Naturalist Field Station, outdoor Nature Adventure Garden, and our ever-popular Kids’ Discovery Room, there’s much for your little ones to discover!

We are located at 120 Hickory Street, Suite A, Missoula, Montana, near the PaddleHeads Baseball Stadium and Currents Aquatic Center, on the Kim Williams Trail. Just look for the big green and brown building with the gorgeous dragonfly mural–you can’t miss us!

VISITING HOURS:
Sunday-Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

You can call us any time during our business hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

ADMISSION FEES:
Adults: $5
Children 4-18: $2
Children under 4: Free!
Family Rate: $10
Seniors: $4
Veterans: $4
MNHC Members: Free!
ASTC Travel Passport Members: Free!
EBT Card Holders: Free! through our participation in the Museums for All initiative (must show EBT card and photo ID).

GROUP RATES:

10+ kids: $1/child, adult fees waived

10+ adults: $2/person

Please call ahead to reserve the best time and date for your group visit.

Check out our exhibits, gardens, Kids’ Discovery Room, and more!

Exhibits

The Montana Natural History Center’s exhibits encompass the flora, fauna, and natural history of western Montana. Our museum exhibits and art gallery take about 30-45 minutes for adults to explore, and we’re kid-friendly! Learn about what it means to be a naturalist, journey through Montana’s geologic past, explore a variety of Montana’s ecosystems, and delve into the fascinating story of Glacial Lake Missoula.

a photo of the beautiful mural painted by Melissa Madsen for the Kids' Discovery Room

Kids' Discovery Room

We have a room just for kids: our Kids’ Discovery Room! Curl up with a book, play games, perform an animal puppet show, and explore our touch table. Have fun with rocks and blocks, or see if you can identify all the native species in Melissa Madsen’s beautiful mural!

Kids playing in Nature Adventure Garden at MNHC

Nature Adventure Garden

The Nature Adventure Garden, on the east side of MNHC between the river trail and our building, is designed to be a play area that is almost entirely free of traditional structures. In lieu of swings and typical playground equipment, this shady space features boulders, hills, shrubs, and the natural structure that the research links to creative and healthy play.

Fort Missoula Native Plant Garden

The Fort Missoula Native Plant Garden was designed by a working group of children and dedicated adults in 1999. Today the garden, located at Fort Missoula on the southwest side of town, has grown into an impressive outdoor learning space with a three-season classroom. The garden provides a safe environment for children to play and explore along tiny trails or build forts among the trees. Adult programs utilize the variety of native plants growing here, the healthy pollinator population, and diversity of bird species.

a photo of the beautiful mural painted by Melissa Madsen for the Kids' Discovery Room

Upcoming Events

Don’t forget to check out our upcoming events! From our weekly miniNaturalist program for preschoolers to Naturalist Trivia Nights, nature journaling classes, and naturalist field experiences for adults, we have great natural history programs for all ages. Come join us!

Kids playing in Nature Adventure Garden at MNHC

Museum Field Trips

Want to bring your group to MNHC? We provide Museum Field Trips! Using our natural history displays, interactive discussions, and hands-on activities, MNHC naturalists provide a guided program for your group. Click the link above to learn more and schedule your visit.

Rent Our Space

Are you looking for space to host a meeting, conference, or workshop? The Montana Natural History Center has several great possibilities, from renting out our entire exhibit area to our naturalist classrooms. Click here for more information and to submit your request!

Montana Natural History Center Scout Badge with animal tracks

Earn Your Montana Naturalist Patch

Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts have the unique opportunity to earn the Montana Naturalist Patch! Our naturalist activities can be done individually or with your troop. When they’re completed, you will be able to purchase a special MNHC patch for $3.50.