Open : Tuesday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

               CURRENT FEATURE EXHIBIT     

" HOOVES, HORNS and ANTLERS"

Wildlife on the Yellowstone 

"...saw immense number of deer,elk,and buffalo on the banks, some beaver. I landed on the lard side, walked out into the bottom and killed the fatest buck I ever saw. For me to mention or give an estimate of the different species of wild animals on this river particularly buffalo, elk, antelope, and wolves would be incredible. I shall therefore be silent on the subject further. So it is we have a great abundance of the best of meat...." 

Captain Wm. Clark recorded this entry into his journals on July 24, 1806. He and his party were traveling down the Yellowstone River near present day Billings, MT.

It is with this rich heritage of abundant wildlife , that the Yellowstone County Museum presents this showing of magnificent wildlife mounts and rare artifacts that depict the daily usage of the wildlife by natives and whites alike.

In the Landmarks Gallery, are displayed rare artifacts made of the wildlife. Please note the incredible bear-claw necklace, spoons made of horn, hooves of bison and elk made into an ink well and ash trays and stirrups made from bighorn sheep horns. Marvel at the buckskin clothing and a coat made of bison hide. Also included are rare weapons used in the hunting of wildlife. The very aged bow and arrow with the flint arrow- head is of the Crow Tribe. The rifles on display are referred to as "cap and ball" models that were in use during the fur trapping era of the early 1800's.

The wonderful photos you'll see, are large reproductions of the origional photo taken from our extensive museum collection. They depict very real people of an era long ago hunting the wildlife for their food source.

Please join us in viewing our incredible showing of this most valuable natural resource!