MNHC is open to the public on Tuesday – Saturday from 11am-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: 11:00 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.
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 back to the Pleistocene, explore a variety of Montana’s ecosystems, and delve into the fascinating story of Glacial Lake Missoula.
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!
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, it features boulders, hills, shrubs, and the natural structure that the research links to creative and healthy play.
The Fort Missoula Native Plant Garden was designed by a working group of children and dedicated adults nearly 16 years ago! 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.
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.
Don’t forget to check out our upcoming events! From our weekly miniNaturalist program for preschoolers to monthly Naturalist Trivia Nights for adults, we have great natural history programs for all ages. Come join us!
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.
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. Contact us for more information!