Fort Benton Museums and Heritage Complex

05/27/2026

This photo taken along the Upper Missouri River reminds us of times past and of one of our best loved “story tellers” James Willard Schultz, who spent much time in Fort Benton beginning in 1877.

One of our favorite Schultz quotes is “Wide, brown plains, distant, slender, flat-topped buttes; still more distant giant mountains, blue-sided, sharp-peaked, snow-capped; odour sic of sage and smoke of camp fire; thunder of ten thousand buffalo hoofs over the hard, dry ground; long-drawn, melancholy howl of wolves breaking the silence of nigh, how I loved you all!”
James Willard Schultz - My Life As An Indian -1907

To learn more about James Willard Schultz, this beautiful land, and our history visit Old Fort Benton, the Museum of the Upper Missouri, the Museum of the Northern Great Plains, the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Interpretive Center, and beautiful Fort Benton “The Birthplace of Montana”.

05/25/2026

Can a diorama change history? This one did.
We’re incredibly proud to have our Smithsonian Hornaday Bison featured in a new video series produced by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. Discover the story behind one of the most significant collections of an American icon — then come see the real diorama on display at the Museum of the Northern Great Plains in Fort Benton, Montana.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/XX-KUWhNlAc?si=x8jXNBK83-zWwfRB

05/23/2026

Can't wait.

Come to The old Fort Benton Museum, Sunday May 24th from noon to four. To see historic blacksmithing demonstrations.

05/23/2026

It has been fun to watch Julie's daily progress on this magnificent mural.

~Fort Benton Friday~

A new mural is going up at the .museums / Ag Museum! has already spent 81+ hours working on the Smithsonian Hornaday Bison Mural.

The scene includes Aakii Nato’si (life giver/the mother) with Apistotoki (little one/New Life), aka “Sandy.” And if you look hard enough you will spy Ni’tokaayi and his family.

Thank you, Juli, for all of the amazing art you have gifted to .

05/20/2026

Don’t miss our next Lecture Series event tomorrow night! Join us Thursday, May 21 at 7:00 PM at the Montana Agricultural Center for an evening with longtime Montana historian Kirby Lambert as he shares insights from his new book, A History of Montana in 101 Places.

And before Kirby’s talk, help us celebrate Fort Benton as representatives from the Montana Historical Society present the trophy and poster honoring its selection as the winner of the Montana Madness contest and Montana’s No. 1 Best Place

05/19/2026

The new mural at Benton Pharmacy is nearing completion.

A mural is being painted on Benton Pharmacy in Fort Benton honoring the 1904 World's Fair Champion girls basketball team from the Fort Shaw Indian School.

05/17/2026

Join us for a special evening with Kirby Lambert!
Thursday, May 21 st, 7:00 PM
Montana Agricultural Center
Free Admission

We’re excited to welcome longtime Montana historian Kirby Lambert for a talk on his new book, A History of Montana in 101 Places.

“Behind each of these places are unique stories that, when woven together, tell the colorful history of this place we call home,” Lambert says.

The book highlights a wide range of locations that reflect Montana’s cultural, economic, and political past—from battlefields and government buildings to homes, schools, taverns, Indigenous cultural sites, farms, and mines. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the state’s story.
The volume also features stunning photography by Tom Ferris, who served as the Montana Historical Society’s archival photographer from 1995 to 2024. His work has appeared in numerous publications and private collections across the U.S. and abroad.

Lambert, now retired after 36 years with the Montana Historical Society, held roles including museum registrar, curator of collections, curator of art, and director of outreach and education.

He will present a 45‑minute talk, followed by Q&A and book signing.

We hope to see you there!

05/14/2026

Historic Old Fort Benton, the Museum of the Northern Great Plains and the Museum of the Upper Missouri will open for the season on Friday May 22, 2026. Our hours will be 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Saturday and Noon to 4:00 PM on Sunday.