western heritage center

BozoneBill

This is a small museum located in the former city library. It had an attractive display of ghost town photos when we visited. The permanent displays centered on the Yellowstone region and native American interest. Parking is convenient and it is near a redeveloping area in downtown.

hkg0343

We enjoyed seeing the western and indian artifacts. Also the music from the 50's on the jukebox. Personalble staff!!

DanaB133

We love museums and were very disappointed in what was in this beautiful old building. There is so much more history in this area, and we found a much better one in Lewistown. What was there for native artifacts was very interesting, and nice that we could touch some of the stuff.

CLSMontana

The museum is interesting but even better when you take the time to listen to the audios for the exhibits.

2014AD

This has a some good exhibits. Lots of information and plenty of things to listen to. The cost is only $3.00 per person. Well worth the visit.

TicknorTribe

We spent about 2 hours in the museum, with some of our kids (1-17). There were lots of hands-on things for them to do, including dress up, old fashioned post office, and games. Displays for the olders to read/check out while the kids are playing, and fabulous, informative staff. Great deal.

Acechamp

Iris Dodge has captured and documented 52 notable Montana Cowboys in her Plaids, Stripes and Denims; Portraits and Poetry show now on display until November 2. Each portrait is as unique as the character, and their lives captured with eloquence in her poetry. Hung in two different galleries at the Center, the collection adds to the authentic Montana spirit which prevails within the walls. I especially loved the hats of each cowboy and the barn wood frames highlighting the portraits. Iris truly has a gift with color, brush and pen.

aulocks

We were fortunate enough to have a private dinner in the museum so we got to spend the evening with the staff and linger over the exhibits. It perfectly captures the feel and texture of eastern Montana. This part of the west evokes so many imaginings about its past and the people who came through or settled here. The museum has creative and substantive exhibits that satisfy.

889lynnm

If you want a glimpse of the area and its history this is the place to go. Great staff who will bend over backwards to help you with answers to questions about their facility or recommend and direct you to other area attractions. Nothing like local people to let you know where all the little known treasures are. Something for every age group from the little ones to the seniors. They encourage your exploration with most of the exhibits being "hands-on" much to the delight of my grandkids and photography is welcomed. The building itself is wonderful - an old early 1900's sandstone "castle" type construction with the interior restored with all its wonderful architectural detail. The building is even suppose to be the "most haunted in Montana". Great time.

BoboNinja

I finished my Native American tour and had a day left in Billings, so I thought the museum would feature Native American culture and I had heard it had a very nice portion on Cheyennes. It was not there and I was so disappointed. I'll be back late this summer and I hope the exhibit is back by then

JamLew

We went to see the Cheyenne exhibition we had heard about and it was gone which was disappointing since it was so much reviewd as if it was a permanent thing. But what they had was interesting, even though it wasn't Cheyenne. It seems like whenever there is a heritage museum or center in this area it only means white heritage, not first nations.

robertd259

The Western Heritage Museum is housed in Billings' original library, built around the turn of the century. This is a family-friendly museum with small displays, lots of activities for the kids while the parents look at the "mature" displays and information. The many kids areas are educational while being entertaining.We (two adults) spent about an hour and a half looking through the museum. At this time, that's probably around the maximum an individual would care to spend. Entry is $5 for adults, $3 for children and (I believe) the same for seniors.This is a very nice introduction to the Billings area and the history thereof. Additionally, I found the building to be of interest, as I remember it from it's days as a library. Worth the visit.

TrueTexasTraveler

This museum is downtown, in the former library building, built in 1901. The museum focuses on the history of the Yellowstone Valley. They have four areas full of exhibits that bring the past of eastern Montana to life. A number of their exhibits are interactive, too, with videos and sound, so the kids will enjoy it. Downstairs is a replica dude ranch lobby, plus there's great Montana art and photographs. They regularly change exhibits, too, so it's worth going back.

JanB810

This place has really interesting exhibits containing artifacts from the area. It's in an old sandstone building that's as interesting to view on the outside as the inside.

beth2351

I've been to the Western heritage Center several times and on each visit I learn something about life in the Old West. The displays, the art and, most importantly, the friendly and knowledgeable staff make this trip fun and interesting. And what a beautiful building in walking distance to other downtown attractions.