Museum of the Plains Indian
Federal museum of Northern Plains tribal arts in Browning, on US 89 between Two Medicine and St. Mary.
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An idea to explore—not a must-do.
The full road crossing depends on seasonal access—even in summer.
An idea to explore—not a must-do.
An idea to explore—not a must-do.
It is closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday, so slot it into a weekday east-side itinerary.
Summer hours start at 9 AM; winter hours start at 10 AM, and hours are subject to change.
Winter months (October–May) to enjoy free admission and potentially lighter crowds
Nearby Attraction
The Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning, Montana, is operated by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Indian Arts and Crafts Board and has been open since 1941. Its permanent exhibits present historic clothing, horse gear, weapons, household implements, baby carriers and toys from the Blackfeet, Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Sioux, Assiniboine, Arapaho, Shoshone, Nez Perce, Flathead, Chippewa and Cree nations, alongside changing sales exhibitions of contemporary Native art. Browning sits on US 89 between the Two Medicine and St. Mary entrances to Glacier, so the museum is a natural stop on an east-side day. It is open Tuesday through Friday only, with different summer and winter hours, and is closed on federal holidays.
Quick facts
- Attraction Type
- Museum (U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Arts and Crafts Board)
- Distance From Park
- In Browning on US 89, the highway between the Two Medicine and St. Mary entrances of Glacier; the NPS lists those as the nearest entrances to Browning.
- Entry Fees
- Admission is complimentary in the winter months (October–May) and fee-based in summer (June–September), with free entry for children under 6, Montana school groups and Blackfeet Tribal members with ID. NPS passes are not accepted because the museum is not operated by the NPS.
Visit details
- Attraction Type
- Museum (U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Arts and Crafts Board)
- Distance From Park
- In Browning on US 89, the highway between the Two Medicine and St. Mary entrances of Glacier; the NPS lists those as the nearest entrances to Browning.
- Entry Fees
- Admission is complimentary in the winter months (October–May) and fee-based in summer (June–September), with free entry for children under 6, Montana school groups and Blackfeet Tribal members with ID. NPS passes are not accepted because the museum is not operated by the NPS.
- Operating Hours
- Tue–Fri 10 AM–4 PM in winter (October–May); Tue–Fri 9 AM–4:45 PM in summer (June–September) per the museum. Google lists 10 AM–4 PM; hours are subject to change, check before you go. Closed Mon, Sat, Sun and federal holidays.
- Seasonal Operation
- Open year-round Tuesday through Friday, with longer summer hours June–September and closures on federal holidays.
Getting there
- Address
- 19 Museum Lp, Browning, MT 59417, USA
- Accessibility
- Main floor is step-free with accessible washroom and seating; upper and lower floors require stairs; virtual tours on request
What to expect
- Main Activities
- Permanent exhibits of historic Northern Plains tribal arts
- Changing sales exhibitions of contemporary Native art and crafts
- Best For
- Cultural context before or after an east-side Glacier day
- Rainy or smoky days on the east side
- Travelers interested in Blackfeet history and art
- Unique Features
- Founded in 1941 and run by the federal Indian Arts and Crafts Board, it pairs a historic collection with sales exhibitions where visitors can buy work directly from emerging Native artists.
- Why Visit Here
- This museum is the most direct way to see historic Blackfeet and Northern Plains material culture on the way to Two Medicine or St. Mary.
- Comparison To Park
- An indoor, hour-long cultural stop rather than scenery; it complements a Glacier visit with the tribal history the park's own exhibits touch only briefly.
Facilities & advice
- Family Friendly Notes
- Children under 6 and Montana school groups enter free; toys and baby carriers are among the exhibited objects, which helps younger visitors connect.
- Best Time To Visit
- Winter months (October–May) to enjoy free admission and potentially lighter crowds
- Tips Advice
- No photography inside; plan exterior shots only
- Winter months offer free admission
- Drive-up access; parking available
- Main floor is accessible; upper/lower floors require stairs; virtual tours on request
- Plan a 30-minute to 1-hour visit
More details
- Time Needed
- About 1 hour.
- Facilities
- Exhibit galleries
- Sales exhibition gallery
- Best Visit Times
- Tuesday through Friday only; summer offers longer hours, winter offers free admission.
- Insider Tips
- It is closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday, so slot it into a weekday east-side itinerary.
- Summer hours start at 9 AM; winter hours start at 10 AM, and hours are subject to change.
- NPS annual and senior passes do not apply here.
- Blackfeet Tribal members are admitted free with tribal ID.
- Nearby Facilities
- Browning town services; Amtrak's Empire Builder stops in Browning only October through April.
- Review Summary
- Google shows a 4.6 rating across roughly 290 reviews, with the historic collection and sales gallery the consistent highlights.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
How close is the museum to Glacier National Park?
It is in Browning on US 89, the road between the Two Medicine and St. Mary entrances, which the NPS lists as the nearest entrances to Browning.
Is admission free?
It is complimentary October through May and fee-based June through September, with free entry for children under 6, Montana school groups and Blackfeet Tribal members with ID.
Is it open on weekends?
No. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday only and is closed on federal holidays.
How long should I plan for a visit?
About an hour is enough to see the permanent galleries and the current sales exhibition.
Can I take the train to Browning?
Amtrak serves Browning only October through April; in summer you will need to drive.
Sources
- National Park Service
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated September 2026. Report an issue.