A tour of the museum will unfold the county’s history… its inhabitants, wildlife, agriculture, mining and lifestyle. Included with Indian artifacts, early ranching relics and mining memorabilia, is a huge, mounted Alaskan brown bear towering over the exhibits.

Exhibits depict the manner in which Indians, early pioneers and the medical profession served as caretakers of land and man. A second room features the local mining industry, while another invites you into the domestic side of early life in Beaverhead County.

Outside, you can read 1,700 branded boards along the boardwalk, leading to an authentic homesteader’s cabin and Dillon’s first flush toilet. Mining equipment, a sheepherder’s wagon, and an old Ford tractor are other interesting outdoor displays.

Continue south on the boardwalk to the 1909 Union Pacific Depot, now housing the Travel Montana Visitors’ Center, the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce, the Old Depot Theatre and a large diorama of Lewis and Clark.

Take a walk through time and enjoy your visit. The friendly hosts and hostesses will be happy to answer your questions.

The museum is open year round. While no admission is charged there is a suggested donation. Reprinted from Dillon Chamber of Commerce brochure.