Philip L. Wright Zoological Museum — Oddities & Curiosities in Missoula

Entry No. 3 — the Missoula file — filed under: oddities

Philip L. Wright Zoological Museum

Tucked inside a University of Montana science building, this 1897-founded museum holds roughly 22,000 preserved specimens: mounted grizzly bears and bison, plus drawers and shelves of claws, clavicles, skulls and study skins from pelicans to kangaroos to hummingbirds. It is a working research collection, not a polished public gallery, so a visit means getting walked through the cabinets by staff. Tours run 20 to 60 minutes for groups of up to 30, ages 8 and up.

The move: Email ahead to book a small-group tour, then wander the specimen cabinets together comparing a grizzly skull to a hummingbird's.

📍 Before you go Tours are by appointment only via a form or by calling (406) 243-4743; ages 8+, groups capped at 30.

Where: DBS Health Science 104, 32 Campus Drive, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812

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

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

#oddities #specimens #taxidermy #by-appointment #natural-history #university

Plan a visit & invite your people →

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

last checked: 2026-06-24