New Wildlife Museum Opens in Chinook, MT

I’ve been lucky to periodically get glimpses of work in progress the past few years at the Blaine County Wildlife Museum in Chinook, MT. It’s now open to the public. Housed in a movie theater turned musuem, the facility has actually been in development for the past 15 years.

Chinook is located right on US Hwy 2 and signs will direct you to the Blaine County Historical Museum and the Wildlife Museum which are only about a half block apart.

Over 200 wildlife species can be seen in the Wildlife Museum, each posed in their natural habitat. Four completed exhibits include one on the Swift Fox, a Peaks to Plains exhibit, Buffalo Jump exhibit and a Wetlands Display. New displays will be added as funding permits but it sure looks complete to me.

Another reason for a visit, Chief Joseph and Nez Perce history haunt this town.

The Bear Paw Battlefield, site of Chief Joseph’s surrender and the last major Indian battle in the United States, is located a scenic 16 miles south of Chinook on a paved county road. On this easy drive, you usually see wildlife including deer, antelope, and a fair amount of raptors.

Chinook’s triple play includes the Blaine County Historical Museum, new Wildlife Museum and the Bear Paw Battlefield. Plan enough time to do all three and you won’t be disappointed.l