Entry No. 15 — the Bozeman file — filed under: offbeat-museum

Gallatin History Museum

Housed in the 1911 county jail, this museum keeps the original cells and a hanging gallows as part of the exhibits, and you can step inside the cells, read inscriptions inmates carved into the walls, and lie in the bunks. Beyond the lockup, oddments include the infamous Big Horn Gun, a life-size pioneer cabin, and an archive of more than 20,000 historic photographs. The building's grim bones make it far stranger than the average local history museum.

The move: Lock yourselves (briefly) in an old cell, then compare notes on the carved-wall graffiti and the gallows out back.

📍 Before you go Small admission fee; check seasonal hours before going.

• 📍 Bozeman
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 317 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-24