Red Lodge History & Museums: Carbon County Historical Society & Museum

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Carbon County Historical Society & Museum

Housed appropriately in a building constructed in the early 1900’s on the north end of Red Lodge, the Carbon County Historical Society Museum strives to preserve and communicate the history of Carbon County.

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  • A visit to the museum provides a unique perspective into the history of Red Lodge and its people.
  • Adults pay $5 to visit the museum and children are free - a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.
  • Visit the gift shop to pick up area related books and other wares

Overview

In 1959, Alice Greenough established the Carbon County Historical Society Museum to house the collection of her famous rodeo family. The Carbon County Historical Society was formed in 1974 and later assumed responsibility of the museum. The museum building is itself a piece of history, constructed by local miners as a labor temple in 1909.

In addition to vast archives and a genealogical unit, the museum is the home several local rodeo family collections, a gun and projectile point collection, and an interactive coal and hard rock mine exhibit.

Location / Directions

The museum is located on the north end of Red Lodge at 224 N. Broadway on the corner of 8th Street and Broadway. Red Lodge is about 60 miles from both Billings, Montana and Cody Wyoming. From Billings, take I-90 west to Laurel, then Hwy 212 south to Red Lodge. From Cody, take Hwy 120 north to Belfry, then Hwy 308 west to Red Lodge. During the summer months, travel from Cody via the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and the Beartooth Highway offers a route to Red Lodge with some spectacular scenery.

Hours / Seasons

Winter Hours (October-May): Friday & Saturday 10am-4pm
Summer Hours (June-September): Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm

The research archives are available Monday – Wednesday by appointment. Call 406-446-3667 for more information.

Suggested Donations

  • Adults are $5
  • Students are $3
  • Families (2 adults and all children under 18 living in same household) - $12
  • Members & Children (5 & under) — FREE
  • School Groups — FREE (Please call ahead for tour scheduling.)

More Info.

There are four main at the museum that focus on the rich mining, rodeo, ranching/homesteading, and Native American history of Carbon County. Education programs are available for groups, and there is also a gift shop with a great selection of books relevant to the area.

Other Carbon County Historical Society & Museum Resources

Adams Museum

Visit the Adams Museum House in Deadwood South Dakota.

Buffalo Bill Museum

This a must-see historical center in Cody, Wyoming.