History isn't behind glass—it's waiting to be discovered. Step into the authentic West at the Powder River Historical Museum in Broadus, Montana. Wander through historic buildings, discover fascinating artifacts, explore stories of pioneers, ranchers, Native peoples, and soldiers, and experience one of Montana's most surprising small-town museums. Admission is free, making it the perfect stop for travelers exploring southeastern Montana.
The museum's newest exhibit, “Reynolds Fight – Battle on Powder River - A Human & Military Disaster” includes battlefield artifacts from the Reynolds Campaign in 1876 - a forerunner of the Battle of Little Bighorn. The interpretive display features battlefield artifacts, a 75% scale replica of the 1934 Battlefield Monument, and a dual-perspective interpretive timeline that presents both military records and Northern Cheyenne narratives.
"Mac's Museum" is another standout attraction among the Powder River treasures. Tucked within the museum, this extraordinary collection was assembled over a lifetime by R.D. “Mac” McCurdy, a Powder River pioneer, teacher, collector, and world traveler. What began as one man’s fascination with the natural world grew into a remarkable collection spanning continents, cultures, and millions of years of natural history. "Mac's Museum" contains over a thousand arrowheads, birds' eggs, butterflies, and geologic specimens, but perhaps the most astonishing feature, is Mac’s extraordinary sea shell collection—with more than 22,000 specimens. Displayed together, the shells create a spectacular panorama of color, shape, texture, and natural design that is difficult to comprehend until you see it for yourself.
Indian artifacts, wildlife displays, vintage clothing & household items, antique guns and ammunition, buggies and vintage autos, tractors and farm implements, and western heritage. All this and more is waiting to be discovered. Every exhibit tells a story—and every visit reveals something new. This hidden gem offers an unforgettable journey into the region's rich heritage. Plan a stop in Broadus and it may become the highlight of your trip.
The museum's newest exhibit, “Reynolds Fight – Battle on Powder River - A Human & Military Disaster” includes battlefield artifacts from the Reynolds Campaign in 1876 - a forerunner of the Battle of Little Bighorn. The interpretive display features battlefield artifacts, a 75% scale replica of the 1934 Battlefield Monument, and a dual-perspective interpretive timeline that presents both military records and Northern Cheyenne narratives.
"Mac's Museum" is another standout attraction among the Powder River treasures. Tucked within the museum, this extraordinary collection was assembled over a lifetime by R.D. “Mac” McCurdy, a Powder River pioneer, teacher, collector, and world traveler. What began as one man’s fascination with the natural world grew into a remarkable collection spanning continents, cultures, and millions of years of natural history. "Mac's Museum" contains over a thousand arrowheads, birds' eggs, butterflies, and geologic specimens, but perhaps the most astonishing feature, is Mac’s extraordinary sea shell collection—with more than 22,000 specimens. Displayed together, the shells create a spectacular panorama of color, shape, texture, and natural design that is difficult to comprehend until you see it for yourself.
Indian artifacts, wildlife displays, vintage clothing & household items, antique guns and ammunition, buggies and vintage autos, tractors and farm implements, and western heritage. All this and more is waiting to be discovered. Every exhibit tells a story—and every visit reveals something new. This hidden gem offers an unforgettable journey into the region's rich heritage. Plan a stop in Broadus and it may become the highlight of your trip.