Museum of the Yellowstone

08/22/2026

Yellowstone Nature Connection is an important partner here the Museum of the Yellowstone. They conduct programs explaining the events of the Yellowstone Fires of 1988. We are lucky to have their enthusiasm and expertise enhancing our programming.

Thank you to the West Yellowstone Foundation for hiring this local nonprofit.

✨ Nonprofit Spotlight ✨

Each month, we meet with one of our nonprofit partners to learn about the great work they are doing, the challenges they face, and how they are making our community stronger. We are excited to share their story with you!

This month, we're proud to spotlight Yellowstone Nature Connection! 🌲

During our recent meeting, we learned more about the fun and educational programs they offer for kids, families, and visitors. Programs like the Junior Smokejumper Program teach people about fire, wildlife, and the amazing plants and animals that live in the Greater Yellowstone area. Their hands-on activities help people learn, explore, and enjoy nature.

Yellowstone Nature Connection is helping the next generation learn about and care for the outdoors. Their work makes a big difference in our community and helps protect the beautiful place we all call home.

📍 Visit: 10 Yellowstone Ave., West Yellowstone, MT 59758
📞 Call: (406) 646-7557 for program information, hours, and upcoming activities.
https://destinationyellowstone.com/yellowstone-nature-connection/.

If you haven't visited yet, consider stopping by to learn more about their programs and support their mission.

08/17/2026

Today is the 67th anniversary of the Hebgen Lake Earthquake.

At 11:37 pm on August 17, 1959, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake rocked Montana's Yellowstone country.

In an instant, an entire mountainside fractured and thundered down onto the sites of unsuspecting campers in the Madison River Canyon. The massive landslide generated hurricane-force winds, heaving tidal waves throughout the canyon, and trapping more than 200 vacationers who feared the upstream dam would burst.

The damage permanently altered the natural landscape for miles. The landslide blocked the Madison River, creating what we now know as Earthquake Lake. New geysers sprang up in Yellowstone National Park, roads were damaged, and buildings were destroyed. Twenty-eight people lost their lives, making it one of the deadliest geological events in Montana history.

Historian Larry Morris tells the gripping story of the survivors who endured that long night, the first responders who risked their lives, and the families who waited for word of missing loved ones. Watch his 2016 presentation at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vll9Ah1QVKY&t=1s

📷 Lloyd Skinner captured this image of a damaged house and Highway 287 in the landslide's aftermath. [PAc 89-101.42]

08/03/2026

Thank you to everyone that joined us for Heritage Celebration 2026! We were glad to have you join us for the Union Pacific Dining Lodge Centennial celebration.

Thank you to everyone that donated to the auction and volunteered their time to the event.

We look forward to seeing you next year. Heritage Celebration 2027 will be July 31st.

Picture 1 - Heritage Celebration attendees in the Mammoth Room of the Union Pacific Dining Lodge
Picture 2- Dusty Dunbar accepting the Friend of the Yellowstone Historic Center Award
Picture 3 - Mike Manship accepting the Distinguished Heritage Award
Picture 4 - Thornton Waite sharing the history of the Union Pacific Dining Lodge and its architect, Gilbert Stanley Underwood

07/23/2026

The Museum of the Yellowstone will be closing at 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 25th to allow our staff and volunteers to attend our Heritage Celebration event. We will reopen at 8:00 AM on Sunday, July 26th. We apologize for any inconveniece.

07/21/2026

We are proud to carry many Made in Montana products in our museum store.

07/08/2026

Join us for Heritage Celebration 2026.

Tickets are available at https://museumoftheyellowstone.org/heritage-celebration-1

This year we celebrate the centennial of the Union Pacific Dining Lodge's opening.

You can also purchase tickets at the Museum of the Yellowstone, or by sending an email to [email protected] or by calling 406-646-7461

07/08/2026

Join us for Heritage Celebration 2026. Tickets are available at https://museumoftheyellowstone.org/heritage-celebration-1
This year we celebrate the centennial of the Union Pacific Dining Lodge's opening.
You can also purchase tickets at the Museum of the Yellowstone, or by sending an email to [email protected] or by calling 406-646-7461

07/07/2026

Join us for Heritage Celebration 2026. Tickets are available at https://museumoftheyellowstone.org/heritage-celebration-1

This year we celebrate the centennial of the Union Pacific Dining Lodge's opening.

You can also purchase tickets at the Museum of the Yellowstone, or by sending an email to [email protected] or by calling 406-646-7461

07/04/2026

Today is the day! Join us for the Annual "Pie on the Porch" at the Union Pacific Dining Lodge. We start selling pie at 1:00 PM and go until everything is gone. This is a very popular event, so get there early.

07/01/2026

Join us for our annual Pie on the Porch event at the Union Pacific Dining Lodge on Saturday.

Annual "Pie on the Porch" at the Union Pacific Dining Lodge